At the annual State of the City presentation, City Director Patrick Titterington reviewed Police and Fire first responder activities in 2022 and 2023. Overall, our Firefighter/Paramedics and Police Officers were busier in 2022 than in 2021 – and 2023 promises to be just the same.
The Troy Fire Department (TFD) answered over 5,300 emergency medical services calls in 2022, which was 2.2% higher than in 2021. TFD also answered over 1,800 fire calls, which was 6.1% LESS than in 2021. Even though responding to less fire calls is always a good thing, 122 of those calls were for gas leaks and carbon monoxide detections. That is concerning due to past tragedies, one of which involved the deaths of several children and is why Mayor Oda and staff will be recommending a residential rental inspection program to make sure that heating, air conditioning, electrical and other mechanical systems in our rental units are all up to code.
On August 8th TFD began operating out of new Fire Station 11. The much-talked about baby box that was included in the new fire station design, and whose legality was questioned, was formally approved by the state of Ohio and is fully operational. Fortunately, the box hasn’t been used but is available in dire circumstances if needed. In 2023, with the financial support of the cities, villages and the Miami County Commissioners, TFD will participate in a comprehensive analysis of all of Miami County’s fire and EMS operations to determine whether any more efficient or cost effective approach to staffing, training, equipment, vehicles or deployment can be made to improve service delivery. TFD will also be leading our biennial review of our emergency operations plan, which is timely given some of the recent statewide emergencies that have been on our minds.
The Troy Police Department (TPD) continued to be busy in 2022, responding to 24,221 calls, which was a 1% increase over 2021. TPD had 8.5% fewer traffic crashes than in 2021. Unfortunately one of those crashes resulted in a fatality. On October 10th of last year, TPD completed active shooter training with over 400 Troy City School teachers and staff, and also held 14 active shooter trainings with different businesses and other organizations throughout the City. All police cars were outfitted with ‘push bars’ on the front, which are big black metallic grills. That equipment will be used by TPD for their newly trained PIT maneuver, or precision immobilization technique as a safe and effective way to spin out fleeing vehicles.
TPD will be updating its 25-year old vision and mission statements. Also, City Council recently authorized 9 Automated License Plate Reader cameras at strategic intersections, allowing Troy to become part of a growing network of state and regional communities that have the ability to immediately alert TPD to crimes in progress, fleeing suspects, Amber Alerts and other serious crimes.
Finally, the City of Troy is participating in the new Child Advocacy Center that has been created at Isaiah’s Place on South Stanfield Road. TPD already used the CAC to assist children and family victims of crimes as they seek resources and recovery from traumatic abuse situations.
“We’re very proud to have such a dedicated, caring and professional first responder workforce. Like all other communities, we continue to have challenges in recruiting new staff but our fire apprentice and police recruit programs ensure that we are hiring the best, most diverse, and locally familiar staff to serve our great community,” stated Mayor Robin Oda.
To view the entire 2022-2023 State of the City presentation, click here.