By Joelyn Hansen

It’s been an amazing year at the Idaho Falls Police Department. We celebrated the retirement of Chief Steve Roos and the appointment of Mark McBride as the new Chief of Police. Along with the many activities, events and projects this year, the department also welcomed two new officers, Chris Reed and Earl Laughter, to the police force.

To highlight 2013, I’ve put together a slide show of photographs taken from throughout the year. Please enjoy!

Overall, it’s been a great year and we certainly look forward to 2014! Bring it on! Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2013 -- You've been a good year!

By Joelyn Hansen

Some of the best news that comes out of this department is when we recognize and award officers for exceptional work! This past week four officers — Craig Morgan, Jeff Pratt, Curtis Bateman and Sgt. Scott Killian — were awarded the Commander’s Commendation for their work in solving a home invasion robbery and multiple burglaries that occurred this past fall.

These guys were instrumental in a successful resolution to these crimes, particularly the woman victimized in the home invasion. They went above and beyond to gather evidence and put together a detailed and thorough case report for prosecutors.

After we made the arrest, the victim said she slept better for the first time in weeks knowing that the suspect was caught and off the streets. It’s great the officers did so much to bring that kind of peace of mind.

Way to go! We certainly appreciate the work you all did!

 

Honors

By Joelyn Hansen

As we get closer to the New Year I’ve had the opportunity to look back at everything the police department has been involved in throughout 2013. This includes the many different projects completed and accomplished.

It’s fitting that the department now unveils its latest completed project — the new and updated website design — as we get ready to begin a brand new

year. Months in the making this site is thanks to the tireless efforts and technical know-how of IFPD Officers Kyle Christopherson, Ryan Nelson (who spear-headed the project before leaving the department in September) and Jared Mendenhall.

The vision was a collaborative effort between myself, the chief and these three officers to really bring the department into the 21st Century. The website now gives the department a more professional and polished look and gives residents a one-stop site where they can access multiple resources, information and news faster and easier. It’s really a win-win for both the department and the community.

For months I’ve been anxiously awaiting the unveil because I am pleased with the finished product and I think a majority of the community will be too!

I invite everyone to explore the site. Find out more about our department, learn about crime prevention, read about the latest department news, sign up for CodeRed and most importantly stay connected to the IFPD.  I also invite you to continually come back again and again as we continue to promote and update information.

A New Year and a New Website

By Joelyn Hansen

When a child’s smile widens a little further and says, “Santa knew my name”, you know everything we do to make Shop with a Cop a lasting memory is worth it. It’s moments like this that remind you that it’s the “little things” that matter to a child.

For 20 years the Idaho Falls Police Department has proudly participated in the annual Shop with a Cop program to make a child’s Christmas a little brighter and to build positive relationships between children and law enforcement officers.

It’s not everyday that police officers get to participate in such a positive experience. Usually, they’re making the difficult decision on who and why someone is going to jail. But, on Shop with a Cop day, the only decision they make is helping a child decide which gift they’re going to purchase for the child’s mom and dad.

It’s always a good day and this year’s event was no different. We hope that this day — filled with the “little things” — will leave a lasting impression on each child.

It goes without saying that this event couldn’t be done by law enforcement alone. It all happens thanks to the generous support of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, Help Inc., Civitans, Eagles, Kmart, Texas Roadhouse, volunteers and the many citizens that donated money. Thanks again everyone (especially to anyone I may have forgotten to mention in this post)!

 

 

Shop with a Cop 2013

Police Investigate Burglaries

Idaho Falls Police are investigating a series of burglaries that have occurred at construction job sites in the 6300 block of Glen Abbey and the 300 block of North Pointe.

The thefts included $1,500 in lumber, $800 in tools and a $100 light fixture.

According to reports, the unknown suspects broke into an unfinished home in the 6300 block of Glen Abbey and stole tools and a light fixture. Lumber was taken from the other location on North Pointe.

The thefts were reported Monday morning.

Anyone with information regarding these burglaries is asked to contact the IFPD at 529-1200 or 522-1983.

