By Brett Milam
Editor
The Milford City Council met on Feb. 18 to discuss a variety of matters.
– Jamey Mills, police chief, handed out the annual department awards for 2019. All awards recipients were nominated by their peers.
“The four recipients tonight serve in a variety of capacities, but one thing they all have in common is they are ambassadors of the city and I am proud to serve with each of them,” Mills said.
The first award is the Chief’s Commendation, which is given out for outstanding performance that demonstrates the “core values of integrity, professionalism, cooperation, and commitment.”
Officer Terry Chastain, who has been with the department for five years, was recognized with the award. Mills said Chastain develops all of the department’s firearms training lesson plans, and was recognized six times in 2019 for exemplary and compassionate team work.
Chastain said he loves the department and the city.
The next award is known as the Silver Bullet award, given to an officer demonstrating “exemplary problem-solving abilities.”
Officer Steve Bogan, who has been with the department for 15 years, was recognized with the award. He was recognized eight times in 2019 by supervisors for “going the extra mile.”
He’s also a Taser instructor with the department.
A new award this year, Sergeants’ Recognition, recognizes officers who are dependable, have a solid work ethic, and sound decision making.
Officer Tara Dennis was recognized with the award. For 2019, she arrested 35 wanted individuals, and made nine felony drug arrests. She also recently completed three weeks of evidence technician training.
Dennis is also the only woman currently selected for the Hamilton County Dive Team.
The Larry J. Oaks Memorial Award, the top recognition of the night, named after Officer Oaks, who served in law enforcement for nearly half a century. Oaks exemplified “community policing long before the term was coined,” Mills said.
Officer Megan Eshman, who has been with the department for 25 years, was recognized with the award. She’s considered proactive by her peers, and someone who educates and gives back to the community, Mills said.
“He overwhelmed me, I never expected anything like this. I’m just Megan,” Eshman said. “I work for the best agency in the state. This is a blessing to be on the last leg of my career to work for this community, and to represent you.”
Amy Vilardo, mayor, thanked Mills, and said the city has such talent within the department.
“There is no doubt that we have the best officers; we are the best department. We are so incredibly proud of every one of our officers and the work that you do in our community; it doesn’t go unnoticed. I just want to appreciate you and thank you for your time and effort,” she said.
– The city paid $10,000 in a contract with Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks for the annual Fourth of July Sparks in the Park event, to be held this year on July 3. It’s the same amount the city paid last year.
– The Milford Community Fire Department was one of two county fire departments (Franklin Township being the other) to receive $10,000 through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry’s Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant program.
“Local fire departments are the front lines for essential services in their communities, and we are pleased to partner with them,” Dan Balser, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry, said in a press release. “Along with the training we provide, these grants offer departments opportunities to become better equipped for the challenges of wildland firefighting.”
Milford plans to use the money for Multi-Agency Radio Communication System radios.
The overall cost of the project is $20,055, with the other $10,000 previously budgeted by the department.