There were some staff changes in the Seward Police Department during 2009. Brian Peters was promoted to Lieutenant and Keith Sedlak was promoted to Sergeant. The Seward Police Department’s 2009 activities include making 248 arrests, 2619 written violator contacts and working over 3,045 calls for service. Those numbers do not include verbal warnings, red tag warnings for parking violations and yellow tag warnings for animal or nuisance violations.

During this school year the Seward Police Department participated in City Government Day educating the Seward High School 11th graders in many areas. The students were participants in this educational process as they asked prepared questions.

The Seward Police Department also participated in a training exercise with the Civil Air Patrol. They tested their ability to communicate with officers in the air as well as on the ground while accomplishing training exercise tasks.

During the summer months alcohol violations, related crimes and incidents are present. When the Fourth of July is part of a weekend it offers special challenges. Those challenges were experienced last year and will be present again this year. With the increase of summer activities comes the need for added caution.

Fireworks create a variety of experiences and challenges. The Seward Police Department reminds everyone that City Ordinances should be followed regarding the ignition of fireworks. Fireworks may be sold on June 28 through July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. On the Fourth of July they may discharged until midnight. The discharging of fireworks is prohibited within one block of the parade route for the period of time commencing one hour before the start of the parade and ending one-half hour after the time the parade is finished. The discharging of fireworks is also prohibited in or into any park or onto any public property within the municipality for the period of time commencing two hours before and ending one-half hour after any public event such as, but not limited to, concerts and public fireworks displays. Fireworks safety should always be practiced. A list of fireworks related City Ordinances is available on the City of Seward web site under municipal codes chapter 6.

A final reminder from the Police Department addresses summer signage. Election signs and garage sale signs should not be placed on the city right of way, other city property or utility poles.

The Seward Police Department hopes everyone who lives in or visits Seward during the summer and fall of 2010 has a safe experience.

Read complete City of Seward newsletters here!