Covington County Sheriff’s Office (MS) Completes Implementation of Caliber Public Safety Suite

Covington County Sheriff’s Office (MS) Completes Implementation of Caliber Public Safety Suite

Lenox has given final approval to plans to build a $25 million public safety complex. (MA)

Lenox has given final approval to plans to build a $25 million public safety complex. (MA)

LENOX — The town’s plan for a $25 million public safety complex is a go.

The Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to the site plan for the project, paving the way for construction of the new facilities for the police and fire departments and Lenox Ambulance EMS to begin this spring. Completion is expected by the end of 2025.

“I’m 110 percent in favor,” longtime ZBA member Jedd Hall said of the “long overdue” complex.

“It’s a great location, a great project,” he said. “It will improve everything and streamline police and fire for public safety.”

Work on Lenox's $25 million public safety complex is ready to begin. There's just one last step

Addressing the need for a new facility has been a work in progress for 10 years, as the police and fire departments have long outgrown their current downtown headquarters. Funding was approved unanimously by special town meeting voters in December 2022.

The 5-acre construction site area is at the northeast intersection of Housatonic Street and Route 7/20 on 19.6 acres of commercially zoned and vacant woodlands that contained a gravel pit and quarry from the 1920s through the 1960s.

The building will be topped by a 150-foot transmission tower for police, fire and ambulance emergency services, expanding the reach of public safety radio and wireless communications, with future capacity for any other town needs.


The Lenox Fire station

The Lenox Fire Station (red roof) is located next to Town Hall in an obsolete, cramped facility dating from 1909. The town’s zoning board has approved a $25 million public safety complex at the northeast intersection of Route 7/20 and Housatonic Street. Construction is expected to begin this spring.

Nearby resident Kate McNulty-Vaughan pointed out that the tower would be ideal for co-location by a wireless cellphone carrier in order to improve widespread low- and no-signal areas in the town.

“It would be wonderful if we could piggyback on that to improve cell service in the town,” ZBA Chairman Robert Fuster Jr. agreed. Any wireless carrier would need a zoning board special permit and a two-thirds voter approval at a town meeting.

Hall also supported the potential wireless carrier use of the transmission tower, pointing to useless signals in Lenox Dale, where he lives.

Fuster called the project “excellent, very much needed” and commended Police Chief Stephen O’Brien and Fire Chief Chris O’Brien for their patience during the many years required to locate and approve a site.

There are no endangered species nor wetland concerns within the purview of the Conservation Commission at the location, said Carlos Nieto, landscape specialist from Berkshire Design Group of Northampton, hired by the town to prepare the site plan.

The design calls for energy-efficient, downward-facing lighting, dimmed unless triggered by sensors, sparing neighbors from any impact, he said.

The only access to the facility will be a driveway from Housatonic Street opposite Caligari’s Hardware.

The facility can accommodate expansion for several additional employees in each public safety department, if and when needed, said Jim Hanifan of Caolo & Bieniek Architects in Chicopee.

ZBA member Kimberly Duval, who later voted in favor of the project, voiced strong appreciation for the town’s police and fire departments, but wondered “why this is necessary or prudent in any way in this climate of rising construction costs, why we need to be building a new facility, cutting down a forest, working around vernal pools and a ledge … to meet the needs of a town that’s not growing.”


LENOXENGINE-1.jpg

Firefighter Josh Romero, left, and Deputy Chief Jason Saunders wash Engine 1 at the Lenox firehouse in June 2021. The obsolete 1909 downtown fire station, where new equipment has to be special-ordered to fit the cramped space, will be replaced by a new public safety complex soon to be constructed on Route 7/20.

Stephen O’Brien responded that “we need more space,” noting the police force is in the process of staffing up from nine to 13 and from four cruisers to six. “What we have is totally outdated, and this is the obvious way to go.”

Select Board Chairman Edward Lane pointed out that four other sites for a new facility were explored. But this location turned out to be the best spot, second only to a Brushwood Farm location that was unusable because of wetland issues.

