MAKING IT OFFICIAL, once again, are Councilman James Tyus, Mayor Kenneth Hughes and Councilman Arland Thill during last week’s Council meeting for the City of Fairfield. 

They were sworn in by City Secretary Misty Richardson.

This year’s election was canceled as no opposing candidates filed to run against the incumbents. 

 

Providing security and safety to the Citizens and first responders were the purpose of many items voted by the City of Fairfield during the monthly meeting held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Council members voted to approve the hiring of new Fairfield Police Officer Joseph Silas (at left). Officer Silas brings previous law enforcement experience from Mississippi, and graduated Navarro College Police Academy back in January of this year. He and the Police Department are very excited about their new partnership.

As for officer and public safety, the PD will be receiving new body cameras for each officer. These cameras will have a lifetime warranty, will offer live viewing from the police station, and have many other technical advantages.

According to Assistant Chief of Police Albert Gallegos, Jr., the current cameras being used are dying quickly and due to their age, refurbishing or fixing them is not an option, as the equipment and software is outdated. They have had to borrow some cameras from the Sheriff’s Office recently to make sure all officers are covered.

The new equipment, which comes at a cost of $16,000 per year, will be provided through Motorola Solutions. Cameras and software will automatically be updated after three years; and the company will come to set everything up and provide a training class for the officers as part of the contract.

In addition to body cams, the Council approved the purchase of six Ballistic Shields, one for each officer, to be purchased through Galls, a supply company that specializes in public safety equipment and uniforms. Typically, each shield runs a cost of about $5,000. Galls provided a quote for two shields for the cost of $4,800. 

The original request from the PD was for two shields, but Council has asked that the PD renegotiate with Galls to see if they can purchase six shields at the cost of two for $4,800. If this is accepted, the Council will purchase all six shields.

Also at this meeting, Council approved the division of plat as requested by Linda Sanford. This will divide personal homestead land from the Veterinary Hospital land, which is located on Highway 84.

Financing for the purchase of four Public Works vehicles through Government Capital by Resolutions in the amount of $68,385.19 for three years at 5.975%, for a total of $205, 155.57 was approved.

And lastly, City Secretary Misty Richardson swore in Mayor – Kenneth Hughes, Councilman Place One – James Tyus, and Councilman Place Two – Arland Thill.

Fairfield City Council’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting is held on the second Tuesday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

(Photos by Nicole Schaefer)