CRESTVIEW — Two themes were common in shaping Crestview’s newest police officers’ decisions to join the agency. They are same two reasons frequently cited by new officers when they join the Crestview Police Department.

“I want to give back to the community I grew up in,” said Officer Timothy “TJ” White Jr., noting he is a 2008 graduate of Crestview High School.

“I just like working for a smaller town’s police department, not being a number,” added Officer Nicholas Spry. “Here, everybody knows your name.”

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Spry’s dad, Larry Graham, said his son, who has already been working at the police department for more than a week, comes home and speaks glowingly of the congenial atmosphere at the Whitehurst Municipal Building headquarters.

“Everybody’s so super friendly, he tells us,” Graham said. “He could see right away it is a family atmosphere. He’s really been welcomed with open arms.”

Tuesday morning, Crestview Mayor JB Whitten swore in the county seat’s two newest officers, assuring them and their families that Crestview supports its police department.

“All over the country, police officers are under attack,” Whitten said. “But I grew up in a time when police officers were respected. That’s the way it is in Crestview. In Crestview, we have the backs of our police officers. I want to assure our officers that here, we take care of our police.”

“This is a very important step in their journey on a career in law enforcement,” CPD Chief Stephen McCosker told assembled friends, family and fellow officers. “We’re very proud to have them joining our law enforcement family.”

Both new officers have expressed interest in joining the Police Department’s SWAT team and Investigations Division. Spry is also interested in the Community Services division and narcotics investigations.

After being sworn in and signing their oaths of office, the new officers’ wives, Catherine Spry and April White, pinned on their husbands’ badges. For April White, it was a taste of things to come. She will enter the police academy next session. Next year, she hopes Officer White will be pinning her badge on her uniform.

Brian Hughes is the City of Crestview’s public information officer.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The Crestview Police Department welcomes potential inquiries about police officer positions in the agency. Cadet positions, in which the CPD pays a future officer while he or she is in the police academy, are also available. Visit www.crestviewpd.org or call 850-682-3544.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview gains two new police officers

CRESTVIEW — What’s blue and white, plays “Turkey in the Straw” and is coming soon to a neighborhood near you? It’s the Crestview Police Department’s Pop-Up Popsicles community outreach ice cream truck.

“We’re going to turn our crime scene vehicle into an ice cream truck,” said CPD Chief Stephen McCosker. “Instead of sirens, we’re going to have ice cream truck music.”

The pop-ups are impromptu community outreaches that suddenly show up in various locations around the city.

PHOTOS: Crestview Police Department open house

Pop-ups, including the upcoming Pop-Up Popsicles, are announced on the CPD’s social media anytime from the day before to the morning of the events.

Residents “will have to monitor our Facebook page to see where we’ll show up,” CPD Major Andrew Schneider said as he prepared the mobile crime scene unit vehicle for its service as an ice cream truck. “That’s the fun of a pop-up. It could be anywhere in the city.”

McCosker said the Pop-Up Popsicles will occur over the course of four days during the week of June 29, with ice cream giveaways happening in a different section of the city each day.

Unlike the CPD’s hotdog pop-ups, “we’ll start at one location, and move on to others inside the day’s zone,” he said.

“Moving around allows us to keep the crowd down at any one location,” Chief McCosker said. “We’ll be able to help the crowds maintain their social distancing.”

The pop-ups are funded by donations from residents, businesses and community organization as a way for police officers to mingle with residents.

“The more donations we have, the more ice cream we can give away,” the chief said.

To add variety, Mike Carroll, Hub City Smokehouse and Grill owner, is lending his snow-cone machine for Pop-Up Popsicles.

“The thing I’ve been really big on is, to be an effective police department, we have to interact with the community. Pop-ups are one way we can get out in the neighborhoods and parks and still observe social distancing,” McCosker said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Police Department plans ice cream pop-ups

CRESTVIEW — Residents are invited to break out the folding chairs and blankets as the Community Recreation and Enrichment Services department’s Family Movie Night resumes family-friendly film presentations.

