Membership, Scholarships Through Indiana Sheriffs Association

Citizens in Ripley County who would like to join the fight against crime are invited to become members of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, Sheriff Tom Grills said via Nixle on Tuesday.

The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association is a nonprofit, professional, educational and service organization dedicated to improving the Criminal Justice System through education, training, service and the protection of the lives and property of the citizens of Indiana, according to the sheriff.

The membership program was instituted to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support of crime prevention and awareness programs, promote public safety, provide more and improved training for Sheriffs and their personnel plus support the Summer Youth Leadership Camps and College Scholarships for teenagers interested in law enforcement that are provided by the association.

Ripley County residents should soon receive membership applications in the mail.

“It is difficult to get an application to everyone who might want to join the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association as a member,” Sheriff Tom Grills said.

If you don’t receive an application by mail, you can call or stop by the Sheriff’s Office to obtain one, the Sheriff’s Office website at www.ripleycounty.com/sheriff, or visit the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association website at www.indianasheriffs.org to join. All members will receive a membership card, two star decals and releases of the newsletter.

Scholarship Opportunities

High school seniors or college students that are pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies can apply for one of 40 scholarships from the Indiana Sheriff’s Association.

Each scholarship is worth approximately $500 each and students must be enrolled full time, with at least 12 credit hours per semester.

To qualify, an applicant must live in the state and have a parent or grandparent as a member of the Indiana’s Sheriffs Association. Applications are due April 1.