December 2022

NCSO december 2022 newsletter

A MOMENT WITH

THE JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON

December is a month of illuminations, decorations, and relaxation. It is a wonderful time to decree wishes to come true. December provides the confidence, the humility, and the harmonization individuals need for a bright and new beginning in life.

The month of December contains numerous holidays, feasts, and endeavors. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office comprises, recognizes, respects, as well as serves a culturally and spiritually diverse population. Accordingly, I want to use this message to specifically highlight three primary holidays that are observed in the month of December: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas.

Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the Second Century B.C. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for “dedication.”

Hanukkah is associated with the time when Israel was struggling for existence. After a successful revolt against a tyrannical monarch, the Jewish community was successful in locating only a small amount of pure olive oil (enough to last only one day) that had escaped contamination by the Greeks to light the Menorah. However, miraculously, the oil lasted only eight days; just enough time for new oil to be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.

According to exhausted research conducted, the Holy Land was controlled by the Seleucids in the second century BCE, Syrian Greeks, a faction of people who attempted to coerce the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs, instead of mitzvah observance and belief in God.

Against all possibilities, a small group of faithful but inadequately armed Jews, led by Judas Maccabeus, aka, Judah Maccabee, defeated one of the most powerful armies on earth, forced the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of God. Hannukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple.

The word Hanukkah means dedication. It is not just about lighting candles; It is about dedicating and rededicating oneself to a life by God’s Word. It is a Jewish thought that every human being is supposed to make of himself/herself, a temple, a sanctuary by learning the values of God’s Word. In this way, he/she spreads light into the world.

Jewish people light a candle on each of the eight evenings in remembrance of God’s provision. They also play

games, exchange gifts, enjoy family dinners and attend dramas and concerts at synagogues and schools.

Kwanzaa is an annual holiday affirming African family and social values and is celebrated in the United States from December 26th to January 1st. The name Kwanzaa, as well as the celebration itself, were invented by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University in Long Beach in 1966. He is also an important figure in Afrocentrism. Karenga borrowed the word kwanza, meaning “first,” from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, adding the seventh letter, an extra a, to ensure the word was long enough to accommodate one letter for each of the seven children present at an early celebration. The name Kwanzaa is not itself a Swahili word. The concept of Kwanzaa draws on Southern African firstfruits celebrations. Kwanzaa is a time of learning, family, and celebration. During the week of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to share a feast, to honor the ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and to celebrate African and African American culture.

Each day they light a candle to highlight the principle of that day and to breathe meaning into the principles with various activities, such as reciting the aphorisms or writings of great Black thinkers and writers, reciting original poetry, African drumming, and sharing a meal of African diaspora-inspired foods. The table used for such commemoration, is decorated with the essential symbols of Kwanzaa, such as the Kinara (Candle Holder), Mkeka (Mat), Muhindi (corn to represent the children), Mazao (fruit to represent the harvest), and Zawadi (gifts). One might also see the colors of the Pan-African flag, red (the struggle), black (the people), and green (the future), represented throughout the space and in the clothing worn by participants. The colors are claimed to be the colors for all the people of the African diaspora, led by Marcus Garvey. His most famous economic venture was a shipping company known as the Black Star Line, a counterpart to a white-owned company called the White Star Line. Garvey started the shipping company in 1919, to promote trade but also to transport passengers to Africa.

Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. It is commemorated annually on December 25th. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and

SHERIFF BROWN

secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church worship services, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for “Santa Claus” to arrive. December 25th, Christmas Day, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

How did Christmas begin? The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Masses of people rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them, and they could look forward to lengthier days.

It was not until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas and changed it from a carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia.

The full Biblical account of Christmas, as celebrated today, is found in book of Luke, chapter 2, verses, 4-19. This Gospel tells the story of the baby Jesus’ birth to Mary and Joseph, an engaged couple from Nazareth. Mary had conceived through a miracle after an angel appeared to her revealing that she would give birth to the Son of God.

