T
THE SUMMIT COUNTY
FEBRUARY 2016
A community bulletin from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office
Some words from the Sheriff . . .
Our Agency often receives cards and letters of
appreciation from the public. Sincere thanks for
something an employee did that made a positive
impact in someone’s day. We are humbled by
this recognition and grateful for every word.
Recognition is an important part of every person’s
life whether it’s recognizing the good in our children, our spouses,
our friends, or a fellow employee.
As Sheriff, I want to thank the over 400 employees throughout our
Agency who invest great effort, often in the face of great danger, to
provide the public with the quality of service they expect and deserve.
It is their consistent dedication that has made Summit County one of
the safest counties in Ohio.
There is an expression that ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its
parts’. Meaning that when we join hands and work as a team, our
collective effort is greater than anything accomplished alone. Every
employee should be proud of the role they play on this great team
and know their contribution is making a difference every single day.
We are blessed to be part of Summit County, a County comprised of
tough-minded, hard-working, resourceful people focused on living a
proud and purposeful life in peace. Our job is to keep that peace,
and I promise as a team we will continue to do just that.
OUR COUNTY - OUR COMMITMENT
The Summit County Shield
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February 2016
YOUR SHERIFF FORCES IN ACTION
January
Calls for Service:
Key Districts – 5,098
Year to Date : 5,098
JANUARY CALLS FOR SERVICE IN COVENTRY TWP: 875
YEAR TO DATE: 875
ARRESTS IN COVENTRY: 54
YEAR TO DATE: 54
TRAFFIC CITATIONS IN COVENTRY TWP: 70
YEAR TO DATE: 70
JANUARY CALLS FOR SERVICE IN GREEN: 2,668
YEAR TO DATE: 2,668
ARRESTS IN GREEN: 49
YEAR TO DATE: 49
TRAFFIC CITATIONS IN GREEN: 103
YEAR TO DATE: 103
JANUARY CALLS FOR SERVICE IN TWINSBURG TWP: 757
YEAR TO DATE: 757
ARRESTS IN TWINSBURG: 4
YEAR TO DATE: 4
TRAFFIC CITATIONS IN TWINSBURG TWP: 42
YEAR TO DATE: 42
JANUARY CALLS FOR SERVICE IN NORTHFIELD CTR: 798
YEAR TO DATE: 798
ARRESTS IN NORTHFIELD CENTER: 11
YEAR TO DATE: 11
TRAFFIC CITATIONS IN NORTHFIELD CENTER: 29
YEAR TO DATE: 29
NUMBER OF INMATES BOOKED INTO SUMMIT COUNTY JAIL IN JANUARY: 1,057
CURRENT INMATE POPULATION AS OF 2/1/2016: 673 (561 male 112 female)
INMATES CURRENTLY HOUSED AT GLENWOOD JAIL: 87 (58 male 29 female)
WELCOME TO OUR RANKS – Deputy Robert McCutcheon II
Sheriff Steve Barry and the entire staff of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office would like to welcome
Robert McCutcheon II to our Agency. Robert brings years of law enforcement experience to the job
having been a patrol officer for both Marlboro Township and
Creston Village. He has also been a member of the Protective
Services Police for Summa Health Systems. He is married.
Robert will begin his career with the Summit County Sheriff’s
Office on January 19th when he becomes a full-time deputy at
the Summit County Jail.
We encourage all current employees to welcome Robert to our
ranks with a smile and the heartfelt hope he will do well here.
Congratulations Robert!
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The Summit County Shield
February 2016
- SUPPORTING SAFER COMMUNITIES The Summit County Sheriff’s Office was recently awarded an $85,000 grant from the Ohio
Department of Traffic Safety for a program called Safe Communities. Its mission is to promote
public awareness of the importance of seatbelt use, dangers of impaired or distracted driving, and
other matters of safety. The Sheriff’s Office and Safe Communities will be partnering with schools,
hospitals, fire departments, local businesses, and other law enforcement agencies in a joint effort to
reduce the number of fatal accidents and injuries.
Of the estimated 15,000 people who attended First Night Akron on New Year’s Eve, several hundred
saw the Safe Communities exhibit at the John S. Knight Center. It was hard to miss the Sheriff’s
patrol car parked inside the building with its lights blazing away. Children loved sitting behind the
wheel and pretending they were in pursuit of drunk drivers. There were 535 Drive Sober or Get
Pulled Over bags handed out, each filled with magnets, stickers, and Summit County Sheriff decals.
