Police and fire chiefs report staffing updates; new officer announced and lieutenant retires

SPEEDWAY, Ind. — At the Oct. 8 special session the town’s police and fire chiefs reported personnel and operations updates to the Speedway Town Council.

Police Chief Upchurch said the department will swear in its newest officer, Sean Whitten, and that Whitten — a U.S. Marine Corps veteran — is scheduled for academy training beginning in January. Upchurch also announced the retirement of Lieutenant James Tealy, who retired after 25 years of service; "Jim was 25 to the day," Upchurch said.

Upchurch provided activity statistics to the council: "our calls for service so far this year are 19,954, and we have issued 4,630 citations so far," he said.

Fire Chief Milhorn reported staffing progress in the fire department: two recruits begin training (one expected back by Jan. 1, another after EMT school in mid‑ to late‑March), one injured firefighter will return next week and a military‑deployed member will return in about three weeks. Chief Milhorn said September run totals were 293 and the year‑to‑date total is 2,802.

Council members thanked retiring officers and noted the upcoming swearing‑in; no formal action was taken on personnel items during the meeting.