On-Duty Central County Precinct Neighborhood Watch Newsletter St Louis Co unty Po li ce De partment C olone l T imothy Fitch Chie f o f Police The Captain s Corner Issue 8 March 2011 I would like to take this opportunity to welcome those of you who are new to the newsletter and/or the area and encourage you to read the below listed information regarding our upcoming Citizen Police Academy. It is a great opportunity for law enforcement and the community to come together. This academy will include valuable information concerning crime trends and safety tips, and will include demonstrations from many of the units within our Department, including Arson and Explosives and our Tactical Unit. The Central County Precinct has welcomed a few new faces into our fold in the last few months. I would like to welcome newly promoted Sergeants Gary Miller and Jeremy Romo to the Precinct, as well as Officer Phil Accardi, who will be assigned to the Neighborhood Policing Unit. Inside this issue: Remembering Joe 2 Welfare Association 2 Crime Prevention 3 Facebook 3 Important Phone Numbers 4 Citizen Police Academy The St. Louis County Police, Central County Precinct, will host a Citizen Police Academy at the West Overland Fire House, located at 10789 Midland Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63114. The eight classes will alternate between six Wednesdays and two Saturdays, beginning on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, with graduation on May 25, 2011. Chief of Police Timothy Fitch stated, "The Citizens Police Academy creates the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the officers who serve and protect your community. Participants learn about what steps they can take to avoid becoming the victim of a crime and they get an inside look at how the County Police Department operates. Instead of relying on television or Hollywood, graduates of these academies can gain personal knowledge and experience in how actual police officers patrol their beats, conduct traffic stops and investigate crime. Classes are instructed by law enforcement professionals in various fields." At the end of the training, participants will receive a certificate of completion at a graduation ceremony. The Citizens Police Academy is open to all St. Louis County residents and is free of charge. Advance registration is required and seating is limited. To obtain a registration form or other details, contact Police Officer Scott Ruder or Sergeant Tracy Panus at 567-9926. You can also stop by the Central County Precinct at 1333 Ashby Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63132 to obtain a form. When to Call the Police 4 Deputy Marshall Perry 5 In the Line of Duty Central County Precinct 1333 Ashby Rd. St. Louis MO 63132 314-567-9926 Neighborhood Policing Officer Sgt. Tracy Panus PO Scott Ruder PO Phil Accardi 6
Remembering Joe As many of you know, the Neighborhood Policing Unit recently lost one of its members. Officer Joe Ellis passed away on February 25th due to complications from H1N1 and Multiple Myeloma. Joe was an incredibly energetic, knowledgeable, and entertaining officer. For those of you who knew him, I'm sure you can understand the hole that will be left by Joe's absence. Joe, you will never be forgotten.
Crime Prevention Tips Anytime economic growth slows and the unemployment rate goes up, crime too goes up. The warmer weather also contributes to a rise in crime. Here are some tips to avoid being a victim of a crime: Always lock your car and keep the windows rolled up far enough that someone couldn't reach-in and unlock the doors. Kids love to go through cars and see what they can get from change to laptops. Keep valuables locked in the trunk. Keep the doors on your residence locked at all times. It's easy to run out to the store and forget to lock a rear door, sliding door or side garage door. Also, avoid leaving first floor windows open when not home. It takes a second to open a window and cut the screen for access. Also, be aware of people in your neighborhood. If something doesn't look or feel right, call the Police Department! We would rather answer 100 false alarms than 1 burglary call. Jot down unfamiliar license plates if you see a car that doesn't fit in. If you've given your garage code to a worker, house keeper or other people that are no longer working in your house, change the code. Tell your kids not to give out the code to their friends under any circumstances. We've had incidents where the friends have accessed a home while the residents were out of town and before you know it, a full-blown party ensues. Damage to the home is almost always a bi-product of these events. Use timers on your lights. Lighting, whether indoors or outdoors is the #1 deterrent to crime. Talk to your neighbors and watch out for each other. If you see someone suspicious walking through your neighbor's yard, check further or call the Police. If you are going to travel, call the Police Department and put your house on "Police Watch." Numerous times there have been situations where we need to contact the homeowner and having a contact number readily available is a tremendous help. We will periodically check your residence to make sure everything from the outside appears normal. Stop newspaper and mail deliveries, or make arrangements with a neighbor or friend to pick these up daily. As we all know, Identity Theft is on the rise. Never give your vital information to anyone without knowing for sure who they are and what they want the information for. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be your bank or credit card company, or any other such institution, don't give anything to them. You obtain the number for the institution and YOU call THEM back. Don't be fooled by what shows up on your Caller ID. There are companies out there that will sell any Caller ID name the criminal wants displayed The Central County Precinct has its own page on Facebook. We have established this page as yet another way to pass on valuable information to the citizens as well as displaying photos of a variety of events the officers and citizens may take part in. If you are interested in knowing more about your Precinct s activities and being a part of our friends list, please search for us under St Louis County Central County Precinct.
