By: KATIE V. JONES
Photo Credit: Aline Behar Kado
Laurel Police Chief Russel Hamill advised the city council of several issues to be aware of during the holiday season during the Mayor and City Council meeting on Nov. 25.
Hammill said that now, through New Year’s, is “the worst time for alcohol-involved collisions throughout our country.”
The department has been involved in two separate accidents, he said, one a head-on collision involving a suspect that was allegedly intoxicated and another with a driver who was apparently not paying attention. While only one police cruiser was destroyed, everyone was OK. He noted that the department will be particularly focused on enforcement during the winter holidays.
“People, please start paying attention to your driving,” Hamill said. “If you strike a child and hurt them, if you strike somebody else and hurt them or kill them, you are going to live with that the rest of your life, and that’s a difficult thing to live with.”
Hammill also noted that people should be cautious about their surroundings when using ATM machines.
“If you see something suspicious, listen to that inner voice. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way,” he said. “You will never bother us, calling us about concerns you have in the community.”
And with the current uptick in vehicle break-ins, Hamill reminded citizens to lock their cars and remove any valuables.
“Report suspicious behaviour,” he said. “Call us; don’t email us. We don’t police via email or text. Call the department. We will get officers out there immediately.”
The department has anti-crime initiatives in place for the holiday season, Hammill noted, with both uniform and plain-clothes officers participating.
“We will be out there in force and with help from the community, we will get through the holidays safely,” he said.
Councilmember Kyla Clark (Ward 2) was elected council president and Councilmember Jeffrey Mills (Ward 2) was elected president pro tem.
“Thank you to my council members, my colleagues, for voting me in,” Clark said. “I appreciate your support. Thank you.”
In recognition of Councilmember James Kole’s (Ward 1) service as president from 2023 to 2024, the council presented him with a plaque featuring a gavel.
“I am here to help with whatever questions you have,” Kole said. “I am not going anywhere.”
