Police Chief Kirk Roberts and Fire Chief Kevin Hope reported on the Artesia Police Department and Artesia Fire Department at the July 12th City Council Meeting. Chief Roberts began that the summer months have been busy for the department as they typically are with school out of session and the high temperatures that seem to increase tempers around the community. The department has a suspicious death investigation in progress at one of the local hotels which has kept the APD very busy.
Animal Control intakes are up significantly since the 4th of July Roberts discussed as well. The department is working to get a debit card reader at the shelter to make the process of retrieving a pet more efficient. At present, only a money order can be accepted to retrieve a pet or adopt a pet which requires additional steps on behalf of responsible community members wishing to retrieve a lost pet or give a forever home to a shelter animal. Councilor Youtsey asked Chief Roberts about the process of bringing a vicious animal to the attention of Animal Control. Chief Roberts explained that it is possible for Animal Control to contact an owner about a vicious animal before it does bodily harm to a citizen and that a process is in place to manage the situations involving potentially harmful animals.
Following the question regarding Animal Control, Councilor Ignacio Mariscal asked if a vehicle without wheels and recently tagged with graffiti could be looked at by the police department. The seemingly abandoned vehicle sits outside of the Abo Apartments. Chief Kirk assured the Councilor Mariscal that the department would follow up on the vehicle to see how many days it had been abandoned, and then work to remove it if needed. Councilor Dicky Towley thanked the department for working so hard over the course of the demanding summer months.
Next, Fire Chief Hope reported to the city council that the fire department receives on average about one hundred calls a year. Some years may have fewer or greater numbers of calls, but 100 calls is what the city should expect to receive annually.
Chief Hope discussed that 7 individuals were tested for cadet positions in the fire department and 3 individuals passed the test, so the department welcomes three new cadets. He explained that the department is still short 4 individuals, and that a recruitment blitz is a possibility to fill those spots. Social media marketing appears to be the most efficient way to connect individuals to the department.
