Police Chief Krug and Sergeant Kramer

On December 21, 2011 Officer Jason M. Kramer was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  Sergeant Kramer joined the department in 2003 and has worked road patrol since his appointment.  While working road patrol, Sergeant Kramer preformed the duties of an Evidence Technician and a Bike Patrol Officer.  Sergeant Kramer has earned the respect of his peers and has received many commendations and citizen appreciation letters.  Sgt. Kramer recently received an Officer of the Year Award from the Miami Valley Crime Prevention Association and a Medal of Valor from the department for his heroic efforts in rescuing a gentleman from a burning vehicle.  Chief John Chris Krug stated, “Sgt. Kramer is a very professional and caring individual who will make an excellent supervisor.”  Sgt. Kramer has an Associates Degree from Sinclair Community College and is working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Affairs.  He is married and has two children.

Staff of Walgreens and Miami Township Police Department

Today, friends, Police Officers and Dispatchers who were involved in the October Robbery of Walgreen’s in Miami Township were invited back for a Holiday Thank You party.  The staff and management of Walgreen’s hosted the event and provided Holiday food and treats.  The staff of Walgreen’s expressed their appreciation to all who witnessed and responded to a very stressful incident.  “This was a wonderful opportunity to for everyone to get to know the people who were involved in the incident, put faces with names and express appreciation to one another!  While the crime itself was significant, so now is the fear of crime, and events such as this allows everyone to value our new found friendships and carry on with courage,” said Deputy Chief of Police John DiPietro.

Intersection crashes increase during holidays

COLUMBUS (December 13, 2011)

Although the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, they can also be one of the most dangerous as motorists are more likely to be involved in a crash – especially at busy intersections near malls and shopping districts.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, intersection crashes spiked nearly 20 percent during the 2010 holiday shopping season (Thanksgiving to Christmas day) when compared to other months of the year. In addition, intersection crashes increase dramatically on Sunday, which is typically the safest day to travel throughout the year.

“Heavy traffic, complex traffic patterns and multiple driveways near intersections increase the potential for people and vehicles to collide,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “You can avoid a crash and reduce the risk of serious injuries by being patient and giving walking, riding or driving your full attention around malls this holiday season.”

In 2010, there were 12,256 crashes at intersections in Ohio during the shopping season – 4,329 people were injured and 33 people were killed. Most crashes were angle and rear-end collisions, often caused by motorists following too close to other vehicles or misjudging the gap in traffic when turning at an intersection or driveway. Cell phones, texting and other distractions are also an increasing concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about 23 percent of all crashes nationwide involve cell phone use.

“You can prevent crashes in Ohio by ‘parking’ your cell phone until your vehicle is safely parked,” Wray added. “No call or text is worth the potential risk.”

ODOT District 7 will host intersection safety awareness events at the following locations: – Wal-Mart on Kingsridge Drive in Miami Township on Wednesday, December 14th – The Upper Valley Mall in Springfield on Friday, December 16th Both events are open to the public and will take place between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm. “We thank both retailers for partnering with ODOT to bring this important safety information to drivers,” said District Deputy Director Randy Chevalley.

ODOT District 7 will also host Safe Driving Events at the following schools throughout our district: – Greenville High School on Monday, December 12th – Coldwater High School on Tuesday, December 13th ODOT urges drivers to keep these intersection safety tips in mind to protect themselves and their passengers this holiday season:

1. Stay alert, slow down and drive defensively when approaching an intersection. Allow extra time to get to your destination.
2. Avoid distractions such as using a mobile phone, eating, drinking and listening to loud music while driving.
3. Don’t try to beat a red light. Traffic signals are there to guide motorists through complex turns and other traffic movements, as well as provide safe crossings for pedestrians and bicyclists.
4. Be cautious, even with a green light, and look both ways before entering an intersection to make sure all cross traffic has stopped.
5. Never change lanes in an intersection. Changing lanes increases confusion and adds to the complexity of successfully navigating through an intersection. 6. Watch for increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic at intersections.
6. Buckle up. It can significantly increase your chance of surviving a crash.
7. Do not drink and drive. Impaired driving is a leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries.
8. Maintain a safe stopping distance between you and the vehicle ahead. ODOT recommends one car length for every 10 mph.
9. Don’t crowd the plow. The holidays mean the return of snow and ice conditions. Increase your distance between cars, trucks and plows during storm events. If you have to pass a plow, use extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.

