Police calls down slightly from May

Police calls down slightly from May

MOUNT VERNON – The Police Department had 1,416 total calls for service during June. This was slightly down from the 1,482 calls in May, but still higher than the year’s first four months.

The June service calls included traffic stops where 177 citations were issued.

The community advocate handled 253 dispositions, with nine of them for disturbances and 22 for domestic violence. Another three were for drugs. He took 15 calls in which an individual threatened suicide, while another was handled by other personnel.

For the month, 46 arrests were made.

“We get busier in the summertime,” Morgan said.

Police, fire chiefs report safe Fourth of July in Mount Vernon

The city had a good, safe Fourth of July celebration and weekend, Mount Vernon Police Chief Robert Morgan and Fire Chief Chad Christopher told the Mount Vernon News, with no major incidents reported.

The Police Department did receive some calls about fireworks, as residents are still learning about the new statewide law on fireworks implemented last year. In the past, Ohioans were not allowed to set off any fireworks.

Traffic was managed well with the activities at Ariel-Foundation Park, he said.

Christopher also reported no major incidents on the EMS side, no fireworks injuries and no wildland or structure fires caused by fireworks.

“We did see a lot of residential fireworks this year going on,” he said. “So I was wondering how safe that was going to be, and it turned out that actually that it was pretty safe.”

PAK United takes kids fishing

Another PAK United event, a fishing day for the kids, was held at Ariel-Foundation Park, Morgan said. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources brought its archery trailer to the event.

Rick’s Sporting Goods donated some bait and tackle. About 25 kids showed up, and while few fish were caught, Morgan said much fun was had.

PAK United also held a dodgeball event on Thursday at the Mount Vernon High School Fieldhouse.

Fire crews train on ventilation methods

All three fire crews underwent training on vertical and horizontal ventilation. Christopher said firefighters were able to use storage unit properties off Harcourt Road for the training.

“That was great training with our new, current and older employees,” he said.

They practiced cutting on wood and metal roofs, garage doors and other materials.

Jim Morey has retired after 25 years of service with the Fire Department, Christopher said. His retirement was effective July 8.