CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio – The Circleville Safety Committee convened recently to discuss key updates and ongoing efforts within the city’s police and fire departments. Chief Kenny Fisher Acting Chief of the Circleville Police Department opened the session with a comprehensive overview of current operations and challenges within the department.
Addressing the committee, Acting Chief Fisher acknowledged the community’s concerns amid recent developments and reassured members about the department’s resilience. “I’m Kenny Fisher Acting Chief of Police for Circleville,” he began. “I know many of you are curious about the current state of our police department amidst everything going on. I’m pleased to report that we are holding up well. Morale is on the rise, and we are committed to moving forward in a progressive manner.”
Acting Chief Fisher highlighted staffing as a primary focus, noting several vacancies that need to be filled urgently. “Currently, we have five vacancies within the police division, three of which are administrative positions and two are officer roles,” he explained. “Upon promotions, we will have five officer positions to fill.”
In terms of call volume and activity, Acting Chief Fisher provided statistics for the year to date, citing a total of 8,723 calls for service. Among these were 184 vehicular accidents, 143 arrests, and 261 citations issued this year. Despite challenges, he emphasized the department’s dedication to maintaining service levels and responding promptly to community needs.
The meeting also acknowledged recent hires aimed at bolstering departmental capacity. “We recently welcomed a lateral candidate from Marysville to join our team,” Acting Chief Fisher announced, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance operational readiness.
Following Acting Chief Fisher’s update, Mayor Blanton and the Law Director expressed appreciation for the department’s leadership and efforts in maintaining public safety. “I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about the leadership that Chief Fisher and Deputy Chief Farrelly have demonstrated,” Mayor Blanton remarked. “It’s reassuring to see the dedication and stability they bring to our community.”
Committee members also raised pertinent questions, including inquiries about patrol staffing levels during different shifts. Chief Fisher clarified that the department currently operates with a minimum of two officers on patrol during specified shifts three on others, with plans to adjust staffing levels upon achieving a full complement.
In conclusion, Chief Fisher addressed plans for filling the remaining vacancies through internal promotions and strategic restructuring. “We have candidates lined up for one administrative position and are exploring restructuring options for the other two,” he explained. “Promotions from within our ranks will also contribute to filling these crucial roles.”
The committee also heard updates from Circleville Fire Chief Brian Thompson, who provided insights into emergency response statistics and departmental developments. Chief Thompson highlighted operational achievements and ongoing efforts to enhance firefighting capabilities, reinforcing the city’s commitment to public safety.
Brian Thompson, Circleville’s Fire Chief, provided an update on recent operations: “Through June 30th, we’ve responded to 20,331 runs this year, setting a pace to exceed last year’s total by approximately 60 runs; we finished 2023 with 4,605. Of these, 17,084 were EMS calls and 547 were non-EMS incidents, such as fires, alarm drops, and non-injury lift assists. We’ve also conducted 444 Mutual Aid runs and received 37 Mutual Aid responses to support our city. Recently, one unit managed an impressive 30 runs within a 24-hour period, with only one needing to be redirected. Handling 30 runs in a single day, if you hear sirens back to back to back to back to back, that’s why, with an average of about 13 calls daily. While call volumes are slightly increasing, we’re effectively managing and enhancing our service delivery.”
Chief Thompson also addressed staffing: “Currently, we have a vacancy for a captain and plan to conduct a promotional exam for our two qualified lieutenants. Additionally, once the captain’s position is filled, we can fill one vacancy for a firefighter. As of right now everything is fixed nothing is broken when it comes to equipment.”
Chief Thompson also covered the safer grant a grant that was awarded to the city that pays the salary of half a dozen firefighters, and a update to the new ladder truck that was mostly paid for by a Federal grant.
“We’ll be coordinating with our grant writer to determine the timing for our Safer grant reapplication. Historically, we’ve consistently qualified for this grant, and I’m optimistic about our chances this time around. Our ladder truck is still in production, and we’ve been informed that it’s scheduled for delivery by July 26, 2025. It’s been a lengthy process, but we’ve managed to hold the old ladder truck together with makeshift solutions like rubber bands, duct tape, and Flex Seal. Despite these challenges, morale remains high. Recently, we welcomed three new hires, two of whom have already begun working with us. One of them is a recent academy graduate, and we’re providing extra support to help him adjust to the demands of our 24-hour shifts. Overall, I’m confident in our team’s capabilities. Next week, I’ll be attending a fire chiefs’ convention, during which Captain Kavanaugh will oversee operations in my absence.”
Circleville Law Director Kendra Kinney added in some perspective she wanted to share to the Saftey committee and to those in attendance, “I don’t have a question, but I should have mentioned this earlier when Chief Fisher was speaking. From my perspective, I’d like to comment on the efforts of these two individuals and the relationship dynamics they’re cultivating not only within our city but throughout our entire county. They’ve both presented memos of understanding aimed at collaborating with other jurisdictions to provide assistance and seek aid when needed. This underscores the proactive approach they’ve taken in fostering stronger relationships within their respective departments. It’s crucial to acknowledge this progress because it addresses longstanding issues that have historically been overlooked. The council should recognize that they’re not only managing day-to-day operations effectively but also improving these vital relationships.”
The Circleville Safety Committee will continue to monitor progress and support initiatives aimed at maintaining a safe and thriving community.