300 people completed a brief traffic-related survey designed to gauge the general public’s perception
of driving while intoxicated. One lucky lady named Jurga R. won a $50.00 gas card in a drawing just
for filling out one of the surveys.
Everyone who experienced the Safe Communities presentation was intrigued by the “Fatal Vision”
goggles which simulates how motor skills and visual perception are impaired while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. People were invited to wear the goggles then attempt to score points
playing corn hole. While fun for all, this simple game convinced every one of the serious danger that
lies in attempting to drive with distorted faculties.
Angela Hawsman is the Safe Communities Coordinator for the Summit County Sheriff, and she
wants everyone to know there will be many more events like this in the weeks and months ahead.
These will be advertised in advance on the Sheriff’s Facebook page, so be sure to look for them.
“Safe Communities is a coalition committed to promoting public safety on our streets through
education and awareness,” Angela said. “We want everyone to stay alive, so don’t drive and drive.”
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The Summit County Shield
February 2016
SNOW AND ICE SAFETY FOR KIDS . . . ‘OF ALL AGES’
Okay, so it may sound strange to discuss Winter safety when
it’s 60 degrees in February, but really, how long will that last?
Living in Ohio means learning the weather can change without
warning, so maybe now is the best time to brush up on those
basic safety rules regarding ice and snow:
Children should never play in or on snow banks that border
roads, as snow plow operators and other drivers may not see
them. They should keep well away from snow blowers, and
this includes the powerful plume of snow that is ejected from them. Chunks of ice can be shot into
the face or eyes without warning.
If children want to build igloos or other structures using snow, they should never make roofs or dig
tunnels that could collapse and suffocate them. Active adult supervision is important when children
are younger than 8 and playing in colder weather. Encourage them to be creative by making forts
or snow castles with only walls and no ceiling. Safer yet, stick with building a simple snowman.
When it comes to Winter ice, tread WISELY. Never walk on
ice less than four inches thick. Never snowmobile on ice
less than five inches thick. Never drive a 4WD vehicle of
any type onto lakes or over frozen rivers with ice less than
a foot thick. As Sheriff Steve Barry points out, “Summit
County is blessed with many wonderful lakes and rivers.
Ice fishing, skating, and walking on the Portage Lakes are
popular forms of outdoor recreation.”
But the Sheriff warns: “Ever changing temperatures can
turn safe ice into deadly ice, and several people die each year in thin-ice accidents. Sixty-five percent
of all ice drownings are vehicle related, especially when vehicles like snowmobiles are operated by
intoxicated drivers.” The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has pulled cars, trucks, snowmobiles, and
ATV’s out of local lakes for years, and unfortunately, some of these incidents resulted in tragedy.
Sheriff Barry reminds all of us: “When you’re out on the ice, you’re rolling the dice, so be careful.”
Of course Winter in Ohio means ice can be anywhere, even on dry land.
Summit County emergency rooms are filled with folks who took a tumble
on ice-covered steps, sidewalks, streets and driveways.
Unless you were born a penguin, or have spoken with one recently, you
may not know there is a proper way to walk safely on ice without falling.
It’s true, and it works. First, position your center of gravity as directly over
your feet as possible. Move slowly and carefully so if your shoes lose their
grip, you can react in time to regain your balance. Extend your arms away
from your body, and point your feet outward for better support.
Practice these penguin pointers the next time you’re out on the ice. After
all, when was the last time you saw a penguin in the emergency room?
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The Summit County Shield
February 2016
BE AWARE, STAY ALERT . . TAX TIME DO’S AND DON’TS
The Summit County Sheriff’s office has noted a dramatic increase in the
number of reported identity thefts involving citizens and their tax returns.
In most cases, the victim is unaware that their personal information has been
compromised until after they file their return, and rarely have any clue how
their personal data was obtained. Law enforcement and the I.R.S. strongly
reminds taxpayers to be on the alert for emails, letters, or phone calls sent
from unscrupulous persons trying to obtain your personal information.
Don’t be hooked by Phishing. The I.R.S. does NOT initiate contact with taxpayers via email, text, or
social media channels. Phishing is a popular means of perpetrating a scam using the internet.
Victims receive emails from official looking websites that appear to be legitimate and that use very
convincing language. The email instructs you to forward PIN numbers, passwords, and similar data
so the I.R.S. can process your claim. If you receive an email claiming to be from the I.R.S. that asks
for personal information involving a large inheritance, lottery winnings, or investment refund, do not
reply to it. Don’t open any attachments which may contain viral code that can infect your computer
or mobile phone. And Don’t click on any links that will take you to other fraudulent websites.
