News

Sheriff's VIP program seeks new volunteers

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 20, 2025

The VIP program at the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is seeking new volunteers as it enters its fourth decade of service.

Founded in 1995 by Sheriff George Erwin and Bob Noble, the first director, the Volunteers in Partnership Program carries out tasks that need to be done but don’t require the training and experience of sworn deputies.

“Our role is simple," Noble said. "Help our community by freeing up the beat cop as much as possible. This in turn makes us all safer."

Starting with a handful of volunteers, VIP has grown to as many as 160 personnel in the past when large ATV Search & Rescue and Mounted Patrol units were parts of the organization. Currently the organization has 83 active volunteers of all ages and walks of life. The age range is from 36-95 with a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds. These invaluable skills are sought after and vital to the organization’s success.

The men and women who make up the VIPs serve in many capacitie, including security screening at the courthouse, greeting people entering the Historic Courthouse, non-criminal fingerprinting and sheriff’s office reception and records. In addition, the VIPs use the six dedicated patrol vehicles for traffic control during races and festivals, funeral escort, Mobile Watch community patrol, to deploy a RADAR trailer, and much more. Most volunteers work in only one area, but many choose to do several functions.

Volunteers must meet the following requirements: 18 years of age or older, pass the National Criminal Info Center Background Check which requires fingerprinting, and, if a veteran, have an honorable discharge.

VIP volunteers undergo initial and on-the-job training, yearly Criminal Justice Information Services Security and Privacy Training and ad hoc training through hands-on instructions and computer modules. For those who want to operate the VIP vehicles or assist with traffic control, they must have a clean driving record and pass the State Traffic Certification Class taught by one of the HCSO deputies.

The volunteers do not replace any deputies, and do not carry guns. Instead, they typically work about 4 hours per week to support duties that do not require a sworn deputy, freeing up deputies for specialized duties and maximizing law enforcement impact in the county. During 2024, VIPs served 19,237 hours, which represents a value of $611,737 in savings for the taxpayers of Henderson County. Since its formation in 1995, the VIP team has saved the taxpayers over $13 million.

Those interested in volunteering may find further information and an application on the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office website or the Volunteers in Partnership Facebook site, at the front desk of the Sheriff’s Office, by emailing vip@hcsovip.org or calling 828-698-5055.