Officer Jereme Howery and Sergeant Robert Dine are featured in The Speedway Town Press – West Side Messenger for their mentoring Speedway High School students through weight lifting. Great job!
Allison Elementary Kindergarten Student Donates Pennies to Speedway Police Department
Officer Alex Redding and Speedway Police Intern Kelsea Hardin surprised Allison Elementary kindergarten student Kingston Fry for lunch.
Speedway, IN, February 9, 2017: Kingston Fry and his grandmother came to the Speedway Police last Saturday to support the police by donating pennies. Darlene Fry Barnhill told the Speedway Police that her grandson, Kingston, had been collecting pennies from their home in Speedway. After Kingston had filled a 32 ounce Mason jar, he told his grandmother he wanted to donate the pennies to the officers of the Speedway Police Department to help provide them with equipment and other needs the officers may have. Officer Alex Redding and Speedway Police Intern Kelsea Hardin went to Allison Elementary to personally thank Kingston for his generous donation and spent some time with Kingston and his Allison Elementary classmates at lunch.
March
Our new friend Kingston Fry has struck again and donated his 2nd jar of pennies to help. Pictured: Kingston with Officer Joe Harmon and Sgt. Mirantha Wilson
The Speedway Citizens Academy Alumni participated in a “Shoot / Don’t Shoot Use of Force” class at the IMPD Training Academy. Utilizing the Firearms Automated Training System, the class offered them a unique chance to experience a small glimpse of what an officer does during encounters with the public, and the split-second decisions that need to be made in a variety of situations.
April
Speedway Neighborhood Watch meeting was held April 4 with a presentation to residents on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, followed by an open Q & A forum by SPD.
Lt. Trent Theobald, Officer Jacob McAtee and Officer Nathan Shipley shop by and say hello and pose with the Easter bunny at the Pride Academy Easter Egg Hunt!
ICYMI: We’d like to present a recap of some of the community policing initiatives from the Speedway Police Department during 2016 in the final installment of this 4-part series.
October
The Speedway Police Department’s National Night Out was held on Tuesday October 11, 2016. We were again blessed with great weather, resulting in a nice turnout from the Speedway community. We were glad to see you all! We hope there was something for everyone to enjoy – music, food, games, great door prizes, helpful information from our vendors and public safety partners, and most importantly, a chance to talk to and get to know your first responders from the Speedway Police and Fire Departments. Thanks to all who signed the “Thank You First Responders” card, which was given to SPD and SFD.
From Speedway Police Chief Jim Campbell: “The Speedway Police Department would like to express their appreciation to everyone who volunteered to help with National Night Out, whether they be Citizens Academy Class 7, Alumni, or VIP. Also thank you to all the sponsors for their generous gifts and support that made the evening possible. The Town of Speedway is so fortunate to have individuals that care about Public Safety, quality of life, and Community Policing. The support and dedication is truly a benefit to SPD and the Town. National Night Out reflects who we are as a community and should make us all proud. Thank you to all.”
SWAT Officers demonstrate equipment with Speedway residents.
K9 Demonstration with Officer Mat Turpin
In addition to Speedway Merit and Reserve Officers, VIPs assisted at the Zombie Fun Run. Unfortunately, Lt. Sam Alexander was outnumbered by zombies at his post!
The second CrimeStoppers of Central Indiana Community Shred-it Day was held on Saturday, October 22. Members of the Volunteers in Policing program and Reserve Officers were again on hand to assist the department in raising funds for the reward fund, which directly benefits the community. Almost $5,000 was received at the Speedway location…this success could not have been achieved without the help of the volunteers!
In addition to the Student Academy class held in the summer, which is for students of Speedway High School and very similar to the Speedway Police Citizens Academy, School Resource Officer Mark Jones conducted an additional session. As an outreach program, it has been very positive and successful, having a lot of merit.
On October 29th, Tier 2 Speedway Volunteers in Policing & Citizens Academy Alumni along with Officers of the Speedway Police Department, participated in the Chamber of Commerce event, Trunk or Treat.
Below, left to right: Sgt. Wilson, R/Officer Pridemore, VIP Taylor
Below, VIP Dana Taylor and Citizens Academy Alumni Jayme Gehringer
Below, Sgt. Mirantha Wilson and R/Officer Pridemore
Below, Citizens Academy Alumni Pauletta Dusterberg
November
On November 16, 2016, the Speedway Police Department held a graduation ceremony for its 7th Citizens Academy class, and the 2nd class of its Tier 2 Volunteers in Policing (VIP) program. We would like to congratulate and welcome all of the students of the 7th Speedway Police Citizens Academy and Tier 2 of the Volunteers in Policing program! The Speedway Police Department and the residents of Speedway continue to build upon positive relationships and we encourage every resident and business owner to consider joining a future class.
