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PUBLIC SAFETY NEWS
2024 IN REVIEW
Every City department provides an Annual Report to our City Council from February through April. Police Chief Jeff Spiess gave his 2024 report March 25. Annual Reports are posted to the website here and contain statistics and data, as well as an overview of the work and accomplishments for the department in 2024. Fire Chief Izzy Diaz will present his report this coming Tuesday, April 8.
LINK TO ANNUAL REPORTS
2024 Police Highlights:
- Police calls for service, comprised of 911 calls and police-initiated activity in Saint Anthony Village, Lauderdale and mutual aid to outside agencies was 11,047.
- Our Police Department conducted 1,894 hours of training in 2024.
- The department hired and trained four new officer, and promoted a new Captain, Lieutenant, two Sergeants and a Task Force Officer
- The department collected and responsibly disposed of nearly 340 pounds of pharmaceuticals through our Medicine Dropbox program.
2024 Fire Highlights:
- The Fire Department had an 8% increase in calls for services which is the 5th year in a row for increases.
- Total calls for service were 1,957. Average response time for Code 3 (emergency) calls was 2 minutes, 28 seconds.
- Our highest call volume is medical calls, with nearly 80% of total calls. 356 medical calls this year included Advanced Life Saving interventions (such as nebulizer treatments, CPA and EKG leads).
- Our Fire Department conducted 1,945 hours of training 2024.
STAFF UPDATES
Welcome Officer James Devaney to SAPD
James Devaney comes to us from the North St. Paul Police Department where he served for just under two years as a Police Officer. He also worked as a Security Officer for the Department of Homeland Security. James received his Law Enforcement certificate from Century College. He attended Roseville Area High School and enjoys jet skiing in the summer, attending concerts, and a good campfire with friends.
Officer Leah Gulbranson Joins Police Department
Leah Gulbranson joined the Saint Anthony Village Police Department in December. Leah served in North St. Paul for several years, and was an officer in Inver Grove Heights, and a Ramsey County Deputy Sheriff for just over four years. She earned her degree in Law Enforcement at Alexandria Technical College. Leah enjoys spending time with family, traveling and being outdoors, and trying new food. Welcome Leah!
Congratulations to Our New Fire Captains!
Tuesday, March 25, our Fire Department held the official swearing-in ceremony for new Fire Captains, Sam Herrera-Fletcher and Ryan Snyder.
New firefighters are training.
SAFD has eight rookie firefighters currently training with the department.
Falcon Heights Police Contract Update
Our Saint Anthony Police are now patrolling Falcon Heights. In addition, several members of the police department attended a Coffee with a Cop event at Falcon Heights Town Square Apartments. This is our third such event in Falcon Heights and has been helpful in the reintegration process.
BE SAFE THIS SPRING
Spring Safety Tips from Detective Jonathan Schlingman
Some simple reminders to stay safe as warm weather arrives.
1. Use our Sidewalks
Saint Anthony Village has sidewalks on all major roads within the city. For the safety of you and the motorists on our roadways, we encourage you to use these sidewalks.
2. Pay Attention | Stay Visible
Visibility can always be an issue, so it is important to pay attention. Just as in your vehicle, a cell phone is always a distraction. To minimize distractions, keep your phone in your pocket while enjoying your exercise. When no sidewalk is available, it’s very important to stay alert and be vigilant. As days become longer and the weather more enjoyable, walking later in the evening will pick up. It is always a good idea to wear a reflective vest and/or lighting on your person to make yourself more visible to motorists.
3. Protect your Property | Close Doors
Keep your property safe when you are away or outside of your home. With warmer weather, you may like to play in the yard with kids, garden, or do lawn and yard work. We may tend to leave our front door or garage open because we are only in the backyard or nearby at the neighbors. However, leaving doors open can enable a crime of opportunity for someone. To minimize the risk of becoming a victim, remember to close your doors.
5. Clear Your Windows
Prior to getting out on the road we need to remember that it is State Law to clean all of the windows of your vehicle clear of ice, snow and frost. This is for everyone’s safety. When warming up your vehicle it is advised to be in your vehicle while warming it up unless your vehicle has a remote starter option. Warming up our vehicles in our driveway or letting them run while running a quick errand at the store is a perfect opportunity for thieves to take advantage of us.
SAFETY CHECK!
As you work your way through your spring-cleaning list, this is also a great time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If able, also, check the alarm date. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years and carbon monoxide alarms every seven years.
Fire Safety Spring Cleaning Tips
Warmer weather is upon us! With the change in season, comes the urge to spring clean. As you are preparing projects around your home, here are some safety tips to minimize the risk of fires and other associated hazards.
1. Clean Clothes Dryer
• Move all debris that can burn, such as boxes, cleaning supplies, and clothing away from the dryer.
• Verify the air exhaust vent pipe for your dryer is not blocked and that the outdoor vent flap will open with the dryer in operation. This also includes making sure the vent is not blocked by material, such as snow or lint.
2. Inspect Grills
• Take the opportunity to do a deep clean on your grill to make sure it’s free of grease buildup. Clean out any other debris you might find such as nests and spider webs.
• Propane grills should also be inspected at the gas tank hose and connections for any leaking or damage.
3. Rags with Paint and Stain
• Oils, which are common in oil-based paints and stains, can release heat as they dry. Once used, make sure rags are spread out to dry outside. Keep them in a cool place out of direct sunlight and away from any other heat sources.
• Never leave cleaning rags in a pile.
4.Flammable and Combustible Liquids
• Flammable and combustible liquids should never be used near an open flame.
• If you spill liquids on your clothing, remove your clothing and place it outside to dry.
• Keep liquids in their original containers. Keep them tightly capped or sealed.
Did you know?
Our Fire Department provides free home safety survey to residents. We will come check all of your smoke alarms and replace if needed. To schedule a FREE home safety survey, call the St. Anthony Fire Department. Call 612-782-3400 to schedule your free safety survey.
CONNECT WITH US!
Facebook: @St. Anthony Police
Instagram: @stanthonypolice
Facebook: @St. Anthony Village Fire Department
Instagram: @stanthonyfire
CONNECT WITH US!
Facebook: @St. Anthony Police
Instagram: @stanthonypolice
Facebook: @St. Anthony Village Fire Department
Instagram: @stanthonyfire