MANSFIELD — The Mansfield fire and police departments were busy in 2016. Combined, these departments handled over 47,000 calls for service last year.
According to Mayor Tim Theaker’s state of the city address for 2016, the Mansfield Fire Department responded to 10,395 calls for service, which averages to over 28 calls per day. The bulk of these calls were for EMS transports, which generated $1.7 million in cost recovery for the department.
A rescue squad was put into operation at Station #4 on South Main Street with the intent of having it open any time daily staffing permits.
The department took delivery on two new Pierce pumper trucks this year that were purchased in 2015 and two new Braun ambulances were purchased this year. The Fire Prevention Bureau is awaiting delivery on a new marked vehicle for their office that should arrive in the next few weeks.
The Haz-Mat team, which serves Mansfield, Richland, and Ashland counties, received extensive training along with some new equipment. They are now attached to the METRICH unit for drug lab responses.
Three of the paramedics have been trained to work directly with the ASORT team during their call outs.
“Both of these advents will greatly enhance our safety forces,” Theaker said.
The Mansfield Division of Police handled 36,854 calls for service and received 160 citizen compliments for outstanding work in the community. Officers arrested 4,952 individuals.
The police department currently has 83 sworn officers and 34 civilian employees. Two officers retired and 11 new officers were hired in 2016.
Part 1 crime, which includes homicide, rape, robbery, assault, arson, burglary, larceny and auto theft, decreased by 2.9 percent overall compared to 2015.
Assault offenses drastically decreased by 28.5 percent. Personal injury crashes decreased by 13.6 percent and property damage crashes decreased by 3.7 percent.
The Detective Bureau Domestic Violence Officer was assigned 783 cases and assisted in arresting 269 suspects on felony and misdemeanor charges. The detective assigned to assist Children’s Services and the Sex Crime Unit was assigned 150 cases.
“The Community Services Bureau worked hard during 2016 while stepping up to cover vacancies in personnel,” Theaker said.
The police department supports community programs such as the Juvenile Mentoring Program, A.C.E. Program, Safety Town, Golden Agers Program, Leadership Club, Explorers, After School Programs, PAL Sports, and neighborhood watch groups.