St Louis County Police Central County Precinct IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Sgt Tracy Panus Precinct Commander: Captain Kurt Frisz Watch Commanders: Lt. Ron Varner Lt. Jim Vollmar Lt. Norm Mann Mailing Address: 1333 Ashby Road St. Louis, Missouri 63132 (314)-567-9926 Central County Precinct 314-567-9926 St Louis County Dispatch 314-889-2341 non-emergency or 911-emergency Problem Properties 314-615-7333 Roads and Streets 314-615-8538 Mosquitoes/Rats 314-727-3097 Animal Control 314-831-6500 (north of Page) 314-726-6655 (south of Page) County Parks 314-615-7275 Veterans Services 314-615-4516 County Older Resident Program (CORP) 314-615-4516 Citizen Advocate 314-615-7021 County Council 314-615-5432 Voting 314-615-1800 General Information 615-5000 Supervisor NPO Office Officer Scott Ruder NPO Officer Phil Accardi NPO Juvenile Resource Detective Chrystal Ruhmann When to Call the Police Many people hesitate about calling the police department even when faced with circumstances that, upon reflection, are highly suspicious. Some people think they are bothering us and some are not sure what they are seeing. Use the following guide and your common sense to assist you in making your decision. There are highly trained and experienced communications personnel at the other end of the line to ask questions and help decide the right thing to do. For emergencies and crimes in progress, call 9-1-1, and for non-emergency situations, dial 314-889-2341. Remember To receive your Newsletter or Neighborhood Watch Alerts online, please send an e-mail to: 2pctnpo@stlouisco.com Try to remember: what the suspect looked like (height, weight, hair color, eye color, scars, tattoos, etc.), what the suspect was wearing (describe clothing from top to bottom), the suspect s direction of travel (north, south, down the alley, or which road), and vehicle description (color, make, model, plate number and state if possible). If you suspect any possible drug activity in your neighborhood and wish to remain completely anonymous you can call the drug hot line- (314)-863-DOPE.
Recent Fallen Officers Deputy Marshal John Perry was shot and killed in St. Louis, Missouri, while serving an arrest warrant. At approximately 6:50 am, Deputy Marshal Perry along with approximately ten other U.S. Marshals and St. Louis police officers, went to the suspect's home to serve a felony warrant for assault on a law enforcement officer and drug possession. The officers were able to remove several children from the home before beginning their search for the suspect. As the officers were conducting the search, the suspect opened fire, striking one deputy marshal and one St. Louis police officer. In a second exchange of gunfire, a second deputy marshal was shot and the suspect was shot and killed. Deputy Marshal Perry was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Deputy Marshal Perry had served with the United States Marshals Service for 10 years, first in Washington, DC, and then in St. Louis, and had previously served 16 years as a probation officer for the Madison County Probation and Court Services Department. Donations for any fallen officers can be made to www.backstoppers.org Juvenile Corner Officer Chrystal Ruhmann has taken over as the Central County Precinct Juvenile Resource Officer. Officer Scott Ruder has been reassigned to the Neighborhood Policing Unit in the Central County Precinct. Officer Ruhmann has been assigned to the Central County Precinct since January of 2010 and is a ten year veteran of the St. Louis County Police Department. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Officer Ruhmann at cruhmann@stlouisco.com or 314-567-9926 Reminder: If you suspect any possible drug activity in your neighborhood and wish to remain completely anonymous you can call the drug hot line- (314)-863-DOPE. Any tip or activity that you want to report will lead to an investigation and could result in you helping to clean up your street, neighborhood, or city. Get involved, and help make a difference. Officer Recognition At a St. Louis County Police Board Meeting on March 16th, Captain Kurt Frisz (25 years), Officer Chrystal Ruhmann (10 years, and Officer Scott Ruder (5 years) were recognized for their years of service to the St. Louis County Police Department. From January to March 2011, the following Central County Precinct Officers received special recognition from Chief Fitch for a job well done: Chief s Commendation: Officer Alex Jenne Officer Neal Klein Distinguished Service Citation: Officer Vince Wood Life Saving Award: Officer Brian Whalen Officer Aaron Vinson Officer Ed Fingers
In the line of Duty Joann V. Liscombe January 14, 1991 Officer Joann Liscombe, age 38, was shot shortly after 1:13 AM on January 11, 1991, after approaching a suspicious person near the intersection of Patricia Ridge Drive and Old Halls Ferry Road. With no further radio communications, an assist car was dispatched to the location where Officer Liscombe was found incapacitated having been shot several times. Officer Liscombe was taken to Christian Hospital, where on January 14, 1991, she died of her injuries. Officer Liscombe became the sixth St. Louis County police officer to give her life in the line of duty. The suspect was later located. He was tried and found guilty of Second Degree Murder. Officer Liscombe was born on June 27, 1952. She was a sixteen year veteran of the Department. During her career she served in the Divisions of Operational Support and Patrol. She received several letters of commendation and appreciation from the Department and the citizens she served. Willie Neal, Jr. January 29, 1997 Detective Willie Neal, Jr., age 29, was killed on January 29, 1997 at approximately 4:15 PM, while working with his partner on an undercover investigation in the 5900 block of Natural Bridge. Detective Neal was confronted by a subject who tried to rob him. Shots were exchanged and Detective Neal was mortally wounded. Detective Neal became the seventh St. Louis County police officer to give his life in the line of duty. The subject escaped the scene, but was later arrested and was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree. Detective Neal was born on March 21, 1967. He was a seven year veteran of the Department. During his career, he served in the Divisions of Patrol and Criminal Investigation. He received numerous awards, commendations and letters of appreciation from the citizens he served.