Welcome to the final installment of the Speedway Police Department’s 2017 year in review!
October
The Speedway Police Department invited residents of Speedway to join members of the Department in celebrating our National Night Out crime prevention event. The event brings communities together to promote the partnership between the police and the community.
Highlights of the National Night Out event included free food and drinks, police demos, and information about various anti-crime initiatives. We also had music, kids’ activities, information booths from public safety-related organizations, civic groups, town departments, and much more!
Thanks to all who attended National Night Out-we hope you had a great time, had plenty of food and enjoyed meeting with SPD!
Congratulations to Sergeant Rodney Ferguson. Rodney has been with Speedway PD for 30 years. Thank you for your service!!
School Resource Officer Mark Jones wrapped up this year’s Student Academy at Speedway H.S. today. The student academy averaged 25 students each day.
Thank you Barbecue and Bourbon for providing an excellent lunch once again for our Crime Stoppers Shred Day volunteers. Much appreciated!
Speedway PD – Guardians of Speedway – had a great time at Trunk or Treat! It was freezing but so much fun!
November
The Speedway Police Citizens Academy graduated its 8th class, congratulations and we look forward to you continuing your relationship with the Speedway Police Department through volunteerism, continuing education and other partnership opportunities!
Citizens Academy Alumni and Volunteers in Policing (VIP) provided the graduation reception
Mrs. Alisia Apple of Pride Academy was presented the Jefferson Award today! Thank you Alisia for all the wonderful things you do for the children and the community! You are an amazing woman and we are so lucky to have you and Pride in our community!
December
On Monday, December 4th, 2017 the Speedway Police Department hired its newest police officer. Officer Karl Brown, 35, was sworn in by Clerk-Treasurer Monty Combs during a ceremony held at the Speedway Town Hall. Officer Brown resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife L’America Brown. Prior to working for the Town of Speedway, Officer Brown was employed as a Police Officer with the Indianapolis Airport Police Department. He is a graduate of Indiana Law Enforcement Academy class 2015-205 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Indianapolis. Please help us in welcoming Officer Karl Brown to the Town of Speedway.
Light the Night on Main
Shop with a Cop
Speedway Police and Fire sandwich challenge at GetGo Speedway PD vs. Speedway Fire Department in a sandwich making contest for charity at the new GetGo in Speedway. Unfortunately SPD lost for following the rules! Thanks to Speedway GetGo for the donation made to the department during their long awaited grand opening.
It was a great 2017 and we look forward to an even better 2018!
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!
Even with race season coming to a close with the Red Bull Air Race, October is shaping up to be a busy month for the Speedway Police Department and Citizens Academy / Volunteers in Policing.
The 8th Citizens Academy Class is underway and students are again having a fun and informative time! In addition, we will be hosting or participating in the following events in October.
National Night Out
The Speedway Police Department will be holding its National Night Out event on Tuesday, October 3rd from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Leonard Park. We hope you’ll join us for some food & fun.
Lt. Sam Alexander invites Speedway residents to join SPD at National Night Out!
Thank you to our sponsors and participants!
Shred-it Day
On Saturday, October 21st, the Speedway Police Department will again host a location for the next Community Shredding and Electronics Recycling Day, to benefit the CrimeStoppers Reward Fund.
See flyer below for details (click image to enlarge).
Trunk or Treat
On Saturday, October 28th, We will again be participating in the Speedway Chamber event, Trunk or Treat, an event which has been growing over the past several years and is a lot of fun!
Please note the new location at the American Legion on Georgetown Road.
See flyer below for details (click image to enlarge).
By Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni / VIPs: Wayne Grabman, Pauletta Dusterberg, and Jennifer Bremer
Alumni of the Speedway Police Department’s Citizens Academy program recently participated in a Continuing Education Class, “Use of Force / Shoot-Don’t Shoot,” held at the IMPD Training Academy. The SPCAAA would like to express their thanks and appreciation to IMPD and specifically, IMPD training instructors Sgt. Nate Barlow and Officer Tony Priami, for their time, use of facilities, and excellent interactive presentation. We’d also like to thank Speedway Police Department Chief Jim Campbell & Assistant Chief Charles Upchurch for arranging the class, and to Sgt. Mirantha Wilson for her time and attendance as well! The class was incredibly insightful, tense, and provided an understanding to the stresses of police work.
Alumni were first given an introduction into the basics regarding use of force as a part of an officer’s job. Police Officers are subjected to approximately 56,000 random acts of violence against them a year for simply wearing the badge and being an authority figure. Stressful. Every time an officer pulls over a vehicle, the officer doesn’t know how things will turn out; will the occupants be calm & responsive, or belligerent, drunk, uncooperative, have drugs, weapons, or run. Any number of things can go wrong on a traffic stop. The two most dangerous incidents for an officer are domestic violence calls and traffic stops. Stressful.
