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Police and fire chiefs report staffing and public-safety activity ahead of Brickyard 400
Summary
Police and fire chiefs reported hiring updates, staffing changes, race‑weekend planning, and that the police department responded to 13,538 calls for service year‑to‑date; fire reported 291 runs in June. Officers and firefighters departing for other agencies were noted, and chiefs emphasized park checks and race enforcement.
At the July 14 meeting, both the police and fire chiefs updated the Speedway Town Council on staffing, operations and race‑weekend preparations.
Police Chief Abchurch reported two conditional offers had been extended previously; one candidate accepted another department and one remains pending final PERF approval. The department has interviewed 16 additional candidates and said many have passed polygraph testing. Chief Abchurch also noted that Officer Carter Pell was deployed with an Indiana Department of Homeland Security search and rescue team to Texas. He reminded residents that the department will begin race‑week parking enforcement starting Thursday, July 24, and that golf carts are not allowed in town on race day. He reported year‑to‑date figures of 13,538 calls for service and 3,062 traffic violations.
Fire Chief Fishburne said one firefighter had given extended notice to move to another department (Bloomington) and that the department has a certified candidate list to support a seamless transition. He gave run totals for June of 291 calls, with approximately 55% EMS and 45% fire/car accidents. Fire staff also noted routine traditions (band camp visits) and mutual‑aid deployments. Both chiefs emphasized park checks and reminded residents that fireworks in parks are not allowed.
Councilors asked about park conditions and fireworks enforcement; chiefs said park checks and reporting have improved and reminded residents that fireworks are not permitted in parks or school grounds.
