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Fire and police give monthly reports; chiefs outline grants, equipment needs and traffic-data pilot
Summary
Fire and police chiefs reviewed October activity for North College Hill: fire incidents averaged near 225/month and the department is applying for federal grants; police reported 92 offenses in October, rising mutual-aid runs and a proposed traffic-speed data system quoted at about $9,500 (with a $4,000 limited‑time discount). The fire levy passage was highlighted as a major win for the department.
At the Nov. 5 meeting, North College Hill’s fire and police chiefs gave monthly reports and described pending grant applications and equipment plans.
Fire Chief Blackey said the department’s monthly incident average remains near 225, reported recent apparatus and preventative maintenance, and described completed cast-iron piping repairs at the firehouse. He said the department is preparing a needs assessment to apply for Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and SAFER grants and has submitted a $16,000 application for multi-agency radio communications equipment. "I was extremely humbled" by the passage of the department’s fire levy, Blackey told the committee, thanking residents for support.
Police Chief Cheney reported 92 offenses and 77 arrests for October, and said citations were slightly down while calls for service remain steady. He noted mutual-aid responses have increased to about 30–40 per month amid regional staffing strains. Cheney said the department applied for a body-worn camera grant and was recognized by the state for Ohio Collaborative levels 1 and 2. He also described a possible vendor for comprehensive automated speed data that would cover a large share of town streets; one vendor price discussed was $9,500 with a limited-year-end $4,000 discount and month-to-month data backfill.
Both chiefs encouraged continued partnership with council on budgeting for equipment and grant match obligations. The police department also promoted a community "Karma Cruiser" Thanksgiving event set for Nov. 22 at Kroger.
What’s next: chiefs will continue grant pursuits and return with updates and cost details for proposed equipment and traffic-data services as the 2026 budget process advances.
