Volunteers in Partnership

Since 1995, Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) has provided personnel to perform a variety of duties within the community as a supplemental organization to the Henderson County Sheriff's Office.

The objective of the HCSO VIP Program is to place volunteers in all areas within the department to assist sworn and non-sworn personnel in the performance of their duties. The volunteers bring with them a wealth of knowledge, skills, experience and an attitude that is positive and productive. A VIP symbolizes citizen involvement and support of the Henderson County Sheriff's Office.

Applications may be dropped off in the Sheriff’s Office lobby located at 100 North Grove Street or sent via email.

The many areas in which volunteers work include:

• Judicial Courthouse Security - Providing screening for all citizens (except for courthouse employees, attorneys and sworn law enforcement personnel) entering the courthouse.
• Historic Courthouse Security - Working the front desk during regular business hours.
• Traffic Control - For special events in the county including, but not limited to, 5K races, ice cream socials, STAR Camp and Farm City Day.
• Funeral Escort - In conjunction with local funeral directors, escorting funeral processions to cemeteries.
• Fingerprinting - For civil requirements including employment checks and Concealed Carry permits.
• Mobile Watch - Periodic patrols in assigned areas.
• Other areas in which volunteers work include the Storehouse food distribution, STAR, Front Desk Reception at the Sheriff's Office, Radar Trailer, and Community Service.

The VIPs contribute about 20,000 hours to Henderson County per year. Utilizing the rate provided by RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, which is a federal and state funded blanket volunteer organization) this totals a value of over $500,000.00 that the VIPs have contributed to Henderson County.

All volunteers are subject to a background check through NCIC and are given on the job training before starting work.  Physical limitations, if any, are considered when assignments are made.

VIP does not charge for its services for county, municipal or non-profit organizations or for funeral escort, but does accept donations from private businesses when performing traffic or crowd control during special promotional events.  These funds are used to purchase uniforms and equipment such as radios, traffic cones and signs for use during assignments.

All volunteers are covered under the Henderson County Worker's Compensation Insurance when on duty. In addition, RSVP also provides supplemental medical and death benefits while a volunteer is working assigned duties or traveling to or from work.

The hard work and dedication of our citizen volunteers epitomizes the Volunteers in Partnership motto which is   "A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE."

If you are interested in joining the VIP Program, call 828.698.5055. 

The VIP office is located in the Henderson County Detention Center. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:00pm.