Through a series of events that led Mary and Joseph out of Nazareth, this baby, Jesus, was born in a manger in a stable. Though the exact date of his birth is unknown, Christians have celebrated this event on December 25 every year.

The holidays observed in the month of December appear to focus on the importance of family, feasts and giving, and nothing in the world is more important than family. It is a place where we all can cast aside the insecurities or uncertainties of life.

I am extremely fortunate, and abundantly blessed to have been nurtured in a close-nit and loving family. Because of my family, I am who I am today. At an early stage in life, my parents instilled in my brothers, sisters and I, the values of family and togetherness. During the holiday season, our family always prepared and enjoyed huge feasts, games and sharing with our extended family, friends, neighbors, as well as provided necessities for the less fortunate. Those trends for my family currently exists. I truly understand that the love of a family is life’s greatest blessing. Being a family means you are part of something wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life, regardless of the circumstances.

I have learned that you don’t need a reason to help people, because if you do good for others, it will come back to you in unexpected ways, and when we help others, our lives flourish. It is good to be blessed; however, it is better to be a blessing.

I encourage you to help people even when you know they cannot provide help in return, as one of the most important things you can do on this earth is let people know they are not alone.

Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, Georgia

about the agency

The goal of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is “to be recognized as the kind of professional organization that values, respects, and honors the rights and dignity of the entire community. Through an abundance of collaborative efforts, the NCSO is committed to improving life in every aspect for its citizens, businesses, schools, colleges/universities and visitors.”

The Newton County Sheriff's Office is located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington, Georgia. From I-20, take Exit 92 onto Alcovy Road and travel north on Alcovy Road for approximately one mile and cross over Highway 142. The Sheriff's Office will be on the left.

The administrative office hours for the Newton County Sheriff's Office are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.

The Newton County Jail is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

agency ’ s contact numbers

NCSO ATTENDS ANNUAL COVINGTON LIONS CLUB PARADE

On Dec. 4, 2022, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Lions Club’s annual Christmas Parade, which took place in downtown Covington, Georgia.

The Sheriff’s Office Traffic and Community Outreach Units participated in this year’s parade. Citizens and visitors, along with their children, lined the streets to view the decorated floats and vehicles that were a part of the holiday parade.

NCSO HOSTS ANNUAL HIGHWAY SAFETY MEETING

On Dec. 16, 2022, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted the annual Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety meeting at Triple Horse Studios in Covington, Georgia. Those in attendance included the surrounding local enforcement agencies involved in the Central Region Traffic Enforcement Network (CRTEN), Newton County Probate Court Judge Melanie Bell, and Newton County District Attorney Randy McGinley.

Following the meal prepared by Sgt. Jack Redlinger and Deputy Andrew Archie, Cpl. Patrick Gilbert presented the annual awards and provided information on next year’s training opportunities.

SHERIFF’S GUARDIAN ANGELS PROVIDED TOYS TO MORE THAN 1300 CHILDREN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office helped more than 1300 children and 800 families have a merrier Christmas through the 24th annual Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program, held from Dec. 16-18, 2022.

Each year, deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program provide Newton County families and children in need with toys, as well as clothes, food, and other necessities, for Christmas Day. The program allows deputies to be admirable and caring citizens, in addition to performing their duties as public servants.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all supporters, donors, sponsors, and volunteers of the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program,” said Sheriff Brown. “Without you, this program would not have had another successful year. I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the deputies who took time out of their holiday schedules to help shop for these families and children.”

In addition to the numerous toy donations from individuals, businesses, and various organizations, this year’s Guardian Angels program was funded by the Sheriff’s annual Toy Ride, held on Nov. 12, 2022, and the Deputies Who Care Fund. Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all individuals, businesses, and organizations that helped make this year’s Guardian Angels program a success.

Next year will mark a milestone of the Sheriff’s 25th annual Toy Ride, and Sheriff Brown plans to make it a spectacular event. Therefore, Sheriff Brown would like to take this time to extend an early invite to motorcycle riders, law enforcement motorcycle units, and the community to come out and help the Newton County Sheriff’s Office celebrate and raise funds for this worthy cause.

we thank you!

