By Abigail Roberts
The Stanford Fire Department had a busy September, responding to 71 calls for service.
The department continued to handle a mix of fire, EMS assist, rescue, hazardous-condition and service calls while managing staffing shortages, according to a report from SFD Chief Scott Maples.
Maples said 37% of shifts had inadequate coverage during the month, which is an improvement from the past few months. The report said two firefighters left the department and two hires are in process to fill those positions.
Three new fire hydrants have been installed, replacing non-functional hydrants on McKinny Court, Maxwell Street and Martins Court. Three hydrants have been repaired on Moon Street, Cain Run Road and Hilltopper Drive.
“Some of these hydrants had been out of service for more than 20 years,” the report states. “One additional hydrant replacement and three more repairs are scheduled for October.”
Maples also noted a major fire incident that SFD responded to on Sept. 18. Crews responded to a structure fire on Redwood Drive. All five occupants escaped safely but the home was a total loss and a nearby residence sustained minor damage.
“Extreme he was an issue but no injuries were reported,” the report states.
SFD responded to the following incident types in September:
- altered mental status – 1
- breathing problems – 9
- cancelled – 11
- chest pain (non-trauma) – 2
- citizen assist/service call – 5
- controlled burning (authorized) – 3
- convulsions/seizures – 3
- fall – 7
- fire alarm – 2
- gas leak/gas odor – 1
- heart problems – 5
- motor vehicle collision – 8
- motor vehicle collision extrication/entrapment – 1
- nausea – 1
- overdose/poisoning – 1
- psychological behavior issues – 1
- sick case – 2
- stroke/CVA – 2
- structural involvement – 1
- trash/rubbish fire – 1
- unconscious victim – 2
- unknown problem – 1
- vegetation/grass fire – 1
The Stanford Police Department (SPD) reported a total of 674 CAD (computer-aided dispatch) activities for September consisting of various different call types.
There were 27 incidents/cases opened which included thefts, assaults, domestic, drug-related and other criminal activity that required further investigation than a typical call for service.
SPD Officers conducted 130 traffic stops issuing various warnings, count/citations for traffic violations.
There were 43 citations written with over 57 charges in September.
SPD Officers responded to 32 traffic collisions, 9 of which were injury-involved collisions.
There were 19 arrests made in September on charges including drug possession, DUI-related offenses, disorderly conduct, domestic violence assault, traffic related incidents and outstanding warrant services.
OFFICER SPOTLIGHT:
Below are the top 3 officers in their respective categories for September:
Total activity: 1. J. Milburn; 2. P. Middleton; 3. K. Phipps
Total reports: 1. M. Southerland; 2. J. Williams; 3. G. Hill
Enforcement: 1. J. Milburn; 2. M. Southerland; 3. K. Phipps
In a monthly report, SPD Chief Zach Middleton said Officer John M. Root has been hired to fill a vacant patrol position. Officer Root transferred from the Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office and came highly recommended by previous employers and peers. He will be assigned to a third-shift patrol. SPD is currently working to fill the remaining vacant positions and currently have a hiring process underway with both certified and non-certified applicants.
With the retirement of Captain Jeremy Garrison at the end of the fiscal year, Sgt. Greg Hill will be moving into the administrative captain position.
“Knowing these changes were coming, along with the number of new officers we anticipate hiring in the near future, we have evaluated our staffing needs and budgeted for the potential of having two Sergeants if the need arises,” Middleton wrote in the report. “This will assist with the administrative and supervisory duties and allow us to have a supervisor assigned to every shift.”
Middleton said it has already been a busy fall with schools back in full swing and various events taking place.
On Saturday, Oct. 10 there will be a car and motorcycle show organized by Eddie Sowers to benefit the annual Detective Tim Morris Shop with a Cop event. The event will take place behind Main Street, behind the Presbyterian Church and Buzz Walker Building, as well as a portion of Main Street if needed. There will also be a JD Shelbourne concert behind the courthouse that evening as part of the Music festival.
Stanford Code Enforcement reported 12 violations for the month of September. A total of two citations were issued and one abatement was reported.
Code Enforcement issued two building permits and reviewed one plat.
A total of 26 business licenses were issued or renewed in September.
The Stanford Water Department reported that they are in the final design of a rehab project for the city’s 26-year-old water treatment plant.
“We are currently working on upgrading a water booster pump station near Will Chancelor Road,” the report states. “This will help boost the pressure to the houses above Old U.S. 150.”
Depending on the rainfall in the next couple of weeks, the department may ask for volunteer water conservation.
“We speak with the state on a weekly basis and are talking through the process,” the report states.
