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Belpre swears in Jason Campbell as police sergeant; department readies vehicle purchases
Summary
The Belpre City Council administered the oath to Jason Campbell as a police sergeant, heard updates on the department's K-9 program and office upgrades, and discussed beginning the purchase process for two police cruisers and selling a decommissioned ambulance.
Jason Campbell was sworn in as a police sergeant during the Belpre City Council meeting, and city officials announced plans to start the procurement process for two new police cruisers and to find a new home for a decommissioned ambulance.
City official Mary Dolan told the council that the evening was "safety night" and invited attendees to view the new ambulance in the parking lot. "In the parking lot tonight is the new ambulance purchased by the city in collaboration with the city of Oprah EMS," Dolan said. She also said the city is determining a sale price for the old ambulance (unit 490) and asked the council for a voice vote to begin the sale process.
Dolan said the police department has begun a "mini facelift" of office space and invited council members to tour the renovated area after the meeting. She also announced the city budgeted $140,000 in the capital line item for two cruisers and asked the council for a voice vote to begin the purchase process; she said the fleet is down after buying only one vehicle last year and having one totaled.
During the ceremony, an official assisted Campbell with the oath. Campbell said, "I, Jason Campbell, do solemnly swear ... that I will support the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America and the constitution and laws of the state of Ohio," and pledged to "discharge the duties of this office" to the best of his ability. Dolan noted Campbell has been with the department since February 2015, is approaching his 10th year of service and also functions as a K-9 officer.
Council members and staff also referenced personnel changes: the department has hired two new employees who are in training, and Campbell is training a new recruit. A staff member said after internal discussion Cookie (identified in the meeting by first name) will be promoted to captain and will serve as Campbell's supervisor.
Action items recorded during the meeting included a voice vote to accept the minutes and the formal swearing-in of Campbell. The council did not record a separate roll-call vote on starting the purchase process for cruisers or on the ambulance sale; city staff characterized those requests as beginning procurement steps rather than final approvals.
Looking ahead, Dolan said staff will continue working with insurance companies regarding the totaled cruiser and will return with specific purchase/replacement recommendations and prices for council consideration.