He described the current Town Hall basement housing the police department as “woefully inadequate for any kind of modern police work.” Lane also noted that special firetrucks have to be acquired to fit in the obsolete 1909 fire station next to Town Hall.

And ZBA member Arthur Oliver noted that “it’s easier to start over and build something new than to fix something that’s not fixable.”

During public comment, resident Michael Wilser of nearby Stone Ledge Road inquired about the impact of potential blasting during construction.

Lenox voters kill a proposed wireless communications bylaw. They back $70 million for a wastewater plant upgrade and a new public safety complex

Nieto said it appears blasting is not expected to be necessary.

The replacement for the outmoded fire station, as well as the code-challenged police station and ambulance garage in the basement of Town Hall, will be financed through a federally subsidized, long-term 30- or 40-year loan.

While there’s no plan yet for the vacated police and fire stations, Town Manager Christopher Ketchen has said that the $25 million “all-in” project cost includes provisions for necessary alterations and upgrades at those downtown sites for potential reuse.

Celebrating UCF Public Safety’s 2023 Achievements (FL)

Celebrating UCF Public Safety’s 2023 Achievements (FL)

UCF Public Safety celebrated the achievements of officers, staff members and community partners at their annual awards ceremony hosted by the former voice of the Knights, Erik Kohler.

Each year, the department recognizes winners of their life-saving and Of the Year awards — who are featured more in depth below. Winners of commendations, community partnership awards and physical abilities awards are also recognized at the ceremony.

After being nominated and voted on by their peers, winners were selected and reviewed by award committee members.

2023 Of the Year and Life-saving Award Winners

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Clery Compliance Analyst Debbie Pope (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Civilian Employee of the Year: Debbie Pope

Debbie Pope has one of the most difficult positions in the department, yet seems to manage it with ease and grace. She studied vigorously to attain her Clery Compliance Officer Certification — becoming the first person to ever achieve this prestigious status at UCF — and has successfully created and launched a Clery Compliance Webcourses training module. To determine who needed to take this required training, she led the effort for the Campus Security Authority (CSA) Identification project, working alongside HR and Compliance to review thousands of job codes at UCF to identify potential CSAs on campus. Pope is fiercely passionate about coordinating fundraising events to support Special Olympics and has worked with them on both a local and national level to bring ideas and enthusiasm to their mission.

Civilian Supervisor of the Year: Michael Charles
Dispatch Supervisor Michael Charles. (Photo courtesy of the UCF Police Department)

Michael Charles has been a part of the public safety team for more than 20 years, consistently leading by example. With staffing shortages plaguing the UCF Police Department (UCFPD)’s Communications Center, he was always available to cover shifts, even canceling a weeklong planned vacation to assist with coverage. He racked up over 400 hours of overtime, with more than 50 12-hour shifts. Charles has provided critical training to several new dispatchers, often while also taking calls on night shift, and regularly checks in with his teammates both personally and professionally.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Roman Watkins (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year: Roman Watkins

Mental health is a growing concern, as we have seen those in our community struggle more than ever before. Officer Roman Watkins has been involved with multiple de-escalations, with the most noteworthy one being his response to a student who was threatening to jump off of a campus parking garage. Once on scene, Officer Watkins established a rapport with the individual by listening to what was troubling him. The student agreed to a voluntary Baker Act but was worried about his family not being able to contact him. Officer Watkins went above and beyond and, after getting permission, contacted the student’s mother to tell her where he would be and how she could get ahold of him.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), dispatcher Tiffany Ortiz (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Dispatcher of the Year: Tiffany Ortiz

