On a crisp October morning, the studio of “The Valley Today” buzzed with the familiar energy of Public Safety Thursday. Host Janet Michael welcomed Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, setting the stage for a conversation that would travel from the cobblestone streets of Switzerland to the heart of community policing in Virginia.

The episode opened with lighthearted banter about Captain Gosnell’s recent European travels, where he sampled everything from Swiss chocolate to Italian pizza—and even tested the local McDonald’s menu. The cultural differences in food, portion sizes, and even the semantics of “medium” versus “large” fries provided a humorous entry point before the conversation shifted to more serious matters.

As the discussion turned to law enforcement, Captain Gosnell offered listeners a candid look at the evolving role of deputies in Frederick County. “We wear a lot of hats,” he explained, emphasizing that modern policing extends far beyond traffic stops and criminal investigations. Today’s deputies are community caretakers, educators, and advocates, often stepping into roles that require empathy, creativity, and a deep understanding of the people they serve.

One of the central themes of the episode was the importance of positive first impressions—especially for children. Gosnell recounted the Lunch Buddies program, where deputies join students in school cafeterias, handing out high-fives and badge stickers, and sometimes even buying ice cream for those who can’t afford it. “We want a child’s first encounter with law enforcement to be positive,” he said, “so if they ever need help, they know we’re someone they can trust.”

The conversation also highlighted the department’s commitment to outreach programs like Kids Camp, the Virginia Triad (which educates seniors about scams and safety), and partnerships with organizations such as the Lions Club and the Laurel Center. These initiatives, Gosnell noted, are designed to support vulnerable populations—from children to the elderly to survivors of domestic violence—by providing resources, education, and a visible, approachable law enforcement presence.

Janet and Captain Gosnell didn’t shy away from the challenges facing law enforcement today, including staffing shortages and the delicate balance between community needs and available resources. Yet, the tone remained optimistic, focusing on the creative ways deputies are finding to connect with residents—whether it’s “Coffee with a Cop,” “Color with a Cop,” or patrolling neighborhoods on bikes during Halloween to keep trick-or-treaters safe.

As the episode drew to a close, Janet expressed her appreciation for the department’s dedication to both “protect and serve,” noting that sometimes “serve looks a little different.” Captain Gosnell agreed, underscoring the importance of building trust not just with children, but with parents and the broader community.

In a world where headlines often focus on the negative, this conversation was a refreshing reminder that law enforcement can—and should—be a force for good, working hand-in-hand with the community to create a safer, more connected place for everyone.