Join the Speedway Police Department once again for the Spring Shred-IT and Electronics Recycling Fundraiser for Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit that helps law enforcement find wanted felons and solve open felony cases.
Please come out and get rid of that stuff you don’t want any more or don’t want anyone to get their hands on and help Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana!
See flyer below for details.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS. The Speedway Police Department will be holding quarterly Neighborhood Watch meetings in 2019. Meeting dates are listed below. All meetings to be held at the Community Health Pavilion on Main Street. Meetings start at 6:30 P.M.
Warrant Issued for Carl Hill in Fatal March 2018 Speedway Crash (Indianapolis, Ind.) Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry announced today that Carl L. Hill has been charged in the March 24, 2018, crash that killed Donna Rosebrough and her mother Nola Spears. The crash occurred during the midday at the intersection of Crawfordsville Road and Lynhurst Drive in Speedway. Hill has been charged with two counts of Reckless Homicide (Level 5 Felonies) and a warrant was issued for his arrest on Monday.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed, investigators from the Speedway Police Department obtained security camera video which shows the crash. A Trailblazer allegedly driven by Hill is believed to have run a red light while traveling westbound on Crawfordsville Road striking the victims’ vehicle in the intersection. The probable cause affidavit further alleges that crash data obtained by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department from the Trailblazer indicates the vehicle was traveling 89 mph approximately one second before impact with the victims’ vehicle. The posted speed limit for Crawfordsville Road is 40 mph.
A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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.
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.
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!
Stay tuned for more of the 2017 Year in Review!
A Speedway Neighborhood Watch meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, November 30th at 7PM at Flanner & Buchanan’s Community Center.
Deputy Prosecutor Daphne Whitmire of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will offer a presentation on “Safety by Design: Burglary Prevention.”
Click flyer below for more details.
For more info on the presentation, see the MCPO flyer: Safety By Design – Burglary Prevention
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Lt. Trent Theobald was featured in this video from IndyStar: Policing to Bridge Gaps in Speedway.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
You can watch the whole video below:
Speedway Hometown Heroes from CIESC on Vimeo.
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
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.
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 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
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.
FOX59 published a story regarding central Indiana police agencies using data sharing equipment to reduce crime. After a regional police chiefs meeting, Speedway Police Chief James Campbell was quoted: “Identifying those people who commit crimes, giving us information about potential crime areas and supporting us in what would be our need to identify many of the same issues they have.”
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. 
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.
