Buena Vista Police Department

09/17/2026

We were honored to join Unity 4 Kids Inc, Rockbridge CAN, and our community partners for this vital su***de prevention forum. Powerful presentations, like the one from Dr. Wayne Handley, remind us that a simple conversation can truly change—and save—a life. Thank you to everyone who made this evening possible and to those who had the courage to reach out. You are never alone.

Su***de & Crisis Resources:

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, free, and confidential)

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255

Emergency Services: Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room

09/14/2026

National Preparedness Month | Build a Kit on a Budget

When people hear "emergency kit," they often picture spending hundreds of dollars on specialized gear or pre-packaged survival kits.
The truth? You can build an effective 3-day home emergency supply kit over time, without breaking your weekly budget.

Here are 3 simple strategies to get your household ready step-by-step:
1️⃣ Buy in Small Steps: You don't need it all today. Add just 1 extra gallon of water or 2 canned food items to your regular grocery run. Within a month, you'll have a multi-day supply built up.
2️⃣ Utilize Dollar Stores: Pick up low-cost essentials like basic flashlights, extra batteries, hand sanitizer, and first-aid supplies at your local discount store.
3️⃣ Keep Small Bills on Hand: Store $20–$50 in small bills ($1, $5, $10) in a secure spot. When severe weather knocks out power, card readers and ATMs won't work.

💡 Pro-Tip: Check your pantry first! You likely already own half of what you need... canned goods, manual can openers, extra blankets, and flashlights. Gather them into one designated plastic tote or duffel bag so they’re ready to go.

📖 Grab the official Virginia Department of Emergency Management supply checklist at vaemergency.gov!

09/11/2026

Today, Buena Vista joins our nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

We honor the first responders, service members, families, and communities whose lives were forever changed, and we remember the courage and compassion shown in the days that followed.

May we continue to carry forward the spirit of service and community that reminds us of what we can accomplish when we stand together.

09/09/2026

National Preparedness Month: Make a Plan

Emergency preparedness doesn't require buying expensive gear or spending all weekend building a bunker. It starts with a simple 10-minute conversation around the dinner table.

This week, challenge your family or household to talk through a few "What-If" scenarios:

❓ "What if cell service goes down?"
Designate one out-of-town relative or friend that everyone texts or calls to check in. Long-distance lines often connect even when local networks are overloaded.

❓ "What if we need to leave the house in a hurry?"
Pick a primary meeting spot right outside your home (like a specific tree or mailbox) and a secondary spot outside the neighborhood (like a local library or park).

❓ "What if an emergency happens while we aren't together?"
Make sure children and family members know important numbers by heart or have written contact cards in their backpacks or wallets.

Taking 10 minutes to talk through these steps today builds confidence so everyone knows what to do when seconds count.

📖 Download a free, fillable emergency planning guide from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management at vaemergency.gov.

09/08/2026

We were glad to spend time with the VPAS Cafe members for a great discussion on Safety for Seniors!

Corporal Josh Guttmann covered essential topics, including personal safety tips and awareness around the latest scams targeting older adults in our community. Huge thanks to Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) for hosting us!

Where should TRIAD present next? Let us know in the comments!

09/05/2026

Public Works and other city departments have been hard at work clearing debris left behind by the recent late storms across our area.

All Labor Day festivities will proceed on schedule with no issues or delays!

If you are experiencing a power loss, please report it directly to Dominion Energy at 1-866-366-4357 or online at dominionenergy.com. If you spot downed trees or hazards blocking roadways, please report them to the Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center on the non-emergency line at 540-261-6171.

Thank you for your patience as crews complete the clean-up, and have a safe Labor Day weekend!

09/04/2026

We are proud to share an upcoming opportunity to connect, learn, and support mental health awareness in our region.

Join our community for the Rockbridge Nourish Together: Su***de Prevention Month Community Dinner on Tuesday, September 15.

We are especially honored to highlight the event's guest speaker, Dr. Wayne Handley, a Licensed Professional Counselor, advocate, and our very own former Police Chief. With over 30 years of experience across public safety, military service, EMS, and mental health, Dr. Handley brings invaluable insight and hope to this important conversation.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Virginia Horse Center (Appomattox Mezzanine), 487 Maury River Road, Lexington, VA

This event is free and open to everyone. Together, we can break the stigma, share resources, and save lives.

09/02/2026

Big things are happening with our local TRIAD initiative! Following our official charter signing earlier this year, our local S.A.L.T. Council has been actively meeting and planning safety events and community outreach.

TRIAD connects law enforcement and senior citizens to combat fraud, share safety resources, and build stronger community ties.

Don't miss upcoming events and safety updates!
Search "Triad: Rockbridge, Buena Vista & Lexington" on Facebook to like, follow, and spread the word!

08/31/2026

Today, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day.

No one has to walk the road to recovery alone. Carrying Narcan can save lives... it could be the life of a neighbor, a friend, or a family member.

Thank you to our community partners at Rockbridge Recovery, who are offering walk-in training and free Narcan today.

This year's theme, '25 Years On. Still Needed.', is a powerful reminder that together, we can create a brighter future where overdose is a thing of the past! Behind every statistic is a person who deserves hope, healing, and a second chance. IOAD is a time to celebrate the lives of those we've lost, uplift the families and communities affected, and empower those in recovery to keep pushing forward. We can prevent overdose! By sparking open conversations, embracing compassion, and using evidence-based solutions, we can connect people with the support they need. Let's work together to create a world where overdose is a distant memory, and every individual can thrive! 💫

08/28/2026

Ever wonder about the story behind the badge?

Check out this recent feature by The News-Gazette highlighting Cpl. Josh Guttmann, our Community Resource Officer! The article dives into his 21-year journey in law enforcement, his passion for community outreach and instructor work, and even his love for building Legos with his family.

Beyond what’s in the interview, Cpl. Guttmann is a strong believer in lifelong learning. He is currently completing his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice (with a minor in Business Administration) at Liberty University while constantly pursuing advanced tactical and leadership certifications to help ensure Buena Vista remains one of the safest communities in Virginia.

Check out the full article here: https://www.thenews-gazette.com/article/14958,who-they-are-behind-the-badge