The beginning of summer usually means the police department is busier than usual. This year has been no exception. Calls for service are up and our staffing is still down. Our two injured officers are still out. Were hoping to get Officer Sytsma back in the middle of July. There is no time line for the return of Officer Wetherbee to full duty at this point. He is now on light duty here at the PD.

The Longest Day Parkway ride event in the Sandy Bluff Neighborhood was a success. Thanks to all who organized and participated in the event. It was a great location to have it. The traffic control problems were very minor and it looked like everyone enjoyed themselves. Special thanks to Reserve Officers Crombie, Freeman and Thornton for volunteering their time to make sure everyone was safe at the event.

On June 9th, oral board interviews were held for our new officer recruit process. We have selected one of the applicants to the background investigation phase which will take more than a month to complete. As soon as a job offer is made, I will let the council know. Were hoping to have someone ready to go for the DPSST academy that begins in October of this year. I’d also like to thank department heads Lisa Young, Tanya Richardson and Andi Howell for helping out with the oral board interview process. It was an all day commitment from each of them and it was very much appreciated.

The coming few months will be a challenge with our low staffing issues so my administrative staff is busy with scheduling officers for overtime shifts etc.