About Us
2008
July success of the Month
Just before 2:00 AM on Tuesday July 8, Miami Township resident, Daniel E. Sullivan, who resides at 1216 Wintercrest Circle, was awakened by his dog reacting to a noise from outside his residence. Mr. Sullivan got up and went out his front door to check on the noise and encountered four young boys walking down his driveway. When he asked them what they were doing, he saw one of the boys drop his CD holder and then all of them ran down Wintercrest Circle. Mr. Sullivan gave chase on foot but lost them as they jumped a fence in the neighborhood. Mr. Sullivan returned to his residence, got his car keys and began driving around the area. At some point, he saw a car with one of the boys inside. He followed the car to Speedway on State Route 131 and saw the rest of the boys. He pulled in behind their car to block their escape and called police. Officers Kyle Ball and Melissa Wahlert responded to the scene and conducted interviews of those involved. They were ultimately successful in obtaining confessions from the boys who admitted to breaking into cars "all over the place" and stealing items including the items taken from Mr. Sullivan's vehicle. According to one of the parents, their son had additional cases pending in Clermont County including a Breaking & Entering in the City of Milford. This information was passed along to Sergeant Al Fatute so additional follow-up could be conducted by police investigators. The follow-up investigation was assigned to Detective Bullock who conducted interviews with the assistance of Detectives Colliver and Bradford. As a result, additional suspects were identified and confessions were obtained which resulted in the closure of ten more open reports involving offenses of theft and burglary. These cases involved sixteen reported victims and an additional ten victims were identified who had not reported the crimes. A total of six juveniles and one adult were charged with forty-two individual offenses, including eleven felonies and thirty-one misdemeanors. The offenders in this case stole an estimated $7, 936.00 worth of items and caused an estimated $4,400.00 in damages during their crime spree.
On July 5, 2008 the Clermont County Communication Center issued a broadcast for a red Ford Ranger involved in an aggravated armed robbery at Twins Drive Thru on Old State Route 74 in Union Township. The broadcast gave the vehicles description and registration but could not advise a direction of travel. The broadcast provided additional information that a firearm was displayed during the robbery and the driver was believed to be armed and dangerous. Upon receiving this information, Officer Jenkins immediately proceeded to I-275 to observe northbound traffic coming from the Union Township area. Officer Jenkins observed a red Ford Ranger pass his stationary position and pulled out behind it. Officer Jenkins confirmed the registration was the same provided by the broadcast and notified the communications center that he was following the vehicle. Officer Jenkins requested additional units before he initiated a traffic stop. However, before additional units were able to respond, the vehicle moved from the high-speed lane of the interstate to the right shoulder without a traffic stop being initiated. Officer Jenkins believing the driver was preparing to open fire on him stopped his vehicle behind the suspects and took a position of cover. The driver, later identified as Mark Collins, exited the Ford Ranger and was immediately ordered to the ground at gunpoint by Officer Jenkins. Officer Jenkins maintained cover and continued to issue verbal commands to the suspect until Officer Hirsch arrived on scene. Both officers then approached the suspect and took him into custody without further incident. Investigators from Union Township were summoned to the scene to take custody of Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins was found to be driving under suspension so an inventory search of the vehicle was completed. During the search of the vehicle, approximately $1,750.00 and a half an ounce of a substance believed to be crack cocaine was located and taken into evidence. Mark Collins was charged with one count of aggravated robbery and one count of kidnapping by the Union Township Police Department. The Union Township Police report that Mr. Collins took a female patron of the drive thru hostage, placing a gun to her head then demanding cash from the clerk. The Miami Township police department commends the efforts of these officers in apprehending a dangerous suspect displaying great courage and confidence under extreme pressure.
