Medic runs in 2020 were lower than the past five years, including Oakwood’s mutual aid medic run requests to other jurisdictions. There were zero mutual aid medic responses to Oakwood from other jurisdictions in 2020.
The Oakwood Public Safety Department responded to two significant structure fires during 2020 that resulted in substantial damage/loss to both properties. These two incidents accounted for approximately 95% of the 2020 total fire loss. The Oakwood Public Safety Department continues to maintain an exceptional response time that is well below the national average.
Dispatcher Cherie Muceus retired on December 31, 2020 with over twenty years of service to the city of Oakwood. Dispatcher Muceus was the primary dayshift dispatcher, and also served as the LEADS Tac Operator. Dispatcher Sara Murphy was hired on November 30, 2020. Dispatcher Murphy arrived with a tremendous amount of dispatching experience working for the city of Middletown as a police, fire, and EMS dispatcher. Dispatcher Murphy has completed her field training program and is working on her own.
The Oakwood Public Safety Department has a comprehensive in-service training program covering all three disciplines. Over the past five years, the department has averaged 3,356 hours of in-service training annually. The training is done through online continuing education, classroom training and practical training exercises. The 2020 police training to note are: Racial Profiling for Traffic Stops and Field Contacts; Cultural Diversity; De-escalation for Law Enforcement; Psychological Compliance and De-escalation; and Journey Through Cultural Competency. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oakwood Public Safety Department continued to maintain ongoing training.
The Oakwood Public Safety Department hosted its third Citizens Police Academy (CPA) in 2020. The 2020 program was slightly modified to reduce the number of student participants to allow for social distancing. The CPA is a great program for citizens, as well as the Safety Department. The CPA is free of charge, and the next academy is scheduled for the fall of 2021.
The Ohio Collaborative was established in December 2014 and was created to oversee implementation of recommendations for statewide policing standards in a variety of areas. Although voluntary, the Ohio Collaborative certification process provides for an independent review of a police agency to demonstrate transparency, modern methods and standards, and open critique and feedback from assessors. The Oakwood Public Safety Department continues to demonstrate compliance with all collaborative standards and most recently received certification for “Vehicular Pursuit” and “Safe Policing for Safe Communities.”
Mayor Duncan reiterated the importance of locking your car doors any time you’re away from your vehicle.
Mr. Stephens shared that he continues to receive compliments from Oakwood citizens about the Oakwood Public Safety Department. Mr. Stephens thanked Chief Hill for his leadership, and thanked all of the officers for their hard work.
Chief Hill closed his comments by sharing that members of the Oakwood Public Safety Department are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Mayor Duncan shared that on November 3, 2020, Councilmember Chris Epley was elected to a judicial position on the Second District Court of Appeals. Before he can begin that position, which starts on February 9, 2021, he must resign as a member of City Council.
Mr. Epley read the following:
“On December 7, 2020, I submitted my letter of resignation with this evening, February 1, 2021, as my last meeting. I have enjoyed my six and a half years on Oakwood City Council. Thank you, Mayor Duncan, Vice Mayor Byington, and Council Members Rob Stephens and Anne Hilton for selecting and appointing me in 2014 to fill a vacant seat. And, thank you to the citizens of Oakwood for electing me again in 2015 and 2019.
I feel honored to have served during the longest council meeting in history and more recently, the shortest. I’d like to thank my wife Eileen and our kids Jack and Lily for supporting me throughout the years.
City Manager Norb Klopsch has been with the City since the early 90’s and continues to lead this city with professionalism and patience – we are in good and steady hands under his stewardship. I know the city will continue to prosper with the addition of Leigh Turben to Oakwood City Council. Welcome, Leigh.
On Monday, February 8, I will be sworn in as Judge of the Second District Court of Appeals and my first day on the bench will be the next day, Tuesday, February 9.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve – it has been a rewarding experience.”