New programs highlight first year of Valdese police chief

Chief Marc Sharpe has been busy in his first year leading the Valdese Police Department. Since being appointed in March 2024, the department has launched several initiatives and programs.

Sharpe has worked to improve internal communications, update policies, and provide avenues for the community to be involved with the department.

While handling calls related to trespassing orders, Sharpe took time in his office to outline recent developments and ongoing initiatives at the Valdese Police Department.

CHAPLAIN’S PROGRAM

Sharpe describes the Chaplain’s Program as “instrumental” in providing debriefings for the officers and for being a support system.

Started in fall 2024, the multi-denominational program offers support services for the police department whether it’s bringing a hot meal, lending an ear, or giving advice. The program ties in devotionals with each shift and has participants work through a book called “Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement” by Dr. Kevin M. Gilmartin.

The chaplains are Dr. Rev. Rachel and the Rev. Matt Matthews of Waldensian Presbyterian Church; the Rev. Wesley Hendrix of Mountain Zion Missionary Baptist; the Rev. Josh Lail of Valdese First Baptist Church; the Rev. Tamika Garrison of Carolina Caring’s Community and Faith Relations; and ordained deacon Ronnie LeFevers of Union Grove Baptist Church. The Rev. Bill Roberts of First United Methodist Church will be leaving the program as he is moving out of Valdese.

When an officer responds or is exposed to a critical incident, a chaplain will be their support through it and pray for them. These chaplains also show up for Sharpe to see how he is doing as well.

All Sharpe has to do is send out a group text to the chaplains about what is happening with the department or an officer, and they respond immediately.

Although participation in the program is voluntary, a majority of the department utilizes the chaplains. Sharpe recalled during the department’s move from its former Faet Street building to Valdese Town Hall, the devotionals were paused for two months. Sharpe had officers asking when the program would resume, saying they missed it.

“It’s been a really good partnership,” Sharpe said. “They want to take care of the police; that’s their primary goal. It’s been beneficial for both of us. It’s providing another layer of care that was not there before.”

HOMELESS TASK FORCE

From its beginning in March 2024, the Drug and Homeless Task Force wanted to learn more about the multifaceted situation and suggest initiatives to go beyond enforcing the law.

Sharpe explained that the department and the task force wanted to delve deeper into the underlying issues related to drug addiction and homelessness.

In their efforts, they have helped individuals to get off the streets, find jobs, educate individuals on Narcan/street medicine, and connect people to different resources in Burke County. Sharpe himself has helped bring three people to rehabilitation services.

The task force began offering free transportation for people in need of services to Burke Christian United Ministries. They have four to five stops, stretching from Hildebran and Connelly Springs to Morganton. This effort brings individuals to food, counseling, and other programming not available near them.

The task force has partnered with these agencies:

• Burke County Health Department
• Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD)
• Helping Achieve Recovery Through Opioid Use Reduction (HARBOUR)
• Western Piedmont Council of Governments
• Local churches for events and meals

TRESPASSING & NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHES

In Valdese, there are currently has around 20 active trespassing orders from businesses and residents.

Officers periodically check the properties to see if someone is on the property without authorization. If so, they will be arrested for trespassing.

Additionally, the police department is developing more neighborhood watch programs with a designated officer for each neighborhood. This also includes a Business District Community Watch program that Sharpe himself oversees and began in November 2024.

Since November, the number of participating businesses has grown to around 100, up from the original 80 that were initially invited. Sharpe is now working to contact all businesses again and revamp the program.

INTERNAL CHANGES

Taking a look behind the scenes, the department has seen internal improvements like updating policies and forms, installing new software, implementing more training, and revamping the department’s look.

The officers received new uniforms and freshly wrapped cars that match their updated look.

A new Administrative Assistant Roundtable program was created within the department by Sharpe and administrative assistant Harley Chesek-Brown. The round table features assistants from law enforcement agencies in Catawba, Avery, and Burke counties who meet monthly to share ideas and approaches to improve their departments.

To improve morale, the department has new Challenger coins.

Challenger coins date back to the Roman Empire when Roman soldiers were rewarded with coins for their achievements and performance in battle. The tradition continues to this day, in the Valdese Police Department, where all employees are gifted with the coin to represent their department.

A member of the public can buy a coin and give to a Valdese police officer of other department employee who show exemplary service. Challenger coins are $5. In addition, someone can challenge any officer on duty to show their coin. The person challenged must produce their coin in 60 seconds, a show of their dedication to the department.