Police Chief Chat

The Rolla Police Department handled 874 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 42 arrests, 26 accidents, 67 traffic complaints, 175 traffic stops, 44 follow up investigations, 13 suspicious nature calls, 12 loud noise complaints, 27 assists of other agencies, 6 fingerprint requests, 3 benevolent fund requests, 4 soliciting, 5 trespassing, 13 escorts, 4 narcotics complaints and 19 public relations contacts. This call total is up 91 calls from last week. Yet, another busy week!

Next Friday, October 1st, the Rolla Police Department and the Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance will be conducting our 3rd Annual Operation Neighborhood Clean-Up. Operation Clean-up began in 2008 when the Rolla Police Department teamed with the Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance to provide clean-up and beautification services to the residents in parts of the city where the property owners were unable to perform these duties themselves. The operation was designed to enhance the neighborhood’s sense of community and increase property values. The clean-up effort will involve tree trimming, hedge trimming and the removal of brush piles, household items and trash. Also supporting the operation will be Rolla Sanitation, Rolla Municipal Utilities, Rolla Parks and Recreation, Rolla Street Department, Fidelity Communications, CenturyLink and Rolla Fire and Rescue. In addition we also rely on hundreds of volunteers from area churches, businesses and the community to complete the operation. This year’s target area will be the area south of 7th to Hwy 72 and then in between Elm and Rolla Gardens. We will begin the operation at 6:00 a.m. at the Christian Life Center located at 305 E. 1st St. If you would like to help contact S/Sgt. Rick Williams at 308-1213.

This past week four of our communications personnel had the opportunity to attend the Missouri APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) Conference in Jefferson City. This annual conference focuses on offering training for dispatchers, supervisors and technical support personnel as well as offering many positive networking opportunities. Some of the training topics they attended were Fire Dispatch, MULES updates, Amber Alerts, Victim Automatic Notification System, Media Relations, Radio Narrowband Mandate, Suicide in law enforcement and Communication Standards. Attending the conference this year was Telecommunicator Matt Goss, Communications Supervisors Stacey Smith, Communications Supervisor Scott Olds and Communications Chief Paula Volkmer.

Also this past week we were saddened to hear about the passing of Ann Freeman who passed on Sunday, September 19th. Among many other talents, Ann was a school crossing guard stationed many years at the intersection of Soest Road and Salem Avenue. Many of you will remember her for her for the joyfully dramatic way in which she greeted everyone as she lovingly performed her duties. In spite of rain, cold, heat and heavy traffic, Ann always had a smile on her face and would greet passing motorists with her matronly bow. We have lost a good friend and a major contribution to the “Good Life” here in Rolla.

On Thursday, a citizen came to my office to tell me that Rolla Police Sgt. Jeremy Martens is not only a great officer but also a great person. The citizen said that he had been involved in a minor traffic accident this morning, and that Sgt. Martens was dispatched to the scene. Sgt. Martens worked the accident and then changed his tire on the citizen’s vehicle as it had been damaged in the collision. Sgt. Martens then followed him and noticed that his car was not driving properly, so he called a tow truck and got him to a garage to have it worked on. Sgt Martens then told him if he did not have a ride to get home to call him and he would give him a ride home. Outstanding job Sgt Martens. We can’t do this all the time because of our work load, but it’s nice when we can. The citizen also says that he appreciates our Police Department and even the Chief! I liked that!

Don’t forget our upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run “Trivia Night” to benefit Special Olympics, to be held Saturday, October 16, 2010. Teams of up to 10 members will answer 10 questions on 10 different topics. The team with the most correct answers will be declared “Champion” and will be honored with the coveted “traveling trophy” and will be awarded free berth to our 2011 Trivia night. Cost per team is $100 donation to Special Olympics. Our special guest emcee is Honorable Judge John Wiggins. Dinner will be provided and a cash bar is available. Teams slots are filling rapidly so contact S/Sgt. Rick Williams to enter a team. It is a night of fun and suspense and all proceeds benefit our Special Olympic athletes.

In closing, we would like to thank those of you that ventured out to Love's Truck Stop last Friday night to "Gas up for a Good Cause". Rolla Police Officers and Phelps County Sheriff's Deputies pumped gas and cleaned windshields and were able to raise over $800.00 for the Children's Miracle Network. This was our 4th year for the event and our biggest so far. Special thanks to Phelps County Sheriff Rick Lisenbe and his crew for their assistance in this event.

Have a great week!

Chief Mark Kearse