ReMA Forms New Connections, Partnerships at National Sheriff Association Conference
From January 31 to February 4, 2026, Todd Foreman, ReMA’s Senior Director of Law Enforcement Outreach, and ReMA’s Zoë Bierce, Program Coordinator, Youth Outreach & Workforce Development, attended the National Sherrif Association’s Winter Conference in Washington, DC.
The NSA Winter Conference brings together high-level leadership from federal agencies, members of Congress, and very active sheriffs to explore current legislation, learn about relevant topics, and learn about trending technologies and products.
The ReMA team had discussions with numerous sheriff’s departments across the country about the use of the scraptheftalert.com system, cargo theft, wire theft, and catalytic converter thefts.
“It was a positive event,” Foreman said. “We attended as exhibitors and many people came up to have specific conversations with requests to assist with issues.”
One community approached Foreman about catalytic converter theft increases and requested information about prevention tools. Another asked Foreman if he could join their meeting about cargo theft. There were also numerous sheriffs who talked with him about copper theft concerns.
“It was a great event to display the system that ReMA provides for collaboration between law enforcement, recyclers, and stakeholders to catch thieves and recover property,” Foreman added. “The collaboration and partnerships will help catch thieves and prevent the theft of these materials.”
In addition to the meetings concerning materials theft, Bierce was busy working with NSA’s IGNITE team to discuss opportunities for potential collaboration.
IGNITE is NSA’s national initiative to help jails replicate a program of the Genesee County (MI) Sheriff’s Office, which offers comprehensive education, job certification, and post-incarceration work opportunities and assistance to incarcerated individuals. The program, started by Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson, is called IGNITE®, which is an acronym for Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education.
“This program would be a great chance for ReMA members to use a typically hidden workforce opportunity and provide employment for second-chance individuals,” Bierce said. “Working with these local jails, it will help our members strengthen their local communities and unlock a major untapped talent pool.”
Bierce and Foreman will be in contact with the IGNITE team to continue developing this partnership and working on opportunities for a workforce program.