It takes 1.4 seconds for the “bad guy” to pull and fire a weapon. It takes the officer 2.5 seconds to process this incident and return fire. Stressful.
As students participated in 7 different scenarios, all of which were real life situations, it really gave a better feeling of just how quickly things go from simple to life altering. In each interactive scenario, two students worked together as partners watching a video of a suspect. Students were instructed to move around, speak to the suspect, issue commands, etc. With these actions, the video suspect reacted accordingly, necessitating the students to think and react in response until the “shoot/don’t shoot” moment occurred.
In one scenario, they stopped a car for reckless driving. The man appeared intoxicated and would not listen to the “officer’s” command to take his hands out of his pockets. After several attempts to get him to comply, the suspect stated he had a gun and was going to use it. He reached in his waistband, assumed a shooting stance and drew. One of the students instantly raised their gun and shot him: one fatal shot and one non fatal shot. Now for what was happening at the exact time the shot was taken, he brought up 2 fingers and said “bang bang.” An unarmed man was shot. After the events and actions leading up to the shots were weighed, it was determined to be a justified shooting. Thoughts afterward? Yes, it had to be done, but was not a good feeling.
In another scenario, students responded as backup to an officer who had pulled over a man wanted on a warrant. The man exited his vehicle and was loudly arguing with the officer, but had not displayed a weapon or used any physical force. Suddenly, a small child exited the passenger’s side of the truck brandishing a shotgun. After several attempts to command the child to put down her weapon, she shot the first officer, after which students reacted and shot. Again, an incredibly difficult and heart wrenching situation, that we cannot even begin to fathom dealing with. But remember, all of the scenarios in the class were real.
In reading a story of a police-involved shooting, we can sit back and judge what we think should or could have happened. The effects of an officer doing their job to protect us can change their life and those of their families forever. After having taken the class, students all agreed it would be a valuable opportunity for everyone to do a shoot / don’t shoot scenario.
Our greatest lesson learned was police officers don’t do this job hoping to pull their weapon, they do it so you can feel safe and can go home to your family. They are mothers, fathers, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends, loved ones…they are just like you and me, they want to go home to their families too.
As we go about our daily lives, and those times we see Military persons on the street and we thank them for their service, remember the Police Officers we see every day as well, and thank them too.
To them all, thank you for your commitment, your sacrifices, your families, and being you. Thank You!
SPCAAA Reflections on the Shoot/Don’t Shoot Experience:
“This was a fabulous adventure & experience. The level of professional training our police officers are receiving is very positive.” – Chuck Blessing
“I think that was a great class I loved it.” – Denise Albrecht
“The class was incredibly insightful, statistical, tense at times, and gives an understanding to the stresses of police work. We should all be more thankful of our Officers and the commitment they have made to us.” – Wayne Grabman
“This class was very interesting and insightful, not only by reenacting police action shootings, but also with the various topics of information Nate and Tony shared. Again a reminder of the split-second decisions our officers are faced with on a daily basis that create a lifetime of memories, good and bad. We honor and are thankful as well as continue to pray for our officers safety.” – Diana Miller
“I found it to be a very eye-opening class, showing what our friends in law enforcement deal with on a daily basis. Also the stress it can cause.” – David Starzyk
“I really enjoyed the class & appreciate SPD & IMPD for making it possible. I learned a lot about how officers have to make what could be a life changing experience, sometimes in seconds. It’s not for the citizens to judge them instead they need support & reminders they are appreciated. They are normal people too, just doing their job to protect & serve and want to go home at the end of their shift to their families. Always remember to Back The Blue & show them they are appreciated.” – Dana Taylor
“This was a great class HANDS DOWN!! In our scenario, I was focusing so much on the lady with the knife, and did not realize it at the time, but became so focused on her and her actions, tunnel vision and auditory deprivation kicked in. I remember my partner talking but not what she said, I did not see the “victim” enter the site until she was about 3′ away from the knife lady. WOW.” – Jim Wilson
“The class was very informative on so many levels. It touched my heart most of all because police officers are just normal people doing an a job that takes extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Seeing a small piece of the reality of what our police officers go through on a daily basis was almost overwhelming. I am grateful I got to take this class. We need to support our officers more than we do. It makes me proud to be involved with Speedway VIP program. GOD BLESS ALL OUR OFFICERS!!!” – Monica Marks
“Informative. I enjoyed the presentation. Time well spent. Professionally done.”