Below: The 7th Graduating Class of the Speedway Police Department’s Citizens Academy Below: The 2nd Tier 2 Graduating Class of the Speedway Police Department’s Volunteers in Policing (VIP) program
Below, Speedway PD Sgt. Rodney Ferguson and Officer Alex Redding with Wheeler Elementary Read-a-thon winners at Firehouse Subs.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office offered their thanks to the many representatives of Speedway who met with them for the November Community Outreach Lunch at Charlie Brown’s Pancake and Steak House. The MCPO indicated that they are fortunate to have great partners in the community such as State Representative Karlee Macer, Speedway Schools Superintendent Ken Hull, Speedway Chamber of Commerce, and Speedway Police Department.
December
Capt. Jason Dierdorff and Lt. Sam Alexander help out at the Pub2Pub 5K race.
Officer Jereme Howery shops with Cyrus 14, Dreyfus 9, & their 3 month old brother for the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police event, Shop with a Cop. Great work by all involved!
Last but not least, the Speedway Chamber held their Light the Night on Main event, with Santa arriving at Dallara by IndyCar. Volunteers in Policing assisted by providing participants with coloring pages and community policing information, as well as outside assisting with traffic direction and control.
The Speedway Police Department’s longstanding and ongoing commitment of its police officers engaging and forming positive relationships with the community they serve, continues to build and grow. The addition of so many programs over the years, including the Citizens Academy and its Alumni Association, Volunteers in Policing, D.A.R.E, Student Academy and Neighborhood Watch, and events such as National Night Out, has been gaining momentum and interest within the community.
As opportunities arise, we hope all of you will take an interest and join us at a meeting or community event or join the Citizens Academy class or Volunteers in Policing program.
We hope you enjoyed our celebration of 2016 and we look forward to 2017!
ICYMI: We’d like to present a recap of some of the community policing initiatives from the Speedway Police Department during 2016 in this 4-part series.
July
Our website and social media accounts started as “Speedway Neighborhood Watch,” which is just one of Speedway PD’s community policing programs. But we share so many things relating to the department’s other community policing programs (Speedway Police Citizens Academy, Volunteers in Policing, Student Academy, D.A.R.E.) that we wanted our website and social media Facebook and Twitter accounts to reflect all of those great programs! (Note: the main Speedway Police Department Facebook and Twitter accounts have not changed; we share common posts between accounts, but the Speedway PD accounts offer a wide variety of additional useful information this page doesn’t typically cover, including traffic, street closures, race information, etc.).
Coppertree Apartments held a “Back to School” event for its residents and children on Sunday, July 31st. The Speedway Police and Fire Departments, along with members of the Speedway Volunteers in Policing program, were in attendance – great food, music and fun…a good time was had by all!
BELOW: Officer Chris Helmer and Lt. Trent Theobald pose with Coppertree residents enjoying the event
Officer Jereme Howery and friends
Officer Nathan Shipley and two little residents enjoy some shade
In Dallas, Texas in early July, a suspect ambushed and fired upon a group of police officers, killing five and injuring nine others. The Speedway Police Department is very grateful and appreciative to so many individuals and businesses in our community that have shown support and caring to our officers in a variety of ways. Dave and Marcia of Main Street’s Barbecue and Bourbon provided meals for shifts. Several food items came in for a couple of weeks to support our officers. Gillespie Florists provided a beautiful flower arrangement.
The Speedway PD Motorcycle team entertains the growing crowd on Main Street for the NASCAR Hauler parade. In addition, VIPs provide assistance to SPD Officers for the event’s traffic and security needs.
In the video, Lt. Theobald talks about the department’s approach to community policing: “We’ve always encouraged our guys for the positive interaction in our community policing efforts, the importance of getting out of your car, getting to know people by name. Once they know you by name, as well, it makes a big difference. And that’s where you start forming that positive relationship between community and police. It’s important to make sure these kids, now more than ever, see that side of us. Between the basketball games, I’m telling you, it’s a lot of fun but all of a sudden kids sitting there playing basketball see an officer get out of the car, and he’s calling for the ball, they enjoy that. Even if you’re having a bad day, it means something to somebody.”
Congratulations to Sgt. Mark Morgan. This month he has been with the Speedway Police Department for 35 years – many thanks for your service!
