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!

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!

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.

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)!

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.

###

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.

###

The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested four people on Monday.

###

Denice Laughter pins a police badge onto her son, Earl, during his swearing in ceremony on Monday.

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested 17 people this weekend.

###

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.

###

The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested 17 people on Thursday.

###

This is a test News Release Auto Post

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.

###

The Idaho Falls Police Department arrested 16 people on Tuesday.

###