‘Chat with the Chief’ at Fort Morgan’s Riverside Park on June 29

Information related to ordinances designed to improve quality of life in Fort Morgan will be discussed June 29 when Police Chief Loren Sharp offers a “Chat with the Chief” at Riverside Park.

The primary issues to be discussed include fireworks, refuse and weeds, a posting on the FMPD’s Facebook page reads, and Sharp plans to discuss the importance of enforcement.

“Loud noises from fireworks, mufflers, stereos, along with weeds, trash and other nuisances have an impact on crime,” Sharp said. “I will discuss how the enforcement of those violations have been shown to be effective in reducing crime.”

Legal fireworks are being sold presently in Fort Morgan, but residents often pop fireworks during holidays that are not legal in Colorado. Fireworks have been known to stress pets and livestock, and otherwise create a nuisance. Along with discussion of ordinances, Sharp intends to address some dangers of the explosives.

“Chat with the Chief” will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Shelter B, near the playground in the park. Sharp is encouraging residents to attend, bring their family and picnic in the park.

“I would like to give residents an opportunity to ask questions, voice their concerns or tell me what the police department can do to better serve them,” Sharp said.

The discussion will provide residents insight into policing activities, laws and the challenges the FMPD faces. He’s hopeful residents will offer questions to further the discussion.

“We can’t be everywhere at once, recruitment is tough and we are facing issues never before seen in law enforcement,” Sharp said. “We have great, dedicated men and women working here and need community feedback to focus on the issues that matter most.”

Interaction between police and residents can have an impact on the community’s crime statistics, Sharp said. There is a maximum of five officers on patrol in Fort Morgan during high call volume times: “While 12,000 people are living here and even more shopping, dining and visiting,” he said.

“Citizens must be the eyes and ears for the police and have trust in the department to respond to calls,” Sharp said. “Having 12,000-plus [assisting police] is much more effective than three to five [officers]. Building trust in our relationships and being honest and transparent leads to more successful arrests and prosecutions.”