New Members and the Police Chief

From left:  Jim Coleman, sponsor for Ace Robison; Jennifer Robison;
new members Paul Tikalsky (also sponsored by Jim Coleman)  and Gregg McArthur and sponsor Durant McArthur.

St. George Police Chief Marlon Stratton shared the details of keeping the community safe from crime noting his force of 106 officers, including 12 in area schools, are an outstanding law enforcement team. According to the department's highest ranking authority, "It is the mission of the St. George Police Department to work with the citizens of our community to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property, and promote individual responsibility and community commitment."

Despite the SGPD's stellar efforts, "there is a lot of negative rhetoric around the county about our performance."  The department is seeing an increase in "suicide by cop" and drugs are a big problem, particularly heroin which has a "100% markup" since it is easy to get and inexpensive.  The chief noted the city is divided into 7 districts with the area with the highest crime rate is "downtown, followed by the Dixie Downs / Sunset area and finally Bloomington Hills ... while Bloomington / SunRiver communities are considered the safest."  

Chief Stratton reminded members of SGR to resist the need to answer cell phone calls, dial numbers and carry on lengthy conversations while behind the wheel ... and to slow down and pay attention when driving. Traffic is a big one!"