Press Release- Six County Sheriffs Coalition Awarded $454,000 in Congressional Directed Spending
MARIETTA, Ohio,-- The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that the newly formed six-county sheriff coalition has been awarded $454,000 in Congressional Directed Spending to strengthen public safety efforts throughout southeast Ohio.
The coalition was started by Washington County Sheriff Mark Warden and includes Monroe County Sheriff Derek Norman, Noble County Sheriff Jason Mackie, Athens County Sheriff Rodney Smith, Morgan County Sheriff James R. Fisher, and Meigs County Sheriff Scott Fitch.
Funding will be distributed among the participating counties and used for investigative tools, infrastructure improvements, and in-car camera systems to increase transparency and enhance deputy safety.
Sheriff Warden stated, “This coalition will now act as a force multiplier, making it clear that drug runners and dealers will find there is no safe route into southeast Ohio.”
The coalition was developed to strengthen regional cooperation between law enforcement agencies and improve the ability to combat criminal activity that impacts multiple jurisdictions across southeast Ohio.
Commissioner Charlie Schilling also praised the collaborative effort. “From the Commissioners’ Office, we put our full weight behind this, contracted with Sunday Creek Horizons, and made this one of our priorities for the county,” said Commissioner Schilling.
Officials say the funding will allow agencies to improve technology, increase coordination between counties, and continue building safer communities across the region.
