Summer 2019 Hometown Messenger

Fire Department trains with live burn This spring, Shakopee firefighters received some hands-on live burn training thanks to the donation of a burn house in south Shakopee.

CHIEF’S NOTES

Summer is here, and I can’t believe it’s already time to start planning the city’s annual Night to Unite festivities. The first Tuesday in August has become a very big day in Shakopee. Members from the City Council, Fire Department and Public Works Department join the police to visit and engage people partaking in this event. We had a lot of fun last year

Live burns give firefighters a chance to experience a structure fire and train for a variety of scenarios. The city gratefully thanks the family for its donation.

Police Department joins 'Lights On!' program The Shakopee Police Department recently joined the “Lights On!” program, which provides vouchers for drivers to replace burnt-out vehicle lights. When a vehicle is pulled over for a burnt-out headlight, taillight, plate light or turn signal, police officers now have the option of giving the driver a voucher to have the issue fixed for free. Vouchers are good at any Bobby and Steve’s location, the program's official partner. Lights On! has been very successful for participating Hennepin County police departments. It is funded by the nonprofit Microgrants. Shakopee Police hope to open the program to local repair businesses in the future.

with the “beach party” theme, and this year, we are excited for the “sports” theme. We will encourage folks to wear their favorite sports team jersey from the Vikings to the Shakopee Sabers. Shakopee remains a safe city and nothing is more responsible for

Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate

that than the great cooperation we have with residents and their commitment to look out for their neighbors. Night to Unite is a great time to talk, not only with your neighbors, but with various city staff as well. It remains one of our favorite nights of the year. Our staff is working very hard to organize this event. We anticipate more than 100 registered block parties again, which says a lot about the type of community we have. Registration opens June 3 at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/nighttounite. Early registrants have a chance to win a four- pack of tickets to the Minnesota Twins. Also, be sure to have your cameras ready as we bring back our annual Night to Unite photo contest. We'll be looking for photos the celebrate what community is all about. New this year is a dog photo contest. The winner will receive a gift basket from Chuck and Don's. Please be on the lookout on the Police Department’s Facebook, Twitter and website for more information on how to register and participate in the upcoming contests! If you have any questions, please contact our crime prevention specialist at 952-233-9441 or nclifton@ ShakopeeMN.gov.

Fire Department welcomes new firefighters Five new firefighters will be sworn into office June 3 as paid-on-call firefighters. Joining the department are Eric Dircks, Zachary Hoffman, Daniel Kasallis, Shane LaCoste and Justen Riley. Welcome aboard! Mark your calendar for Friday Night Water Fights Shakopee Fire Department is bringing back its popular Friday Night Water Fights Aug. 2 on Fuller Street in downtown Shakopee. A free splash pad starts at 5 p.m. with water fights between area departments at 6:30 p.m. OFFICERS HONORED BY MADD Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognized Shakopee Police Officers Cortnie Anderson, left, and Vadim Romanets, right, May 14 for being top DWI enforcers in the state. The Shakopee Police Department also received the MADD Policy Setter Award for its Sober Ride Home program, which provides free rides home for bar patrons on holidays.

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