On June 19, 2008 at 0233 hours, Officer Kyle Ball and Sergeant Jim Young were dispatched to 1266 Kent Drive on the report of an 82 year old non-breather. Both Officer Ball and Sergeant Young arrived at 0235 hours and found Mr. Elmer Curliss slumped over in a chair in the living room of the residence. Mr. Curliss was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Mr. Curliss was placed on the floor of the home and Sergeant Young immediately began chest compressions while Officer Ball prepared the portable defibrillator for use. The AED was connected and showed a flat line and advised "no shock". Sergeant Young continued chest compressions and Officer Ball began rescue breathing for Mr. Curliss for approximately five minutes until Miami Township Emergency Medical Services arrived. After a short period of time the life squad advised that Mr. Curliss had a pulse of 116 and had very good blood pressure. Mr. Curliss was transported to Bethesda North Hospital for treatment. Due to the quick response and on scene actions of Officer Kyle Ball and Sergeant Jim Young, Mr. Curliss was given a chance to survive. Officer Kyle Ball and Sergeant Jim Young are commended for their actions and received the Miami Township Police Department's Lifesaving Award.
On July 14, 2008 Detective Keith Bullock was contacted by Sergeant John Swing who advised him a burglary had occurred during the overnight hours in the Belle Meade subdivision. Sergeant Swing also informed him that Hamilton County was involved in a pursuit with a suspect who was breaking into cars. After Loveland Police obtained the identity of the juvenile suspect, Officer Skip Rasfeld accompanied them to the residence and took him into custody. The suspect was then turned over to Symmes Township Police. Detective Bullock and Sergeant Swing began reviewing similar cases in the area surrounding the suspect's residence. Detective Bullock then responded to Symmes Township, where the suspect was being held, and interviewed him regarding the Miami Township offenses. The suspect confessed to multiple burglaries and thefts from vehicles in Belle Meade, Miami Trails, West Hannah, Neale Lane, White Pillars and Millbrook subdivisions. The suspect also implicated another juvenile who took part in the crimes with him. The two suspects were also implicated in additional offenses in Hamilton and Warren Counties as well as some unreported offenses. Between the two suspects, Detective Bullock filed fifteen felony charges, including six burglaries and seven misdemeanors. Bullock also recovered a laptop, two cell phones, a GPS unit and an MP3 player. During this investigation, Detective Bullock, with the assistance of Sergeant Swing, closed seven open cases, involving twelve victims and at least fifteen additional victims who hadn't reported the crimes. The combined cases involved nearly $9,000.00 in stolen property.
June success of the Month
During June, Detective Nick Colliver investigated several thefts of golf clubs and tools from open garages in Miami Township. In a follow up conversation with a victim, Detective Colliver was advised that the victim had located his golf clubs at a Play it Again Sports store in Hamilton County. Detective Colliver went to the store and located the clubs and obtained store surveillance video and a written statement from the clerk who had purchased the clubs. From that location, Detective Colliver traveled to other Play it Again Sports locations in Hamilton County in an attempt to identify other golf clubs stolen from Miami Township. At one location, a clerk advised Detective Colliver that he had written the license plate number of the persons selling the clubs and furnished that information as well. Based on this information, Detective Colliver developed two suspects; Michael Hoskins and Jacqueline Smith. On June 13, Detective Colliver was able to locate Mr. Hoskins and an interview was conducted. During the interview, the suspect confessed to stealing several golf clubs and tools from residences throughout Clermont and Hamilton County with the items valued in thousands of dollars. The money gained from these thefts had been used to purchase drugs. The suspect agreed to riding with Detective Colliver throughout the area in an attempt to identify residences where items had been stolen from. The suspect also confessed that his accomplice, Ms. Smith, was now in jail in Laurel County Adult Detention Center in Kentucky. Detective Colliver responded to Kentucky to interview Ms. Smith where she was currently being detained for similar offenses that occurred in that area. Mr. Smith consented to an interview and confessed to the same offenses at Mr. Hoskins. Detective Colliver charged both suspects with six felony charges for the offenses of Burglary and Attempted Burglary. Both Mr. Hoskins and Ms. Smith are cooperating with our agency and Detectives from Hamilton County. Some of the victims' properties were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.
