Milton officials aim for open dialogue

Communication between departments has improved, the fire chief said.

By SEAN BARRON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NORTH JACKSON — Keeping lines of communication open among Milton Township’s safety forces, business owners and residents can ensure the best services — and solve problems before they grow.

That’s the main message brought out at a recent informational meeting called by the Milton Township Police Department and trustees. Also represented at the session were the Milton Township Volunteer Fire Department as well as the road and zoning departments.

The main purpose was to address possible complaints and concerns regarding the departments while encouraging regular communication among the entities and those they serve, Trustee Sue Lemmon noted.

“If businesses are having a problem with the fire department or police department, we want to know,” Lemmon said.

Police Chief Michael Saltsman told business owners that his officers are conducting nightly security checks as part of their routine patrols.

Some people expressed concern about occasional shifts on the police department that are not covered. In such rare instances, the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department provides protection, Lemmon said.

Lemmon added that the police department has a Taser, which is a nonlethal device that provides an electric shock to subdue unruly suspects. One of the officers on the force is certified to teach a class to fellow officers on the use of the device.

Lemmon praised the police department for hosting a golf outing last July 14 that raised about $6,000, most of which will be used to buy or rent computers for the township’s cruisers.

Fire department outreach

Fire Chief Rick Pellin told business owners that plans are under way to send forms to them, a move that should give the fire department a better idea of the layouts of each building. Such knowledge will likely make it easier for firefighters to answer calls and fight a blaze, he noted.

Pellin added that he’s seen improved communication among the police, fire, road and zoning departments.

Lemmon noted that she plans to hold such sessions twice a year. For more information about the township, go to its Web site, www.miltontownshipohio.org.