McDowell County sheriff highlights "Operation Winter Freeze," recognizes Community Impact Team

Sheriff Buchanan told the McDowell County Board of Commissioners that a targeted enforcement effort called Operation Winter Freeze, conducted from early November through January, disrupted illegal drug activity countywide and produced seizures, recoveries and arrests.

"They do a heck of a job," Buchanan said, praising the Community Impact Team and naming Captain Chris Taylor and Lieutenant Richie Pittman as leaders and Detective Matt Smith, Detective Jordan Cox, Detective Adam Burnett and Detective Gabe Odey as members. He reported the operation included drug-related activity resulting in 32 drug-related arrests, three firearm-related arrests and 22 individuals charged, and said officers recovered a stolen vehicle, a stolen moped and other property.

Several residents and commissioners thanked the sheriff and the team. One resident said the operation removed dealers who were directly affecting her adopted children and that watching an arrest provided "peace of mind." Another attendee asked, "our sheriff's department cooperates with ICE?" and Buchanan replied that his office "works and cooperates with all law enforcement groups."

Buchanan said the Community Impact Team is a recently created unit under a special operations division and that the county will look to expand the unit and add a canine partner in the near future. He also acknowledged cooperation with the district attorney's office, referenced in the meeting as Ted Veil's office, saying prosecutions are moving forward and that some cases have already been adjudicated.

The presentation was followed by public applause and a request from a commissioner to provide letters of recognition to each team member. The sheriff and commissioners framed the remarks as recognition rather than new policy or budget actions.