Speedway PD Officer Alex Redding takes some time on a nice summer day to have fun and play a little football with some young residents of Coppertree Apartments before school starts next week (already?)!
Officer Redding was also featured in a video and article in the Indianapolis Star For Central Indiana cops, grappling with new realities of attacks. In the video interview Officer Redding explains the support he feels from the community: “I feel a lot of support every day….I had a guy the other night, he had his two sons with him and he wanted to know if I would let him take a picture with his boys. There’s been a lot of people coming up and wanting to say thank you…and I appreciate that. I love my job, I enjoy going to work every single day. Yeah, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
August
In continuing to offer moral support and community partnership, Allison Transmission recognizes SPD with a cake to show their appreciation and thanks.
Tier 2 members of the Volunteers in Policing program have started park monitoring/patrol at Meadowood and Leonard Parks, at other times subject to volunteer availability. Earlier in the summer, they started working at the concert series, but they will also be present in the parks on various afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
If you shop at Kroger and would like to help support the Speedway PD Citizens Academy Alumni Association, please consider registering for Kroger’s Community Rewards. After registering, all you have to do is swipe your Kroger card when you shop and the SPCAAA will get a portion as a donation! See this link for details, thank you!
The 7th Speedway Police Citizens Academy Class started in late August. Citizens Academy classes are a great way for residents to get to know the police officers that serve the community, learn more about what they do and why, and build positive relationships!
The 12 week course features a variety of exciting lectures and hands on classes taught primarily by Speedway Police Officers, as well as some other public safety partners. Graduates choosing to get involved and volunteer with the department can join the Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association and when offered, continue to the Volunteers in Policing program.
September
SPD day shift thanked District 2 neighbors for helping look for a young autistic boy that walked away from his home today. We are proud to serve a community that stops whatever they’re doing to help a neighbor in need. He made it safely home thanks to caring neighbors.
The department started training a second group of Citizens Academy Alumni as part of the VIP Tier 2 program. Upon graduation, they will join the other Tier 2 graduates and assist the department with traffic direction and control at various events in town, as well as park monitoring and patrol.
Below, Tier 2 VIPs receive First Aid and CPR training from the Speedway Fire Department as part of their training.
On September 11th, St Andrews Lutheran Church recognized Speedway officers at a pitch-in at Meadowood Park. Below, Officers Alex Redding, Mike Clupper & Lt. Trent Theobald along with Chaplains Holly Hardsaw and Rick Kassel.
Join us next week for Part 4 of our Speedway Community-Police Partnerships: 2016 Year in Review.
ICYMI: We’d like to present a recap of some of the community policing initiatives from the Speedway Police Department during 2016 in this 4-part series.
April
A police standoff with a suspect who had been living in his van in a Speedway neighborhood stresses the importance of promptly reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement. The Speedway community supports officers on scene with food & beverages.
Speedway Police Officers and Firefighters who graduated from Speedway schools are featured in “Speedway Hometown Heroes” video. Watch below to learn more about the Speedway Fire Department’s Capt. JP Mathews, Pvt. Eric Emerson Jr., Engineer/Arson Investigator Pete Foltz, Battalion Chief Jeff Hartman, Capt. Brian Wyatt, Lt. Jim Otte, Engineer Aaron Steffy. As they talked about their school teachers who provided positive influences in their life, a nod was given to Speedway High School teacher Becky Kilgore, a graduate of the Speedway Police Citizens Academy and also of the Volunteers in Policing program, Tier 2. Becky can often be seen around town, assisting SPD with traffic direction and control at various events.
The video then features Speedway Police officers, and that the type of service and dedication to the safety and security of every resident is part of a culture and commitment that all Speedway police take seriously.
Patrolman Joe Harmon indicated that being from Speedway offers a connection to the town and residents that improves community policing. He says of the town, “In this town where I grew up, I know people here, I have a connection to it. I feel like I can make a difference here.”
Sgt. Rod Ferguson explains, “Our town is unique, the fire department, the police department..the whole thing is unique. I grew up here and have a lot of pride.”
Sgt. Robert Dine states, “I’m a fourth generation police officer so law enforcement is kind of the family business. I loved listening to the radio, hearing what was going on, hearing the stories…as a young kid…and the camaraderie that exists in law enforcement. I think there was never any doubt as to what I was going to do.”
Patrolman/Code Officer Joe Kramer states of his fellow Speedway Officers, “I’m proud to serve with the guys I work with, I really am. You have to be strong willed, you have to go by your morals, you have to go by your instinct and you just have to be true to yourself.”
