The guest speaker at Rotary Club of Salem on Monday, Feb. 9 was Chief Joe Chase.
Joe Chase is the Chief of Police for the Salem Police Department, having held the position since 2020. A Salem native, Chase has been with the department since 1997, previously serving as a K-9 handler, Corporal, and Sergeant.
The chief gave us an overview of some of the things happening with the Salem Police Department. One exciting new item was announcing the assignment of Patrolman Rictor (#112) as the School Resource Officer. We commend the Salem R-80 School District for taking this important step toward enhancing the safety and well-being of our children and school community.
At the Salem Baptist Church Sunday, March 1, there will be a Senior Safety Education Day. The discussion will be how to protect yourself against fraud and phone scams.
In addition, the chief shared that the department has available a surveillance drone with infrared ability to help locate missing people and to survey properties that might be used for any nefarious reason.
The Salem Police Department also has on staff three trained officers, trained to a level 3 certification for CSI detective work. The department has 13 officers on duty to help protect our community, and their door is always open for citizens to report crime, concerns, or to ask questions. Apparently. they have a good sense of humor.
Thanks to Rotarian Jessica Booker from our corporate member The Bank of Salem for hosting our speaker.