 

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I.F. Man Arrested for Grand Theft

Idaho Falls Police arrested 24-year-old Bradley J. Dennis for grand theft after he stole more than a $1,000 worth of decorative knives and swords from a residence in the 600 block of Calliope.

Dennis of Idaho Falls was booked into the Bonneville County Jail.

According to reports, officers responded to the 600 block of Calliope Monday morning to take a theft report. The owner reported that a Bothlith sword, Japanese Katanas, a Scorpion knife and a large Scemitar sword were taken from her basement.  The knives and swords are valued at $1,050.

The thefts were connected to Dennis.

 

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The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested four people on Monday.

 

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Police Investigate Burglaries; I.F. Man Arrested for Grand Theft

Officer Laughter Sworn In

Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman officially swore in the police department’s newest officer Earl Laughter in the mayor’s chambers Monday morning.

Laughter was selected among multiple candidates that tested and applied to the department this past June.

“Today is a good day, especially when we can bring in one of the best employees the city will ever have,” Fuhriman said during the ceremony. “(Law enforcement) is one of the toughest jobs, but I can’t think of a more honorable job you’ll ever have.”

Laughter, who is currently a U.S. Marine Reservist, has long desired to become a police officer.

“Whenever I looked at my life, it always came back to being a police officer,” he said.

Laughter said he is especially excited to not only begin a law enforcement career but to be working in the state of Idaho. Laughter, a native of northern California, said he’s always been attracted to living and working in Idaho. He is also now closer to his parents, who moved to Idaho Falls three years ago.

Laughter also expressed that the department and its police officers offered an attractive work environment.

“It was pretty obvious that it was a pretty tight-knit group of guys that take care of each other,” he said.

Laughter is the son of Denice and Earl Laughter, Jr. He is a 2003 Casa Grande High School graduate in Petaluma, Calif.

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Officer Laughter Sworn In

Police Investigating Skyline School Vandalism

Idaho Falls Police are investigating thousands of dollars in damage to Skyline High School as a result of vandalism that occurred over the weekend.

According to reports, the unknown suspect or suspects broke into the school, located at 1767 Blue Sky Drive, and shut off an electric breaker causing the pipes in the school’s heating system to freeze sometime between Friday night and Sunday evening.

School maintenance crews became aware of the issue late Sunday night and notified police. They are still working to thaw the pipes and assess damage to the heating system.

The exact cost to the damages has not been determined.

Anyone with information regarding this vandalism is asked to contact the IFPD at 529-1200 or Crimestoppers at 522-1983.

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I.F. Man Arrested for Attempted Strangulation

The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested 24-year-old Marvin C.L. McDonald on a felony warrant for attempted strangulation Friday morning.

McDonald of Idaho Falls was booked into the Bonneville County Jail.

According to reports, McDonald’s arrest stems from a domestic disturbance that occurred on Nov. 8 in the 600 block of Fanning. McDonald and the 33-year-old victim became involved in an argument. McDonald became physical and grabbed her throat.

McDonald fled prior to police arrival.

He was arrested on a warrant in the 1200 block of St. Clair Road Friday morning.

 

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The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested 17 people this weekend.

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Police Investigating Skyline H.S. Vandalism; I.F. Man Arrested for Attempted Strangulation

Police Investigate Robbery

Idaho Falls Police are investigating a robbery that occurred around 9 p.m. Thursday night in the 500 block of Vassar Way.

The suspect was described wearing a multi-colored ski mask, dark colored ball cap, dark colored zippered jacket and a dark colored sweat or pajama pant. The suspect is believed to be about 5’6” tall and skinny build.

According to reports a 16-year-old delivery driver for Get My Grub was making a food delivery in the 500 block of Vassar way when an unknown suspect grabbed and pushed her stealing food and cash.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact the IFPD at 529-1200 or Crimestoppers at 522-1983.

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The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested 17 people on Thursday.

 

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Police Investigate Robbery

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Test News Release

Police Investigate Burglary

 

Idaho Falls Police are investigating a burglary at A to Z Family Services, Inc., that occurred late Monday night.

