Forest Park reports drop in crime; fire department logs 438 calls in March

Forest Park public‑safety leaders told a Ward One community meeting that the city has seen measurable declines in crime while the fire department continues to bolster emergency response capacity.

"Citywide crime is down 20.3%," Captain Skeleton of the Forest Park Police Department reported, adding that Ward One experienced a 13.6% decline. He encouraged residents to join the Citizens Police Academy and said the department is accepting applications for senior police officer openings via the city website, forestparkga.gov.

Deputy Chief May said the fire department logged about 438 calls in March, with an average turnout time of roughly two minutes and an average total response time near six and a half minutes. "The majority of these calls for this month was related to EMS," he said, and he noted the department handled 22 mutual‑aid calls and the fire marshal's office completed about 40 inspections that month.

May announced personnel and equipment updates: firefighter Travis Taylor passed his paramedic certification and is now serving street assignments as a paramedic; the department is onboarding two additional medics and expects delivery next week of two long‑awaited rescue trucks that should relieve pressure on an aging rescue fleet. Crews have also been servicing hydrants across the city to meet Insurance Services Office requirements, he said.

Police and code‑compliance staff also reported enforcement activity. Officer Jacobs described recent notices of violation that have been addressed at 357 and 367 Green Hill Way, ongoing documentation being gathered for abatement at 456 Green Hill Way, and follow‑up inspections tied to a citywide business‑license initiative that began April 13 on the southwest side of Jonesboro Road. A quality‑of‑life inspection at 4233 Jonesboro Road found accumulation of rubbish, missing or expired business licensing, and broken windows and doors.

Officials repeatedly reminded residents that Georgia Milestone testing for students will take place the week of April 27 through May 4 and urged attendance during that window.

The meeting did not record any formal votes or policy actions; officials framed the discussion as operational updates and outreach to residents about programs, inspections and recruitment.