Precinct Watch Program recognizes founding members

Submitted by Canton1 on

Founding officers of the Van Zandt County Precinct Watch Program and Van Zandt County Sheriff Lindsey Ray were recognized during the executive council meeting of the watch program held Aug. 2 at the sheriff’s department training room.

Past secretary Kathy Smith, past chair Buster Leavell and Sheriff Ray each received certificates of recognition for their part in helping to establish the program.

In addition to the certificates Ray and Leavell received a resolution from State Rep. Dan Flynn recognizing them and the VZC PWP for the Honorable Mention award the program earned at the 2015 Summer Training Conference sponsored by the Texas Crime Prevention Association.

The Van Zandt County Program was recognized in three categories: Outstanding Crime Prevention Manager – Sheriff Lindsey Ray, Outstanding Program Coordinator – Buster Leavell and Outstanding Crime Prevention Agency in the small agencies category.

Also recognized was Deputy Anthony Risner for his ongoing contributions as the PWP crime prevention coordinator and sheriff’s liaison.

Officers from all four precincts were present for the presentation.  

Tim Ball is the current chair of the precinct watch program. John Murry serves as vice chair and Gary Diehl is secretary/treasurer.

According to the organization, the Precinct Watch Program’s mission is to help to prevent crime in Van Zandt County by becoming the “eyes and ears of the sheriff’s office.”

The program was formed in 2013.

For the program, the county’s four precincts are divided into sectors. Member volunteers keep watch in their sector for signs of crime or criminal activity.

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