According to reports, officers responded to the business, located at 380 N. Capital, Tuesday morning for a report of a break-in. The unknown suspect or suspects entered the building by breaking the glass on the front door.

The suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IFPD at 529-1200 or Crimestoppers at 522-1983.

 

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The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested 16 people on Tuesday.

 

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Police Investigate Burglary

IFPD Investigates Trailer and Snowmobiles Theft

 

The Idaho Falls Police Department is investigating the theft of a trailer and four snowmobiles taken from the 800 block of Mercury sometime this weekend.

According to reports, the owner of B&K Professional Services told police that sometime between Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 an unknown person broke into  a locked compound and stole a red Haulmark enclosed 27-foot trailer containing four snowmobiles.

The snowmobiles were three Polaris brands and one Bombardier. The property is valued at $32,000

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IFPD at 529-1200 or Crimestoppers at 522-1983.

 

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IFPD Investigates Trailer and Snowmobiles Theft

IFPD Cites One for Selling Alcohol to Minors

 

The Idaho Falls Police Department assisted the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control in compliance checks last week that resulted in one citation for individuals selling or serving alcohol to minors.

An employee was cited at the Sunnyside Travel Plaza, 3365 W. Sunnyside Road.

The compliance check was done on November 22. Checks were completed at 29 businesses in Idaho Falls.

The IFPD randomly participates in alcohol license compliance checks throughout the year to ensure that businesses obey alcohol license laws. This program is funded through a Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws grant received by the IFPD from the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.

 

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IFPD Cites One for Selling Alcohol to Minors

Police Investigate Burglary

Idaho Falls Police are investigating a burglary at the Idaho State Liquor Store on First Street that occurred early Tuesday morning.

According to reports, officers were dispatched to the store, located at 190 First St., around 12:41 a.m. for a burglary alarm. Upon arrival officers found the east window shattered. Officers cleared the building and didn’t find anyone inside.

Eleven bottles of liquor were stolen.

Suspects are unknown.

Anyone with information regarding this burglary is asked to contact the IFPD at 529-1200 or Crimestoppers at 522-1983.

 

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Man Arrested for Witness Intimidation

Idaho Falls Police arrested 31-year-old Casey S. Taylor on a warrant for felony witness intimidation.

The warrant was served at the Bonneville County Jail where Taylor is currently being held on another unrelated charge.

According to reports, Taylor threatened a witness during a preliminary hearing regarding Taylor’s current criminal charge of aggravated assault on Nov. 13.

 

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The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested 12 people on Tuesday.

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Police Investigate Burglary; Man Arrested for Witness Intimidation

Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman officially swore in the police department’s newest officer Christopher Reed in the mayor’s chambers Tuesday afternoon.

 Reed was selected among multiple candidates that tested and applied to the department this past June.

 “You’ve risen to the top and you’ll fit well within our values,” Idaho Falls Chief Mark McBride said during the ceremony. “We’re going to be behind you 100 percent to see that you have a successful career.”

Reed, a 2004 Hillcrest High School graduate, has always been interested in a career in emergency services. After serving in the United States Navy, it was inevitable that he would seek a career working in emergency services.

“I have to be in a field where I’m helping people,” he said. “Anything in emergency services has always sparked my interest. I know (law enforcement) is where I belong.”

Initially, Reed had looked into becoming a firefighter, he said. He volunteered with the Ucon Fire Department and currently volunteers with the Ammon Fire Department. But, ultimately decided he would enjoy law enforcement more.

“This man, right here,” before he retires is going to save lives,” Fuhriman said during Tuesday’s ceremony. “Whether it’s physically, mentally or emotionally, he’ll make a difference.”

Prior to being hired as a police officer, Reed worked for the IFPD as a dispatcher since June 2012.

Reed and his wife, Jessica, have two daughters.

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Officer Reed Sworn In

By Joelyn Hansen

A couple of weeks ago, the Post Register printed an article regarding a "YouTube" video that claimed the IFPD was racists. Last week, Chief McBride submitted an editorial to the paper regarding the article and the situation highlighted in the video.

