Chief’s Message – 2021 Annual Report

Despite challenges brought on by the pandemic, the Public Safety Department was able to maintain essential police, fire, and medical response services while responding to citizen and community needs with professionalism and compassion. 

The overall crime rate remains extremely low with just 11 Part I violent crimes reported (i.e., aggravated assault, forcible rape/CSC, murder, manslaughter, & robbery). Unfortunately, the number of Part 1 property crimes (i.e., arson, B&E, larceny, & motor vehicle thefts) increased by 35%. In 98% of all larcenies from vehicles, the car/truck was unlocked. Larcenies of property from automobiles can be prevented if residents remove all valuables from their vehicles, secure windows, and doors (even if their automobile is parked in their driveway) and take their keys out of the vehicle. 

The number of traffic crashes increased by 16% from 135 in 2020 to 156 in 2021. However, this was the second lowest total in five years. The most common causes of crashes are driver error/reaction, driver behavior or inexperience, not obeying the rules of the road, and distracted driving. Remember to remain alert and always drive defensively. 

Department members responded to, and successfully extinguished, six house fires and two vehicle fires. Fortunately, no one was injured. Additionally, officers conducted 35 fire inspections, responded to 15 wires down and 65 false alarm calls, and gave mutual fire aid to outside communities on 18 occasions. It’s important to remember that all EGR officers are trained medical first responders. As a result, our officers can respond to medical emergencies very quickly (For medical calls, the average EGR enroute to arrival time is 3.60 minutes. The national average for EMS response is 7 Minutes). In 2021, officers responded to 272 medicals or related emergencies. 

For additional information, I encourage you to take a moment and review not only the 2021 Annual Report but all publicly available reports regarding the Department of Public Safety and our services on the City’s website.

I and all Department members are grateful for your support, we promise to work hard to maintain your trust and confidence. If you have any questions, give me a call, email, or I can come by and visit you.

Mark A. Herald
Director of Public Safety 

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