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Police Chief's Corner - Newsletter June 2019

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Bunnell Police Department Represents at the Crime Stoppers Awards!

Officer Matt Hirschi awarded the Crime Stoppers Spirit Award. This prestigious award is presented to the overall top law enforcement officer for Flagler, St. John’s, Putnam, and Volusia Counties.

Officer Hirschi responded as a backup officer for the Flagler Sheriff deputies who were conducting a traffic stop in the City of Bunnell. As one of the deputies was approaching the drivers side of the vehicle, Officer Hirschi cautiously approached the passenger side without the driver’s knowledge. As the deputy instructed the driver to exit the vehicle, Officer Hirschi saw the driver reaching for a handgun he was sitting on. Without hesitation, Officer Hirschi immediately drew his firearm, simultaneously yelling “gun”, alerting other deputies of the driver’s initial actions, consequently changing the driver’s mind. The driver was taken into custody without incident and the firearm was recovered.

Chief Tom Foster stated, "We are very proud of Officer Matt Hirschi and because of his immediate action, attentiveness and training, a deadly force encounter was avoided, and a fellow law enforcement officer went home safe to his family that night."

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IRS Reminder: Tax Scams Continue Year-round

Although the April filing deadline has passed, scam artists remain hard at work, and the IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of evolving phishing emails and telephone scams.

The IRS is seeing signs of two new variations of tax-related scams. One involves Social Security numbers related to tax issues and another threatens people with a tax bill from a fictional government agency.

The entire press release is available from the IRS website www.irs.gov.

Summer Time Safety Tips

As summertime reaches its peak so does household property crime. The Bunnell Police Department and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) are here to provide you and your loved ones with important safety tips to make your summer safe and enjoyable.

drawing of kids playing in the sun and clock letters of the word "summer"

Home Safety Tips:

  • Be aware of what’s happening in the neighborhood.
  • Lock your doors, including the garage door. Unlocked doors are open invitations to intruders.
  • Ask a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor to keep a watchful eye on your home or have your mail held at the local post office until your return.
  • Put lights on timers to give the impression that someone is home.
  • Don’t post on social media that you are leaving town, and wait post photos after you return from your trip.

Vacation Tips:

  • Lock your room and remember not to give out your room number or invite strangers into your hotel room.
  • Be friendly but be vigilant. Watch for and report any suspicious behavior.
  • Plan your route – stay within well-traveled routes and walk in groups. There’s safety in numbers.
  • Keep your belongings secure - Purses should be securely closed, backpacks are zipped, and wallets are kept in your front pocket. When dining in restaurants do not hang your purse or backpack on the back of your chair.

These prevention tips are simple steps to avoiding summertime crime. If you would like more information, please visit www.ncpc.org.

Have a safe summer; it is our honor to protect and to serve you.