Forest Park public-safety leaders reported steady response metrics, staff promotions and ongoing community outreach during the council’s monthly meeting.

On the fire side, Deputy Chief May said the department handled about 240 fire-related calls in August, including 159 EMS-assist calls, 31 false alarms and two structure fires. “Our average response time from the time you called 911 to the time my truck was showing up on the scene … was 6 minutes and 30 seconds on average,” May said, and noted the fire marshal’s office completed 73 inspections in August. May also announced two new hires and promotions, including Acting Lieutenant Chanel being promoted to fire lieutenant and another promotion to acting EMS lieutenant; the department has placed a fourth engine/truck and four ambulances into service.

On the police side, Captain Wirkerson said citywide crime is down 12.6% compared with the same period last year. “Currently, our biggest issue is retail shoplifting,” he said, and described shoplifting as a “crime of opportunity” that occurs inside retail establishments; he added officers typically arrive within minutes and arrests follow when appropriate. Wirkerson said the department is about 90% staffed, added that one officer began this week and two more are expected in the coming weeks, and announced community programs including a “Run with the Chief” starting Oct. 8 at 6 a.m. on Wednesdays at Star Park and a police academy running Sept. 23 through Nov. 18.

Why it matters: the public-safety update offers a snapshot of operational capacity and community outreach; reduced crime rates and timely response times were highlighted, and police attention to retail shoplifting signals a focus on property‑crime prevention during the upcoming holiday season.

Additional details: Wirkerson said two officers received a Clayton County Chamber of Commerce community-impact award on Sept. 12 for lifesaving efforts earlier in the year. Department representatives did not offer a breakdown of arrests or case clearances tied to the reported crime rate during the update.