Committee members raised concerns on Jan. 14 about a fundraising solicitation received from the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge. The letter said the lodge provides training and resources for local officers; members asked whether the department in practice uses those offerings and whether residents are being solicited for donations based on an overstated claim.

A committee member reported discussing the matter with the police chief, who indicated that although officers are lodge members, the department does not routinely use the lodge’s trainings. Members said they would prefer to ask the chief to describe the training sources the department uses and, if appropriate, to invite a lodge representative to explain what the lodge provides.

Discussion touched on the cost and availability of specialized training — for example, bicycle patrol training requires accredited trainers and may involve travel costs — and on whether county or state entities provide required training. Members said they do not want residents solicited under misleading premises and asked the chief to identify training needs and recommended providers so the committee could consider budget or partnership options.

The committee did not take action to endorse or reject the FOP solicitation. Members directed staff to follow up with Chief John String and to clarify what training the department accepts from external providers and what the department sources from county or state resources.