Bellefontaine City Council: First responders thanked for maintaining downtown security

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Bellefontaine first responders were thanked for their recent presence and efforts during downtown events, and city council members formally welcomed their newest chief of police Tuesday, June 13, during a regular meeting.

Chris Marlow has been named chief of the Bellefontaine Police Department, as previously reported in the Examiner. He takes his oath during a 1 p.m. June 23 ceremony in council chambers. Marlow had been the interim chief since April 7.

Chief Marlow informed council the last of the body cameras for patrol officers are now operational and the entire department is now outfitted.

City administrators also thanked the police and fire departments for their efforts maintaining safety and providing security during recent downtown events.

Council approved on second reading the creation of a water service foreman position in the water department. The position will be full-time. The ordinance also authorizes Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds to hire a qualified applicant for the new position.

The need for such a position was underscored this week when a main break occurred on Monday, necessitating a boil advisory for portions of the city. Dodds lauded crews efforts working through the night to make the needed repairs.

Parks Superintendent Kris Myers reported the Hoffman Pool will reopen soon following a closure due to necessary repairs and unseasonably cool temperatures. The repairs, including fixes to a slide pump and installation of a new heater, have been completed, he said.

The next regular council meeting is June 27.