By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
The New Washington Police Department added another officer to the force during Monday night’s Village Council meeting. The new officer was not the two-legged variety, but the four-legged kind.
During his report to Village Council New Washington Police Chief Jeff Shook explained to council that Officer Krystal Kessler had brought in her K-9, Blaze, which she had trained herself and certified through the OPATA so it would be allowed to use on the streets. Shook said that Blaze would be great for public relations when going into the schools.
Shook also said that with Blaze as part of the force, and the County Sheriff having a K-9 the village wouldn’t have to rely on out of county assistance when in need of a K-9.
When asked about the added cost of having Blaze on the force Shook explained that the cost would be minimal to the village with no extra costs to cover Blaze. Council unanimously approved adding Blaze as an official member of the New Washington Police Force.
Shook also reported to Council that the police department had four weapons that were still in working condition, but that they were old and unused. Shook that he took the guns to Baker’s Sporting Goods to get a quote on prices for either trade in or sale. Baker’s Sporting Goods quoted the three .357s at $275 each and the Smith and Wesson .38, which had been used by former New Washington Police Chief James Patterson, at $290.
Shook explained that he wished to sell the three .357s, but have the firing pin from the .38 removed and be donated to the New Washington Historical Museum as the Smith and Wesson along with some gear of former Police Chief Patterson’s.
In Fire Chief Dick Ackerman’s report to Council he noted that seven fire masks need their elastic belts replaced as they are starting to fray. Ackerman explained that replacement belts would be $27, but some of the masks weren’t belt interchangeable, and that replacing those would be $150. Village Council approved the replacements.
New Washington Mayor Ben Lash explained to Ackerman and Council that safety was of the utmost importance.
“I want to have the firemen have what they need. I’m not interested in saving money for lowering the safety of our firefighters,” Mayor Lash said.
Ackerman also reported that the Fire Department has five new volunteers to the department. Ackerman explained to Council that the firefighters are currently attending the fire department’s monthly practice sessions until they can get into the school for firefighters.
New Washington Council approved placing the property at 603 Scharf Street up for bid. The opening for the bids will be at the Village Office on July 27. The winning bidder will have 90 days to raze the house at the address.
New Washington Council approved using Dave Aichholz to change the exterior lighting over to LED at the Village Office as well as the Fire Station. The quote for the project from Aichholz was $660.