Madison County Sheriff Bobby Adams announced that Madison County citizens are being invited to become Associate Members of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas in response to an increasing number of people wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime.

“As the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships in this country continues to escalate, programs such as this continue to to grow in importance,” said Adams in a Monday press release. “I encourage everyone receiving a membership appeal to consider joining forces with us by becoming an Associate Member. It is an invaluable investment in the future.”

Individuals who wish to join the voluntary program can do so for as little as $25 and businesses can show support beginning at a $100 contribution level. The funding will go towards providing critical technical resources, training and legislative support on key criminal justice issues.

Contributions are tax-deductible and the program does not solicit membership by telephone. Membership appeals will go out in the mail shortly, according to the press release.

“With government funding becoming increasingly difficult to secure, the membership drive has tak en on greater importance than ever before,” said Adams. “The funding is vital to helping us carry out our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work and play.”

The program was formed to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support to more effective law enforcement and to help local law enforcement officers protect the lives and property of citizens.

The program is committed to its no telemarketing policy and only sends invitations to citizens to become members by mail. Individuals that do not receive a membership appeal and would like more information can contact the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, located at 1601 S. Interstate 35 in Austin. You can contact the Association by phone at 512-445-5888 or visit online at www.txsheriffs.org.