MOUNT VERNON — Three Mount Vernon police officers recently received awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Officers John Cox, Hunter Brookover and Andy Cotter attended the MADD awards dinner. Officer Josh Neely also earned recognition but could not attend.
Cox, Cotter and Neely also received recognition in 2025.
October call volume drops
Police Chief Robert Morgan said the department handled 1,145 calls for service in October. That total is down by a couple hundred from October 2025.
Officers responded to 72 car crashes, 77 disturbances and 13 disabled vehicles. They also handled 25 domestic calls, 10 drug calls and 14 alcohol-related calls. Fraud and harassment calls totaled about 30.
Juvenile calls rose to 29, which Morgan said goes along with Halloween. Traffic stops fell to 268. Morgan said the department’s traffic officer was on vacation for part of the month.
Morgan said Halloween events “went off without a hitch.” Officers visited several trunk-or-treat events and Scare on the Square.
Staffing gaps delay filling drug interdiction position
The department has one open officer position and is taking applications online. Morgan said it’s effectively down three officers. Two are on medical leave, and one has left the department. Another officer recently began a year-long deployment with the Army National Guard.
Morgan said those gaps delayed plans to add a drug interdiction officer. The department needs the extra staff on patrol, he said.
Officers patrolled voting areas in coordination with the Knox County Board of Elections. Morgan said they have found no problems.
Flock cameras disconnected
The city’s contract with Flock Safety has ended, Morgan said. Crews covered the cameras and disconnected their power. Morgan said the department has tried to contact the company about a removal date and has received little response.
Police station construction
Construction continues on the new police station. Morgan said the foundation work is about 90% complete. Crews now are laying block to bring the structure up to grade.
Fire department on pace for 6,400 calls
Fire Chief Chad Christopher said crews answered 538 fire and EMS calls in October across the city and townships. The total brings the year’s count to 5,405. At the current pace, the department would finish the year near 6,400 calls.
District 3, which includes the Coshocton Avenue area, generated 213 of October’s calls. Christopher said the other three districts combined produce about the same number. He said East Side station discussions continue, but no formal design exists.
The Aladdin Shriners donated a thermal imaging camera and $3,000 for a FAST board, which resembles half of a backboard. The department will train crews on both before placing them on emergency vehicles.
City Council approved three additional firefighter positions. The department has interviewed five part-time employees seeking lateral moves for the positions. Interviews with outside candidates will follow.
Christopher awaits results on 12 personnel who took the lieutenant’s exam recently.
The department will hold its awards and recognition dinner Dec. 5. It also is collecting toys for Toys for Tots at both stations.
Mayor announces programs, events
Mayor Matt Starr said the city will begin enforcing its fats, oils and grease and back flow prevention programs Jan. 1. Letters are going out to affected businesses. Participants will use an online portal through OpenGov.
Starr said several trash haulers have not completed required permits and paperwork. The city will contact each one.
The Eyes of Freedom exhibit arrives in Mount Vernon on Nov. 7, escorted by Rolling Thunder. An opening ceremony will take place Monday at the CA&C Visitor Center. The exhibit will stay open during business hours until crews pack it up Friday.
The Knox County Career Center Junior Air Force ROTC will host a Veterans Day service at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 on Public Square. Assistant Chief Hines, a Navy veteran, will speak.