If you missed the column in the paper, here it is again:
 

By Joelyn Hansen

Last week Chief McBride and his wife, Sandra, celebrated 40 years of marriage. That's quite a fete considering law enforcement careers tend to be tough on marriages.

According to an article from the Police Chief Magazine, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center for Health Statistics, in 2005, declared that 48% of marriages failed in the U.S. Past studies indicate that law enforcement officers have one of the highest divorce rates when compared to other groups of professionals because of job stress and irregular work hours.

Amazingly enough the McBrides, who are the parents of seven children and grandparents of  24 (almost 26) grandchildren, aren't the only couple at the IFPD that has experienced longevity in their marriage. In a quick, non-scientific poll, other officers proudly proclaimed anywhere from 15 to 45 years of marriage. In my opinion, it looks like we have pretty good odds at our department.

The officers did acknowledge that their successful marriages required time, commitment and work to help battle the hurdles that come with a job in law enforcement.

I asked Sandra McBride about her advice for a lasting marriage.

This was her response:

1. If your spouse is in law enforcement and they love their job, just know that you will come 2nd in their life because they are committed to protecting the citizens of Idaho Falls.

2. Always think of the needs of your spouse and not about yourself.

3. Always tell your spouse that you love them.

Officer Bart Whiting receiving the Idaho American Legion Officer of the Year Award

Officer Mark Goodman

By Joelyn Hansen

This post is a bit late -- OK a lot late! But, it's too important to not blog about a few accomplishments of couple of our officers in recent months.

I need to start out by saying that we have really good police officers working at the PD. They work hard and do a lot for the community to ensure criminals are taken care of and that safety is a number one priority.

We probably could brag all the time about the things they do! But, I specifically wanted to mention a couple of awards that were given to Officers Bart Whiting and Mark Goodman.

Back in June, Officers Mark Goodman and Bart Whiting received the Commander's Commendations for their initiative in apprehending two juveniles responsible for stealing a car and burglarizing 14 other vehicles.

Officer Goodman relied on his instincts that night when he encountered two boys driving around in a car. When he initiated his lights to stop them, they jumped out of the car and ran from police. They tried to hide out, but unfortunately, for these boys, our officers certainly outsmarted them!

Officer Whiting honored again in July as Officer of the Year by the Idaho American Legion. He was honored for his selfless action and bravery in responding to the Christmas Eve fire at the Bonneville Hotel as he rescued multiple people unable to exit the building.

You can read more about the rescue here.

Officer Whiting is the the second IFPD officer to receive this award in the last two years. We're hoping to make it a three peat next year for IFPD! Hopefully this doesn't put too much pressure on the officers!

We're certainly proud of both officers for their accomplishments!

Here's a few pictures from Wednesday night's Community Night Out. By the turn out and the overall comments, I'd say it was a successful and fun night. If you missed it, you better make sure you come out to it next year!

I'd like to take all the credit for it, but, in reality the success of this event really belongs to the many people that participate and sponsor it to make it happen. They are an amazing group of people. We're fortunate that there are people in this community that support the IFPD in their efforts to strengthen community and help promote safety and crime prevention in our neighborhoods!

Here's a list of all who participated or sponsored this year:

Idaho Falls Animal Services
D.A.R.E.
Idaho Falls Regional Bomb Squad
Bonneville County Sheriff's Office
Bonneville County Search & Rescue
Idaho Falls Citizen's Watch Patrol
Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation
Idaho Falls Fire Department
Idaho Falls/Bonneville County Dispatch Center
Idaho State Police
Idaho Falls Power
City of Idaho Falls Planning & Zoning
City of Idaho Falls Code Enforcement
Eastern Idaho Public Health
Bonneville Youth Development Council
Operation Lifesaver
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center
Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization
Idaho Falls Arts Council
CWI-Idaho Cleanup Project
Idaho National Laboratory
Stevens-Henager College
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) Idaho
Target
Ammon Walmart
Idaho Falls' Sam's Club
Bonneville County Emergency Management
FOP/FOP Auxiliary
Christian Motorcyclist Association
IdahoSTARS
EICAP/RSVP/Headstart
AssureLink
                                                                                    Human Dynamics & Diagnostics  

I would also like to thank the many people that came out to support the event. It was a great night to see so many people in the community. Hopefully, they walked away with some great information on how to make our community better, safer and closer to crime-free!