There are times when the I.R.S. will use the U.S. Mail to contact you. If you receive a letter, notice,
fax or form claiming to be from the I.R.S. but you suspect otherwise, log onto the I.R.S. home page.
Look for ‘Understanding Your Notice or Letter’ and search the letter or form by its number, listed
under ‘Forms and Publications’. If what you received is not exactly as described, or you are still
suspicious, report the incident via [email protected]. or call the I.R.S. at 1-800-829-1040.
Summit County Sheriff’s Shining Star – Kaitlyn Pongracz
Kelly Pongracz, Clerical Supervisor at the Summit County Jail, shares this exciting news
involving her daughter Kaitlyn and the Archbishop Hoban Knights Girls Soccer Team.
Playing against Granville High for the title of Division II State
Champions, and with the score 0-1 in Granville’s favor, the
Hoban girls netted a game tying goal with 47 seconds left in
regulation to send the match into overtime.
It became a November to remember for the Knights when they
scored the game winning goal with 2:41 left in the overtime
period and gave Hoban its first girls soccer state title in school
history! Seen on left in this emotional photo is exuberant Kaitlyn
moments after the big victory at MAPFRE stadium in Columbus.
Kaitlyn started playing soccer at age 6 and remained a ‘little Knight’ all her life, but her single dream
was to play for Archbishop Hoban High. Her exceptional hard work and dedication made that dream
a reality. She has always been a standout student and athlete.
Kaitlyn is a Sophomore at Hoban, where she carries a 3.8 GPA
with Honors Classes. She is an Academic Knight with High Honors
ranking in both her Freshman and Sophomore years. Kaitlyn also
enjoys playing in the Steel Drum Band for the Knights.
When you see Kelly in her office, make sure you congratulate her
on the great job her daughter is doing at Archbishop Hoban High.
Congratulations Kelly & Kaitlyn !
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The Summit County Shield
February 2016
THE PEOPLE WE SERVE - IN TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP
In 1796 the Connecticut Land Company sent Moses Cleaveland to survey
Township #5 in the tenth range of Northeast Ohio. When land was offered for
sale, a man named Isaac Mills became a major owner, and the new town was
named Millsville after him. In 1819, a pair of identical twins named Moses and
Aaron Wilcox came to Millsville and they also purchased large tracts of land.
The twins offered six acres of land for a public square and twenty dollars
toward the building of the first school if residents would change the name of
the town from Millsville to Twinsburg, which they did. It’s been said that both
Moses and Aaron Wilcox were so identical in appearance and behavior that only their closest friends
could tell them apart. They were lifelong business partners, each one married sisters, had the same
number of children, contracted the same ailment, and then died within hours of each other. They
are both buried in the same grave in Twinsburg’s Locust Grove Cemetery.
Since the early 1800’s, this area has followed a long and distinguished
pattern of growth. Twinsburg Township and Reminderville are also part of
the Twinsburg family. The Township is a political subdivision governed by
four elected officials that include three Trustees and a Fiscal officer.
Sheriff Barry is proud of the strong relationship between his office and the
community it serves. “Our friends at the Twinsburg Township Fire
Department have proven to have our backs on many occasions.” he said.
Residents of the Township enjoy all the amenities that comes from living
conveniently close to the city of Twinsburg, whose community spirit is
similar and strong. The Twinsburg Historical Society is very active and holds events that are both
interesting and imaginative. Among the annual events is of course Twins Day, attended by twins of
all ages from around the world. It remains the region’s premier attraction each year.
However, gaining in popularity is the Twinsburg Olde Thyme Faire, which pays tribute to customs
and traditions of Twinsburg’s distant past. Old recipe baked goods, homemade jellies, hand-made
crafts, live music and songs, fun and games, all in an atmosphere straight from the 1800’s makes
an event that is as educational as it is entertaining.
Not to be missed is Tales of Locust Grove, which takes place at twilight in Locust Grove Cemetery.
Despite its somber location, this imaginative event involves actors and story tellers in period clothes
who walk among the monuments telling stories of Twinsburg’s early days. Musicians wander about,
playing instruments, and adding a bygone nostalgia to the entire evening.
Of course, no mention of the greater Twinsburg region would be complete
without paying proper tribute to Twinsburg Police Officer Josh Miktarian who
was slain in the line of duty on July 13, 2008.
