Department Spotlight

by Theresa Dardanell

Thurmont Police and the Community — An Important Partnership

When asked what he wanted the Thurmont citizens to know, Chief Gregory Eyler said, “We want to be in a partnership with the community. We want them to be involved with our department and assist us in any way they can, and we will assist them and serve and protect them as much as we can.” This partnership is the basis for “community policing,” police and citizens working together to detect and prevent crime. Community policing was instrumental in solving the recent pipe bomb incident. The Thurmont police, together with allied agencies and numerous tips from citizens, were able to solve that crime. Although the police were concerned that they had been targeted, they were more concerned that the citizens were extremely frightened that this happened in Thurmont. The officers have been working to assure the public that only the police were targeted and that the community is safe. The investigation into the report of gunshots on July 14 is continuing. The department has already received numerous tips from citizens, but welcomes any additional information. That incident triggered a Reverse 911, which means that residents in that area receive notification to Shelter-in-place (stay in your home, lock the doors, shut the windows) until notified that it is safe to leave. When an incident occurs, the police department notifies the Frederick County Office of Emergency Management. That department then contacts residents in the area of concern. There are also several ways that citizens can receive information. Citizens can sign up for NIXLE (www.nixle.com) to receive information sent out by the police department via e-mail or on their smartphone, or they can sign up for the community alert system ([email protected]) to receive e-mail notices only. Although public safety is the chief concern of the department, community outreach and community service programs are also very important. Information about these services is available on the website. Bicycle registration is a free service that provides help if your bicycle is ever lost or stolen. The Ride Along program is available to residents because Chief Eyler believes that it is important for the public to see what they do. The sign board in front of the police station provides important information. The Medication/drug disposal container in the lobby of the police station makes it easy to safely dispose of these items. This has been a very successful program that eliminates thousands of pounds of medications. There is a room in the lobby of the police station with an abundance of information provided by the National Child Safety Council. There are pamphlets and brochures for children and adults about drugs, bicycle safety, crime prevention, home and personal safety, travel safety, domestic violence, identity crime, and much more. These are available and free to everyone. Coloring books with safety information for children are also available. Just stop by and pick up what you need. The “Safety Pup,” part of the commitment to safety for children, is a new program. The Department’s code officer eagerly volunteered to take on this role and dress up as the adorable Safety Pup, providing a friendly face to children at public events and at the beginning of the school year. Several annual events provide a great opportunity for the police and community to get together. National Night Out encourages interaction between the community and local law enforcement. It is a family event, with activities for children and a picnic for the community. It was held this year on August 2 and was very well attended. If you are interested in helping out next year or have ideas for more activities for children, your input would be welcome. The “shred event” was a great success, with thousands of pounds of paper collected and shredded. Shop with a Cop and Fish with a Cop are enjoyed not only by the children but also by the officers who volunteer for these activities. Colorfest is one of the annual responsibilities of the department. Chief Eyler begins preparation by coordinating with the security company, public works department, civilian staff, and the fire/rescue departments. He has been pleased with the successful operations in the past, but he always prepares for the unexpected. During Colorfest weekend, a command post staffed with officers is set up to monitor the event. Officers on foot and on bike patrol work to maintain safety and security. All of these safety and community outreach services are handled by sixteen members in the department. Along with the chief of police and deputy chief of police, the department consists of one sergeant, two corporals, and eight patrol officers, as well as an administrative coordinator, receptionist, and a code officer. K9 Buddy is also an important member of the department. The patrol officers provide 24-hour coverage, seven days a week. Along with a fleet of thirteen police vehicles, the department has two Mountain bikes equipped with emergency lights and sirens. Everything done by the department follows the primary mission: “In partnership with our citizens through Community Policing, we will strive to detect and prevent crime and provide the best quality of life for the citizens of Thurmont.”