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!