On June 19, Officers Howard and Morgan responded to the Oasis Conference Center for a report of a forced entry to the business and alcohol stolen. Officer Howard located a cell phone on the golf course. Not knowing if the cell phone was related to the Breaking & Entry, Officers Howard and Morgan responded to T-Mobile to obtain enough charge on the phone to obtain stored contacts. Upon charging, the officers obtained 'My Home' information and learned the cell phone owner was a male juvenile. Contact was made with the juvenile who advised he and three other males had been on the golf course to meet another juvenile. They had seen a Miami Township Police Officer talking to the fourth juvenile, had become scared so they had ran, dropping the phone in the process. They advised the fourth juvenile's identity. Officers Howard and Morgan returned to the station and met with Detective Rob Bradford for assistance with the investigation. Investigating Officers met with Officer Skip Rasfeld who had been in the area the previous evening while on patrol. Officer Rasfeld advised that he had been in the area on a report of an attempted theft and had located a juvenile on foot. He advised while talking with the juvenile, another person had made contact with him regarding a male juvenile who had attempted to sneak out of the house. He gave investigating officers the address of the male who had attempted to sneak out. Investigating officers then responded to this juvenile's residence to conduct an interview. This juvenile did state that he was sneaking out to toilet paper residences with three other friends; however, he was discovered and did not get out. He gave officers the identities of the friends he was to meet. These friends were not the three juveniles previously contacted so Officers responded to speak with these juveniles. Upon questioning, these juveniles did admit to the initial attempted theft report that Officer Rasfeld responded to and also to the Breaking & Entering offense at the Oasis. All were charged through Juvenile Court and released to their parents. Great team work!
May Success of the Month
On May 1, Officer Casey Brashear was dispatched to a suspicious vehicle at Sunoco on SR 131. The dispatcher advised that the male subjects were in the lot asking customers for money. Officer Brashear arrived on scene and located the vehicle occupied by two adult males. Both of the males were intoxicated and refused Officer Brashear's request for identification. Based on previous contacts, Officer Brashear believed one male to be Spencer Dickinson, a wanted person who Detective Paul had filed Aggravated Arson charges on in 2007. The male kept giving Officer Brashear false information. Officer Brashear made contact with the Clermont County Jail for identifiers. Based on the identifiers obtained, Officer Brashear confirmed that the male was in fact Spencer Dickinson who was wanted on multiple warrants through Clermont County, including the Aggravated Arson warrant. Due to Officer Brashear's diligence, Spencer Dickinson, a wanted felon was placed under arrest for falsification and warrant service and transported to the Clermont County Jail.
On May 22, Officer Holly Souhrada made a traffic stop of a suspected Impaired Driver. Upon contact with the driver, Timothy McDowell, Officer Souhrada detected an odor of alcohol. Mr. McDowell denied any consumption of alcohol and was asked to step from the vehicle for PBT testing and field sobriety tests. The driver tested positively on the PBT and did not pass the field tests. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to the Miami Township Police Department for a breath test. Mr. McDowell's breath test result was .181. A review of Mr. McDowell's driving record indicated that this was his seventh Driving Under the Influence arrest. Mr. McDowell was arrested for Felony DUI and transported to the Clermont County Jail.
April Success of the Month
On March 20, 2008 Miami Township Police were called to a report of Breaking and Entering of a residence at 1332 SR 131. While Investigator Bill Paul was processing this scene, a report of an aggravated burglary in progress was made for the residence at 5757 Mt. Vernon Drive. A 1985 Jeep CJ 7 was stolen from the garage of the Mt. Vernon Drive residence along with other property from inside the residence. In his investigation of these two cases, Investigator Bill Paul found other cases with similar characteristics. Those offenses had occurred at the Eastside Christian Church, Castrucci Ford, a residence at 1167 SR 131, a residence at 5932 McPicken Drive and Ohio Valley Voices. The stolen Jeep was recovered on March 21, 2008 in Miamiville. Upon hearing the location of the vehicle recovery, Officer Rob Heideman contacted Investigator Bill Paul and advised that the stolen Jeep had been found in the same location that Jonathan Gerhardt had ditched a stolen car in the past. Based on this information, Investigator Paul presented a photo line up to the victim and the witness at 5757 Mt. Vernon Drive. Both picked out the suspect, Jonathan Gerhardt. Investigator Paul then filed a warrant for his arrest for aggravated burglary. Gerhardt had no regular address and was living at large making it difficult for police to find him. On April 8, 2008 Investigator Paul received a call from Sgt. Jamie Mills, of the Milford Police Department to report that they just had a vehicle stolen from the home of a City Council member. Gerhardt was identified as the offender in that case. On April 9, 2008 Gerhardt was taken into custody in Milford by Milford Police officers while he was walking on the same street where he had stolen the vehicle the day before. During the interview of Gerhardt, he admitted to Investigator Bill Paul that he was responsible for a total of one Aggravated Burglary F1, one Burglary F4, ten counts of Breaking & Entering F5, five counts of Theft F4, five counts of Theft F5 and one count of Vandalism F5. Altogether he was charged with twenty-three separate felony offenses. Gerhardt told investigators that the property that he did get away with had been thrown into dumpsters. The five stolen vehicles were all recovered. Due to the identification of a potential suspect by Officer Heideman and the subsequent reviewing and analyzing of previous reports by Investigator Paul, a significant threat to Miami Township residents and their property has been identified and charged.
