In this week’s episode of In The Know, Andy Taylor welcomes Deanna Lindeman, Commander with the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers (SAV), and Steve Swallows of the SAV Scam Squad for an in-depth look at the vital services they provide across Green Valley and Sahuarita. From daily Telecare wellness calls and neighborhood patrols to home checks for seasonal residents and support at community events, SAV plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in keeping residents safe, connected, and supported.
Deanna Lindeman highlights upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, including the February 21 Shred-A-Thon at the United Methodist Church and the First Responder Fair on March 14 at Historic Canoa Ranch. She also explains how residents can join SAV, outlining the four-week training program that includes CPR, first aid, AED use, defensive driving, scam awareness, and traffic control. The episode also covers SAV’s free fingerprinting services, available several days a week and widely used by volunteers, schools, churches, and healthcare workers.
Steve Swallows shares timely warnings about the latest scams targeting local residents, including impersonation calls using real law enforcement names, jury duty threats, phishing emails, fraudulent texts, and the return of the “toll booth” scam. He offers practical advice on protecting personal information, freezing credit with major bureaus to prevent identity theft, and how groups can request free Scam Squad presentations. The episode wraps with clear contact information and a reminder that awareness, education, and community involvement remain the strongest defenses against fraud.