Dispatchers are an invaluable asset that not only affect their agency and its officers, but also members of the public who depend on that voice on the other end of the phone in an emergency. Since joining UCFPD in 2022, Tiffany Ortiz has made a significant impact in the two years she has been here. She is always willing to fill in due to staffing shortages and recently earned a certification to assist with training new dispatchers. Ortiz received several nominations, all of which praised her calm demeanor and ability to relay information quickly and effectively, often before officers even ask.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Matheus Flores (left middle), officer Jeffrey Hopkins (right middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
DUI Officers of the Year: Matheus Flores and Jeffrey Hopkins

It’s up to all of us to keep our roads safe, and UCFPD is committed to stopping impaired driving on campus and in the surrounding area. The DUI Officer of the Year award is given based on statistics, and this year was a tie between officers Matheus Flores and Jeffrey Hopkins, who both had five DUI arrests each in 2023. While this number may not seem exceptionally large, these types of arrests are often limited due to UCFPD’s jurisdictional boundaries and participation in county-wide details. Impaired drivers can forever change the lives of hundreds of people in a fatal crash, but because of the efforts of these two officers, 10 of them never had the chance.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Matheus Flores (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Field Training Officer of the Year: Matheus Flores

UCFPD has high expectations for their new officers and provides them with a robust training program that includes eight weeks of classroom work followed by three months of field training with an experienced officer. Officer Matheus Flores consistently volunteers every rotation, whether for a full phase or just for a few days to give other field training officers a break. He is a wealth of knowledge for our new officers due to his experience on patrol, and brings a unique perspective to the role thanks to his stint with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation.

From left to right: Maj. Derrick Stockdreher, Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS, officer Lee Smith, Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow, Cmdr. Pete Osterrieder. (Photo by UCF Public Safety)
Officer of the Year: Lee Smith

It was clear from the start that when officer Lee Smith joined UCFPD, he had an immeasurable heart of service and a willingness to always try to do the right thing. He excelled in 2023 — from becoming a patrol investigator and Field Training Officer to receiving his certification as a drone operator. He found his niche by enforcing traffic laws on our campus and holding violators accountable for dangerous driving, which is critical to public safety on a campus with thousands of vehicles and pedestrians every day. In 2023, Smith completed 780 traffic stops, issued 683 traffic citations and made 28 traffic-related arrests as a result. Due to his enforcement, he effectively changed the driving patterns of our campus community to a safer and law-abiding environment.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Luz Garcia (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Partner of the Year: Luz Garcia

Luz Garcia is responsible for keeping UCFPD in tip-top shape. She always has a smile on her face and is kind to everyone she meets. Often required to work holidays and over breaks, she goes out of her way to ensure everyone has what they need and isn’t afraid to alert her supervisors if she notices something wrong in the building. One nomination cited an example when she came rushing over to help clean up a spill and insisted the person leave to go pick up their child from school while she took care of the mess.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Andres Carbone (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Rookie of the Year: Andres Carbone

Although law enforcement is not new to officer Andres Carbone, in his brief time here at UCF he has quickly become one of the most proactive officers in the agency. As a Drug Recognition Expert, he consistently volunteers his time for DUI cases and frequently assists in setting up training for his squad. He has worked closely with our detectives on cases to sharpen his investigative skills and has expressed interest in threat management training. Officer Carbone has brought experience from previous agencies and applied it to ours, contributing to the success of our department and officers.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Sgt. Pete Stephens (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Sworn Supervisor of the Year: Pete Stephens

Sgt. Pete Stephens officially oversees a small team of civilian employees but also supervises countless officers working traffic and special event details. Often called the “backbone of the department” and the “hardest working guy in the building,” he is pivotal in ensuring campus events are staffed, often volunteering for details himself when there are not enough officers to fill spots and providing extensive manual labor to ensure successful and safe events. He is incredibly busy, but always willing to lend a hand or support his team. Stephens is an exceptional problem-solver — probably due to his love of puzzles and Wordle — and always willing to work with others to produce creative solutions to issues.

