PRESS RELEASE

Chief Atkins Retires

December 15th, 2015 officially marked the last day of Police Chief Don Atkins long and honorable career. Chief Atkins has requested to leave some parting words to the Corning Police Department:

To the Officers and Dispatchers of the Corning Police Department,

It has been a long 37 years but I don't regret any of it, especially the almost 30 years with the Corning Police Department. It has been a pleasure to work with all of you and a honor to have served as your Chief for the last 3-1/2 years. I want to thank all of you for your support. I will miss you all but I will try to stop by once in awhile to see how you are all doing.

Take care and may God watch over all of you and keep you safe.

Chief Don Atkins

                  Chief Atkins, congratulations on your retirement. May it be filled with joy and relaxation. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM CORNING POLICE DEPARTMENT

 The Corning Police Department wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We hope that everybody has a safe and joyful holiday.

 The Corning Police Department sends a special Thank You to our Officers, and all First Responders who will be away from their families for Thanksgiving. Be safe out there!

CLASSIC CORNING PD

Let's start this holiday week right with a little throwback photo straight from the 80's! 

Back Row left to right: Steve Bryson, Tim Osborn, Rod Sykes, Gary Dusina, Ralph Schmidt Front Row left to right: John O'Sullivan, Rob Peacock, Don Atkins, Dave Greer, Barbara Dougherty, Arlee Chrisman

CORNING POLICE DEPARTMENT THANKS ALL WHO SERVE AND HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY!

The Corning Police Department would like to express our sincerest Thank You to all of the United States Veterans who have so heroically served, or are serving, our precious country. We are grateful for your service and your valiant efforts, whether they were at times of war or peace.

The Corning Police Department is honored to have Veterans of the United States Military working within our department.

From Left: Officer Kylee Stroing: US MARINE CORPS, CSO Ron Robbins: US NATIONAL GUARD, Administrative Analyst Tom Watson: US ARMY, Chief of Police Don Atkins: US ARMY

"Our debt to the Heroic Men and Valiant Women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices"

- President Harry S. Truman

CORNING POLICE DEPARTMENT'S NEW CHIEF, JEREMIAH FEARS, OFFICIALLY SWORN IN.

On Tuesday, November 10, 2015 the City of Corning officially swore in Jeremiah Fears as the new Chief of Corning Police Department. The Corning Police Department is happy to have an enthusiastic, experienced leader to take over the reins from another experienced and knowledgeable  leader, Chief Don Atkins, who will officially retire in December. 

The City of Corning also swore in Courtney Matz as our newest Dispatcher and Records Clerk. We welcome Dispatcher Matz, and the previous dispatch experience she brings to our department. 

Lisa Linnet swears in Chief Fears and Dispatcher Matz.

Chief Atkins officially pins new Chief Fears at City Hall. 

CORNING POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES K9 OSO'S RETIREMENT

The Corning Police Department announces the retirement of K9 Officer Oso, who served the City of Corning faithfully and courageously along side his partner Sgt. Jeremiah Fears for over 7 1/2 years. Oso had numerous successful apprehensions, located vast amounts of narcotics, and enjoyed the attention that he received from this community throughout his career. Oso will enjoy his retirement with Sgt. Fears and his family.

K9 Oso received a proclamation of the City Council of Corning on October 27th, expressing appreciation to him upon his retirement from duty.

Oso giving a handshake to Mayor Strack after receiving his proclamation from the City of Corning

                 
  
               

   "My eyes are your eyes to watch   and protect you and yours, My ears are your ears to hear and  detect evil minds in the dark, My nose is your nose to scent the  invader of your domain, And so you may live, my life is also yours"
                                                     

Click play to listen to Oso's final send off to retirement!

The Corning Police Department Thanks Oso for his years of dedication.

                                             
                                                               

Trespass Arrest

On the afternoon of Tuesday October 27th, the Corning Police Department received a report of subjects acting suspiciously and bothering customers at a local business. Corning Police Department officers arrived on scene and contacted Jake Hardwick and Sergio Meza at the business. Mr. Hardwick had already been admonished for trespassing at the business in the past. Upon searching both subjects, officers located glass pipes commonly used for smoking methamphetamine. Mr. Hardwick and Mr. Meza were both arrested for trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia and booked into the Tehama County Jail.  The Corning Police Department encourages the community to report any suspicious activity.

Happy Halloween from Corning Police Department!

The Corning Police Department will be participating in the Trick or Treat Street! Bring your little ghoulies and goblins into the lobby of the Police Department for some delicious Halloween treats!

On Halloween night, the Corning Police Department will have extra officers on patrol to make sure everyone has a safe and fun Halloween. We ask that the community does its part to ensure everyone's safety as well! Here are a few Halloween safety tips:

HAVE A SPOOK-TACULAR HALLOWEEN!

Welcome to CPD, Officer Hewitt!

The Corning Police Department Blog is back from a small hiatus, just in time to welcome our newest Police Officer! The Corning Police Department is thrilled to have Officer Matthew Hewitt join our ranks. Officer Hewitt recently graduated from the Butte College Law Enforcement Academy and will be spending the next few months in our field training program and getting to know our community.

