- NC Sheriff’s Leadership Institute
- Advanced Law Enforcement Certification
- General Instructor Certification
- Specialized Firearms Instructor Certification
- Specialized Telecommunications Instructor
- Background Investigations
- Officer Survival School I (OS I)
- Supervisor School for Managing Employees
- Emergency Medical, Fire & Police Dispatch certification
- DEA Clandestine Laboratory Certification (Received at DEA, Quantico, VA)
- Terminal Agency Coordinator
- NC State Parks Commendation Award
- CPR Certification
- Basic SWAT School
- Taser Certification
- SWAT Rapid Planning
- SWAT Deadly Encounters
- Federal Asset Forfeiture Leave No Trace Program
Education & Training
NC Sheriff's Leadership Institute
S.L.I is a series of courses that begin in 2018 and completed in 2020. As an optional program, Sheriff Howell felt it necessary to participate and excel in the Leadership Institute to better lead Ashe County in a new direction. During the institute, Sheriff Howell not only learned crucial leadership skills but also some very tangible technical skills that have been brought back and implemented in our Sheriff’s Office. While it furthers the knowledge, skills and abilities of the Sheriff’s Office, the courses also provide specific technical skills for a new Sheriff when assuming the Office of the Sheriff.
NC State Parks Commendation Award
While completing night patrol at Jordan Lake State Recreational Area in 2009, another ranger found a stranded vehicle on the side of the road. Upon inspection of the vehicle, a suicide note was discovered. Three other rangers and I began searching for the individual immediately. We found an individual walking across the bridge while crossing the Highway 64 bridge over Jordan Lake. She began to jump off the bridge as we stepped out of our patrol cars. It was at that time we were able to pull her to safety. It was a group effort to save a life, and my part was very small. In 2011 I was awarded the North Carolina State Parks Commendation Award for my assistance in saving this person's life.
North Carolina Heroism Award
While on duty at Jordan Lake State Recreational Area in 2008, I patrolled through the Crosswinds area to find a frantic parent of a lost child. After a quick search, a visitor and I found the child floating face up in the lake. Upon administering CPR with the help of a visiting firefighter, we were able to revive the small child. It was one of the most memorable moments of my career. My oldest daughter was about the same age at the time, two years old. It made me realize what could happen in a moment. I was awarded the North Carolina Heroism Award in 2011 from this tragic incident.
Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
One of the most coveted certifications in North Carolina is the Advanced Law Enforcement Certification. NC Sheriff’s Association & Criminal Justice and Standards Division recognizes law enforcement officers' level of competence serving governmental agencies with the State. A minimum amount of training and experience is required to be eligible. As of 2014, B. Phil Howell had completed 1,181 hours of Law Enforcement training in North Carolina. Over the past 8 years, B. Phil has gained more certifications and hours training, totaling over 1,900 hours of training.
This does not include basic, Mandatory In-Service Training that is held every year.
- Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate
- Criminal Interview and Interrogation
- DEA Clandestine Laboratory Certification (Received at DEA, Quantico, VA)
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST)
- Field Sobriety Testing (FST) Intoximeter Certified
- Division of Criminal Information (DCI) Operator Module I, 2, 3, 5, 6 Certified
- Highway Patrol Driver Training, Top of Class
- North Carolina Heroism Award
- Hazmat Awareness Training
- Expandable Baton & OC Spray
- NIMS I.C.S. 100, 200, 300, 700, 800
- Fundamentals of Search & Rescue Certified (FUNSAR & NASAR)
- Methamphetamines Recognition & Response
- Domestic Violence Awareness & Response
- Basic Law Enforcement Training (B.L.E.T.) President of Class – Wake Tech. Community College
- P.O.P.A.T. – Most Physically Fit & Fastest Time – Average 3:48
Coming Together to make Ashe a Better County for our Citizens and Future Generations to Come!
About the Sheriff
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