As the Spruce Pine community grows, so do the concerns of residents about maintaining a safe neighborhood.
That's why a group of Spruce Pine neighbors are working to reactivate the Spruce Pine neighborhood watch patrol, officially known as the Spruce Pine Watch Twenty (SPWT).
The SPWT formed as a non-profit corporation in 1986, but the group became inactive several years ago, and the community has not had an active watch patrol. That will soon change, and, thanks to a donation from the City of Russellville, Spruce Pine will have its own watch patrol vehicle.
The Russellville City Council approved the transfer of a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria to the SPWT.
A dozen or so residents heard from Franklin County Sheriff's Department deputy Doug Hallman at a community meeting last week about how to maximize community benefit from a neighborhood watch patrol.
“It's about being eyes and ears in your community," Hallman said. "You don't want to attempt to stop or apprehend someone suspicious, as you never know how they'll react. When you see something suspicious, call the sheriff's department."
The watch patrol plans another community meeting on Tuesday, July 5, immediately following the meeting of the Spruce Pine Historical Society. All residents are encouraged to attend. Watch patrol members will soon elect officers, designate the boundaries of their service area and draft by-laws for the non-profit organization.
“We want to thank [Russellville] mayor David Grissom, chief Chris Hargettt, Mike Madden, Shannon Oliver and the entire city of Russellville for the vehicle,” SPWT volunteer Walter Evans said.
Neighborhood watch groups have taken off exponentially in recent years across the United States. According to the New York State Troopers Office, watch programs work to create “dramatic decreases in burglary and related offenses” in communities with active watch programs.
Watch programs generally consist of community meetings, community patrol, communications through email or flyers and special events (fundraisers, etc.) and they help to draw residents closer within their community.
Spruce Pine resident Sue Bowen attended Monday's meeting and is excited to see her community's watch patrol reorganizing.
“As Spruce Pine grows, this is something we need, and I encourage all residents to get involved," Bowen said. "Just by walking or driving through the community, you might see something suspicious or questionable and report it to law enforcement. It's a matter of being alert and watching out for your neighbors and community.”
For more information on the Spruce Pine Watch Twenty, contact Evans at 256-324-5798.