“Very interactive – great instructors.”
“I wish there was a way the general public could hear what was said regarding police officers and the split second decisions they have to make on a daily basis. The class have a new and different perspective on an officer’s job they experience daily. Glad to have been part of the class.”
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.
It’s January and with the new year, it is time to reconnect your Kroger card to the Speedway Police Department’s Citizens Academy Community Rewards account.
Just follow the steps below!
To assist in the furtherance of Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association (SPCAAA) goals, the organization has been approved as tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3), and will raise funds to help the Speedway community and police department. One way is through the Kroger Community Rewards program, and you can help us! All you have to to help us is to register your Kroger Plus card with the program, following the simple steps below. Once your card is registered, simply use your card when you make your purchases and Kroger makes a donation to our organization!
The SPCAAA is an auxiliary organization comprised of graduates of the Speedway Police Department’s Citizens Academy program. The SPCAAA serves as an extension of the department by providing support, community outreach, distributing information about the department’s community policing programs (see links above), serving as goodwill ambassadors and helping foster positive community-police relationships.
If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
ONCE YOU HAVE A KROGER PLUS CARD, TO REGISTER FOR THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:
Is your Kroger Card already registered online? If so, you can sign in to your Kroger account and then register following the steps below.
Visit the above website. Click Sign In, then log in using your current Kroger login/password.
Once logged in, click Enroll Now, scroll again to Community Rewards and click Enroll.
Enter NPO number 18107 or name of organization Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association, select organization from list and click on Confirm.
If you have a Kroger Plus card but you have not registered for an online account, you must do that first, by following the steps below.
Visit the website listed above and click “Create An Account”
Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions
You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
Update or confirm your information.
Enter NPO number 18107 or name of organization Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association, select organization from list and click on Confirm.
General Steps/Other Info
To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see our organization’s name on the right side of your information page.
REMEMBER, your purchases will not count for our group until after you register your card(s).
Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.
You must swipe your registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to your registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.
As our organization raises funds or receives donations, here are a sampling of ideas we would like to raise money for:
Support of community policing programs (Citizens Academy, Neighborhood Watch, VIP) – promotional materials (flyers, cards, etc.), equipment
CrimeStoppers
K-9 Fund
Scholarship for students interested in law enforcement
Support of Speedway Police Officers as needed
SPD Outreach Fund
Shop with a Cop
Community Events & Hospitality gatherings
Thank you very much for your support of the Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association and our mission to help build positive community-police relationships within the Speedway community!
To assist in the furtherance of Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association (SPCAAA) goals, the organization has been approved as tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3), and will raise funds to help the Speedway community and police department. One way is through the Kroger Community Rewards program, and you can help us! All you have to to help us is to register your Kroger Plus card with the program, following the simple steps below. Once your card is registered, simply use your card when you make your purchases and Kroger makes a donation to our organization!
The SPCAAA is an auxiliary organization comprised of graduates of the Speedway Police Department’s Citizens Academy program. The SPCAAA serves as an extension of the department by providing support, community outreach, distributing information about the department’s community policing programs (see links above), serving as goodwill ambassadors and helping foster positive community-police relationships.
If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
ONCE YOU HAVE A KROGER PLUS CARD, TO REGISTER FOR THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:
Is your Kroger Card already registered online? If so, you can sign in to your Kroger account and then register following the steps below.
Visit the above website. Click Sign In, then log in using your current Kroger login/password.
Once logged in, click Enroll Now, scroll again to Community Rewards and click Enroll.
Enter NPO number 18107 or name of organization Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association, select organization from list and click on Confirm.
If you have a Kroger Plus card but you have not registered for an online account, you must do that first, by following the steps below.
Visit the website listed above and click “Create An Account”
Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions
You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
Update or confirm your information.
Enter NPO number 18107 or name of organization Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association, select organization from list and click on Confirm.
General Steps/Other Info
To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see our organization’s name on the right side of your information page.
REMEMBER, your purchases will not count for our group until after you register your card(s).
Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.
You must swipe your registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to your registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.
As our organization raises funds or receives donations, here are a sampling of ideas we would like to raise money for:
Support of community policing programs (Citizens Academy, Neighborhood Watch, VIP) – promotional materials (flyers, cards, etc.), equipment
CrimeStoppers
K-9 Fund
Scholarship for students interested in law enforcement
Support of Speedway Police Officers as needed
SPD Outreach Fund
Shop with a Cop
Community Events & Hospitality gatherings
Thank you very much for your support of the Speedway Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association and our mission to help build positive community-police relationships within the Speedway community!
