We have been doing a series of articles this year taking a look at some of the people who serve Reedley in various ways. This week we sat down to have a chat with Reedley Animal Control Officer John Urbano about what he does.
Have you ever wondered what a police chief does? We are doing a series of articles that is taking a look at many different parts of the City of Reedley and leaders in Reedley, to learn not only more about what they do, but also about who they are. This week we are chatting with Reedley’s Chief of Police Jose Luis Garza. He assumed leadership of the Reedley Police Department on March 13, 2012, after serving as Acting Chief of Police since April of 2011.
Ever wish that you could help fight crime in your own hometown? Well actually, you can by using the Reedley PD Tip Line. We sat down recently with Police Liaison Officer Cyndee Trimble Friesen to learn more about the Tip Line which started in August 2017.
When the Reedley Police Department's K9 officer Baxter passed away in January of 2013 due to a terminal illness, it spurred the beginnings of an even larger K9 unit in Reedley, thanks to the great response of the community.
Our Reedley bike shop was broken into in early February. The thief smashed a window and grabbed the $2,000 bike we had on display, and ran. Moments like this rip my heart out. In less than a minute, this person cost me thousands of dollars (windows aren’t cheap), and thousands of tears. Anyone who is self-employed knows how hard it is to run a healthy, viable business.
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.
"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."
"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.
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.
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.
