Mount Vernon fire officials to paddle their way to Marietta

Mount Vernon Fire Department Chief Chad Christopher is getting ready to paddle his way to Marietta.

Christopher, along with Lt. Nate Hines, will participate in Paddles for Heroes, a six-day journey along the waterways from Mount Vernon to Marietta.

The 10^th annual event will begin Sunday near the Kokosing Gap Trail and will honor 1^st Lieutenant Charles Wilkins, from Columbus, and PFC Ryan Martin, from Mount Vernon. The two soldiers were killed in action in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The mission of the paddle is to help veterans, first responders and their families heal through paddling by promoting wellness, connection, resilience and time spent in nature.

“Nate and I are doing it this year,” said Christopher. “I truly believe in the message of helping veterans and first responders heal through paddling and getting outside.”

Participants will paddle approximately 30 miles per day, sometimes up to 12 hours. It is expected to end on June 13 in Marietta.

Christopher said during Tuesday’s news conference the fire department celebrated two different occasions recently.

The first was an official push-in ceremony for a new medic that was delivered in May. The second was the swearing in of two new firefighters/medics and the promotions of two officers.

Christopher also reported the community risk reduction bureau has been busy this year, performing 190 fire and life safety inspections, as well as participated in seven community events.

The MVFD had 513 runs for the month of May, giving them 2,752 for the year.

The Mount Vernon Police Department is gearing up for a big summer, which is expected to include the groundbreaking for the new police station on Sychar Road.

MVPD Chief Robert Morgan reported they will participate in a touch-a-truck event with MVFD at First Friday and that PAK United will host Hank’s 5^th Birthday Bash at Hidden Goat Ranch on June 20.

He also asked residents to be watchful when driving around the city as the summer months mean more kids are out walking or bicycling around town. Morgan also mentioned that bicycles, scooters and other modes of transportation are not allowed in the splash pad at Riverside Park. He said there have been reports of youths riding their bikes through the water fountains and that is not allowed or accepted.

Morgan reported MVPD responded to 1,293 calls during May. There were 85 disturbance calls, 47 traffic crashes and 36 theft reports.

With summer heating up, City Inspector Scott Zimmerman said his department has been busy fielding calls about high grass and trash in residents’ yards. He reminded residents to also cut weeds near their house, other buildings and fences, and to keep the lids on their trash bins.

He also noted that residents putting up swimming pools or a fence this summer must get a permit from the city.