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Open House








By Joelyn Hansen

Thanks to CW22 (a.k.a. Sherri Barnes) we got some great pictures of our open house on Wednesday. Here are a few of those photos snapped during the evening.

For those able to make it, we appreciate you coming and taking part in the event. It was a lot of fun to show off our department. It was a good turn out and it really showed us that we have good community support.

For the those that missed it, we'll plan one for next year!

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Congratulations!

Officer Brandon Prince at his swearing in on Nov. 1

 
By Joelyn Hansen

Last week, one of our rookies graduated from POST Academy. That's a major accomplishment for police officers because it means their one step closer to being finished with their training.

Not only did he graduate, but he was also recognized with a couple of special awards -- "Sharpshooter" and "Double Fitness Possible".

Congratulations Brandon!

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Officers Honored

Sgt. Dave Frei
Officer Aaron Murdock
Officers Gabe Klepich
Officer Kyle Christopherson
Officer Bart Whiting



Officer Shawn Williams


Officer Lincoln McDonald

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
By Joelyn Hansen
 
 
This post is late. So, I didn't want to let too much more time go by before I failed to acknowledge nine officers that were recognized last week.
 
Officers work hard every day, but on a couple of occasions these nine officers really stepped up their game! Officers Bart Whiting, Lincoln McDonald, Aaron Murdock, Gabe Klepich, Shawn Williams, Jose Hernandez, Sgt. Dave Frei and Lt. Kay Edwards were honored for their efforts during the Bonneville County Fire on Christmas Eve.
 
On Dec. 24, 2012, when officers arrived at the scene of the fire, the halls and stairwells on third and second floors of the 85-year-old building had already begun to fill with smoke making it difficult for tenants to evacuate the building. One officer later described the scene as “chaos”.
Without regard for your own safety, you and your fellow officers played a pivotal role in the evacuation of residents out of the heavy, noxious, smoke-filled building. And then after assisting several people out of the building, you and your fellow officers returned again knocking on apartment doors to ensure no one was left behind.
Officer Kyle Christopherson was honored for his efforts in solving a group of car burglaries back in December. He took great initiative and determination in arresting the burglars responsible for breaking into numerous cars in the Carriage Gate Lane neighborhood back in December. Officer Christopherson used good police work in locating and arresting the burglars.
Here is a list of their awards:
v  Police Medal – Bart Whiting for carrying several people downstairs during the fire;
v  Life Saving Award – Jose Hernandez for assisting in the rescue of a 400 lb. person who was not able to walk on their own;
v  Life Saving Award – Officer Shawn Williams for assisting in the rescue of a 400 lb. person who was not able to walk on their own;
v  Commanders Commendation – Lieutenant Kay Edwards for assisting in the evacuation of residents of the Bonneville Hotel;
v  Commanders Commendation – Sergeant Dave Frei for assisting in the evacuation of residents of the Bonneville Hotel while off-duty;
v  Commanders Commendation – Officer Gabe Klepich for assisting in the evacuation of residents of the Bonneville Hotel while off-duty;
v  Commanders Commendation – Detective Lincoln McDonald for assisting in the evacuation of residents of the Bonneville Hotel while off-duty;
v  Commanders Commendation – Officer Aaron Murdock for assisting in the evacuation of residents of the Bonneville Hotel;
And, Captains Commendation – Officer Kyle Christopherson for apprehending the suspects in a string of vehicle burglaries in December 2012.


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IFPD Participates in Campaign Targeting Impaired Driving

 


By Joelyn Hansen

Thanks to KPVI last night we are getting the word out to people that we'll be stepping up patrols this weekend! With Sunday being St. Patrick's Day, we'll be focusing on DUIs. So please remember, if you're planning to celebrate with the Irish, get a designated driver!

IFPD Participates in Campaign Targeting Impaired Driving


For a safer St. Patrick’s Day, Bechen offers a few simple reminders:

- If alcohol will be consumed, designate a sober driver before going and give that person the car keys.

- If impaired, call a taxi, sober friend or family member to get home safely.

- Use available sober-rides programs.

- Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement.

- Wear your seat belt while in your car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle. These are the best defenses against an impaired driver.

- If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and help make other safe-travel arrangements.

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Staying Alert


By Joelyn Hansen

I'm amazed about the latest technology the IFPD and Bonneville County Sheriff's Office is offering to residents -- AlertID. If you've spoken to me in the last week I'm sure that I've mentioned to program at least once maybe even twice in our conversation. It's a great tool and I'm excited to tell people about it.

AlertID is a free service available online and on mobile applications to help protect your family and community. AlertID uses the most advanced technologies to create two-way communication between citizens and federal, state and local authorities to provide information on crime, sex offenders, terrorism, natural disasters, severe weather and other public safety concerns.

In the last couple of weeks I've spent much time exploring the capabilities of the program and I must say I'm impressed. I think you will be too.

I encourage you to sign-up and then talk to your neighbors about signing up.

I should mention that if you attend the IFPD Open House on March 20th you can learn more about it as I'll be showcasing AlertID.

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We're Back!!



By Joelyn Hansen

Many people have asked over the last couple of weeks if the IFPD is going to continue with the blog. The answer is YES!

With the transition of a new chief we've been extremely busy, but now were ready to get back to blogging! I hope that you're excited to have us back because we're excited to be back!

As just a quick update -- for those that don't know -- Mark McBride is our new Chief of Police at the department. He is definitely not new to the department. He has worked for the department for 33 years -- basically working in every division within the department! He's obviously up for the challenge!

As a way for you to get to know Chief McBride the IFPD will host a public open house on March 20th. It's not only a chance for you to meet Mark, but it's an opportunity to find out what is happening within our department and tour our facility.

I hope that you'll come, even if it's just to stopping by to say hello and get a cookie!

It will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at our police station, 605 N. Capital Ave.

We're also gearing up to start up the 38th Idaho Falls Police Citizen's Academy on April 10th. We are taking applications NOW! So be sure to apply ASAP! If you haven't heard about this class it's definitely worth your while. You'll get to learn about different aspects of law enforcement through hands-on learning. Plus, it's a great way to get to know some of our officers!

I hope to see many of you at our open house or at the academy!

See you there!

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