It Happened In Crawford County | Bucyrus Police Chief Dave Koepke
Bucyrus is a city in recovery due to the positive public police partnership to attack the crime and opiate epidemic issue proactively, according to Bucyrus Police Chief Dave Koepke. Bucyrus stands as an example to the rest of the state, going from one of the worst counties for per capita overdoses to one of the healthiest counties with fewest overdoses per capita in Ohio.
The passage of the safety forces levy in 2013 made it possible to renew the city's community policing model. There is an active neighborhood and business watch, school resource officer and other resources working cooperatively with neighboring agencies. Rather than being on the defensive and only reacting, the police department can be proactive using cooperation to solve problems. Bucyrus is now safer, healthier and poised for growth and a beautiful place to call home.
The department now has resources for a well-equipped staff and prompt, courteous response. The police staff and Bucyrus citizens have a great relationship thanks to caring and polite people, a reflection of the community. Overall, in the last five years there has been a 60 percent reduction in property crime, 50 percent reduction in thefts, and 40 percent reduction in violent crime. The department is currently trying to fill three vacancies, one from the retirement of Sam Caldwell, who served his hometown for 26 years. Koepke said the department will continue to seek to maintain a positive partnership with the community and serve with professional efficiency and courtesy.
On the horizon is a renewed DARE program with School Resource Officer Jo Stahl in Bucyrus Schools. The DARE program exists thanks to the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant in 2017.
The police department has two K9 officers: Officer Chris Hulsmeyer and Rosco and Captain Neil Assenheimer and Harvey. It is a terrible idea to travel in Bucyrus with illegal drugs or try to evade these K9 teams. The department has been very aggressive in investigating illegal drug activity with the exceptional work of detectives and the cooperation of other county agencies in forming and maintaining a Special Response Team. Their work often begins with the collaboration of neighborhood watch groups bringing attention to problem areas that require thorough investigation. The result of our current policing model is safer neighborhoods and less crime. The mission remains to improve and maintain the quality of life in our great city.
Keywords that sum up the Bucyrus Fire Department's activities throughout the year are "generosity," "community," "helping" and "thankfulness." They are thankful for the generosity of the community which helps with several very successful events throughout the year. Safety Town is part of our fire safety, prevention and educational programs offered to the community. Firemen visit schools, daycares and businesses to provide education and training to kids and adults.
Around Labor Day, the department collects donations on downtown streets to “Fill the Boot.” They raised more than $7,000 in 2017 for the “Muscular Dystrophy Association” part of a nationwide fundraiser sponsored by “International Association of Fire Fighters.” Spooktacular, the community Halloween gathering in the park, raised more than $3,200 in 2017 to support the ghoulish fun for everyone. The Christmas Toy Drive was a huge success again this past year with help from the Red Cross, fire department retirees, family members and the Bucyrus United Methodist Church. Over 125 families and 300 children were helped by this drive.
The Smoke Detector Program is provided for by the Red Cross for the department to install smoke detectors free of charge to city residents. Approximately 180 smoke detectors have been installed since starting the program. They are installed by a scheduled appointment or by the unfortunate chance the department come to your residence for some other type of service call. Generally firefighters see something concerning to them, and will ask to install a new detector and go over home safety tips.
The department also provides fire extinguisher training to groups and businesses. The training generally consists of a safety talk based on the kinds of extinguishers they have. Firemen go over the safe and proper use of the extinguishers and any dangers or hazards that may be common or unique to your location requiring a discussion. They also conduct live fire training outside with their simulator so that everyone gets hands on operation of a fire extinguisher.
Readers, if you are interested in genealogy or sharing a story, write Crawford County Genealogy Society, 931 Marion Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820. Mary Fox email: littlefoxfactory@columbus.rr.com.