Part of the camaraderie shared by officers is also of the difficulties and memories that never go away. School Resource Officer Mark Jones indicates: “We see the worst that the world has to offer and over a period of time it really weighs on you. Of course, in my career, I can still see things when I close my eyes…some of the bad things you wish would go away.”
Speaking of their upbringing and education from Speedway schools, they all agreed that they were taught to have pride and respect for our community.
Also highlighted is the progressive nature of the Speedway Police Department, being one of the first in the country to take the lead to create the full time position of School Resource Officer. SRO Jones says “it just goes to show the commitment that the town and the police department has made to the school system. They’ve committed 100% of my time to the schools.”
The video highlights the fact that in Speedway, “community policing” is not just a phrase, it’s being there for their neighbors. Speedway Police live it every day, whether their ability to be anywhere in two minutes, helping with school crossings, and talking to kids. Serving the community and making it a better place!
Below, Code Enforcement Officer Joe Kramer, Sgt. Rod Ferguson, SRO Mark Jones and Sgt. Robert Dine share their Speedway High School Yearbooks.
Speedway Police and volunteers from the Citizens Academy and Volunteers in Policing programs assist Central Indiana Crimestoppers for the first of two biannual “Shred-it Days.” Proceeds from donations assist in crime solving efforts, by contributing to the reward fund.
Congratulations to Sgt. Jeff Griffin on serving for 25 years as a Reserve Officer with the Speedway Police Department.
In addition, the department welcomed three new Reserve Officers, Chris Pope, Eric Scheffel, and Nick Sturgeon. Officer Pope was a graduate of the Speedway Police Citizens Academy, and joined the Volunteers in Policing program, moving up to the Tier 2 level before deciding to go straight to the Reserve Division. Congratulations to all, and thank you for your service!
The Speedway Chamber of Commerce held a Coffee Crawl event on Main Street, featuring “coffee and conversation” with leaders of the town’s various departments, including administration from Speedway Police and Fire. (Photos courtesy of the Speedway Chamber of Commerce)
Speedway Police Chief Jim Campbell (left) and Speedway Fire Chief Bob Fishburn.
Speedway Police Captain Jason Dierdorff
Speedway Police Assistant Chief Chuck Upchurch (left) and Speedway Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Hartman
May
Many thanks to SPD wives, Citizens Academy Alumni, and Speedway residents for so many wonderful treats and surprises during National Police Week!
The D.A.R.E. Graduation ceremony was officiated by Lt. Jim Thiele, one of the program’s instructors, along with Det. Lauren Roemke and Det. Kyle Hodges.
Lt. Thiele offered a history of the program, both nationally and in Speedway, where it has been offered for 26 years. He explains that the program is not just about teaching kids of the dangers of drugs and gangs; the majority of the time is spent talking about making good choices and the consequences of their actions. The police officers, along with the teachers and parents, getting the kids to think about those things, helps the kids be successful in life, which is the goal.
Retired Speedway High School principal and current school Board member Tom Smith also spoke, emphasizing to the students the importance of the world’s need for good people, hardworking, loyal and on time, and doing the best one can.
Opening the presentation of graduation certificates, Allison Elementary students and principal Jay Bedwell presented the Speedway Police Department with a “thank you” banner, commending them for all they do for the students and the town.
Lt. Sam Alexander, motorcycle officer and head of the Traffic Division, is featured in this IndyChannel article / video about Indy 500 safety and security as it relates to the five motorcycle officers from the Speedway Police Department, as well as public safety partners Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Indiana State Police. Lt. Alexander explains some of the skills and duties they perform during major events. In addition, the motorcycle officers being more approachable to citizens who may want to report something, especially given the constant reminders to the public that if they “see something, say something.” Lt. Alexander explains, “A police officer standing here next to his motorcycle, people want to come up and easily talk to you where they don’t feel as comfortable with an officer sitting in his car.”
CA Alumni are doing a lot of great work to support the department and bridge the gap by building positive community-police relationships. VIP Dana Taylor also has taken the next step and joined the Volunteers in Policing (VIP) program. She and other Tier 2 VIPs assist SPD with event traffic and security at various town events, including the Mini Marathon, Angie’s List Grand Prix, Festival on Main, Racing Through the Decades Pub Crawl, and race day. Thanks to all for your dedication and service to Speedway!
Speedway PD Citizens Academy Alumni at the Festival on Main (L to R) – State Rep. Karlee Macer, VIP Dana Taylor, and Marilyn Conner.
