Chiefs provide April reports

The chiefs of International Falls police and fire departments provided reports about April activities to the city council earlier this month.

Police Chief Rich Mastin told the council police officers were active in the community assisting in outreach through programs including Relay for Life, a local walk for autism awareness, and driving under the influence presentation at the Falls High School.

In addition, Mastin reported in April Sgt. Mike Kostiuk visited with students in the KOOTASCA Community Action Inc.Head Start class and presented information about harassment and other topics to eighth grade students in the Falls.

Officers also conducted an interactive presentation about field sobriety testing in driving under the influence cases to Rainy River Community College students and also presented information to a local Girl Scout troop.

Mastin continued that Kostiuk presented information about National Night Out events, planned for Smokey Bear Park from 3 to 9 p.m.Aug. 1, to the International Falls Rotary and Officer Justin Franz worked with Koochiching County Deputy Curtis Turban and RRCC students in conducting compliance checks at local liquor establishments.

Meanwhile, Mastin reported that officers executed a search warrant in April that resulted in the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and an individual being taken into custody.

In April, the police department received 341 calls for service, compared with 363 in April 2016; made 83 traffic stops, compared to 54 for the same month last year; made 27 medical assists, compared to 29 last year; and made 18 arrests in which someone was taken into custody, for which there is no information to compare.

April activities generated 98 crime activity reports, compared to 80 in 2016 for the same month, he reported.

Fire/ambulance

Falls Fire and Ambulance Chief Adam Mannausau reported eight fire department call outs in April, with one of those call outs in the city and the others in rural responses.

The chief responded to two carbon monoxide alarm reports and the department filled with water Canadian National Railway trains three times in April.

Training for the month included pump and truck training, and a controlled grass burn in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Mannausau reported the ambulance service in April had: 70 calls via 911, compared to 39 in April 2016; and 36 facility transfers, compared to 65 last year.

The chief credited all involved for making the annual pancake fundraiser April 29 a success. The fundraiser supports several community causes throughout the year.