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Parma Heights reports strong police, fire recruitment and new K-9 program
Summary
City officials told council June 13 that police and fire recruiting are robust, a firefighter promotion is planned, a K-9 will begin training in two weeks, and joint active‑shooter training and protective gear for firefighters are scheduled this summer.
Council members heard June 13 that Parma Heights’ public safety departments are stepping up staffing and training amid several personnel changes.
Director of Safety Heffernan said the National Testing Network results show “the police have had 46 applicants with 2 openings, and fire has had 57 applicants and 3 openings.” Heffernan announced that Lieutenant Goodrich will retire and that Firefighter Jedlicka will be promoted to lieutenant; he also said a city K‑9 has been selected and that “training will begin two weeks from today.”
Heffernan described joint active‑shooter preparedness as a priority, saying police and fire “will train together and we've scheduled that for this summer.” He added that the fire department has four sets of body armor and Kevlar helmets available “in case the firefighters have to go into some place and make arrests.”
Members of council praised the departments’ work. Councilman Haase asked when council might meet the K‑9; Heffernan said “probably this fall.” Councilwoman DeSouza and Council President Tom Rounds both commended the Police Department’s coordination and the Citizens Police Academy for increasing understanding of police work.
Finance Director Iaconis added that the city has already received several donations toward the new K‑9 program. No formal personnel votes were taken during the report.
The council moved on to other agenda items after receiving the updates; an executive session on a separate matter followed later in the meeting.
