OFF THE CUFFS With Kimbrough

“Never underestimate the ditch along the side of the road.” Rusty LaRue, former NBA player and current COO of Dairi-O, joins Sheriff Kimbrough at the table. LaRue shares what it's like to play alongside the most talented basketball players in the world, the strategy behind his change in career to the Food Industry, and his greatest accomplishment in life: being a dad. LaRue is a lifelong supporter of his alma mater Wake Forest where he played two sports and continues to make a difference in the Winston-Salem community.

Peggie Wells, Founder of The Wells Center INC. For Women in Transition, sits down at the table with Sheriff Kimbrough to talk about her mission to provide support and offer services to incarcerated women during their time in jail and after their release back into the community. The Wells Center INC. offers the "CATCH" Program and a Mentoring Program that strives to change women's attitudes in jail to ultimately change their habits for a better life in the future. Through her passion, Ms. Wells has impacted our community for over 18 years and continues to do so.

“We don’t understand the power of credit.” Sheriff Kimbrough sits at the table with Truliant Credit Union’s Manager of Community Engagement, Renee Rohrer, and Tommy Hicks, Community Engagement Coordinator. Truliant works to specifically educate its members on building wealth, understanding the importance of homeownership, and taking advantage of tax break opportunities. Mr. Hicks reminds us “past financial mistakes can be the best teachers.”

Sheriff Kimbrough shares the table with Paul James, III, Public Defender, 21st Judicial District, who represents 85% of defendants in our community. The two discuss the recent events in Elizabeth City, the need for transparency, and why video can be the best evidence in law enforcement situations. Paul voices his opinion on the Fourth Amendment, defunding the police, and the need for better resources for those experiencing mental health crises. Paul firmly believes “the criminal justice system can be better if we have more people to reflect the people we are representing by being more diverse.”

Fire Chief Ross Flynt’s most defining moment of his life was being named Walkertown Fire Chief on April 6th, 2021. At only 28 years-old, Flynt is currently the youngest Fire Chief in Forsyth County. His career started at 14 years old as a junior firefighter with a local fire department. As Chief Flynt begins his new role, he is excited about the opportunity to grow as an individual and help the residents in our community. Although he is young, Chief Flynt recognizes, “He will have mentors that will guide him in a forward direction.”

“The Forsyth County Drug Task Force (FCDTF) will do extraordinary things, and our community will see a tremendous impact,” stated Captain Michael Cardwell. Captain Cardwell, Agent-in-Charge of the FCDTF, spoke with Sheriff Kimbrough about the mission of FCDTF, the relationships built between law enforcement agencies in the county, and the $65,000,000.00 seized in narcotics investigations including drugs, guns, and vehicles since the inception of the FCDTF in January 2021.

“What comes out of the mouths of our children - it’s the truth,” stated Sheriff Kimbrough. He shared conversation with nine (9) year-old Olivia Tennille, a Summit Elementary School student who won the honor of being “Sheriff for the Day” at the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. Olivia’s powerful words and love for people will unquestionably take her far in life. Her interests include reading history books and learning more about Black Lives Matter. Olivia said, “We all need to get along with each other so we can have a big party.”

Dr. Pam Oliver, Executive Vice President and President of Novant Health Physician Network, joins Sheriff Kimbrough at the table to discuss the sense of purpose and fulfillment at her job that motivates her to leave her family every day to go to work. She explains that many people have been delaying seeking medical care for different reasons - fear, finances, etc.- and we are only now beginning to the impact. People are sicker and diseases more advanced. “It’s not just about the location of medical facilities or even access to healthcare - it’s also about education and community members understanding that they need medical treatment.”

The YMCA forms bonded relationships while providing a safe place for every person to go. “No one is ever turned away,” emphasizes Carrie Collins, Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer of YMCA Northwest. Carrie believes we should come together to work in partnership to collectively close the gap and lift our community in mind, body, and spirit.

First African American Chief of Staff at Novant Health had conversation with Sheriff Kimbrough…Dr. Jaleema Speaks, MD . Her daily responsibilities as Chief of Staff holds her accountable to being the liaison between clinical and administrative staff, forming rules and regulations and changing policies. In addition, she is a Medical Director of a Women’s Health location and provides her Ob/Gyn services to her patients. She states,” it’s not just about providing care but to have “knowledge” of the people you are serving and there should be equitable access to resources to help make healthier communities. ”…”There is a need for leaders, companies, businesses and government to come together for conversations to see change.”