Laserfiche WebLink
decade. These are positive trends and I am proud of the efforts of our outstanding police force. <br />We are committed to continued improveme~rt, because for any crime victim these numbers are not <br />enough. I am concerned about the societal trend to "solve" more and more problems with guns. <br />am worried about the tendency for more and more small confrontations to erupt into violence. I <br />am sick about the number of our children who have been seduced by drugs and gangs. We will <br />stand firm against these trends. The partnerships we have built and the initiatives we have put in <br />place will target career cruninals. We will actively seek to reclaim our children. And we will <br />continue to provide the resources necessary to keep <br />our police department top notch. <br />Last year Chief Fautz reinstituted an Awards <br />Ceremony. Honorees were selected by a <br />Commendation Committee. Special recognition was <br />,given to officers who had been shot in the line of duty. <br />We are delighted to have Cpl. Ray Wolfenbarger <br />return to duty part-time. He has been assisting in the <br />:lab. His courage and determination are an inspiration. <br />His injury and the recent tragic deaths of po:Gce officers in Mishawaka and on the Toll Road <br />remind us how dangerous this job is. I offer a special word of thanks to the men and women of <br />our police department, and to their families. <br />Firefighters also put their lives on the line every day for our community. A month ago two <br />of our firefighters were caught in a flashover while fighting a fire in a commercial building on <br />Western Avenue. Fortunately, they were able to escape, but Paramedic/Engineer Brett McVoy <br />suffered second and third degree burns to his hands. He <br />will recover, but this reminds us how dange~~ous all our <br />public safety positions are. Even with the best training <br />and equipment, tragic accidents can occur. So it is with <br />deep gratitude that I also offer thanks to owe firefighters <br />and paramedics, and their families, for their devotion to <br />duty and dedicated public service. <br />2003 marked the 150` anniversary of the South <br />Bend Fire Department! We have come a long way since the first Chief was paid $25 annually "to <br />A-29 <br />