Police News, Fire News, and other Safety-Related News
Between May 23 and Memorial Day, May 30, officers from the St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia police departments collaborated to increase enforcement of the main traffic violations that have led to an increase in serious crashes throughout the area. Officers specifically combined their efforts enforcing violations along Randall Road, IL Rt. 31, IL Rt. 25 and Kirk Road, the four main roadways that stretch between the three communities.
Police departments throughout the Tri-Cities are combining efforts this holiday week to reduce crashes and enhance roadway safety through enhanced enforcement. The Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles Police departments are joining forces to conduct additional selected location patrols during the week of Memorial Day. Beginning on Monday, May 23, through Monday, May 30, police are focusing their enforcement efforts on heavily traveled roadways (Randall Road, Route 31, Route 25, and Kirk Road).
The fire at the former Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St./IL Rt. 64 in St. Charles was extinguished Sunday, 5/22/22. One fire unit from the St. Charles Fire Department remains on the scene to control a few remaining hot spots. The main lobby, Bourbon Street, and A, B, E wings of hotel rooms have been destroyed.
A full investigation of the fire is underway. Our police & fire departments are working the with Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and Office of the State Fire Marshall throughout the investigation, which is expected to last several weeks.
Thursday, May 19, 2022 is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, as declared by Governor Pritzker. The St. Charles Police Department employs 13 crossing guards who manage nine elementary school locations around the city.
The St. Charles Police Department worked in conjunction with the state of Illinois to bring awareness and conduct enforcement regarding distracted driving and the crashes that often directly result from drivers not focusing on the road.
During the month-long campaign that took place at various times and dates across both the morning and evening, the St. Charles Police wrote:
The St. Charles Police Department announced that extra officers are working throughout the month specifically looking for drivers who are violating the state’s distracted driving laws. The law includes prohibited offenses such as texting while driving and using a hand-held mobile device. The goal of the St. Charles Police Department’s participation in the state of Illinois’ annual “Distracted Driving Awareness” month, is to help educate, enforce and make the roads safer for all drivers.
The St. Charles Fire Department responded to 602 Sidwell Court, Unit Q, at approximately 2:21 p.m. on April 6 for a report of a fire in a building. The first St. Charles unit arrived on the scene in just over four minutes and found an active fire inside the unit. The fire was brought under control in approximately eight minutes. The fire was contained to the unit of origin and did not extend to the building structure. Fire damage to the contents is estimated at $15,000. One occupant was working in the unit at the time, who reported the fire and safely exited the structure unharmed.
The St. Charles Fire Department once again has been awarded a Public Protection Class 1 rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The Department first achieved this elite rating in 2015, and is honored to maintain this elite status as an ISO Class 1 Fire Department.
The St. Charles Police Department conducted additional traffic enforcement during the week preceding St. Patrick’s Day and on the day itself. These extra patrols were held in conjunction with the nationwide Click It or Ticket/Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort. The St. Charles Police joined other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois with their effort. This included working alongside the Kane County States Attorney’s Office which was holding a “no refusal” weekend.
During the mobilization, the detailed officers:
The St. Charles Police Department welcomes its newest member Charlie, a police comfort dog. Charlie was “sworn in” at the City Council Meeting Feb. 22, 2022. His star number is 202 and his handler is Officer Meghan Kramer.
Role of a Comfort K-9
Unlike the typical K-9 which helps police with searches, tracking, and apprehension, Charlie’s main role is to provide emotional support, especially after traumatic incidents.
