A May 12 ceremony in the Asheville Civic Center banquet hall honored Asheville Police Chief William Hogan in recognition of his years of service. Hogan, who announced his retirement from the department in April, had a 36-year career in law enforcement. He served as Chief of the APD for seven years. “It has been an honor [...]
On April 29, the Asheville Police Department, City of Asheville officials, friends, and family members gathered to recognize the graduation of 22 cadets from the Asheville Police Academy. The department’s newest officers were sworn in and received their badges in a ceremony held at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium. “Congratulations to each of you. We are proud [...]
The Asheville Police Department recognized the exemplary service of officers, employees and volunteers at it annual awards banquet, held March 31 at the Crest Mountain Pavilion. The event highlights achievements of individuals within the force, touching on instances where the actions of APD officers intervened in criminal or potentially hazardous situations. Some of those, noted APD [...]
An increasing awareness of the concerns surrounding the disposal of prescription drugs has spurred a local effort to provide Asheville and Buncombe County residents with a safe place to deposit unwanted medicine. To handle the growing need, the APD has set up its own secure prescription drop box in the department for use by residents looking [...]
Recently reported numbers show that, in 2010, 65 people experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County were placed in, or were in the application process for, permanent housing, reports Amy Sawyer, coordinator of the Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Initiative. That, Sawyer says, represents successful progress in advancing the Homeless Initiative and the 10-year Plan to End Homelessness endorsed in [...]
To get to the root of the ideas behind the West Riverside Operation Weed and Seed initiative, now in its fifth year in Asheville, program coordinator Rebecca Byrn says it is all about building relationships. “That’s the foundation of what I do,” Byrn says. “Bringing organizations together, enhancing the relationship the community has with law enforcement [...]
Looking for an easy way to help police or fire and rescue responders get to you in an emergency? Make sure your home or business’ street number is on display and visible from the road. “Anytime first responders, police fire or medical personnel, are responding to calls for service, their response time is reduced when addresses [...]
The latest in a series of steps in the reopening of the pedestrian bridge that spans I-240 and connects the Hillcrest Apartment complex with Asheville’s River District took place Saturday, Feb. 5. City of Asheville police, public works and community relations staff gathered alongside community members to share information about the reopening and gather information [...]
Members of the Asheville Police Department’s Explorer Post 57 traveled to Gatlinburg, TN over the weekend to compete in the annual Winterfest Competition there. The competition focuses on skills and training to accomplish 15 simulated law enforcement scenarios like crime scene investigation and burglary report. The group of eight competing Explorers came home with second [...]
Already this winter, multiple snowstorms have hit Asheville and Western North Carolina, and the City’s Public Works Department has been hard at work to keep roads passable and clear, while the Asheville Police and Fire Departments continue to keep people safe. The City of Asheville is urging the public to remain safe and cautious throughout inclement [...]
***UPDATE*** Jan. 8 meeting POSTPONED: Due to the winter weather forecast for the Asheville area over the next 24 hours and in the interest of safety, the pedestrian bridge community update meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Jan. 8 from 1-3 p.m. has been postponed. Information on the make-up date will be released once a new date is confirmed. The [...]
Asheville Police Department Officer Jackie Stepp’s department-issued cell phone sometimes rings up to four times a day with questions or observations from Asheville residents or business owners. That’s not so surprising since she gives out the number at community meetings and to anyone who asks. As Community Resource Officers, Stepp and her partner, Officer Evan [...]