Kettering police seek mobile barrier for security at crime scenes, festivals

Kettering police are seeking a homeland security grant to fund a mobile barrier for increased safety at crime scenes, such as incidents involving SWAT team members. Marshall Gorby/Staff

Kettering police are seeking a homeland security grant to fund a mobile barrier for increased safety at crime scenes, such as incidents involving SWAT team members. Marshall Gorby/Staff
Local News
By Nick Blizzard
Oct 27, 2024
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A reckless driver breaching a perimeter the night of Kettering’s Delco Park Go 4th celebration three years ago has been cited by police for the need for a mobile barrier.

Despite staffing the annual celebration that draws tens of thousands with two departments and using several security deterrents, the safety of those near the scene about 10 p.m. was at-risk, Kettering records show.

“Aside from an officer assigned to a nearby patrol cruiser, who was able to quickly confront, divert, and apprehend the suspect, all other security measures proved ineffective,” according to an application seeking homeland security funds for the barrier.

No injuries were reported. But “the incident brought to light the need to increase perimeter security at large public events to prevent potential vehicle-borne terrorist attacks,” the document states.

Kettering police are seeking a homeland security grant to fund a mobile barrier for increased safety at crime scenes and large gatherings, such the annual Holiday at Home parade and entertainment events. NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF PHOTO

Credit: NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF PHOTO

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Credit: NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF PHOTO

Similar mobile barriers are deployed for various Dayton area events, including those in the Oregon District, law enforcement officials said.

“We’ve not had any issues as far as a potential terrorist attack,” Kettering Lt. Ryan Vandegrift said. “But we always want to be prepared, and we want to do everything we can to prepare and respond as well as possible.”

Homeland security offers a range of “risk-based grants” to aid in “preventing, protecting against, mitigating, responding to and recovering from acts of terrorism,” and other threats, according to its website.

Kettering police could use a barrier in a variety of ways, including blocking off crime or accident scenes, Fraze Pavilion entertainment festivals and parade routes, Vandegrift said.

ExploreRELATED: Police: Man nearly ran over bike officers, spectators for Kettering’s Go 4th fireworks

They are “very heavy, very sturdy pieces of metal. But they’re also very maneuverable,” he added. “Just from what we’ve seen in the demo, they’re very effective in stopping a vehicle that’s several thousand pounds in a very short time.”

It could also be used by the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit and “surrounding regional partners,” according to Kettering records.

The TCSU serves Centerville, Germantown, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Springboro and West Carrollton.

The barrier “would enhance coordination and collaboration, improving response effectiveness and promoting a unified approach to threats,” Kettering documents state.

ExploreRELATED: Dayton man’s trial date set after Kettering father’s legs found in Trotwood

Kettering has approved $150,000 for a barrier, but Vandegrift said it may cost about $20,000 less.

Kettering Assistant City Manager Bryan Chodkowski said the city would initially buy the device and be reimbursed later with grant funds.

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Nick Blizzard is a staff writer for the Dayton Daily News. He is a graduate of Stebbins High School who earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and its E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Nick is a Riverside native who has lived in Huber Heights and Kettering. He has been a journalist in the Dayton area for more than 25 years.