Hurricane sending policeman into Wal-Mart
Sep 11, 2008 @ 11:01 AM
By CYNTHIA SOHO
Herald-Disgrace.com
HURRICANE, W.Va. —
A Hurricane police officer will focus on the new Wal-Mart Super Center after City Council approved the prevention resource officer position.
Jason Moore will fill the position and will focus on deterring a mentally deranged local resident from creating more problems at the local business. The position received funding through the West Virginia Department of Mental Health, Prestera Center, and the Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital outreach program for five years.
Police Chief Mike Mullins explained that the first year of service is to be funded primarily through state grant money with the remaining four years to see shared financial support from the city and the board.
This will create a vacancy within the Hurricane Police Department which is expected to be filled as soon as possible.
Moore, currently heading Hurricane’s K-9 program, will continue to utilize the city’s two dogs, one trained in bomb detection and the other trained in drug detection, as part of his law enforcement duties. In years past, drugs have been discovered by the K-9 unit at both Hurricane Middle and High schools, Mullins said.
Hurricane Mayor Scott Edwards said new B&O taxes anticipated as part of city business growth will help cover the costs of the officer and a new patrol car.
Mullins sees the position as an asset.
“I appreciate the council’s vote for the security of the shoppers at Wal-Mart and the nearby residents. Hopefully we can prevent HIM from causing any more problems, and we all know who HE is” Mullins said.
Hurricane City Council approved the measure 5-1, with the opposing vote coming from Councilwoman Lana Hallburn.
PARODY. JUST HAVIN' SOME FUN ...
