Sunbury police report cocaine and handgun seizure; department details training and contract talks

Sunbury — The City of Sunbury’s police department on Sept. 17 told the City Council that a recent traffic stop resulted in the seizure of more than 25 grams of cocaine and a loaded handgun, and outlined ongoing training and labor negotiations.

The police representative said the seizure was the result of a traffic stop handled by Sergeant Meacham and commended the sergeant’s work. The speaker said the department is emphasizing field training (FTO) for new officers through the remainder of the year and expects formal contract negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) to begin later this month or in early October.

The department representative described multiple recent enforcement incidents, including late-night pursuits that involved an Ohio State Patrol helicopter and a recovered stolen vehicle that was abandoned near an apartment complex. The speaker urged residents to “lock your doors. Don’t leave your keys,” and said Sunbury and neighboring agencies will continue to pursue suspects beyond city limits when appropriate. The representative also noted the department’s involvement with statewide narcotics partners and recognized Deputy Chief Wade’s lifetime service award at a statewide narcotics conference.

Nut graf: The report combined operational updates (training and FTO), an active criminal case (the cocaine and handgun seizure), interagency enforcement activity (pursuits and task force involvement) and personnel recognition, giving council members a summary of recent public-safety work and near-term labor negotiations.

Council members did not take formal action on the items described in the report during the meeting. The police representative said the FOP contract negotiations are starting soon and that the emphasis on FTO means many patrol cars may show two officers while new hires complete field training.

Direct quotations in this article come from meeting remarks attributed to the police presenter in the transcript. Details about the seizure (over 25 grams of cocaine and a loaded handgun) and the named department personnel (Sergeant Meacham; Deputy Chief Wade; Chief Howard referenced) were stated during the police report.

Ending: Council members had no immediate vote on policing matters at the Sept. 17 meeting; the department’s next formal step described to council was beginning negotiations with the FOP.