The new year in Homewood
Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s so hard to believe another year has come and gone, but it has. Happy New Year! We have many exciting opportunities coming for this year, and I look forward to sharing them with you as those opportunities come closer.
I received some interesting facts regarding our police department recently and thought I would pass them along to you.
In 2013 our officers stopped 1,186 vehicles compared to 1,470 this year. That is an increase of 24 percent. As a result, 932 citations were written. I have been impressed with how much attention they have been giving in our neighborhoods, and the results are certainly showing.
In 2013 there were 28 burglaries. This past year we had 11, which is a 61 percent decrease. In 2013 there were 10 vehicle thefts, and this past year we had three. That constitutes a 70 percent decrease. In 2013 our city had 42 UBEVs (Unlawful Breaking and Entering Vehicle). This past year there was a 69 percent decrease, resulting in 13.
The men and women of the Homewood Police Department are always working day and night to make our city a safer place in which to live. The officers also take the time to provide community outreach. An example of this is “Beards for Bucks.”
I was approached some time ago about our officers being allowed to grow beards if they paid a fee to participate. The money raised would go to charities. I liked the concept and agreed to the program, and they raised over $2,200 the past few months. Money raised was given to breast cancer awareness, The Exceptional Foundation and Toys for Tots.
In a similar act, one of our well-known stores, Homewood Toy and Hobby on 18th Street, discounted their toys and paid the taxes so the money raised could purchase even more toys. It’s businesses and people like this who make it a pleasure to live and work in Homewood. Please take a moment and thank them whenever possible.
We are so fortunate to live in a place where so many believe in being charitable. You won’t always read about it in the paper or see it on television, but I hear of so many of our businesses donating and helping others whenever it’s needed. I truly believe it is one of the reasons we continue to be blessed in Homewood.
Giving really is better than receiving, and what wonderful role models we have in our city. I also know of residents who would never allow credit be given to them but always bless others by their generosity. The Bible says, “A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, and a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Thanks to all who live this each day and by doing so make Homewood a pretty special place in which to be.
Sincerely,
Scott McBrayer
Mayor
City of Homewood