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Brentwood departments report winter-storm response and public-safety trends
Summary
City police, fire/EMS and public works reported on snow operations and crime statistics during the Jan. 28 committee meeting: public works outlined route staffing and street-clearing efforts after roughly 9–10 inches of snow; fire/EMS described UTV staffing and eight service calls; police reported a 21% drop in crime in 2025 and increases in traffic enforcement.
Brentwood’s Public Safety Committee heard detailed department reports Jan. 28 on the city’s response to two back-to-back winter storms, operational adjustments and recent crime trends.
Public works (Dan) told the committee crews ran staggered A/B shifts through the storm, noted about 9–10 inches of snow in the area (an official 9.5-inch count was cited for nearby Richmond Heights), and described how crews prioritized main routes, cul-de-sacs and sidewalks across the city’s 44 lane miles. Staff documented equipment use, heavier truck odometer readings from repeated passes, and some damaged infrastructure — a pedestrian flashing sign was struck and the solar collector broken; staff saved parts for repair rather than filing a claim.
Fire and EMS reported operational changes to improve access during icy conditions: the department added two personnel to staff a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) for ambulance access and patient loading when streets were slick, and ran eight calls during the 48-hour event. The fire chief noted one sprinkler-pipe failure at a Hanley Industrial Court address that required a shutoff and follow-up with public works.
Police described winter patrol and broader crime statistics: the department tallied 48 storm-related incidents in the 48-hour period with only two traffic accidents (one minor). The chief also presented 2025 year-end data showing about a 21% reduction in overall crime compared with 2024 (approximately 80 fewer offenses), including a notable drop in car-related crime (62 incidents in 2025, down from 169 in earlier years) and substantial retail-theft activity still concentrated in commercial areas. Police credited increased retail detective presence, prosecution practices, and surveillance (123 Flock camera hits in 2025) as contributing factors.
Departments flagged next steps: public works will follow up with county authorities about snow pushed into city lanes on Brentwood Boulevard, fire/EMS will monitor GEMT reimbursement changes discussed later in the meeting, and police will continue targeted traffic enforcement during high-risk hours (1–3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and emphasize retail-area detective coverage.
The committee had no formal vote on the reports but acknowledged staff efforts in storm response and interdepartmental coordination.