In April, Problem Solving Officer Annie Morgan was reviewing a number of cases in the Township involving thefts from vehicles. From previous contacts and investigation, Officer Morgan identified a juvenile that may be involved. The juvenile was currently missing and there was a warrant for his arrest. Officer Morgan met with Officer Adams at Milford High School to obtain possible locations or associates of the missing juvenile. Officer Adams provided valuable information on the suspect's possible whereabouts and associates. Officer Morgan requested that Investigator Bradford assist her in the investigation. Officer Morgan and Detective Bradford arrived at a potential suspect location furnished by SRO Adams and located the missing juvenile and adult associate in the woods. Both subjects were drinking and had on their property several suspicious items that Officer Morgan believed may be stolen. The subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Miami Township Police Department for interviews. The suspects were separated and interviewed by Detective Bradford and Officer Morgan. Both suspects admitted to culpability in multiple theft offenses and advised that another suspect was also involved in the receiving and pawn/selling of stolen items for cash and drugs. The third suspect was located and interviewed; resulting in his confession to involvement. As a result of their investigation, searches and interviews of the subjects, Detective Bradford and Officer Morgan filed multiple charges against the suspects for the offenses of Receiving Stolen Property, Theft, Burglary, Drug Paraphernalia and Underage Consumption. Great team work from Problem Solver Morgan, School Resource Officer Adams and Investigator Bradford.
In April, Officer Pryor was dispatched to the Circle K on SR 28 to investigate a theft. Officer Pryor checked the store security tapes and found the perpetrator's vehicle registration. Officer Pryor was able to locate an address on Ring Lane where the car was registered. Officer Pryor located the vehicle at the residence and made contact with the vehicle operator; who he identified as the theft suspect. Upon initial questioning, the suspect gave Officer Pryor a false name. After further investigation, Officer Pryor ascertained the suspects' true identity and found that the suspect had several outstanding warrants, including a felony through Brown County. At this time, the suspect admitted to the Circle K theft and Officer Pryor arrested the suspect, Jason Howes. Officer Pryor made contact with the property owner of the residence and obtained consent to search the property for stolen items. Officer Pryor discovered hundreds of items that appeared to have been stolen. The items were seized and placed in the Miami Township Police property system. At this time, Officer Pryor relayed the information to Detective Bullock for further investigation. Detective Bullock responded to the Clermont County Jail where he conducted an interview with the suspect. When presented the evidence against him based upon the recovered evidentiary property, the suspect admitted to several thefts throughout Miami Township and other jurisdictions. Concurrently, Detective Bill Paul was investigating several ongoing felony thefts and breaking and entering offenses at Meijer. Detective Paul identified the Meijer suspect as Jason Howes from video recordings. Detective Paul made contact with Jason Howes for an interview. Mr. Howes subsequently admitted to these offenses as well. As a result of this investigation, Mr. Howes has been charged with twenty felony and misdemeanor charges for offenses including Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, Criminal Trespass and Breaking and Entering. Through Officer Pryor's investigative skills and diligence in the initial investigation and Detective Bullock and Paul's follow-up investigations, a wanted felon was arrested and several offense reports were closed and property recovered.