Skate and Bike Jam!

Join us at the Corning Skate Park on Saturday, September 12th at 10am for the Skate and Bike Jam!

The Corning Police Department and the Tehama County Health Services Agency will be on hand to give out and properly fit helmets for those who need one. Operation Chill will be in full effect as well, with Slurpee Coupons given out to kids that are setting good examples for others and practicing safety awareness. There will also be safety instruction and Crowd Favorite Rider awards! Please join us for this free event! 

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Corning Police Department will be taking part in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday September 26th, from 10 AM until 2 PM. Prescription Medication that needs to be disposed of can be brought to the Corning Police Department at 774 Third St. Corning.
The National Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the Corning Police Department at (530)824-7000.

A Safe Start To The School Year!

The Corning Police Department would like all of the students in our community to have a safe start to the school year!

We ask that the citizens of Corning exercise extra caution while driving. Make sure you share the roads with pedestrians, school buses and bicyclists. Make sure you obey the posted speed limit signs. Also, make sure you speak with your children about safely crossing roads.

Corning Police Department will be patrolling the streets and making sure people are driving safely.

*Do not talk on your cell phone or text message while driving

*Obey the posted speed limits (watch for school zone speeds)

*Watch for increased pedestrian traffic

*Watch for children running into the roadway

*Come to a complete stop for school buses that have their red lights flashing and/or stop sign arm out, even if it is on the opposite side of the roadway. Do not proceed past until red lights are no longer flashing and stop sign/arm is retracted.

Also, Corning Police Department recommends that parents council their children on personal safety.
If you or your child witness any suspicious activity or suspicious persons in the area, please contact the Corning Police Department at (530)824-7000.

Grant Provides New Protective Gear

The Corning Police Department was recently provided with the "Active Shooter Kits" you see on Sgt. Fears, Officer Stroing and Officer Ferguson in the photo above (accompanied by K-9 "Oso"). These active shooter kits will aide in the protection of our officer's in the unfortunate event of an active shooter. The "Active Shooter Kits" provide our Officer's with the ability to quickly outfit themselves with extra protection, as they will most likely be the first ones to arrive on scene. The kits include vests with trauma plates and ballistic helmets, and are meant to be worn over the Officer's existing uniform and protective gear. The "Active Shooter Kits" were provided by the Tehama County Sheriff's Office, who received a grant from the Department Of Homeland Security for the purchase.

Donations for Fire Victims

Corning Police Department is now a drop-off location for donations to victims of the wildfires currently raging in Northern California. Donations of clothing, bedding and household items are needed. The donations will be distributed to families that have suffered loss due to the wildfires. Any donations are greatly appreciated.

Operation Chill has returned!

The Corning Police Department is happy to announce that "Operation Chill" has now been commenced! 7-Eleven has generously provided the Corning Police Department with tickets to issue to kids for FREE Slurpee's! Corning Police Department will be keeping an eye out for youth in our community that are exhibiting great behavior, have good attitudes, and demonstrate personal safety. For example, if an Officer observes a child wearing proper safety gear while riding his or her bike or skateboard, or helping out a member of our community, he or she may be receiving a coupon for a free Slurpee from 7-Eleven!

For the youth of our community that are in need of a helmet, the Corning Police Department is happy to provide one. Bring your child to Corning Police Department to receive his or her brand new helmet at no charge, however there is a limited supply available at this time. Contact (530) 824-7000 to check availability (we receive shipments throughout the year), and between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm Monday Through Friday . The Corning Police Department is committed to the safety of the children in our community.

Officer Pryatel shows off some sweet helmets and is ready give out some Slurpee coupons!

Sympathy to the Hayward Police Department

 The Corning Police Department sends our thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters at the Hayward Police Department.

Do you recognize this suspect?

The morning of Saturday July 11th, Corning Police Department received a report of a theft that had occurred at the Holiday Inn Express on Sunrise Ave. The suspect entered the lobby and stole a cash box before leaving in an unknown direction. If you recognize the suspect in the surveillance video above or have any information regarding the crime, please contact the Corning Police Department at (530)824-7000.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

While on patrol in the early morning hours of July 11th, 2015, Corning Police Officers located and recovered a previously reported stolen vehicle.  Officers patrolling the south end of the City, near the truck stops, observed a Dodge Dakota that matched a stolen vehicle BOLO (Be On the Look Out) given to them earlier that shift.  A traffic stop was conducted and the driver of the Dodge was arrested without incident.  The driver was identified as Thomas Melton of Corning.  Methamphetamine, paraphernalia, Marijuana, and Concentrated Cannabis were also found in Thomas' possession.  Thomas was booked into the Tehama County Jail.

