Long Beach police, fire report year-end numbers; reserve volunteers logged 1,008 hours
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Summary
Chief reported December activity and 2025 year totals: 4,562 calls for service in 2025 and 115 arrests (up from 77 in 2024). The department noted reserve volunteers contributed 1,008 hours, an estimated $43,000 savings to the town, and updates on cameras, equipment and grant delays.
Long Beach law-enforcement and fire officials presented monthly and year-end summaries at the Jan. 12 Town Council meeting, reporting operational statistics, equipment updates and grant developments.
Chief Swistek (also referred to as Chief Albers in portions of the meeting) told the council that the police department responded to 304 calls for service in December (down 31 from the prior year) and that in 2025 the department handled 4,562 calls compared with 4,575 in 2024. "In total, there were 115 individuals arrested when compared to 77 arrests in 2024 for an increase of 38 arrests," he said.
The chief highlighted the department's reserve unit, saying it volunteered 1,008 hours in 2025 — which he estimated as a savings to the town of approximately $43,000 by covering shifts that otherwise would require paid deputies. He also reported that four license-plate reader cameras are in the final stages of installation and that the department sold a 1997 Boston Whaler for $7,000 through an open public-bid process.
On grant-funded equipment, the chief said a FEMA grant for a new police boat is on hold because of federal delays, and the town is working with funders and the county auditor on reimbursement timing. He also noted the council previously approved the 2026 ATV purchase and thanked the Long Beach Civic Association for a $4,000 donation toward that purchase.
Fire-department leadership briefed the council on emergency-response activity, reporting 108 fire calls for the year (a 16% increase over the prior year) and average turnout and response times. The fire department noted volunteer members donated thousands of hours and that volunteer stipend practice remains consistent with state-mandated minimums.
