Held by Akron Community Foundation, fund will help safety forces better engage with neighborhoods -- When Akron Police Officer Lloyd Ford wanted to conduct community outreach, like buying a pizza for neighborhood kids, he would often pay for these activities with money from his own pocket. Ford, whose situation was common among members of the local safety forces, was the … [Read more...]
City launches Quick Response Team program to combat opiate epidemic
Fire medic, police officer, counselor will knock on doors of recent overdose patients to connect them with rehab services and support The City of Akron launched its QRT (Quick Response Team) outreach program to be deployed throughout Akron’s neighborhoods. Mayor Dan Horrigan announced the launch of the QRT Program during his State of the City Address last week. Akron is one … [Read more...]
Drug addiction prevention, recovery programs among $2 million awarded by Akron Community Foundation
Following months of an opiate epidemic that has permeated Summit County, Akron Community Foundation concentrated a portion of its competitive health and human services grant funding on programs focused on addiction prevention and recovery. Overall, the community foundation granted $512,800 to local health and human services programs chosen by the organization’s Community … [Read more...]
Police department program helps spot risky youth behavior ‘in plain sight’
Detecting risky behavior in teenagers may be more difficult than parents’ think. In fact, some of these red flags are visible in a child’s room but not immediately noticeable. The Akron Police Department’s Hidden in Plain Sight program is interactive and educates adults about risky activities many kids and teens could be involved in. The program was originated by Bath … [Read more...]
Akron police host ice cream social
The Akron Police Department continued its community outreach efforts with a recent ice cream social at North Hill’s Suddieth Park (which also received a new playground this past summer thanks to a United Way of Summit County and KaBOOM! effort). Thanks to these officers for reinforcing these positive connections. … [Read more...]
Akron Police cools off residents with free ice cream, community outreach
This is true community policing. On July 23, Akron Police Department Sgt. Mike Miller, along with several other officers, handed out ice cream and other cold treats, along with snacks and water, to the residents of the Rosemary Square Public Housing to help bridge the gap between residents and local officers. There was also some time for discussion with the local children to … [Read more...]
Firefighters compete in 10th annual Chili Challenge Friday at Lock 3
Proceeds benefit Akron Children’s Hospital’s Burn Unit -- The city of Akron is sponsoring the 10th annual Firefighter’s Chili Challenge, Friday, Jan. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (or until the chili runs out) at Lock 3 on South Main Street in downtown Akron. Akron firefighters have once again challenged others to see who can prepare the best chili for downtown employees … [Read more...]
Vacant storefronts, safety, development discussed at Ward 1 meeting
City Councilman Rich Swirsky led a Ward 1 meeting earlier this month at The Church of Our Savior in Highland Square. About 60 residents of the ward, including members of the West Hill Neighborhood Organization (WHNO), met that morning to discuss problems facing the neighborhood, and to brainstorm ways to combat them. Round tables were set up around the room with five … [Read more...]
Akron youth group wins national award for palm cards
Courtesy of City of Akron The Akron PeaceMakers have been selected as the recipient of America Society for Public Administration's National Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Exemplary Practices Award for their collaborative campaign involving the distribution of “You and the Law” palm cards throughout Akron’s public and private middle and high schools. The “You and the … [Read more...]
Firefighters, police compete with chili recipes (VIDEO)
At the recent 8th annual Firefighters Chili Challenge at Lock 3, the firefighters came out victorious once again with the winning chili recipe. The event is an annual challenge by local firefighters to other departments across the city to determine who has the winning chili recipe, with the proceeds benefiting Akron Children's Hospital's burn unit. Each contest provided … [Read more...]
