Development News for Forest Park, Ohio

Township Board Honors Officers, Reviews Fire and Police Department Performance, Approves Nuisance Abatements and EMS Agreements

The Board of Trustees acknowledged and approved commendations for three police officers involved in an officer-involved shooting incident from the previous year. The officers are being honored by the Hamilton County Police Association and will receive medals of honor at the Corin Police Gala for their actions during the incident where they returned fire after the suspect discharged a weapon, leading to the suspect's arrest. Additionally, the board accepted minutes from previous meetings held on December 9th, 2025, December 23rd, 2025, and January 6th, 2026. The Fire Department reported on their accreditation status, expecting recommendation for accredited agency status as one of the 335 worldwide, with a site visit completed and an upcoming hearing in Orlando. Performance gaps related to response coverage were presented, with a noted 2.02% overall decrease in average response time in 2025, partly attributed to the relocation of two fire stations. Incident activity for 2025 showed a 5.7% increase in total incidents compared to 2024, with fire incidents also up by 3.8%. Property value loss was $3.6 million for the year, while property value saved was $14.7 million, resulting in a cumulative save rate of 78.3%. The police department reported a total of 45,611 calls for service in 2025, a 5.7% increase from the previous year. They also reported significant decreases in violent crime (39%) and property crime (10%) compared to 2024, and substantial reductions in specific crime categories when compared to 2016 data. The department seized various narcotics, including 3,976 grams of cocaine and 1,092 grams of meth, and removed 23 firearms from the streets. Staffing levels remain a concern, with a target of 68 officers but currently at 59, with efforts underway to recruit new officers. Several resolutions were passed to declare properties as nuisances requiring abatement of uncontrolled vegetation and refuse, and to declare junk motor vehicles at various addresses for removal. The board also approved resolutions declaring properties as registerable under the rental registration program and ordering abatement. The Fire Chief presented motions to authorize agreements with Springfield Township for EMS services to Pleasant Run Farms and the West College Hill and Gway area.