The next movie event starts 6 p.m. June 20 at the Spanish Trail Park amphitheatre, Stilwell Boulevard in Crestview. Food vendor services begin at 6 p.m. The film, a 2019 animated Pixar feature, is rated G and follows at 8 p.m.

While exhibition licensing precludes advertising the name of the film beyond city social media pages, “we’re not toying around with this one. It’s going to be lots of fun!” said Rebecca Colvin, special events coordinator for the city’s Community Recreation and Enrichment Services division.

The evening’s presentation is sponsored by Kimberlie Birr of Coldwell Bankers Realty in Crestview and is part of the Mayor’s Cultural Series.

Social distancing is still in effect, Colvin said, “so please leave at least six feet between your group and the groups around you” when setting up in the amphitheatre and when queuing up for food.

For more details about, and any last-minute adjustments to the next Family Movie Night, visit www.facebook.com/cityofcrestviewparksandrecreation/.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview to host next Family Movie Night

CRESTVIEW — A gathering of community and city leaders in Warriors Hall on Monday afternoon found common ground that transcended demographics, while exploring questions that called for frank discussion and candid answers.

Called by City Manager Tim Bolduc in light of unrest in communities across the country, the discussion was carried live on Crestview Community Television and the city’s Facebook page.

It may be viewed at bit.ly/36VCGM5.

Joining Bolduc in the “open conversation” were Mayor JB Whitten and Crestview Police Department Chief Stephen McCosker; the Rev. Sanford Hayes of New Life Missionary Baptist Church and the Rev. Edward Parker of the First Church of God in Christ; David Wheeler of the Carver-Hill Memorial and Historical Society; and concerned citizens Darius Jackson and Marcia Thompson.

“It’s an opportunity to sit and listen and share our experiences,” said Wheeler, who moderated the discussion. “I hope when we walk out of this room, we’ll come out as changed people.”

“It’s easy to sit back and say, ‘Oh, this is Crestview. We’re not Minneapolis or Washington, D.C.,’” Whitten said. “The key is to be proactive. What can we do right now to take care of all our people equally?”

During the discussion, the participants responded to each other’s comments and took questions submitted on Facebook. Many of the questions and comments were directed toward Chief McCosker. Some of the questions were blunt.

“Is putting a foot on someone’s neck acceptable behavior?” one viewer asked.

“It’s never acceptable behavior,” McCosker immediately replied, explaining that sensitivity training is an integral part of his officers’ regular instruction programs.

Other questions sought to explore ways to strengthen the relationship between residents and the police department.

“You have to be out in the community and we try to do that in many ways,” McCosker said.

Wheeler questioned whether CPD officers were being “over-resourced,” to which Bolduc said, “It’s important for our officers to be properly equipped to do their jobs.”

Responding to a question by Jackson, Chief McCosker said his agency is increasing officer training “and we have a lot more transparency,” particularly through new body cameras worn by all officers.

“Statistics show that having body cameras reduces the possibility of violence,” the chief said, with the cameras being an impartial witness to both officer and citizen behavior.

Hayes asked, “What’s the best way to hold a march or a rally or a demonstration?”

Bolduc emphasized the city’s support for “the constitution and the freedom of speech and the freedom to peacefully assemble.”

The city would be glad to work with any citizens’ group seeking to hold a gathering to facilitate a safe, successful event, he said.

“The city is committed to supporting your rights to assemble,” he said.

As he wrapped up the discussion nearly an hour and a half after it began, Wheeler expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to share thoughts, address concerns and understand one another’s points of view.

“I think it was important to do this,” he said. “I appreciate our police officers and understand the job they have to do. We can see the difference — with the city manager, the mayor and the chief. We can see a positive difference.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community roundtable explores viewpoints

CRESTVIEW — The city’s Small Business Recovery Grant Program received another $5,000 boost Thursday when Christie Austin, assistant vice president of Community Bank’s Crestview branch, presented its donation to Mayor JB Whitten and City Manager Tim Bolduc.

