Emergency Response Uninterrupted

The IFPD command post served as the nerve center for dispatch operations after the building was temporarily evacuated.

Inside the command post computers were set up to assist with operations.

Dispatch operations returned to "somewhat" normal Tuesday afternoon.

For less than 24 hours our dispatchers managed emergency response calls from the inside the IFPD command post trailer located in the dispatch center parking lot.

Why? Due to a hazmat issue that arose around 7 p.m. Monday all employees and operations had to be evacuated from the building. Operations resumed as normal around 3 p.m. on Tuesday after employees were cleared to come back into the building.

It’s likely no one noticed any sort of disruption at the dispatch center during this time. That’s because teamwork and preparedness really paid off!

A lot of kudos really goes to the many dispatchers that stepped up to make sure operations went as smoothly as possible. This meant that some came in early, some stayed late and others came in on their day off. They are a remarkable group of people and during this occasion that trait really shined!

Jefferson County also really helped out as they assisted with 911 calls. Big thanks to them. We hope to be able to return the favor someday.

The IFPD command post, though an inanimate object, really played a critical role in helping with operations. The command post was purchased a few years ago and has a huge asset on several occasions to assist in police operations. Monday night it came in handy as it temporarily served as the nerve center for all emergency responders. The command post has prove to be a smart buy in assuring that the PD is able to provide the best service to our community at all times.

Evacuations are never an easy thing. Nor is it something we hope happens too often. But, it’s good to know that in time of crisis – first responder operations will and can continue.

Service to Youth

Last week I posted the news about Officers Kevin Pettingill and Ken Zaug receiving the Idaho Falls Club Service to Youth Award. The news garnered a lot of response from the public. I shouldn't be surprised. These two men have spent a lot of time working with the Idaho Falls youth through the D.A.R.E. program, so they have have the opportunity to impact a lot of lives.

Interested in Becoming a Police Officer?

Come test for the Idaho Falls Police Department! The Idaho Falls Police Department is a great place to work! So make sure you don't miss your chance to become part of the team!

It's Official!

In less than 10 minutes on Monday the IFPD officially commissioned Lt. Joe Cawley to the rank of captain, Sgt. Bill Squires to the rank of lieutenant and Senior Patrol Officer Scott Killian to the rank of sergeant.

The ceremony was brief but in no way reflected how proud the IFPD is to bestow these great honors on these three fantastic officers.

They are all a great reflection of the caliber of officers at the IFPD!

Cawley started with the IFPD in September 1993. Prior to his service with the police department he worked as a welfare fraud investigator for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

As a member of the IFPD, Cawley has served in patrol, detectives, training and as the public information officer. He also spent some time at the Idaho Falls Airport assisting with the development of TSA policies. He has been recognized many times, including Officer of the Year in 2005.

Squires was hired by the department in September 1995. He has served in many capacities as an officer, including working in the narcotics and intelligence division.

Squires is a POST certified instructor and a firearms and tactics instructor. He is currently the SWAT Tactical Team Leader. He has been recognized many times for his leadership and teamwork, including being named Supervisor of the Year.

Killian joined the IFPD in April 1994. He has served in the patrol division, with special assignments in the Neighborhood Police Officer Program and bike patrol. He also is a police training officer since 1998 and an Emergency Vehicle Operation Course instructor.

Killian was honored in 2010 with the Idaho Falls Police Medal for his efforts in helping defuse a dangerous situation involving an armed man.

Dog Attack

A message from Chief Mark McBride:

To start off, I’d like to say that in any occasion the last thing an officer wants to use is his gun. But, in those quick moments when that officer must protect themselves and others, lethal force is sometimes the only choice.

Officers are trained to always think ‘Safety First’. We want our officers to go home each night safe and unharmed. We also want our community to be safe and protected.

Yesterday, the IFPD chose to share the sad news of an officer killing an aggressive dog while attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Monday night. As a department we want to be as transparent as possible with the community. We realize that sometimes that commitment comes with scrutiny as people don’t always understand the choices or decisions made by officers.

Which is why we’ve decided to share the video of Monday’s incident. Hopefully, this will answer any lingering questions you may have about the incident.

As you watch the video, keep in mind that the officer that shot and the other officer also on scene said the dog was barking and growling as it aggressively charged toward the officer. Witnesses also confirmed the behavior of the dog.

American Spirit

Harvey "Ed" Gord stands center as his great-granddaughter reads a special tribute.

By Joelyn Hansen

When we hired Harvey Gord last year to work part-time at the police department it was a sad moment for the Citizen's Watch Patrol. He was the backbone and really stirred people to action, plus he did a lot of things for the program to keep it going.

The CWP has a lot of admiration and appreciation for this man, who by the way is 78 years old, for all that he contributed to not only the CWP but to them personally too. So, it was only fitting that we honor Harvey with one of the highest awards any volunteer can receive.

Last night, we presented Harvey with the President's Call to Service Award. An award issued through the White House to individuals that volunteer more than 4,000 hours in their lifetime.

To give you a breakdown, 4,000 hours is equal to:

· 166 24-hour days

· 500 8-hour work days

· 1.9 years of 8-hour work

· Under the volunteer/wage calculations, the cost savings to city is $256,280

Harvey not only met the minimum 4,000 hour requirement, but he actually doubled it and donated more than 8,000 hours to the Citizen’s Watch Patrol. He truly is a great example of the American spirit.

It is with sincere gratitude that we present this President’s Call to Service Award pin and certificate to Harvey Gord. Thank you so much for your gift to the city.

Hooray for Volunteers!

By Joelyn Hansen

Last night I was reminded of how much I love my job. I had the great pleasure to honor some very deserving folks for their volunteer time.

I even managed to keep it a surprise about their awards!

In 2012, the CWP volunteered approximately 1500 hours of time to the community and the department as they assisted with abandoned vehicles, graffiti abatement, special events, vacation watches, patrols and other various miscellaneous assignments.

Based on a special formula, that equates to about $100,000 in savings to the city of Idaho Falls in 2012.

This year, the IFPD began participating in the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award program. This program, which began in 2003, recognizes the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve.

Volunteer hours are tracked and volunteers are recognized at different levels of service based on their volunteer hours.

For the year 2012, the CWP members, Broc Humpherys, Glen Riddle, Steve Cannon, Sherri Barnes, Hal Rapp and Phil Bowyer, reached the Bronze level status for contributing more than a 100 hours of service.

Though, they did not meet the requirements of the Bronze level in 2012, we’d also recognize Judith Vincent, Elizabeth Taualii, Rea Winterbottom, Abe Winterbottom, Robert Siedelmann, Blaine McCord and Chris Mickelsen for the valuable time they contributed.

This group really works as a team and I'm clearly biased, but they are the best volunteers anyone could ever work with! I'm honored to work with them!

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