Police report shows 228 calls in February; town considers outdoor AEDs for parks

The town's police official (S4) reported February activity and outlined public‑safety priorities at the meeting. "For February, we had 228 calls for service," S4 said, adding the month included 101 traffic stops, seven assisted fire/medic calls, 14 vehicle crashes (five injury crashes), nine disturbances and 14 intoxicated or reckless driver complaints.

S4 reported that one officer (Askins) is progressing through field training and that Eric Wood is working with restrictions; the police department currently has one vacant fifth position and is exploring recruiting and training options. The department also said it is in early stages of planning an expansion of the town AED program, with a proposal to add outdoor, publicly accessible AEDs at Blue Line Park and possibly Ferndale if a grant from a health foundation is secured. S4 said some outdoor cases are heated and alarmed and that costs and grant availability will drive next steps.

The fire department (S2) told the council it is compiling plans for an open house to mark its 175th anniversary. S2 said the department plans to sell a Tahoe that had served as the chief's vehicle to fund kitchen improvements; proceeds would be used to install cabinets and other labor‑saving upgrades. S2 also reported that brush truck 2069 needs a motor and that the department has sought quotes from diesel specialists in Lafayette and across northern Indiana.

No formal votes were taken on the public‑safety topics; both departments requested staff follow‑up on grant opportunities and procurement steps. The council adjourned at 7:17 p.m.