Vehicle and Foot Pursuit Leads to Arrest

On Wednesday July 8th Corning Police Department Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on 49 year old James Smith in the area of Solano and West Streets for various traffic violations. Mr. Smith failed to stop for officers and proceeded to flee in his truck eastbound on Solano St at speeds of up to 80 MPH, failing to stop at red lights along the way. Officers pursued Mr. Smith to the area of Solano St and Marguerite Ave where his truck collided into another vehicle, finally resting on the lawn of the health center on the corner of the intersection. Mr. Smith then fled from his truck on foot down Marguerite with Corning Police Officers giving chase. Officer's were able to catch up to Mr. Smith where he was subsequently tazed and brought into custody. Corning Police Department Sergeant and his K-9 "Oso" conducted an article search of the area to attempt to locate any contraband that Mr. Smith may have discarded during the chase. Officer's conducted a search of Mr. Smith's Vehicle and located drug paraphernalia. Mr. Smith was also determined to be on Post Release Community Supervision. Mr. Smith was transported and booked into the Tehama County Jail for Felony Evading a Peace Officer, Felony hit and run, Felony Probation Violation, Obstruct Public Officer and Driving on a Suspended License. Unfortunately this situation is nothing new to Mr. Smith, as he has previously been involved in a pursuit with local law enforcement agencies.

Is this your dog?

This little guy was brought to our department this morning. Does he belong to you? He looks like a corgi mix, male, intact, no collar. He was located running loose in the roadway near Oliveview School. Contact Corning PD dispatch at 530-824-7000 if you recognize this guy.

Fireworks in the Olive City

During the 4th of July holiday, Corning Police Department receives numerous calls regarding the use of fireworks within our city limits. The following is the City of Corning Municipal code regarding the permitted use of "Safe and Sane" fireworks:

8.18.020-Permitted discharge of safe and sane fireworks.

A. Annually on July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th and on July 5th if that day is a legal holiday, safe and sane fireworks may be discharged in any area within the city zoned single-family residential, two-family residential and multifamily residential (R-1-2-3-4), and residential agricultural (R-1-a) and within city parks, except as provided in this chapter (as set forth on the official city zoning map). Safe and Sane fireworks shall not be discharged at any other time nor in any zone other than provided in this section. Regardless of the zone in which a fireworks stand is located, safe and sane fireworks shall not be discharged within one hundred yards of any such stand.

B. As used in this chapter, "safe and sane fireworks" includes only those fireworks that have been classified as "safe and sane" by the State Fireworks Law and the State Fireworks Marshal" 

What fireworks are considered illegal?

Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner. It is illegal to sell, transport, or use fireworks that do not carry the “Safe and Sane” seal - See more at: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Fireworks/#sthash.gdxuwonk.dpuf

• 
  
• Fireworks Safety Tips
• Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks
• Local ordinances should be verified before purchasing and/or using fireworks
• Always read directions
• Always have an adult present
• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials
• Light one at a time
• Always have a bucket of water available

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Fireworks Injury Prevention Safety Tips:

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
• Back up several feet immediately after lighting fireworks
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Never experiment with fireworks
• Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets
• Fireworks are not toys

- See more at: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Fireworks/#sthash.BuU5f3Jf.dpuf

Corning Police Department wishes our community a Happy and safe 4th of July! 

Excessive heat on the horizon

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for our area through Friday.

The City Of Corning has cooling centers available again today.

The Corning Senior Center, 1015 Fourth Ave, is open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

The Corning Library,740 Third St, is open from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Corning Police Department asks citizens to please be conscientious of their well-being during these extreme temperatures. The CDC recommends the following:

*Never leave anyone or any pets in a closed, parked vehicle

*Drink more fluids(non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. 

*Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air conditioned place

*Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

*Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
Check regularly on infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, People who have mental illness, those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
     Visit adults at risk twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call 911 immediately

Bike Patrol

Criminals aren't the only ones riding in the shadows.  Corning Police Department Graveyard shift likes to get out of the cars and ride bikes once in a while.  People committing crimes get accustomed to looking out for the patrol cars.  A Police Officer on a bike is more easily undetected.

One of many contacts ended in the arrest of Erich Ulrich of Corning.  He was arrested for possession of Methamphetamine.  Due to the recent change in legislation with Proposition 47, possession of Methamphetamine is now a Misdemeanor.  Erich was cited and released.

Another Friday Night

Graveyard shift was hard at work cleaning up the streets.  Despite the evening temperatures, Officers proactively made two felony arrests and two misdemeanor arrests.

Wayne Vansickle was stopped riding his bike in the area of the truck stops.  He was arrested for an outstanding warrant on a drug violation.  He was found with illegal narcotics and Marijuana hidden in his sock.  Wayne was cited and released from the Corning Police Department.

Johnnie Farmer was seen riding his bike across Solano St near Sav Mor Foods.  He was known to have two outstanding warrants for his arrest, one for a weapons violation and drug paraphernalia and the other for commercial burglary.  He was stopped and arrested without incident.  Johnnie was booked into the Tehama County Jail.

Heather Goss was contacted as passenger on a traffic stop.  She was discovered to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest for burglary and drug charges.  Officers found Methamphetamine paraphernalia and stolen access cards in her possession.  She was booked into the Tehama County Jail.

Waldo Buscall was stopped for failing to dim his headlights to oncoming traffic.  He was discovered to have a suspended driver's license.  Waldo was cited and released.