“It’s just such a joy to be able to help,” Austin said.

“What a great community partner you are,” Whitten said. “We really appreciate your help.”

Told that her bank’s gift brought the total donations to $18,000, Austin said, “That speaks highly of our community as a whole.”

“We have had applicants that clearly qualify for the entire $1,500 grant, but only ask for $400 or $700 or whatever, because that’s what they need,” Bolduc said. “That leaves more money in the pot for more applicants. That, to me, just makes me proud because it speaks to the culture of this community.”

The program was initially funded by $75,000 from the city’s business tax receipts account.

After an overwhelming response quickly exhausted the fund, larger businesses came forward with donations so the program could help more smaller businesses.

Community Bank’s gift joins $5,000 donations each from Cox Communications and Eglin Federal Credit Union, and $1,500 each from AA Tactical and CCB Bank.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community Bank donates to Crestview business recovery fund

CRESTVIEW — The city of Crestview held a virtual city briefing featuring vital information April 4 from its Facebook page.

The event, available at https://bit.ly/2ULGHhu, featured Dr. Karen Chapman of the Department of Health of Okaloosa County.

She presented information on the testing, how it’s affecting the county, and answered questions from city officials and the public.

Chapman said many people 65 and younger haven’t lived in a world with polio outbreaks in the summer and whooping cough deaths in the fall and winter.

She explained why the coronavirus is described as novel.

“This means it’s a new pathogen for human beings. There’s much we don’t know about this virus as a result, and every day, every week that goes by we’re learning more and more,“ Chapman said. “The only tool we have in our toolbox to fight this virus is social distancing.”

She said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is putting guidance out that there needs to be a four-week, sustained decline in cases before thinking about letting up on social distancing.

“We should view this virus as being everywhere and act accordingly, and social distancing is key. It is critical to do that,” Chapman said. “Wash your hands, cover your coughs, don’t touch your face, stay at home when you are sick. Those are really so critical now. And so it’s really imperative to blunting this virus, to keep this social distancing up.

“I want to caution people. There have been some talk on TV that the death rate is lower than what it is right now when you take into account the asymptomatic individuals, those that have mild illness. … Statistics can fool you. A 1 percent mortality rate means 33 million people get infected with it, that means 330,000 deaths. That’s a lot of people,” she added.

On March 30 in Okaloosa, there were 36 cases, only three of them visitors. Of the 33, 40 percent got infected in Okaloosa. As of Monday, there are 51 cases, some of which are still under investigation, according to Chapman.

Cases are concentrated in Destin, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, five in Crestview, two in Mary Esther, and one each in Shalimar and Eglin Air Force Base.

Crestview Mayor JB Whitten asked whether testing is available in Okaloosa County, since there are no testing facilities in Okaloosa County. All samples are sent to Escambia County for testing.

She said there is plenty of local testing going on. Drive though testing is through federal teams or private healthcare organizations, as public health organizations don’t have the manpower necessary to pull that off.

The DOH-Okaloosa is providing free testing Monday through Friday, and area organizations such as White-Wilson are coordinating testing the health department. There are also other hospitals and medical offices providing testing to those who have insurance.

She also answered the question of where to get the most up to date information. Those are DOH-Okaloosa’s healthyokaloosa.com website and FAQ page; the Florida Department of Health, www.floridahealth.gov; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, www.cdc.gov.

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County’s COVID-19 Call Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days at week at 1-866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Department of Health director speaks at Crestview virtual meeting

CRESTVIEW — Due to impending foul weather, the three public planning and development meetings originally scheduled Jan. 11 at the Crestview Community Center have been rescheduled.

A Community Recreation and Enrichment Services (CRES) strategic planning meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Economic Development Outreach meeting scheduled for 2-3:30 p.m.; and a Transportation Outreach meeting scheduled for 3:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 11 have been moved to the same times and location on Saturday, Feb. 8.

“These are all public participation meetings to help chart our city’s future,” City Manager Tim Bolduc said. “We want as much participation as possible but we also want to make sure everybody stays safe.”