Miami Township Police arrested two men for their involvement in four aggravated robberies that occurred in the Township on April 12 between 1:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The arrests came at about 9:30 p.m. less than ten hours after the fourth robbery. The two men arrested are Joe Monhollen and Eric Brown. Brown surrendered without incident. Monhollen attempted to flee from police on foot when he was about to be arrested. They were captured by Police Captains Steve Rogers and Cliff Rowland, Police Sergeant Fred Fatute, and Police Officers Greg Jenkins, Jamie Porter and Casey Brashear. No one was injured during the arrests. They were arrested outside an apartment on Pebble Ridge Drive in the Pebble Brooke Apartment Complex. The arrests came after police received a tip from a member of the community. The robberies of convenience stores occurred over a time span of less than twelve hours. In each case a white male entered the store, displayed a large knife and demanded cash. The robber's face was concealed by a hood on his jacket or sweatshirt. No one was injured in any of the robberies. "Our officers have worked on this case steadily throughout the day," said Miami Township Police Chief Steven Bailey. "It was a priority for us to get these dangerous people ff the street before they could hurt someone or before they were hurt by someone else who might resist a robbery attempt. The Miami Township Police Officers did a great job on this today and the community can sleep well tonight."
On April 22, Miami Township Police were dispatched to Kroger on SR 28 for a theft. A 47-year-old woman had just placed her groceries and her purse into her vehicle and was returning the shopping cart when a male entered the victims' vehicle and stole her purse. The victim observed the theft and gave chase on foot as a female accomplice and the male fled in their vehicle. The victim held onto the doorpost letting go just prior to the vehicle striking a curb and fleeing the lot. The victim observed a small child in the back seat as the suspects made the get way. A short time later, Officer Sherri Howard observed the getaway vehicle parked at 1285 Pebble Brook. Officers Howard and Rob Heideman located the female suspect who admitted to being the driver and provided the male suspect information. The victim then identified the male via a photo line up. Officers Howard, Heideman and Sergeant Swing conducted additional interviews of witnesses and the victim's purse was recovered at a nearby business in the trash. The driver was charged with Felony Theft, Child Endangering, and Reckless Operation on private property. The male suspect was charged with Felony Theft.
March 2008 Success Of The Month
Captain Steve Rogers has served the law enforcement profession for more than twenty-five years. Most of his years in the profession have been spent serving the residents of Miami Township. Captain Rogers rose through the ranks and has served in a variety of positions. Upon being promoted to the rank of Sergeant, he maintained a strong work ethic and established a reputation for being a working Sergeant, staying involved with those he supervised and setting an example for others to follow. Once promoted to Lieutenant, Steve remained very proactive during his first assignment as Road Patrol Commander. He continued to maintain a strong work ethic and established a reputation for fairness and looking out for the best interests of the police department and the citizens it serves. In addition to his normal responsibilities, Steve expressed a genuine concern for the welfare of those he led and it was not at all unusual for him to visit officers or their families who fell ill or became hospitalized. No matter how pressing work concerns became, he always found time to attend services when a colleague or subordinate lost a family member and would offer them comfort and condolences. This never seemed to be an act of duty or responsibility, but rather an act of genuine caring for others. Steve was later assigned to lead the investigations section and remained true to his character setting new standards and seeking to achieve even higher goals. The division was proactive and under his leadership and as a team they investigated a variety of crimes up to and including a murder/suicide. Upon being promoted to the rank of Captain, Steve had come full circle. He was again assigned to lead the agency's Road Patrol function. At a time in his career when others would begin to slow down and prepare for retirement, that kind of approach simply did not fit into his character. He continues to regularly attend roll call briefings to maintain the connection with those on the front lines. He continues to visit sick or injured officers and their families. When given an internal complaint, he never rushes to judgment and focuses on fairness and doing the right thing. As the Patrol Division Commander, Captain Rogers continues to lead by example. He is often heard picking up details for road officers when he hears them getting overwhelmed with calls. He's even been heard doing the mundane tasks such as opening or closing park gates to help his troops and doesn't exhibit any hint of feeling that such tasks are beneath him or his rank. Captain Steve Rogers has established himself as a friend, a co-worker, a supervisor, a mentor and a strong leader and it is for those reasons and more that his peers and subordinates have overwhelmingly supported his award as Miami Township Police Departments Police Service Award, Employee of the Year for 2007. Congratulations Captain Rogers.