In addition to their regular duties and case load, this remarkable four-person team has maintained and built relationships with campus and community partners, presented and attended several conferences and meetings across the state and more. (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Team of the Year: Threat Management (Bianca Becker, Allura Bennett, Delaney Kirwin-Moore, Frank Imparato)

Keeping the UCF campus safe and secure is a big job, and one we do not take lightly at UCF Public Safety. That’s why we assess all potential threats and persons of concerns that are reported to us and the university. For the past year, this four-person team has a true passion for the work they do. They were instrumental in maintaining the level of care and service the team is expected to, while also developing it for the better. These individuals have maintained and built relationships with campus and community partners, presented at 12 different college campuses, attended the Master Trainer program, presented and attended several conferences and meetings across the state — all on top of their regular duties and case load.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Sgt. Alan Elliot (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Life-saving award: Alan Elliot, Katie Marts, Dan Ryley

A student sustained life-threatening injuries after crashing headfirst into a brick wall while riding an electric scooter near the Recreation and Wellness Center. Sgt. Alan Elliot and officer Dan Ryley were able to provide aid while waiting for Orange County Fire Rescue to arrive, including clearing the patient’s airway several times and applying direct pressure to his wound. Officer Katie Marts was also on-scene to check for any additional injuries and provide support. The patient was ultimately transported as a trauma alert to the hospital in critical, unstable condition, where his family was told that he likely would not have survived without the aid provided by officers.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Anthony Mancuso (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Life-saving award: Anthony Mancuso

When a fatigued student crashed into a light pole on campus and flipped her vehicle, officer Anthony Mancuso sprang into action. The student was uninjured in the crash, but fluid was leaking from the car with live wires nearby. After assessing the situation, Mancuso quickly began punching the windshield with only a gloved hand to rescue her and suffered significant cuts in the process. He was later transported to the hospital and received several stitches.

Students Graduate Friday From 74th 911 Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course (SD)

Students Graduate Friday From 74th 911 Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course (SD)

{KXLG -Roberts County, SD} South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley congratulates the 20 students who will graduate from the state Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course on Friday. Including Katerina Lykins from the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office and Janie Luper from the South Dakota State University Police.

These students represent 15 different law enforcement or communication centers statewide, and Friday’s graduation will complete a two-week course for them.

“These new telecommunicators will be among the first voices people hear when they call 911 with an emergency,” said Attorney General Jackley, who will be the guest speaker at Friday’s graduation. “Their role is invaluable since they are the ones who relay emergency information to first responders.”

The two-week course includes training and hands-on exercises on issues such as public safety telecommunications, how to respond to questions from the caller, how to handle both emergency and non-emergency calls for service, and how to prioritize multiple incidents at once.

The members of the 74th session of the Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course and their law enforcement organization are:

  • – Bailee Ackerman, Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
  • – McKenzie Bachmann, Winner Police Department.
  • – Amber Ball, Spearfish Police Department.
  • – Parker DeRouchey, Meade County Sheriff’s Office.
  • – Collette Fickbohm, Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
  • – Colette Habbena, Spink County Sheriff’s Office.
  • – Brooke Jensen, Edmunds County Sheriff’s Office.
  • – Katelyn Keller, Mobridge Police Department.
  • – Samantha Kruger, Metro Communications.
  • – Emelia Larsen, Pennington County Emergency Services Communication Center.
  • – Gina Nenstiel, Spearfish Police Department.
  • – Kevin Oberbroeckling, Charles Mix County 911 Sheriff’s Office.
  • – David Petrick, Charles Mix County 911 Sheriff’s Office.
  • – Ashley Pinkelman, Clay Area Emergency Communications.
  • – Julia Pittman, Huron Department Public Safety/State Radio.
  • – Shanden Reiners, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
  • – Madeline Schreier, Metro Communications.
  • – Joseph Stiegel, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Instructors for the course were staff from the state Division of Criminal Investigation’s Office of Law Enforcement Training, part of the Attorney General’s Office; experienced 911 telecommunicators from across the state; and public safety stakeholders. Friday’s graduation starts at 3:30 p.m. in the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre.