Lt. Sam Alexander (center) along with Officers Jacob McAtee (left) and Jereme Howery (right) of SPD Motorcycle Division pose for a photo along Main Street with a replica Borg Warner trophy.
June
The Speedway Police Department, Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni/VIPs, and Marion County Prosecutor’s Office formed “Team Dragnet – Just the Facts, Ma’am,” for the Speedway Relay for Life events. Our team raised funds for the fight against cancer by selling donuts, cookies, walking tacos & of course, running the Jail & Bail.
Thanks to Relay For Life of Speedway for honoring us with Most Team Spirit and Best Costume Awards to Speedway Officers Keegan Rupenthal and Nathan Shipley! We had a great time and we’re glad how much fun everyone has with the Jail & Bail! We were VERY busy and look forward to more fun next year!
Indiana State Rep. and Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Karlee Macer hosted an Active Shooter Presentation with Speedway PD and Indiana State Police at Speedway High School. Speedway VIP Dana Taylor attended the presentation Thursday: “I just attended the wonderful, and very informative presentation from the State Representative Karlee Macer & the State Police on how to be prepared in case of an active shooter situation. Whether at home, school, work, Church, movies or restaurant, always have a plan, be ready. Go over your plan with family members, coworkers, and friends. Always know your surroundings and know all exits to any building you’re in. Even without a gun or knife, know you always have a weapon. Fingers to poke them in the eyes, so they can’t see, or go for their throat, so they can’t breathe. You also usually have a fire extinguisher in most places to use. Spray their eyes or crack them in the head. Don’t run if you’re not sure where the shooter is. Go in a secure room & lock the door. Once you are safe, call 911 immediately.”
Speedway Police held another Neighborhood Watch Meeting on June 23. The format was an open question and answer session held with Sgt. Mirantha Wilson and Officer Mat Turpin. Residents were very engaged, asking a variety of great questions.
Speedway Police Officers visited St. Christopher’s School students during vacation bible school. Here, Officer Nathan Shipley shows children his police car.
Below, dayshift officers pose with Summer Santa at the last day of vacation bible school at St. Christopher church. Left to Right: Officers Mike Marsteller, Pat Hammel, Keegan Rupenthal, Nathan Shipley, and Sgt. Rod Ferguson.
Join us next week for Part 3 of our Speedway Community-Police Partnerships: 2016 Year in Review.
ICYMI: We’d like to present a recap of some of the community policing initiatives from the Speedway Police Department during 2016 in this 4-part series.
January
January started out with the first of several Neighborhood Watch meetings for the year, but we had a great turnout despite the cold.
Below, Chief Jim Campbell congratulates Lt. Alex Rodriguez on celebrating 20 years serving the community with SPD.
Joe Killion obtained the rank of Lieutenant within the Reserve Division. Lt. Killion also coordinates the department’s Volunteers in Policing program.
Below, left to right: Assistant Chief Chuck Upchurch, Lt. Sam Alexander, Lt. Joe Killion, Chief Jim Campbell
February
In February, the Speedway State of the Town highlights Community Police Partnerships, including the growth of the Speedway Police Citizens Academy since 2011 and the formation of the Volunteers in Policing program in 2015, along with continued positive interactions between police officers and residents.
This month saw the Volunteers in Policing program continue to expand, with the recruitment of a second Tier 1 Class. Lt. Sam Alexander, the VIP Program Supervisor, teaches the class.
Our area experienced a nice warmup for two February weekends, allowing for Officer Alex Redding (bicycle) and Officer Keegan Rupenthal (motorcycle) to enjoy patrolling on Main Street.
Friday, February 19th marked the start of the countdown of 100 days to the 100th running of the Indy 500. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Secretary of State Connie Lawson declared Friday the “100th Running of Indianapolis 500 Countdown Day.” Special bottles of milk signed by IndyCar drivers were distributed throughout the city.
Below, Senior Director of IMS Facility Management and Planning Dave Shaw presents SPD Chief Jim Campbell with one of the milk bottles.
Congratulations were in order for two Speedway Police Officers, Mat Turpin and Robert Fekkes, both celebrating ten years with the Speedway Police Department!
Below:Officer / K9 handler Mat Turpin at left with Chief Jim Campbell.
Below:Officer Robert Fekkes at left with Chief Jim Campbell.
March
SPD Officers Keegan Rupenthal (left) and Nathan Shipley (right) join Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni / VIP Becky, Elizabeth, and Monica at the Speedway Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. Attending events like this is one way the SPCAAA reaches out to the community to promote awareness of the department’s various community policing programs and foster positive community-police relationships.
