Last month, your Police and Fire Departments partnered with Gilmour Academy to provide Safety Town classes for two energetic groups of four and five year olds.  The week long curriculum incorporated hands-on activities addressing traffic safety, stranger safety and fire safety.  The program was a great success due to the efforts of Officers Suchetka and Strasshofer, Lieutenant Minichello, Fire Chief Robinson, Gates Mills Service Department and the staff at Gilmour Academy.  Please visit the Village’s website, www.gatesmillsvillage.com, where you can view photos from Safety Town.

If you are a dog owner, please ensure that you’ve made proper arrangements to keep your pet confined or restrained upon your property.  Dogs running at large present both a traffic hazard and a potential injury hazard for the animals.  Dogs found running at large are generally taken to the Village kennels, where they are cared for by the Animal Welfare Committee, until they can be reunited with their owners.  Pet owners found to be in violation of the Village’s Animal at Large Ordinance (GMCO 518.01: No owner, keeper, or harborer of any dog shall fail at any time to keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises of the owner,…) can be cited for violations of the law.  To avoid a visit with Judge Bozza at Lyndhurst Court, please take heed and keep your pet confined upon your property.

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, here’s what you need to know about fireworks.  The general public may purchase consumer fireworks from a licensed wholesaler or manufacturer, but those fireworks cannot be discharged anywhere in the State of Ohio. Ohio’s fireworks laws are written to protect people and promote safety.  Failing to comply with these laws can result in devastating fires and catastrophic personal injuries. Enjoy your Fourth of July celebration, but leave the fireworks displays to the licensed professionals.    

Until September - Proud to Serve…Sworn to Protect

Yours in Service,

Ronald L. Whitmer

Chief of Police