Rotary Members Hear About McKenzie Police

McKENZIE (June 10) — Four members of the McKenzie Police Department plus one canine officer, were the program at the June 10 meeting of the McKenzie Rotary Club.

Chief Ryan White, Assistant Chief Trey Boucher, Sergeant Cody Coleman, Investigator Justin Brister, and canine officer Toby represented the 22 officers in the department. A second canine officer is named Gotcha.

Chief White said the department has a full staff of certified officers, including three student resource officers, one at each of the three school sites.

The department works to be very visible in the community to deter crime. Statistics indicated the city’s crime rate has significantly decreased, thanks in part to the department. Fentanyl, marijuana and narcotics seizures have increased.

Additionally, the police and fire departments work together to serve as medical first responders in medical emergencies. They provide medical care prior to the arrival of the EMS and assist EMS in lifting and packaging the patient for transport.

The police and fire departments also work cooperatively to support children during Christmas. They raise money throughout the year to host a “Shop With A First Responder” to assure the area children have gifts at Christmas.

The department also has its first female officer assigned to the drug task force.