On Dec. 7, 2022, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office received a monetary donation from Mid-South Lumber Companhy in Lithonia, Georgia. Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office send their sincere gratitude to Hank, Stewart, and Clint Johns for their generous donation towards the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program.

On Dec. 15, 2022, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office received a donation of tablets and Chromebooks from Second Chance Bonding Company in Atlanta, Georgia. Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office send their sincere gratitude to Ty Spears and all Second Chance Bonding Company employees for their generous donation towards the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program.

In December, Sheriff Ezell Brown was presented with gift cards for all of his employees, complimentary of the Stephanie Lindsey Law Firm. Sheriff Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office extended a special thanks to Attorney Stephanie Lindsey for her kindness and generosity.

C.H.A.M.P.S. PROGRAM GRADUATES MORE THAN 700 STUDENTS

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors — Deputies Tim Smith, Michael Gregg, and Kimberly Cox — graduated 738 students from the agency’s Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program during multiple in-person graduations held at Newton County elementary schools during the month of December.

December’s C.H.A.M.P.S.’s graduations were held in the following Newton County Elementary Schools: Middle Ridge, Porterdale, Livingston, Rocky Plains, Oak Hill, Heard-Mixon, and East Newton. The C.H.A.M.P.S. program is taught to every fifth grader in the Newton County School System with subject matters to include: Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse Prevention; Gangs and Violence; Peer Pressure/Bullying; Internet Safety; Methamphetamine; and Cocaine.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors, who are certified to teach by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, tailor the lesson plans based on each of the school’s needs. It is the goal of the instructors to teach the students what they need to be successful in the future and how to avoid the obstacles they will face along the way.

Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office acknowledge Newton County School System Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey; the Newton County Board of Education; and the principals, teachers, and school staff at each of the Newton County Elementary Schools for their part in making the C.H.A.M.P.S. program a success.

EAST NEWTON ELEMENTARY

EAST NEWTON ELEMENTARY

EAST NEWTON ELEMENTARY

ROCKY PLAINS ELEMENTARY

ROCKY PLAINS ELEMENTARY

ROCKY PLAINS ELEMENTARY

ROCKY PLAINS ELEMENTARY

MIDDLE RIDGE ELEMENTARY

MIDDLE RIDGE ELEMENTARY

PORTERDALE ELEMENTARY

MIDDLE RIDGE ELEMENTARY

LIVINGSTON ELEMENTARY

LIVINGSTON ELEMENTARY

EAST NEWTON ELEMENTARY

LIVINGSTON ELEMENTARY

NCSO GRADUATES SEVEN INMATE RESIDENTS FROM ITS Residential Substance Abuse Treatment PROGRAM

On Dec. 16, 2022, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated seven inmate residents from its Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program in a ceremony held inside the agency’s training room. Sheriff Brown, who was accompanied by Detention Capt. Brice Smith and the RSAT facilitators, awarded the certificates of completion to the following graduates: Carmen Perez, Curtis Jordan, Gerald Weatherford, Drayson Young, Gus Bush, Justin Fuller, and Willie Robinson. Each graduate also received a gift from Sheriff Brown in recognition of their accomplishments.

“The Office of the Sheriff stands firm on the belief of rehabilitation, as its the key to success for individuals returning to society as productive citizens. The inmate residents who go through the months-long RSAT program are provided with the tools to live a productive life upon return to society,” said Sheriff Brown. “I realize it does not take just one individual to help these inmate residents; it takes a collective body to ensure each inmate resident is successful during and after the completion of the program. Because of that, I want to thank my staff and all facilitators for going above and beyond to ensure these individuals are successful in their future endeavors.”

The RSAT program provides inmate residents the opportunity for rehabilitation while incarcerated at the Newton County Detention Center. The three-month to six-month program is designated to help individuals develop cognitive, behavioral, social, vocational, and other skills to solve substance abuse-related problems.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!

Macharia Belgrave Evidence Technician

Dana Griffin Detention Officer Zion Driskell Detention Officer