Payson Roundup

Courtesy photo

New Wheels: The Gila County Sheriff’s Office has donated a minivan seized from people smuggling illegal immigrants to Community Bridges, a Payson drug treatment and rehabilitation program. Pictured on the day of the donation are Gila County Supervisor Tommie Martin, Sheriff John Armer, Tom Melcher and John Sanchez, from the sheriff’s office and Kristen Polin, Jay Brown and Chris Magana from Bridges.

Community Bridges, a nonprofit organization that provides treatment for alcohol and drug addition to local county residents, recently received a 1999 Dodge van courtesy of Gila County.

This in-kind contribution will allow Community Bridges to continue to serve our community as we battle the war on drugs and other substance abuse, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.

The employees of Community Bridges provide unique care for addicts, as many of the employees are recovering addicts themselves.

The employees can relate to and build a mutual understanding for the individuals they serve.

Community Bridges not only provides treatment services, but assists with providing preventive education in conjunction with many of the Gila County Sheriff’s Office outreach programs.

This particular vehicle was seized by the Gila County Sheriff’s Office as it was transporting a group of illegal aliens and forfeited to Gila County. Arizona law provides for the sale, for a nominal fee, of government property for the benefit provided by nonprofit organizations.

Over the years, Community Bridges has built a strong partnership with the Gila County Sheriff’s Office.

Gila County Sheriff John R. Armer said he applauds the hard work of Community Bridges and thanks them for their service to the citizens of Gila County.