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Fire and police chiefs report heavy first quarter activity; police add detective and launch community programs
Summary
Fire Chief Ron Fletcher reported record activity and urged weather awareness; Police Chief Doug Durham announced policy award recognition, community events, a catalytic-converter VIN engraving event, a DEA drug takeback and the imminent rehiring of a full-time detective.
Fire Chief Ron Fletcher told council the department saw its busiest first quarter on record and attributed the high ambulance and call volume to seasonal influenza and related illnesses affecting vulnerable residents. Fletcher also urged residents to enroll in the city’s Hyper-Reach alert system and reminded the public that outdoor sirens are intended as an outdoor warning.
Police Chief Doug Durham reported that the department received a gold‑standard recognition from Lexipol (policy and training management) and described several upcoming community programs: a VIN‑engraving event for catalytic converters in partnership with a national insurance/crime‑prevention group, a DEA four‑hour drug‑takeback event (scheduled for a Saturday, with typical hours 10 a.m.–2 p.m.), and the department’s first bike‑patrol season in several years.
Chief Durham also said the department is restoring a full‑time detective position — selected through an internal process — to handle large investigations and relieve patrol officers. He identified Officer Beaver as the selected candidate and said Officer Hudson will continue to provide backup support. Durham said the change will put a dedicated investigator back on complex cases and free patrol officers for community duties.
Both chiefs encouraged residents to use phone apps, professional meteorologists and the city notification system to stay weather aware and to participate in the department’s community outreach events.
