by Sergeant Johnathan Cates, of the Reedley P.D.
The Reedley Police Department is attempting to expand its K9 program to include cross trained dogs. Our current program is made up solely of a narcotics detection dog (Baxter) and the handling officer. Cross trained police dogs are not only able detect narcotics, but can also be used as a protection dog. These highly trained “officers” have the ability to track scent trails and use force when necessary against aggressive suspects.
by Cheryl Senn
“I put my best effort into hiring the best candidates I can find, in the Valley,” said Interim Fire Chief Greg Tarascou. “They don’t get any better than this.”
by Cheryl Senn
“Community Watch, Block Watch, Neighborhood Watch, Apartment Watch, Crime Watch – no matter what it’s called, this is one of the most effective and least costly answers to crime,” states the first lines on the Starting a Community Watch handout that is included in the Sanger Community Watch Program (SCWP) informational packet.
by Lt. Marc Ediger
In a society with an ever increasing burden on our Criminal Justice System, we are pushed toward finding solutions that will enhance our communities, not continue to allow them to deteriorate. The Reedley Police Department has taken the step to look toward alternate solutions while embracing the philosophy of restorative justice and community as a whole.
by Brian Kuykendall
The smell of pollen in the air tells me that I am home. For six years, I served this nation as a member of the United States Air Force. As a veteran coming home I am filled with a new sense of pride as I walk through the streets of my hometown.
by Detective Will Knight
Welcome to a new monthly column where small town, local cop and detective Will Knight answers some of your questions about how things really work in a small town police department. He is writing this under a pseudonym to protect his identity as he often works undercover, but he has worked as a police officer in small California towns for the past ten years. If you’d like to submit a question, simply email Will at life@kingsriverlife.com with the subject line “Cop Question”.
by Jim Bulls
In 1849, news of the California gold rush reaches the Portuguese Azores, original homeland of Manuel and Mary Enos. It isn’t long before the couple is on board a clipper ship, rounding the “Horn” and heading to San Francisco. The Enos’ will settle in the gold fields of Trinity County, where they raise a family of nine.
by James Garcia Jr.
When one thinks of the kind of Chief of Police their town should have, characteristics such as competence, trust, dedication and honor come to mind. In Kingsburg, some may be surprised to realize that we are represented by those traits and more.
by Lorie Lewis Ham
Just like the rest of the world, police departments have started taking advantage of social networks to communicate with the public. Big cities across the country like Philadelphia, New York and Chicago have been on Facebook for awhile now. Fresno has had a Facebook page since 2009, and now many of our own smaller towns are jumping on board as well, with Reedley being one of the first of the smaller towns in this area.
by Lorie Lewis Ham
We are all familiar with police officers—we see their cars driving around town, see them in uniform at crime scenes and local events—but how many of us are aware of the police chaplain who serves the community and the Police Department just as diligently, and as a volunteer?
by James Garcia Jr.
When a family loses a loved one, there is typically some support: friends and family visit or often stay for extended periods of time; a local priest, pastor or other church official might pay a visit; or the church family might bring meals to the home for that terrible first week. If the individual who died was in law enforcement and was killed in the line of duty however, then there is an organization that steps in to help: C.O.P.S.
by Steven Wright
The season of joy, forgiveness, thankfulness and hope is upon us. In a perfect world, we should celebrate the birth of our Lord every day, be ever mindful of his sacrifice and be generous with our giving.
Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world and very often we find ourselves in situations that cause just the opposite to happen. Sometimes no matter what we try to do things just do not go how we hope.
by Steven Wright
Restore or discard— In today’s world we find that people are on two ends of this perspective. Goods and services, and the ability to obtain them, are at the tip of your fingers. We can shop on-line for food, clothes, furniture, cars, houses, and even a date or a life partner. Most of the things we obtain today are made to last as long as our desire to keep them, or until something else catches our eye. Use it once and throw away.
by Steven Wright
There are many Top 10 lists out there, for almost everything. Mine may not be as entertaining but it could save your life, especially if you drive in California. I did something this past Memorial Day weekend I don’t normally do: travel.
