| The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office recently received a state-of-the-art EZ Child ID compact mobile system, thanks to a generous donation from the Tazewell Moose Lodge 198 and the support of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation. This cutting-edge system, distributed by Safe Surfin’, allows the Sheriff’s Office to take a child’s fingerprints, multiple photographs, and a voice recording, then provide it to parents on a flash drive or through a downloadable app. Importantly, no information is retained by the Sheriff’s Office, ensuring privacy while giving parents a vital tool to assist law enforcement in case of emergencies. |
| The initiative was sparked when Deputy Matt Stiltner recognized the need for such a system after witnessing its effectiveness in another setting. Recognizing the need, Tazewell Moose Lodge worked with the Safe Surfin’ Foundation to make it a reality. “The Moose Lodge has always been a tremendous community partner,” said Major Harold Heatley, Chief Deputy of the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office. Harry Nolley, Administrator of the Tazewell Moose Lodge, emphasized the Lodge’s commitment to children’s safety: “Helping the children in our communities is at the very heart of everything we stand for. We are proud to provide this equipment and continue our support of the Sheriff’s Office.” The Sheriff’s Office plans to deploy this valuable tool soon and will announce availability on its Facebook page. This collaboration showcases the impact of united community efforts in promoting public safety. Read Full Article |  |
Behind the Scenes
Safe Surfin’ Around the Nation
Safe Surfin’ Foundation had the honor of attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition, where over 16,000 law enforcement professionals gathered to showcase the latest innovations in public safety.
Eddie Worth, our Executive Director, engaged with attendees through roundtables and presentations, sharing our mission and exploring partnerships to protect kids online. This impactful event highlighted the importance of collaboration in building safe communities, and we were thrilled to be a part of it!
Style with a Purpose
Did you know you can support our mission by purchasing Safe Surfin’ merchandise through our Bonfire store? From shirts to hoodies, our gear lets you proudly show your commitment to promoting cyber safety while helping fund our educational programs and outreach efforts. Every purchase directly supports our work in protecting communities and empowering individuals online. Visit our Bonfire store today and make a difference with style!
Volunteer Spotlight
Buddy and Brenda Franklin
Buddy and Brenda Franklin Safe Surfin’ Foundation Territory Managers.
This month, we’re shining our Volunteer Spotlight on the incredible Mr. and Mrs. Franklin! All the way from sunny Florida, this dedicated duo surprised us with a visit to our Virginia headquarters. After countless hours of working with them over the phone, I was absolutely ecstatic to finally meet them in person and put faces to their names!
Their unwavering commitment to our mission and their generous hearts make them invaluable members of the Safe Surfin’ family. We are so grateful for their hard work, enthusiasm, and the joy they bring to everything they do. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, for going the extra mile—literally and figuratively—to support us!
Check out the wonderful photos from their visit above!
Tips & Advice
Having strong communication lines open with your kids will lessen the chance of them “sneaking” behind your back. Good discussion and parental involvement will also make it easier for them to approach you for help with an online problem should the occasion arise.