See you all next year!

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.

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.

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!

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.

By Joelyn Hansen

The old nursery rhyme says the cow jumped over the moon. But, in our police tale, the cow jumped over the patrol car.

A loose cow in town proved to be more than what the officers expected as this bovine managed to lead officers through the alleys and streets of town for quite some time before they finally captured it across from the YMCA.

This isn't the first cow in town and probably won't be the last. But, we definitely need to provide our officers with more training in corralling livestock!

By Joelyn Hansen

Last week Idaho Falls high school students learned about the affects of teen drunk driving.

Teens were randomly pulled from their classroom and were treated like they were dead. They were isolated and were allowed no contact with the outside world.

The week culminated with a mock DUI crash. Students watched as firefighters rapidly extricated victims from the wreckage as they tore apart cars. As a former journalist that covered multiple drunk driving accidents, the scenerio was as real as any real-life crash.

As I stood watching this mock DUI crash, I looked across at the many students standing on the sidewalk and wondered, "will this moment impact their decisions?" I certainly hope it does.

Back when I was in high school, a student was killed in a drunk driving accident after he was violently ejected from the car he was driving. He and another teen both left a party drunk and decided to borrow a friend's car for a joy ride. Speed, road conditions and his impaired abilities dangerously mixed causing the fatal crash.

In the days following this young man's death, fellow students made a make-shift memorial at the crash location, among the articles left in rememberance was a stack of beer cans. His friends said, "that's how he would have wanted to die." 

I imagine that that young man would have said differently and given a second chance would rather have made a different decision on that fateful night. I imagine that he would rather be living and experiencing life then buried 6-feet under.

I also imagine that the friend, who leant him the car, would have rethought giving him the keys to the car. The guilt he must carry now in his adulthood.

I hope teens every where understand the lasting affects of drunk driving, or even drinking under age. I hope teens let their desire to live affect their decisions to engage in risky behavior.

 By Joelyn Hansen

 I don't know Miss Teen Idaho Falls Ashley Traughber personally. But, I must say that in my limited interaction with her, I was impressed with her motivation and determination to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect.

Yesterday, in front of a small crowd gathered outside the Bonneville County Courthouse steps, 13-year-old Ashley urged everyone to help stop child abuse and neglect. Speaking from her own experience, Ashley spoke passionately about how people can make a positive difference in the life of a child if they just act.

Ashley's grandparents made a huge difference in her life when they took responsibility of raising her when her mother, a meth addict, couldn't properly care for her.

Ashley should be proud of what's she is doing!

April is Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness month. I hope that we will also heed Ashley's message and stand up for children everywhere. For more information about child abuse and neglect click on this link.

By Joelyn Hansen

Thursday afternoon I walked away from the 3-day exercise tired, dusty and elated that it was over. And I didn't have to do any manual labor! So, imagine what the others involved felt like.

The scenerio for the exericise was definitely worst-case scenerio. It started out as a routine warrant service at a house with police that escalated into finding a a meth lab and explosives to a partially collapsed house with three victims inside needing rescue. It was a great chance for interagency collaboration as the IFPD, Region 6 Hazmat, the Idaho Falls Regional Bomb Squad, Bonneville County Emergency Management, Idaho State Police, Region 3 Idaho Technical Rescue and Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security.

I was the acting public information officer. Or PIO as it's commonly referred.

When it was all said and done, there were a lot of comments about what went well and what needs to be fixed. The good news is that the majority consensus is that most everything went well.

One of the officers involved said he learned a lot. And I must say I learned a lot too. We have a lot of resources available to us in the event a real emergency occurs (let's pray that it we never have to utilize those resouces!). The second piece of good news is that agencies really do work well together when push comes to shove. And the last lesson learned is that we have some men and women with some great expertise.