Intersection safety is one of the major roadway safety initiatives in ODOT’s “Every Move You Make, Keep it Safe” campaign. Programs include Safe Routes to Schools, Roadway Departure Crash Reduction and Intersection Safety. The public is invited to find out more by visiting www.everymove.ohio.gov. ###

On December 13, 2011,  7:00PM a Special Recognition Ceremony will take place during the Trustee’s Meeting to recognize the accomplishments of three Miami Township police officers.

Detective Scott Moore will receive the Distinguished Service Medal for his many years of tenacious investigation of financial crimes and his most recent investigation of a fraud and embezzlement crime involving one of our local businesses.

Officer Kramer receives Officer of the Year Award from the Miami Valley Crime Prevention Association

Officer Jason Kramer will receive the Medal of Valor for his actions in rescuing a person who had suffered a serious medical episode from a burning vehicle that was fully engulfed.

Officer David Ooten will receive the Medal of Valor for his actions in confronting an armed suspect who fired an AK. 4 7 assault rifle inside a pharmacy and upon exiting the pharmacy fired upon Officer Ooten. Officer Ooten’s decisive thinking and quick response to the armed suspect clearly minimized the potential of serious injury or death to citizens and other police officers.

On December 7, 1941, our Nation was viciously attacked at Pearl Harbor. Every year on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, America honors those brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our homeland, and we recognize those veterans who with strength and resolve defended our Nation and advanced the cause of freedom during World War II. On this day all federal buildings are required to fly the USA flag at half staff. Other entities and citizens are also encouraged to take part in honoring those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor by displaying their USA flags at half staff on this day. Flags are to fly at half staff from sunrise to sunset.

Montgomery County

(Wednesday, December 7, 2011)
A single lane closure will be in effect on the ramp from Austin Boulevard to I-75 southbound beginning Wednesday, December 7^th at 9 am. The affected lane is scheduled to reopen to motorists the same day by 3 pm. One lane of traffic will remain open to motorists on that ramp at all times. This will not affect the mainline of I-75.

This closure is due to a contractor making pavement repairs in that area.

Arrow boards and signs will be in place prior to the work zone to alert motorists of the upcoming lane closure. Law enforcement will be on hand to monitor traffic flow.

Safety is a top priority at ODOT.  To help ensure the safety of the construction workers as well as the traveling public, motorists should remain alert, reduce their speed and watch for stopped traffic while passing through the work zone.

All work is weather permitting.

2012 Montgomery County Dog Licenses will be sold December 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012. Miami Township provides an outpost to Montgomery County for the public’s convenience to purchase dog tags.

Dog owners need to be aware of a fee change.

Owners whose dogs have been spayed or neutered will continue to pay the current $20 license fee. However, owners whose dogs have not been altered will pay $24 per dog license beginning on December 1, 2011.

“Unaltered and unlicensed dogs comprise the majority of the animals impounded during calls for service and those involved in bites or injuries handled by Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Animal Resource Center Director Mark Kumpf. “We are facing serious budget challenges as we head into the new year and this adjustment will allow the ARC to continue to provide the quality services our citizens have come to know.”

A recent survey by the County Auditor showed over 90% of dog owners support differential licensing for spayed and neutered dogs.

There are exceptions made for dog breeders who have proper registration and hunters who have a valid hunting license and use their dog for hunting. In addition, dogs who are medically certified by their veterinarian as being too old or health compromised may receive the discounted rate by providing certification with their application to the Auditor’s Office.

All currently licensed dogs registered as spayed or neutered will automatically receive the differential rate. Newly acquired dogs or those applying for the differential rate can:

• Provide veterinary records confirming spay / neuter status
• Submit a form provided by the County and completed by their veterinarian
• Submit a legal affidavit affirming that their dog is altered

Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith reminds citizens that licenses are available online at www.mcohio.org/dogs, at the County Auditor’s Office, the Animal Resource Center and numerous outposts. Call 937-225-4314 for more information. Montgomery County is now able to accept credit cards via the web.

Ohio Revised Code provides for criminal enforcement for fraudulently acquired licenses. In the event a dog is impounded and determined to have an incorrect license, a citation may be issued and the tag forfeited.

Dog license sales are the Animal Resource Center’s major source of funding. Proceeds from license sales ensure that the Animal Resource Center can care for stray and lost animals, spay and neuter every animal that leaves the center as an adopted pet and provide animal control services throughout the County.

The Animal Resource Center is a nationally recognized shelter providing excellent service and care to the citizens of Montgomery County and their pets.

Montgomery County Health Department offers immunizations at the Miami Township Government Offices, beginning with February 2012 year, the first Thursday of every other month.

Miami Township Calendar of Events, click here.