Fayette sheriff’s office drives so you don’t have to

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- Deputy Mike Arvin has been driving since 6 a.m., Friday. He’s made no arrests or traffic stops, but it’s been a busy day.

Arvin’s duty to protect and serve stays intact even when drivers are being encouraged to steer away from roadways. He’s driving as part of the Winter Care Program, which began after a major ice storm in 2003.

Since then, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has taken it upon itself to provide a number of services when the program is activated:

• Transportation to and from work for those who are employed in the medical industry or professionals who provide direct services
• Transportation to and from a critical medical appointment
• Pick-up of critical prescription medications from local pharmacies
• Distribution and collection of winter coats, gloves and blankets
• Welfare checks for elderly relatives or loved ones living alone in Lexington

Friday afternoon, Arvin made a few stops to UK hospital, picking up doctors and nurses hoping to spend the night with their families rather than at the hospital. Dr. Jill Eickhoff had learned of the service for the first time earlier in the day.

“Now I get to go home and not be stuck here at the hospital and be able to take call from home and answer any questions that people have but still be able to go home and be with my family tonight,” says Eickhoff.

Spending all that time with folks, you’d think Arvin would have a few funny stories. The only one that matters to him though is seeing the smiles on the faces of those he assists.

“This is something I enjoy doing,” he says.

If you or someone you know are in need of assistance, call Elizabeth Pickett at the Office of Sheriff at (859) 252-1771.