A black, 2014 BMW 335i X-Drive is the newest vehicle in the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office fleet. It was recently donated to the sheriff’s office by a domestic violence survivor, according to Sheriff Dan Smith.
Several months ago, Smith said he received a call from a woman who had moved to the county. He was told that she had a vehicle that she wanted to donate to the sheriff’s office.
Smith said the woman told him that she is a longtime victim of domestic violence, and the car brought back too many bad memories.
“She wanted the car to be able to do someone some good, so she thought about us, and we are certainly grateful for her generosity,” Smith said.
The timing, he said, could not have been better because the cost of patrol vehicles has dramatically increased to the point that the sheriff’s office is unable to buy the number of vehicles it needs on an annual basis.
Patrick County Sheriff’s Capt. Rob Coleman has been issued the unmarked vehicle.
Smith urges anyone who is a victim of domestic violence to reach out his office at (276) 694-3161, or to contact him directly, personally and confidentially, at (276) 692-7012).
To victims, his message is simple: “You don’t have to keep living this way. We can help you if you let us.”
