November 30, 2006
Press Release

Forest Middle School Awards Deputy

Bedford, VA – The students of Mrs. Cynthia Colson, Forest Middle School, recently recognized Deputy E.W.Grubbs for his outstanding delivery of the G.R.E.A.T. educational program, presenting him with a plaque for his commitment and enthusiasm, making students sit up and take notice and to realize the importance of self worth.

G.R.E.A.T. stands for Gang Resistance Education And Training, which has been taught in Bedford County Schools since 2004, is a law enforcement officer-instructed class room curriculum intended to immunize against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership.

The G.R.E.A.T. program focuses on providing life skills to students to help them avoid engaging in delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems. Through self-Esteem building and team activities, pressures from peers are more easily rejected and the need for ‘gang’ acceptance is greatly reduced.

Sheriff Brown expressed his complete confidence in Major Gardner’s abilities and his continued dedication to law enforcement. “I am so pleased that The Board showed their complete support by collectively approving this well-deserved promotion” Brown said.

“Low self esteem in our youth is certainly a key component of why young people are attracted to the gang lifestyle”, says Sheriff Mike Brown, “Cultivating strong values and self respect is their best defense from succumbing to the dangers of peer pressures and gang related violence.”

Bedford County Sheriff’s Office was recently awarded a two-year grant from the Office of Justice Programs which will fund the curriculum, supplies for the program, as well as fund the G.R.E.A.T. summer camp which has been a huge success, now in its third year.

The plaque presented to Deputy Grubbs was inscribed; To The Best G.R.E.A.T. Teacher Ever!

Contact: Sgt. David Marsh 540.586.7718 for more information on the program