On 11/14/07, Officers Jenkins, Brashear and Hirsch were dispatched to Brightwater Circle for a report of a suicidal male. The male had ingested a large quantity of alcohol combined with an unknown number of prescription pills. Upon arrival, Officer Jenkins attempted contact with the male by knocking on the front door. A fellow officer observed the male point a handgun at the door via a window. Officers on scene took cover and concealment positions. Residents in the immediate vicinity were evacuated in the event gunfire erupted. Upon completion of the evacuation, Sergeant Fatute initiated contact via phone attempting to resolve the situation peacefully. Believing the male was in eminent danger of death, Sergeant Fatute initiated non-forcible entry. Sergeant Fatute took point with an AR-15 as Officer Jenkins followed quickly behind with his Taser. Upon entry, Officers observed a large hunting knife lying on the table in close proximity to the suspect. The deliberate entry caught the male off guard and allowed Officer Brashear to move up in an attempt to handcuff the suspect. The male resisted, requiring Officer Jenkins to utilize his Taser. The male was then successfully handcuffed and given medical treatment. The weapons, an air-soft pistol and hunting knife were recovered and seized. The male continued to be uncooperative during transport to Clermont Mercy Hospital for a psychological evaluation. This was an extremely dangerous situation that involved a potentially armed and dangerous suspect. These officers displayed extraordinary acts of heroism in defusing this potentially hostile and volatile situation. The Officers on scene exhibited incredible control utilizing their training and imagination to defuse the situation without loss of life. When the defendant appeared in court for the resisting arrest charge that was filed against him, Judge Brock addressed the defendant and stated that "Officers would have been fully justified in shooting you. You should consider yourself lucky that the Officers didn't." The defendant ultimately pled guilty to the resisting arrest charge and the defendant's family personally thanked the Officers for not using deadly force that evening. Congratulations to these Officers on a job well done.
Several years ago, the Miami Township Police Department began participation in a program in conjunction with Clermont Senior Services, in which Officers visit seniors in the area. The goal of the program was to improve the quality of life of older Miami Township residents through an occasional visit to their residence. Officer Kent Arter has been involved in the program since its inception and several years ago began visiting Ms. Marcella Moellman. Over the course of several years, Officer Arter's relationship with Ms. Moellman progressed from occasional visits while on duty to his family also being involved in off-duty visits. Officer Arter and his family have since become very close with Ms. Moellman. Not only has Officer Arter assisted Ms. Moellman with many day-to-day tasks or just stopped by to say hello and check on her, he and his family continually visit Ms. Moellman at her retirement community and exchange gifts with her at Christmas. Officer Arter is commended for this exceptional service that truly demonstrates community policing.
The Miami Township Police Department is pleased to award civilian volunteer and Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association member Gene Bishop the Civilian Service Award. Gene has been a member of the CPAAA since his graduation from the Miami Township Citizen's Police Academy Session V in 2002. Over the years, Gene has provided many volunteer hours to our department in a number of functions. In 2007, Gene was actively involved in and vital to the success of two programs. Gene donated countless hours assisting several County agencies as the coordinator of the annual DARE golf outing. With Gene's leadership and assistance, the golf outing raised over $12,000.00 in 2007. These funds will be used to support numerous programs for Clermont County children. Gene also provided invaluable service to the Miami Township Police Department with the annual Shop with a Cop event. Gene has worked on this event for several years and his assistance in 2007 to Officer Petrocelli and the department resulted in an extremely successful and rewarding event. Over $7,000.00 was raised in 2007 and this allowed over eighty children to have a wonderful holiday season. Miami Township commends this exceptional service to our agency and the community.
