learned the officers in my community, although highly trained to protect me in a dangerous circumstance, are most often involved in doing the behind the scenes work that builds trust with residents and facilitates a sense of security. This relationship explains why Oakwood citizens feel comfortable calling the police when they see something they think should be investigated or want their homes watched when they are out of town.

Next August, you will have the opportunity to apply for the 3rd Citizen Police Academy. I believe you will find it rewarding and excellent use of your time.”

Mayor Duncan thanked Mrs. Jackson for her comments. He then invited Chief Hill to speak about the Citizens Police Academy (CPA).

Chief Hill shared that the Oakwood Public Safety Department hosted its second Citizens Police Academy (CPA) this year. The CPA is a unique opportunity for citizens to better understand the job of a public safety officer and also serve as a way for Safety Department personnel to hear the needs and expectations of the community. Oakwood’s Public Safety Department is the sole department in the state of Ohio that operates as a fully consolidated department. All of Oakwood’s sworn officers are state certified in law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical services. The CPA is a 10-week program where participants meet one night per week for approximately two hours. The next CPA will be held in the fall of 2020.

Mayor Duncan encouraged residents to attend the next Citizens Police Academy. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the unique services the Oakwood Public Safety Department provides. Mayor Duncan then confirmed with Chief Hill that the class size is typically around 12 to 15 people.

Traffic Enforcement – Mayor Duncan read the following letter from Rabbi Nochum Mangel, Executive Director of the Chabad of Greater Dayton.

“I am writing you to let you know that I am a proud resident of Oakwood and that I am proud of the progress that Oakwood has made in welcoming minorities to its community.

When I first came to Dayton, we decided to locate to the south suburbs, even though the majority of the Jewish community and most of its institutions were in the north. I was well aware of the history that Oakwood had regarding Jews buying homes or living in its neighborhood. Therefore we didn’t know what to expect when we decided to move here and to establish Chabad of Greater Dayton, a Jewish institution, in the center of Oakwood.

As I got to know more and more of our neighbors, residents, and the city government and management, especially Norbert Klopsch, it became clear to me that Oakwood was a great place to be, for our community and for us personally.

Whether it was the zoning board’s accommodation of Chabad’s needs for parking, the cooperation of Captain Mike Jones of the police to work with us in facilitating safety at special events, or the helpfulness of the Oakwood Schools, our life here has been wonderful.

I remember the powerful emotions, so many members of the Dayton community felt when Mayor Judy Cook joined us in her official capacity the night we dedicated our new center and when she participated in our giant public menorah lighting ceremony. She acknowledged the intolerant past and embraced the new Oakwood that welcomed and celebrated this public beacon of Jewishness in its midst.

People greet us regularly as we walk the sidewalks; my wife and I, and our children made acquaintances easily sitting and chatting in the city’s parks. The feeling has been warm and welcoming for us from the start.

I am not so foolish to think that this or any other community is perfect. Show me a utopia, and I’ll move there. But I know for a fact that my experiences have been consistently positive. Political leaders have been responsive; administrators have been encouraging and cooperative. First responders have always been courteous and friendly. When we had smoke in our garage, for instance, the fire crew was helpful and stayed until everything had been set right to make sure that we don’t need to worry anymore. We have never experienced prejudice here from anyone. Quite the contrary, Oakwood is a place we are proud to call home.