On July 16, 2019, Lieutenant Balaj and other members of the Dayton/Cincinnati Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) were recognized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work and dedication leading to the arrest and conviction of Laith Alebbini, a Dayton resident. During early 2017, a federal criminal investigation began with Alebbini as the suspect. Alebbini was ultimately arrested on April 26, 2017, at the Cincinnati/Kentucky International Airport as he was attempting to board a flight to Jordan. From there, Alebbini made plans to travel to Syria to join ISIS. Alebbini was committed to traveling overseas for the purpose of joining ISIS and engaging in violence in support of a foreign terrorist organization. Just prior to attempting to board the plane, Alebbini sent a text to a family member stating, “I am a terrorist.” Alebbini was found guilty at trial for attempting to conspire and provide material support and resources to ISIS and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. The time of the involved officers was immense. Lt. Balaj and other members worked countless hours, often around the clock. This was a dangerous individual whose goal was to commit violence overseas. Our city, county, state and country is a safer place because of Lt. Balaj and task force members.

Mayor Duncan asked if this was the first case in our district to go to trial.

Chief Hill stated that this is the first case of its type to go to trial in the Southern District of Ohio. There have been very few of these cases in the history of the federal court system.

City Council, city staff, and members of the audience applauded Lieutenant Balaj, who was in the audience, and the Dayton/Cincinnati Joint Terrorism Task Force.

On June 14, 2019, the Oakwood Public Safety Department was recognized for 25 years of dedication to the D.A.R.E. Program. The longevity of this program has been possible due the commitment by current and past D.A.R.E Officers.

Since taking effect in early February, the Safety Department has not received any complaints, given any warnings, or issued any citations for violations of the dog leash law.

In May 2016, the state of Ohio implemented 19 standards for all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP). All dispatch centers were required to achieve compliance within two years from the date of adoption. Some standards were put into place to challenge individual dispatch centers versus regional dispatch centers. In May 2019, Montgomery County PSAP’s were audited for compliance. On June 26, 2019, Oakwood received notification from the Montgomery County 9-1-1 Coordinator that Oakwood was in full compliance with the standards required for operating a PSAP.

In September 2019, the Oakwood Public Safety Department will host its second Citizen Police Academy (CPA). The CPA will run from September 11 through November 13. The academy will last 10 weeks and will meet one night per week for two hours. Topics to be covered during the academy include: Safety Department introduction/orientation; patrol operations; traffic enforcement; use of force; active shooter training; evidence collection and processing; and fire prevention/education. The CPA is free of charge and is open to any Oakwood resident or individual working within the city of Oakwood. Applications for the CPA are currently being processed. The Safety Department is excited to again offer this community outreach program.

On March 1,209, the Safety Department implemented the Assisting and Contributing to Oakwood Resident Needs (ACORN) Program. The program is designed to assist residents in times of emergency, and provide peace of mind through proactive community outreach, implementing safety plans, and advocating for the well-being of Oakwood’s senior and at-risk population. Since March, the Safety Department has been contacted by over 20 individuals inquiring about the program. The Safety Department has met with 17 individuals and signed up 12 Oakwood citizens. The at risk population is very hard to reach, so the Safety Department is pleased with the outcome so far.

Chief Hill closed his presentation by acknowledging the six Dayton police officers that responded within 28 seconds to remove an active shooter from the Oregon District. Their quick response saved many lives. Chief Hill commended the Dayton police officers for their courage and commitment to the community.

Mayor Duncan asked that Chief Hill relay to the Oakwood Public Safety Department that their efforts are appreciated and they continue to do a great job.