The Washington County Sheriff’s Department announced today it will increase patrols for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period – running November 11 through December 4, 2016.

Deputies will join more than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies, to conduct high-visibility patrols encouraging drivers and passengers to drive sober, and buckle up for safety.

“With Thanksgiving being a major travel time each year, it’s important we stay vigilante in keeping Indiana’s roadways safe for drivers and their passengers, “said Sheriff Roger Newlon. “That’s why it’s so important for those behind the wheel and riders alike to buckle up and drive sober. It’s also important to watch out for your fellow travelers, and if you see something unsafe on the roads, don’t hesitate to call 911 and report it.”

Increased enforcement during the Thanksgiving Holiday period is an annual statewide effort supported by federal funding allocated to Washington County Sheriff’s Department from the Traffic Safety division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). More than 6 Washington County Sheriff’s deputies will work overtime to conduct sobriety patrols, checkpoints, and seat belt patrols around the clock.

According to ICJI, in November 2015, there were 533 alcohol-related crashes across Indiana, resulting in 220 injuries and 7 fatalities. Additionally, in the same month, crash reports indicate 285 accidents involved a driver or a passenger unrestrained, resulting in 302 injuries and 16 fatalities.

Further, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 8 and 15.

For families with young children, it’s important to have a properly installed child safety seat or booster seat for each child. Parents can visit www.childseat.in.gov for a list of locations and a toll-free phone number to speak with experts about the proper installation of child safety seats. 

“Through statistics we know firsthand buckling up, staying sober behind the wheel, and not texting and driving not only protects those traveling with you, but also those with whom you are sharing the road,”

said ICJI Director Dave Murtaugh. “That’s why it’s vital we work together, from officers patrolling our streets, to drivers making safe and responsible choices, in an effort to make our roadways the safest in the country.”

Bolt for the Heart (BFTH) teamed up last year with the Indiana State Police to promote and participate in the Thanksgiving Day 5K (3.1 miles) Run/Walk to raise money to equip ISP patrol cars with lifesaving AED’s.

The event, which was held in Carmel, raised enough money to purchase 55 AED’s. Those AED’s were placed in ISP cars that patrol Indiana’s more rural counties.

Since that time, BFTH has worked with another contributing partner, IU Health in Indianapolis, who donated funding to purchase an additional 15 AED’s.

 
BFTH is now offering everyone an opportunity to participate in a virtual race that can be completed anywhere and on your time schedule. All you have to do is visit the website here: http://boltfortheheart.com/events/virtual-race-5k/. All proceeds will go toward purchasing AED’s for the Indiana State Police.
 
Racing started November 1^st and runs through the end of December. Entries are only $20.00 and include a 2016 Custom Finisher Medal and Commemorative Race Bib.
 
When you finish, send BFTH a photo or two with your finish time and use the hashtag #LetsBolt on your social media posts.
 
“We, as a department, have been blessed by the caring generosity of the Bolt for the Heart organization and their stated goal of ensuring each and every state police road patrol commission is equipped with an AED,” stated Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. “Now, with the Virtual Run, we have the opportunity to show our gratitude by encouraging friends, family, co-workers and other public safety professionals in our community to commit to participating in the 2016 BFTH 5K walk/run anytime during the month of November and December.
 
Anyone wishing to donate without participating in the run/walk can do so by going to http://boltfortheheart.com and click on the “Donate” link.

Six new troopers reported for duty on October 31^st at the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg. 

They were six of 55 new troopers reporting to their districts of assignment following graduation from the 76th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy which took place on Thursday, October 20th. 

These six men completed 22 weeks of intense training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield. 

During the training period, the recruits received in excess of 950 hours of law enforcement training which included criminal law, emergency vehicle operations, traffic law as well as training in other facets of law enforcement including criminal investigation, crash investigation, self-defense, first responder, and other general law enforcement related areas of instruction.

The newest members of the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg are:

• Probationary Trooper Morgenn B. Evans, 23, is a native of Elizabeth, IN and lives now in Charlestown.
• Probationary Trooper Tyler G. Matthew, 25, from Orleans, IN now residing in New Albany.  
• Probationary Trooper Nathaniel W. Newton, 23, from Maukport, IN.
• Probationary Trooper Steven R. Peyton, 23, from Charlestown, IN.
• Probationary Trooper Kyle R. Taylor, 22, from Salem, IN.
• Probationary Trooper Keenan A. Ward, 21, from Lanesville, IN.

The new troopers will put their recruit academy training to work in the field as they begin 12 weeks of field training where they will be paired with experienced troopers specially trained to serve as Field Training Officers. 

Upon successful completion of the field training program, they will be issued their own police cars and begin solo patrol responsibilities in a county located in the Sellersburg District of the Indiana State Police.

Pictured L-R:  #1 Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter, #2 Probationary Trooper Peyton, #3 Probationary Trooper Evans, #4 Probationary Trooper Newton, #5 Probationary Trooper Matthew, #6 Probationary Trooper Ward, #7 Probationary Trooper Taylor, #8 Indiana State Police Colonel Mark French.

Hoosier National Forest staff have several prescribed burns planned this fall if weather cooperates. At this time there are areas planned in Brown, Jackson, Martin, Orange and Perry Counties.

Each of the areas has been identified to improve wildlife habitat or woodland restoration. Other areas may also be included later in the fall burning program.

“We just completed our first burn for the fall near Union Cemetery in Martin County,” Hoosier Fire Management Officer Terry Severson explained. ” We will continue to watch for opportunities to complete others when the weather is optimal.”

Severson says each burn area requires a different ‘prescription,’ which determines what wind direction and speed, temperature and fuel moisture are required for any given burn to be ignited.

“The more areas that we have ready to go, the more likely on any given day and weather forecast we’ll be able to find an area that we can burn,” he added. “There are only a limited number of days during the year that are suitable for prescribed burning so the Forest wants to maximize their opportunities.

Severson explained wind direction is often the limiting factor with adjacent roads or private homes so the Hoosier prioritizes areas.

If the burns don’t occur this fall, and the conditions are right this winter, the Forest could conceivably burn in December or January.

Each area will be closed to the public on the day of the burn and for some time after the burn until the area is considered safe. If there are a significant number of burning snags, the areas may be closed for several days for public safety. In at least one area, a trail may also be temporarily closed until the area is safe. Signs are posted along the fire line and at any logical entry points into the area.

Hunters are asked to use caution and pay particular attention to signs posted in areas they plan to hunt. In general, fire-fighters avoid burning during the firearm deer hunting season.

The exact date of each burn is dependent on weather and fuel conditions. Prescribed fires will be lit by hand, using drip torches. Forest staff notifies the public in the immediate area of the prescribed burn by letter.

If Forest neighbors wish to know the specific date of the ignition, they can call the Forest dispatch office to be informed once the decision is made to burn. Severson encourages anyone with medical issues who might be affected by smoke, such as asthma or emphysema who live immediately around where a prescribed burn is planned, to contact the Forest Service.

“We want to do everything we can to minimize effects on our neighbors,” Severson says.

For questions on the prescribed burns, to request notification, or to report medical conditions please contact the Indiana Interagency Coordination Center Dispatcher at (812) 547-9262.