In July of 2015, the Township placed a 1500 pound polished granite boulder
with bronze plaque and color photo of Officer Miktarian at the Twinsburg
Government Center to honor him and the full measure of service he gave to
the community he loved. The plaque describes in detail the final minutes of
Officer Miktarian’s End-of-Watch.
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The Summit County Shield
February 2016
POSITIVE PROOF THAT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHES WORK
The idea of a Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most well know crime prevention
concepts in history. While the modern day version of these Watches came into prominence in the
late 1960’s, its roots in America can actually be traced back to the days of Colonial settlements when
citizens banded together to become night watchmen and patrolled their local streets.
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has incorporated these Watches into its Community Policing
Strategy since the 1980’s. As Sheriff Barry describes, “Our nation is built on the strength of its
citizens. Every day the typical civilian is involved in situations where they become the eyes and ears
of law enforcement. Not only does it allow people to help in the fight against crime, it’s a terrific
opportunity for communities to bond through a common concern for their own welfare.”
Sheriff Barry points out that “Our Agency has thirty-two active Neighborhood Watches in place
that are making a difference in reducing criminal activity.” He went on to say, “A textbook example
of a successful Neighborhood Watch Program is the neighborhood of Stratford Green.”
Originally started in 2011 by Joe and Sue Payne, the Stratford Green Homeowner Association’s
Neighborhood Watch program has been under the guidance of Zone Captain Paul Tarr since 2014,
with the support of Sgt. Mike Walsh at the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
In a recent interview that was conducted at the Sheriff’s Training Bureau, Mr. Tarr openly praised
the virtues of the program and the positive impact it has made on its 200 residents in 123 homes.
Mr. Tarr was joined that day by Zone Captains Dorothy Kleski, and Melvin Davis, with his wife JoAnn.
Said Mr. Tarr, “We have great faith and place our trust in the Summit County Sheriff’s Office to be
here when we need them, but we also recognize the need to stay alert and to look out for our own
good. There is no question that the single greatest key to our success is round the clock vigilance.”
This statement was convincingly proven when the Director of Public Relations for the Sheriff’s Office
was in the Stratford Green neighborhood taking photos for this article. Mere minutes later, he was
approached by an alert neighbor named Carol who politely asked what he was doing. Certainly this
speaks to the very essence of what a Neighborhood Watch is all about. As Mr. Tarr said, Vigilance!
Continued . . .
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The Summit County Shield
February 2016
The clean and cordial neighborhood community of Stratford Green is protected by many eyes and ears.
The streets and residences of Stratford Green are organized into 7 Zones with 16 residents serving
as Zone Captains. This operational structure has remained in place since its inception in 2011 and
has served effectively to help safeguard the community. Everyone is encouraged to attend regular
meetings hosted by the Sheriff’s Office and share their concerns. Subjects covered in these meetings
include improving neighborhood communication, emergency preparedness for natural disasters, and
elder fraud. New residents are given a welcome package with full instructions explaining how the
Neighborhood Watch program works, and comes with decals for their doors, parking passes, contact
information for Zone Captains, and of course the latest issue of the Summit County SHIELD.
Sheriff Barry commends the efforts of Mr. Tarr and everyone living in Stratford Green for their civic
pride, sense of duty, and dedication to protecting their neighborhood so effectively and safely.
How to start a Neighborhood Watch where you live
Anyone interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch can begin by contacting Sgt. Mike Walsh at the
Sheriff’s Office: 330-643-8617. He will provide the materials and information needed to get you and
your neighbors on the right track and also help start your Neighborhood Watch with you.
Sheriff Barry wants to stress that his Agency does not want Watch members taking any action
based on what they’ve seen or heard except observing and reporting suspicious activity in their
neighborhood. “Only trained law enforcement should be physically responding to these incidents.”
“Never put yourself in harm’s way,” warns the Sheriff. “Leave that job to us.”
Follow the Summit County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook
www.facebook.com/Summit-County-Sheriffs-Office-240107089380317
In observance of President’s Day February 15th, the
Administrative offices of the Summit County Sheriff,
Administrative services at the Summit County Jail, the
Sheriff’s Training Bureau, and our Civil Division will be
closed on this day.
The Summit County Shield is a publication from the Office of Summit County Sheriff Steve Barry
53 University Avenue
Akron, Ohio 44308
www.co.summitoh.us/sheriff
Contact Paul Matulavich to receive this bulletin via email: [email protected]