Later in the month, we had an excellent turnout for the Speedway Police Department for our next Neighborhood Watch meeting. Sgt. Mirantha Wilson introduced Joe Kramer and John Merritt of the Code Enforcement Division of the Speedway Police Department. Officer Kramer explained to the residents of several concepts and duties of the Code Enforcement Division, while Officer Merritt discussed building permits and related codes. SPD and Citizens Academy Alumni will participate in the Speedway Relay for Life event this June as “Team Dragnet: Just the Facts, Ma’am”.
SPD Officers Joe Harmon & Jereme Howery attend the funeral of Howard County Deputy Sheriff Carl Koontz, shot in the line of duty during service of an arrest warrant.
Through the use of social media, the Speedway community assists SPD make a quick arrest of a suspect in the theft from former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher’s Main Street business, Speedway Indoor Karting.
Below, Officer Joe Harmon visits with kids at Coppertree Apartments on a warm March evening.
Join us next week for Part 2 of our Speedway Community-Police Partnerships: 2016 Year in Review.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Speedway Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch meeting, held on Thursday, March 3, 2016. It was an excellent turnout, and we appreciate everyone for attending.
Sgt. Mirantha Wilson introduced Joe Kramer and John Merritt of the Code Enforcement Division of the Speedway Police Department.
Officer Kramer explained to the residents of several concepts and duties of the Code Enforcement Division. Kramer advised the group that there was a team concept which involved all the different agencies within the town such as the police & fire department, street department, sanitation and water department. Kramer explained since the arrival of the new Town Manager Ian Nicolini there are monthly staff meetings and reviews involving all the department heads and discussions on current town projects, new ideas and development to help serve and keep the town a safe and clean community.
Kramer discussed other towns and cities are mentoring what our Code Enforcement Division is doing and accomplishing. Along with that, Officer Kramer and Merritt were asked to speak at this year’s Indiana Associations of Cities and Towns which is being hosted in downtown Indianapolis. Officer Kramer spoke of the top complaints in the town as far as code enforcement and those were overgrown grass, not to exceed 6 inches, debris, trees, abandoned vehicles, animal complaints, right of way issues, and parking. The parking complaints were of those people parking their vehicles in their yards and those who park the wrong way facing oncoming traffic. These are not permissible and are subject to a $50.00 for each separate offense. Officer Kramer also stated the town’s ordinances were under review with two titles complete and approved by the Town Council. Kramer advised the Town Council has been very forthcoming of revising and updating our ordinances to improve our town’s quality of life.
Officer John Merritt is the Town’s Building Commissioner and also is a code enforcement officer. Mr. Merritt spoke of what type of building permits are required by the town. Mr. Merritt explained that if you were conducting a renovation, building a deck, barn, home or garage addition or new construction, a permit would be required. Mr. Merritt encouraged when in doubt call him and if your project requires or doesn’t require a permit he would let you know. Mr. Merritt advised how Speedway is unique in that when you purchase a permit you get service with an inspection for each permit issued. Each inspection assures that you as the homeowner are getting the quality of work you paid for by your contractor. Mr. Merritt also advised that there are three other members of his team. These members are Kevin Schrader, who inspects the electrical permits and Jim Fink, who inspects the plumbing. Brent Schneider, a new resident of our town, and a 20 year building official backs up all members of the team when needed. Mr. Merritt expressed how the division picks up signs in the right of way of businesses or people selling things and advertising. This also includes the signs people put on utility poles. Mr. Merritt confirmed the team concept of not only the town employees but that of the townspeople who reside in our town. Mr. Merritt stated our division is here to work with all our residents and businesses to build a strong community. The Code Enforcement officers were thrilled of how many residents attended the meeting. The officers encouraged the community to call if they have a complaint or questions.
REMINDER: The Speedway Police Department and Speedway Neighborhood Watch have scheduled a general meeting for this Thursday evening, March 3, 2016. Please see flyer below for meeting details.
Join us for a presentation by Speedway Code Enforcement Officers Joe Kramer and John Merritt, followed by an open Q & A session with Speedway PD.
The Speedway Police Department and Speedway Neighborhood Watch have scheduled a general meeting for Thursday evening, March 3, 2016. Please see flyer below for meeting details.
Join us for a presentation by Speedway Code Enforcement Officers Joe Kramer and John Merritt, followed by an open Q & A session with Speedway PD.
