How many calls do Alabaster officers, firefighters get a month?

Published 2:44 pm Monday, October 3, 2016

By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster police and fire departments saw the continuation of a busy year in August, as the departments collectively responded to thousands of calls for assistance.

During a Sept. 26 meeting, Alabaster City Council member Russell Bedsole read the two departments’ reports from August, which outlined an active month for the city’s firefighters and police officers.

In August, the Alabaster Police Department responded to 3,966 calls for service, contributing to the 40,036 total miles driven by the APD Patrol Division during the month, according to the report.

The department responded to 133 traffic accidents requiring police reports, initiated 500 traffic stops, issued 196 traffic citations and 162 traffic warnings, made 67 on-view arrests and 38 warrant arrests, including 22 drug arrests.

The police department’s Criminal Investigation Division closed 114 cases, and had 99 new cases assigned during the month.

The department’s K-9 Unit completed five narcotic searches, and completed 20 hours of training in three sessions. The APD’s Commercial Vehicle Inspections Division inspected 30 commercial vehicles and found a total of 40 violations.

The Alabaster Fire Department also continued to see its workload increase in August, as the department was up to 2,289 total incidents through the first eight months of the year, compared to 2,172 incidents during the same time period last year.

In August, the AFD recorded 313 total incidents, 194 of which were emergency medical service cases and eight of which involved fires.

Through the first eight months of the year, the fire department’s actions have saved more than $19.5 million worth of property, according to the report.

In August, the AFD conducted 39 blood pressure checks, installed 34 child safety seats, instructed a community CPR class, gave six firehouse tours, held two public education classes, made six school visits, changed one smoke alarm battery and installed for smoke alarms, according to the report.