“We postponed these meetings out of an abundance of caution for the public’s safety,” city Planning Administrator Trae Duley said.

“We hope all interested residents join us Feb. 8 to help us develop the city’s cultural, recreational and athletic future,” CRES Manager Alisa Burleson said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Recreation and Enrichment Services Jan. 11 meetings postponed

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Police Department’s two newest officers bring prior law enforcement and military experience to their positions as patrol officers, and each aspires to advance during a long-term career with the agency.

Mayor JB Whitten swore in Christopher Anderson and Matthew Currie on Dec. 18 in a ceremony attended by families of both officers, Chief Stephen McCosker and CPD police officers, investigators, command staff and administration staff members. Both officers are graduates of the Florida Law Enforcement Academy.

Anderson served in the Air Force Security Forces and then as an Eglin Air Force Base Range Patrol officer, joining former fellow airman and Security Forces member Officer Brendan Richmond at CPD.

He aspires to join the department’s Special Enforcement Team and “continue the challenge of combating illegal narcotics,” McCosker said during the swearing-in ceremony.

Currie, a former U.S. Marine, currently serves as a combat engineer with the Florida Army National Guard.

“Mat joined the law enforcement family to continue the family-like feeling he enjoyed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and the Florida National Guard,” McCosker said.

Anderson aspires to become a supervisor in the police’s Patrol Division, “where he can lead by example,” the chief said.

His police shield was pinned on by his daughter Annabelle. Viviana Currie pinned on her husband Matthew’s shield.

Following the ceremony, CPD officers escorted their new colleagues and their families on a tour of the department. The officers now begin a probationary training program.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Two new officers join Crestview Police force

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council will hold a special council meeting and a council workshop Oct. 14.

The special council meeting is 5 p.m. Oct. 14 in council chambers at 198 Wilson St N., Crestview. The workshop follows at 5:30 p.m. in the same location.

The agendas are as follows:

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

1. Call to order

2. Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open Policy making and legislative session

4. Approve agenda

5. Special presentations:

5.1. Lt Daniel Austin presentation

6. Reports and presentations

7. Approval of minutes

8. Public hearings

8.1. First reading of Ordinance 1719 Brett Street for transmittal

9. Public opportunity on council propositions

10. Consent agenda

10.1. Approval of drainage easement with Okaloosa County School District

10.2. Approval of Library Coop Agreement with Okaloosa County

10.3. Approval of changes to meeting dates

10.4. Approval of proposed legislative funding initiatives

10.5. CDBG grant rescission

11. Resolutions

11.1. Resolution 20-01 City Government Week

12. Ordinances on second reading

12.1. Ordinance 1721 Cherry Brook annexation

13. Ordinances on first reading

13.1. Ordinance 1693 Cherry Brook rezoning

13.2. Ordinance 1720 Brett St. rezoning

13.3. Ordinance 1722 Cherry Brook Comprehensive Plan

14. Action items

15. Comments from the audience

16. Comments from the mayor and council

17. City Clerk report

18. Attorney update

19. City Manager report

19.1. City Government Week update

20. Adjournment

COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Chapter 6 -Alcoholic Beverages

1. Call to order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open workshop

4. Approve agenda

5. Presentation from city staff

5.1. Staff presentation of Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinance

6. Council discussion

7. Comments from the audience

8. Staff summary of discussion

9. Adjournment

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: City sets Oct. 14 council meeting and workshop agendas

They are all 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 8, 15, 22 and 29.

The July 8 and 22 meetings are a the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

The July 15 and 29 meetings are at the Crestview Courthouse boardroom, 101 James Lee Blvd. E.

The county's regular business meetings are at 8:30 a.m. July 9 (Crestview) and July 16 (Shalimar).

The county will follow up with a workshop meeting 1:30 p.m. July 30 in Shalimar. A Facebook Live discussion will take place from 4-4:30 p.m. afterward.

Find these meetings and more information on the county's online calendar, https://bit.ly/2LEyuaT.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County budget review workshops start soon