February 2008 Success Of The Month
During the early morning hours of January 22, 2008 Miami Township Police Officers received a report of a residential fire at the Martinelli Residence located at 6211 Cook Road. Sergeant Young, and his night shift squad, arrived on scene at about 4:43 A.M and were met by an active structure fire. The home was involved to the point that flames were visible through the windows and smoke was billowing from the eves of the roof. The first two officers to arrive on the scene, Sergeant Young and Officer Rasfeld, wasted no time in their initial attempts to protect life and property. Officer Rasfeld went to his trunk to retrieve a fire extinguisher as Sergeant Young began searching for a way through the flames to locate any potential victims that may have been inside. As he ran to the back of the residence, and made his search for access, Sergeant Young found that all of the windows and doors were locked and nothing could be seen through the windows due to the thick smoke inside. He kicked his way through the rear door to a laundry area but could only gain a narrow access due to the doorway being obstructed by a washer and dryer. Sergeant Young squeezed his way through the opening and entered the laundry room which had not yet completely filled with smoke. Once inside, Sergeant Young observed another door that led into the main living area of the house. The door was too hot to touch so he breached the door by kicking it open. It would only open about twelve inches as thick smoke, and a rush of hot air, poured into the laundry room from the other side. Sergeant Young had to retreat back outside for fresh air. As he shined his light back toward the door and yelled to anyone who might be inside, he heard a loud explosion and glass breakage. Then he saw a human hand and forearm drop to the floor through the opening behind the inner door. Sergeant Young could see that the victim was badly burned and that the laundry room was now filled with smoke. Visibility was obstructed and it became very difficult to breath. He advised the communication center of his situation and requested immediate assistance. Officers Rasfeld and Murray arrived, and together, the three officers attempted to push the door open and rescue the unconscious victim. All three officers were trying their best to hold their breath and avoid breathing the noxious fumes. At one point Officer Rasfeld could not be seen from the waist up as he was completely engulfed in the black smoke. Each of the officers then took turns alternating into the smoke in an attempt to move the victim and open the door as there was only enough room for one officer to work at a time. All the while they were hearing additional explosions from within. The officers retreated for fresh air and it became apparent to Sergeant Young that they were not making progress. He knew that the situation was deteriorating with each second that passed by. It was at that moment that he decided to force his way through the small opening into the main house so he could move the victim whose position was blocking the doorway. With Officer Rasfeld's assistance, Sergeant Young squeezed through the small opening and into the deadliest and most dangerous part of the scene. Once inside, Sergeant Young, unable to breath, turned his back to the flames, grabbed the 225 pound victim by his belt, picked him up from the floor and pulled him backward away from the doorway. Officer Rasfeld was then able to push the door all the way open and begin pulling the victim through the doorway. Sergeant Young, feeling the burning sensation on his head and believing that his uniform had caught fire, exited the laundry room. Officer Rasfeld continued pulling the victim through the doorway to a point where his upper torso was in the laundry room and somewhat cooler air. At that point fire personnel arrived, took the victim outside to the patio and began treating him for severe burns. The victim was breathing on his own. The actions of Sergeant Young and Officers Rasfeld and Murray prevented the imminent death of Mr. Martinelli that morning. Regrettably, Mr. Martinelli did succumb to his injuries on February 15. These Officers will be honored at the March 18 Trustees meeting.
January 2008 Success Of The Month
During January, Miami Township records clerk Marsha Garner spent her vacation in Haiti aiding her church in thedistribution of food, clothing and other gifts through the church sponsored I want to do Something About World Hunger program supported by the organization Kids Against Hunger. The program has several goals; during the trip the volunteers participate in Women's Day where they support Haitian women with fellowship and Bible studies, the volunteers support infant and toddler nutrition with the distribution of food to feed a thousand Haitian children for a year and the group distributes seven to eight hundred pairs of shoes to children. Marsha became involved with this project three years ago and returns each year to accomplish the mission. Marsha states “With all the press about the economy being on the verge of recession, people don't realize how well we have it compared to others in countries such as Haiti which is only a two hour flight from Miami, Florida.” Marsha feels that she gave just a small part in helping others because we are truly blessed in America. Marsha was also excited to see and spend time with her personal sponsored child and his family. Marsha's dedication to others as well as the community where she lives, works and worships make us proud to have her as a member of the Miami Township Police Department.
On January 5, Officer Rob Hirsch checked the registration of a vehicle he was traveling behind on SR 28. Officer Hirsch received a warrant notification that the registered owner of the vehicle was wanted by Tippecanoe County, Indiana. The warrant was for felony child neglect with a request for extradition. Upon confirmation of the warrant, Officer Hirsch observed the male park and enter Kmart. Officer Hirsch requested back up of the store exits while he entered to attempt location of the suspect. The suspect was located hiding in the electronics section. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Clermont County Jail to await extradition to Indiana. Upon speaking with the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office, Officer Hirsch was advised the apprehended suspect was on the County's most wanted list. Officer Hirsch is commended for his efforts in the apprehension of a multi-state fugitive.