A message from Mayor Joe Wright

"For those of you who remember the popular TV show Hill Street Blues, every show included Sergeant Phil Esterhaus cautioning those in the roll call room to “be careful out there.” While the show has been off the air for several years, we all should heed that advice. No community is immune from crime, but by banding together, we can make it more difficult for crimes to take place and enhance the safety of all our citizens. We are fortunate to have a local group of caring citizens, willing to step up, work together and focus their time, talents and dedication on enhancing community safety – the Beech Grove Crime Watch Committee. Led by community leader Kim Brinkley, the Crime Watch group is geared up to meet on Wednesday, January 16 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Community Center. I encourage you to mark your calendar and plan to attend this important meeting. Born out of the Citizens Police Academy, this group of dedicated, safety-minded citizens has continued to meet with various representatives of the Beech Grove Police Department, following their graduation from the Academy program this summer. The Crime Watch group’s focus is on community awareness and crime prevention. We all want our city to be as safe as possible. Partnering with our local law enforcement officers and using ongoing education and communication, the Crime Watch Committee is working hard to help ensure Beech Grove maintains its low crime rate and safe environment. The January 16 meeting will feature a panel made up of Police Chief Rich Witmer, Fire Chief Dennis Buckley, Public Works Director Sam Merl and myself to address neighborhood concerns, including such issues as how to get a stop sign installed and what steps should be taken regarding abandoned vehicles; issues that directly impact you and your family’s safety. New City Council members have been invited to attend and be introduced. The Crime Watch Committee’s blog is one you should check out for important and helpful safety tips and information. A big thank you to Kim, Dan McMillan and Debbie Springer who are spearheading the Crime Watch group – and to everyone involved in the dedicated efforts to improve the quality of life for all of us. Thank you for all you do to make our community a Better, Brighter Beech Grove. With a nod to the memory of Sergeant Esterhaus, I look forward to seeing you on January 16." Mayor Joe Wright