THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 18, 1996 TAG: 9602160193
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 171 lines
On Wednesday, Jan. 24, a 6-year-old child was reported missing from the 3100 block of Detroit St. shortly before 1 p.m. This report sent police into action searching the area. It also sent Portsmouth's Reverse 911 service into action calling residents and businesses alike to find this missing child.
The Portsmouth Police Department is happy to report that the child was found safe and uninjured. Even though Reverse 911 is not credited with locating this missing child, it was very successful in bringing the community out to help look for the child. The Reverse 911 system also received numerous calls from persons assisting in the combined effort search.
The Portsmouth Police Department wishes to thank those individuals who cared enough to respond to a child in need, and to reconfirm that Reverse 911 is an asset to the community. The Portsmouth Police Department also recognizes that this is just one of many examples where the community has demonstrated a commitment to show that the city of Portsmouth is a good community where decent individuals live and work.
Dennis A. Mook
Chief of Police
Feb. 9, 1996 Thanks for DARE support
Having just read that February has been designated as ``School Board Appreciation Month,'' I wanted to write and publicly express my appreciation for the School Board members who attended the recent DARE graduations.
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program is taught to all fifth-graders in Portsmouth by Portsmouth Sheriff's Office deputies. All School Board members, as well as other city dignitaries, are invited to attend any or all of these graduations. Students need to know that those ``in charge'' are proud of their efforts too!
So, thanks to Ray A. Smith and Mrs. Lawrence W. I'Anson Jr., wife of a board member, for showing their support. I would also like to thank Richard Trumble, schools superintendent, for attending one of the ceremonies. And, of course, we certainly appreciate all the parents who came in support of their child's achievements. Their being there was most important!
Lt. Elizabeth A. Aronson
Public Affairs Officer
Portsmouth Sheriff's Office
Jan. 29, 1996 Praise for firemen, police
The Portsmouth Police and Fire departments are always there when we need them, not just when we have an ice storm or when we are snowed in. Who would have liked to have gone through the last week without having them standing by?
Roberta Nance of Castil Way on Jan. 23 said it all in her letter to the editor . . . ``They really are the finest.'' ``. . . They are there when you need them, they care about others.''
There has been a large turnover in personnel the past few years. The line officers that did hands-on training of these new men and women are outstanding, and so are the new police and fire personnel. They are young and we need them now and on duty.
Sometimes I see a restaurant on local television showing a family burning up their steaks to the point that the children need gas masks in their back yard. Next, you see the local fire department kicking down the front and back doors as they trash the inside of the house, now that's derogatory.
Do I want people not to eat at this restaurant? Please, go there and eat, but tell them you don't like what their TV ad is saying about the training of firefighters.
Portsmouth needs business and the taxes that it brings but we do not need this. How may police and fire, active and retired, children and extended family members go out to restaurants in Hampton Roads area? What a dumb business ad that is.
I made the numbers on my mailbox a little bigger this year and it's not because I do not think the emergency personnel can't see. I did it for me. Have your readers got numbers on their property? Go out there in the dark and take a look at your house numbers. It's your house.
Thank God for not just Portsmouth's Police and Fire departments but all the men and women who do this job in the good old U.S.A.
James W. Alexander
Retired Fire Department captain
Portsmouth Police Department
Feb. 9, 1996 Help was appreciated
During the recent ice and snow storm, power and cable lines were down in the street and across our driveway.
My first thought was to call 911.
Immediately, police car 549, driven by a young policewoman, responded. She stood by until more help arrived - a Chesapeake fire engine, which was assisting Portsmouth in its emergency. Soon a Portsmouth fire engine arrived.
Together, they did what they could to get the wire and cable out of the street and off my driveway.
While having lunch that day, we heard a loud thump on the roof, which actually shook the house.
Upon inspection, we discovered the trunk of a large pine tree had fallen and caused three holes in the roof of our house, structural damage as well. Ice and snow penetrated the attic.
Help arrived soon when Sheriff R.D. Clemons arrived with four men who turned to and covered the holes with a tarpaulin, which a neighbor graciously supplied. Very soon firemen from the Cedar Lane fire station, returned and seeing the problem on the roof, furnished a large plastic sheet and secured it tightly to cover the holes. The firemen who responded worked efficiently and willingly. We also were assisted in finding an emergency telephone number for our insurance company since the office had closed for the day.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all who assisted us in this emergency; the men in the police department, fire departments, Virginia Power, Sheriff's Department and our neighbors for their help and concern.
Mr. and Mrs. James Mintz
Sterling Point Drive
Feb. 9, 1996 Judgment questioned
Isn't it wonderful to see that at least some of our courts and city officials are finally taking a stand against drug dealers and violent criminals within our city. I was extremely pleased to see that Nathaniel Richardson has been taken off the street and denied bond.
What really concerns me most is how an elected official can stand before the court and argue that Richardson should be released on bond knowing that most of his past offenses have been committed while out on bond. This from an official that citizens elected with the understanding that he would represent our best interests, including a tough stance on criminals. It looks to me as if Ken Melvin is looking out for best interests - his own!
As least, I can feel better about this insane type of judgment knowing that I did not vote for Ken Melvin, nor do I plan to do so in the future. As a matter of fact, I plan to support a candidate who can take Ken Melvin's seat and will really do something to help fight crime within our city.
Susan Burkett
Kansas Avenue
Jan. 31, 1996 Let's support our own
I am writing in regard to city vehicles. I drive around the city and see that city-owned vehicles have been purchased at dealerships outside the city. They have been purchased at Hall and Beach Ford.
I am sure those are not the only places they have been purchased. We have some very fine dealerships in Portsmouth. I vote that my tax dollars go to supporting our own.
My family and friends do our best to support the businesses in this city and I feel the city has an obligation to do the same. The taxes we pay when purchasing goods helps our businesses and our city.
We are already being forced to support other cities with our taxes on goods purchased at stores we cannot find in our own city. Let's do all we can to keep business here and just maybe, attract some new.
I would also like to commend city management for the alternate means in which the refuse was collected during the most recent snow and ice storm. Thank you for taking an interest in the concerns of the constituents of this city.
Melissa Hutchins
Maryland Avenue
Feb. 10, 1996 Help promote eateries
On Feb. 6, once again Ports Events sponsored ``A Taste of Portsmouth.'' The event was sold out - like every year to the tune of 500 attendees.
A large number of Portsmouth restaurants participated by presenting samples of food served in their establishments. The restaurants not only spend a great deal of money to participate; they spend their time to help make this a success.
Portsmouth has many wonderful restaurants. They are a constant draw to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk residents.
Let's talk up our positives! For the past three years, there has been nothing featured in the Currents with regard to the ``Taste.'' Help! We want and need positive coverage of our eateries!
S. LeAnn Amory
Amory's Wharf Restaurant
Crawford Parkway
Feb. 13, 1996 by CNB