Thursday, June 28, 2018

Police Officer

The Town of Abingdon, Virginia Police Department is currently accepting applications to fill an anticipated vacancy in the patrol division for the position of police officer.

The most desirable applicant will: be a United States citizen, be at least twenty-one years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, be in good physical condition, have vision correctable to 20/20, possess a valid Virginia Driver’s License and a good driving record with a positive point balance.

Base Salary is $32,000.00, DOE, along with an excellent benefits package.

Applications are ONLY available at the Abingdon Police Department, located at 425 West Main Street, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Application packages WILL NOT be mailed to potential applicants.

Application Deadline: Friday, July 13, 2018 at 4:30 PM.

Preference will be given to applicants currently possessing DCJS law enforcement officer certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Town of Abingdon is an equal opportunity employer; women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

TOWN OF ABINGDON, VA FIREWORK INFORMATION

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

Town of Abingdon, VA Firework Information

As you plan your Independence Day celebrations, it is important to understand the laws regulating firework use in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Abingdon Police Department is providing a list of permitted fireworks and safety tips.

Permitted:

Sparklers
Fountains
Pharaoh’s serpents
Pinwheels
Whirligigs

Prohibited:

Firecrackers
Skyrockets
Bottle rockets
Roman candles
Torpedoes
Any fireworks which explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles into the air.

· Safety Tips

When lighting fireworks - Set family boundaries. Have a designated adult light all fireworks. Use eye protection. Light one at a time, move away quickly, and keep at a safe distance until the display is finished. To prevent injuries, never throw fireworks and never hold fireworks in your hand. Never re-light a “dud” firework.
Always read and follow the directions on the label.
Only use fireworks outdoors and away from anything flammable.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
Use fireworks in parking lots, driveways, and gravel/dirt areas.
Do not use under the influence of alcohol
Have a rake or shovel as well as a bucket of water, wet towel, and a garden hose nearby.
Monitor the area for several hours after using fireworks.

· Be mindful of neighbors, especially veterans.

o For military veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), multicolor pyrotechnics, and unexpected blasts can trigger memories of combat and induce anxiety.

o Please advise neighbors and veterans in your area of firework usage, so they can plan accordingly.

· Keep pets safe

o Loud noises associated with fireworks make dogs nervous. Frightened dogs feel more secure in small, familiar spaces. If pet owners crate their dogs, they should put them in the crate during a fireworks display. If not, pet owners can prepare a small, dimly-lit room, and can leave on the television or radio to drown out the fireworks. Dogs should never be left alone outside during a fireworks display. The noises could prompt them to run away to get away from the noise.

o Also many dogs think the fast moving twirling, spinning fireworks are something they should go fetch and bring back to their owners, this could harm the pet. Also, pet may be prompted to carry the flaming fireworks off into the dry grass or woods, and start a fire.

The Abingdon Town Code addresses fireworks through the following code sections:

· Sec. 34-81. - When manufacture, transportation, sale, storage, use of fireworks unlawful.

Except as otherwise provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to transport, manufacture, store, sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, or to buy, use, ignite or explode any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket, or other substance or thing, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and is intended, or commonly known, as fireworks and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air, other than sparks or those fireworks excepted under the provisions of subsection (a) of section 34-83. (Code 1985, § 7-14)

State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 59.1-142.

· Sec. 34-82. - Permit for exhibition or display.

Any person desiring to conduct or present a display of fireworks may do so if he has obtained a permit for such display from the town manager. It shall be unlawful for the holder of such a permit to fail, neglect or refuse to comply with the terms of such permit in conducting or presenting an exhibition or display of fireworks pursuant thereto. (Code 1985, § 7-15)

· Sec. 34-83. - Article inapplicable to certain fireworks; use of such fireworks.

(a)

This article shall not apply to the use or the sale of sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols, or to pinwheels commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies.

(b)

The fireworks listed in subsection (a) of this section may only be used, ignited or exploded on private property with the consent of the owner of such property. (Code 1985, § 7-16)

State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 59.1-147.

· Sec. 34-84. - Penalty.

Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, be punished by confinement in jail not to exceed 12 months, or by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00, or both such fine and imprisonment. (Code 1985, § 7-17)

State Law reference— Penalty for violation, Code of Virginia, § 59.1-145.

Remember, no matter how breathtaking fireworks are or how easy they appear to use, they are potential fire starters. The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries and property damage is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

APD Call Log June 11-18, 2018

Friday, June 15, 2018

APD Call Log June 4-11, 2018

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Traffic Stop Arrest on 6-10-18

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Sunday, June 10, 2018, at approximately 8:44 PM, Abingdon Officer B.T. Graham conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation. The vehicle stopped in the 800 block of West Main Street, and Officer Graham made contacted with the three individuals inside. When the officer approached the vehicle, he could detect an odor of marijuana. While checking the identification of the individuals, other officers with the Abingdon Police Department arrived to assist Officer Graham as he conducted a search of the vehicle. During the vehicle search, the rear passenger attempted to flee on foot across the street to Dairy Queen. Officers Graham and Farris took the subject into custody and placed them in the patrol car. As the officers continued to search the vehicle, a black leather bag was located that contained scales, numerous plastic bags, unused needles, and one loaded needle containing a black substance. Several of the plastic bags contained a white crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, and one bag contained a green leafy substance that field tested positive for marijuana. After conducting the search of the car, Officer Graham transported the subject that attempted to flee to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail.

The subject identified herself as Chelsey Lynn Doss, 34, of 2136 Bradley Street, Bristol, Virginia, and informed the officer that she had previously given a false name and date of birth. Upon Doss identifying herself, it was revealed that she had two active capias. Officer Graham obtained warrants for Possession of Marijuana, in violation of § 18.2-250.1 of the Code of Virginia; Possession of Controlled Substance, in violation of § 18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia; Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, in violation of § 18.2-248 of the Code of Virginia; Giving False Identification to a Law Enforcement Officer, in violation of § 19.2-82.1 of the Code of Virginia; Possession of Controlled Paraphernalia, in violation of § 54.1-3466 of the Code of Virginia; and Fleeing from Law Enforcement, in violation of § 18.2-479.1 of the Code of Virginia. Doss was held without bond.

Pictured: Chelsey Lynn Doss, 34, of 2136 Bradley Street, Bristol, Virginia

Monday, June 11, 2018

First Responder Night at Bristol Revival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Vandalism Incident 6-11-18

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Monday, June 11, 2018, at approximately 5:31 AM, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of East Valley Street for a vandalism call. A resident reported a brick thrown through a window, causing damage to the inside and outside of a house. While on scene, officers were advised of a subject walking down Whites Mill Road acting suspicious. Other officers responded to the call of the suspicious subject and identified him as Matthew W. Hardy, 45, of 284 West Valley Street, Abingdon, Virginia. While speaking to Hardy, he confessed to throwing bricks and damaging property on Valley Street and Main Street.

Hardy was placed under arrest and charged with Intentionally Destroy, Deface, or Damage Property with a value of more than $1,000, in violation of § 18.2-137 of the Code of Virginia. He was transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail.

*More charges are pending due to property damage being reported throughout downtown Abingdon. If you have any information regarding the incident or have property damage to report, please call Washington County, VA Dispatch at 276-676-6277.

Pictured: Matthew W. Hardy, 45, of 284 West Valley Street, Abingdon, VA.