PETTIS COUNTY GIS DIRECTOR RECEIVES STATEWIDE RECOGNITION (MO)

PETTIS COUNTY GIS DIRECTOR RECEIVES STATEWIDE RECOGNITION (MO)

pettis-county-gis-director-james-theisen

Pettis County GIS Director James Theisen was awarded Information Technologist of the Year by the Missouri Public Safety Communications Conference (MPSCC). This recognition reflects Theisen’s dedication and contributions to the field of emergency communications.

Having served Pettis County for over three decades, Theisen has demonstrated unwavering commitment and expertise in his role as GIS Director. His approach and technological prowess have significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of public safety communications systems throughout the region. Director Theisen also serves as the Commission representative on the Pettis County Joint Communications 911 Advisory Board.

In light of this achievement, Presiding Commissioner Bill Taylor remarked, “The Commission appreciates all of James’s hard work and he is well deserving of this honor.”

The Pettis County Commission extends its heartfelt congratulations to James Theisen on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to his continued contributions.

Emergency Response Receives $3M Grant for Countywide Radio Communications Project (NY)

Poughkeepsie, NY… Dutchess County’s ambitious Consolidated Two-Way Radio System Project received a significant boost last week with a $3 million grant award from the New York Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services’ (DHSES) Interoperable Communications Targeted Grant program. County Executive Sue Serino announced the $3 million award will help offset the County’s costs as the Department of Emergency Response continues to facilitate the construction of a new interoperable, countywide public-safety radio network that will increase reliability and eliminate coverage gaps in radio communications among first responders.

The County’s Consolidated Two-Way Radio System Project is projected to cost $32 million in total. The Dutchess County Legislature unanimously authorized more than $18 million in serial bonds to fund the project. Additionally, the County has utilized American Rescue Program (ARP) funds and other state and federal funding sources to partially offset project costs. The new $3 million grant from New York State will help reduce the amount the County will need to secure through bonding, saving Dutchess an estimated $357,000 annually in principal, interest and fees.

County Executive Serino said, “In an emergency, seconds count, especially when trying to coordinate help between responding agencies and lives are potentially on the line. Our commitment to ensuring public safety hinges on first responders’ ability to communicate the details of an emergency quickly to be able to coordinate an efficient, response between agencies. Our Emergency Response team’s work on this challenging and complex project has put Dutchess County at the forefront in the state for addressing these critical communications challenges. We appreciate Governor Hochul and the DHSES recognizing this work and providing additional support for this critical investment.”

The grant will help purchase a Project 25 (P25) digital radio system, which once installed will help bring multiple agencies into a single emergency radio communications system, ensuring smooth, direct communication between Dutchess County first responders as well surrounding counties’ agencies and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department. In addition to improving communication between agencies and disciplines (fire, emergency medical services and law enforcement), the P25 system will significantly improve communications coverage across the County, increase system resiliency and incorporate emerging technologies.

Emergency Response Commissioner Dana Smith said, “Emergency communications infrastructure is critical to preventing gaps in coverage that could prove fatal in an emergency. Once complete, our new radio system will be used by every EMS, fire and law enforcement agency in the county, creating both cost savings and greater interoperability between our 9-1-1 center and the various agencies.”

P25 is a set of standards—established by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO), the National Association of State Telecommunications Directors (NASTD), federal agencies, and the National Communications System (NCS), and standardized under the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)—manufacturers can follow to ensure their equipment can communicate with equipment produced by other manufacturers.

The County’s radio project, which began in 2022, has included the identification, design and construction of 19 additional radio tower sights throughout Dutchess County. It is anticipated that construction of these sites, as well as installation of equipment, will begin later this year, with testing scheduled for late 2025.

Dutchess County was one of eight counties to be awarded funding through the New York State 2023 Statewide Interoperable Communications Targeted Grant Program. The program focuses on closing gaps in National Interoperability channels implementation and enhancing regional alliance, ensuring that county communication systems remain capable to support multijurisdictional response.