Police, Fire, Animal Control

“Welfare Check” is a type of call we receive on occasion. With this type of call, someone is concerned about the well-being of another. They call dispatch and ask for a police officer to check and make sure the person is okay.

The complainant is sometimes very emphatic, declaring things like… “I speak with them every day and it’s been two days now since I could contact them. They would not leave town without notifying me.” Often the call sounds urgent, and indeed it can be. However, the law does not permit officers to break into someone’s home to check on their health and safety. It often requires a great deal of time locating family, contacting bishops or pastors, or finding a neighbor who has legal access to the home.

If there is proof that someone is down, or hurt and needs assistance, the rules change. But getting that proof is sometimes difficult. A friend saying, “I’m sure there is a serious problem,” will not work.

There is a solution to this type of event. While, I am happy to do welfare checks, I would like to make the welfare check a little more efficient for victims. In the event of accident, heath issues, or falls, response time can make all the difference in the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old. If you live alone or are semi-secluded, a quick welfare check could make the difference between a good or unfortunate outcome.

If you are willing to share information with the police department for your welfare. You may call city hall at 435-462-2244 and provide a list of people who have a way to have personal contact with you or give permission for entry into your home. A list of grown children we can contact is useful, as is information on neighbors/friends that check on you or have access to your residence. The records collected by the city would be declared “protected records” and could only be accessed by local police and fire departments and would not be available to the public. The only way they could be forced open is with something like a court order.

It is not our desire to intrude in your personal life, but if you are hurt, have a stroke, fall, or need help we would like to do our part to make sure you receive help as quickly as possible. This does not replace emergency panic buttons or alarms; it is an aid to help ensure your safety.

As a reminder, please remember that setting off fireworks of any kind is illegal in Spring City. Possession of fireworks is also illegal.

Because of the hot temperatures and low humidity, wild land fuels are at a critical state and are prime for field, brush and grass fires. Please be extra cautious with anything flammable, or sparking which includes shooting.

Remember that major fires, like those in Gatlinburg Tennessee last year started with a small fire. In that fire several lost their lives. Many lost their homes, dozens were injured and the fire destroyed millions of dollars in property.

It can happen here. Please note that Spring City has many lots and properties that have not been mowed, or cleared of quick burning fuels. Ordinance requires owners, and residents to clear and cut weeds to the street and clean-up any fire hazards. Noxious weeds are defined as a nuisance and the law sets property owners and occupants responsible for what happens as a result of their property.

Spring City Fire Department Needs Volunteers!

Full Training is provided for many areas including: EMT Certification, Wild Land Fire Prevention, Structure Fire, etc.

Earn $5 for each training class you attend.

After Wild Land Fire Certification, the Federal Government can hire you for part-time summer employment at $25/hr!

Women or Men 18+ years are invited to contact: Clarke Christensen, Police and Fire Chief 801-636-9653.

Fire Department  Training Meetings: Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fire Station, City Offices.

FRAUD:

Spring time not only brings good weather but an increase of illegal activity.   Please be aware of fraud schemes that are very real and active in our area.   If it is too good to be true it usually is.  If an opportunity falls outside of normal business transactions let that be a red flag to you.

When you sell an item and the buyer sends you more money than you ask, be cautious, regardless of the buyer’s excuse.  It is a common scheme to give you hundreds to thousands more in money than you are asking for, then requesting you to send the excess to another person or account.  You may have received a cashier’s check.   The bank even accepted it.

On the surface it looks and sounds very valid.  It is not.  After a short period of time the cashier’s check will come back to you as a forgery and you will be responsible.  If you have any question don’t hesitate to call your bank and ask about the situation.  I am also happy to listen to situations you are suspicious about.

TRAFFIC:

As a reminder Spring City Ordinance says:

(6-2-5)  OHV’s also known as ATV’s are limited in speed to 15 miles per hour in town.

(6-2-4)  OHV’s may not be driven on Main Street except between Center and 100 North.  This will allow access to the Post Office and the gas station.

Note: If your OHV is registered as a vehicle, which includes having license plates and insurance, the Main Street exception does not apply to your OHV and normal vehicle speed traffic laws apply.

(6-2-3)  Persons under 8 years of age my not operate an OHV on any Spring City street or roadway.

Operating an OHV between ages 8 and 16 the operator must be under the direct visual supervision of an adult 18 years of age or older holding a valid driver’s license.

Persons ages 16 and older must have a driver’s license to operate an OHV in Spring City.

Any operator under age 18 must have a properly fitted and fastened U.S. Department of Transportation safety rated helmet.

DISCLAIMER:

The above laws are paraphrased.  I am not an attorney nor do I give legal advice.  To read and understand the law in its entirety the Spring City Code can be accessed through the Spring City Web site HERE.

Spring City Police Department

We have recently stepped up our enforcement for traffic violations. The most common violations are speed and stop signs, which we will be actively enforcing. In an attempt to be educate citizens we have been issuing more warnings than citations. However, we will be issuing more citations in the coming days.
During winter months it is common to see a drop in theft and vandalism because it is cold enough outside to deter those who participate in those activities. But, they do not stop.  Please watch out for your neighbor’s property. If you see suspicious activity please call dispatch and report the incident. We are happy to come and speak with people to make sure everything is ok. Participation in Neighborhood watch is a good thing.
If you want to report an incident please call dispatch or 911. I had a neighbor call me once to report his fence was on fire. I did not have a fire truck nor did my garden hose reach his yard. The emergency would have been best served by calling dispatch first. Then, they can call me, or another officer if I am off duty. I am always happy to speak with any of our citizens on matters of concern, but if it is a police officers you need, call dispatch first.

Clarke Christensen

Chief of Police

Spring City Police Department

From now on it is our intent to publish police department statistics from the previous months