![Police Capt. David Squires, commanding officer of the First Precinct, discusses recent criminal activity in the rural section of the city during a citizens advisory committee meeting on Tuesday, June 7. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]](https://i0.wp.com/princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/cac-1-5.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
COURTHOUSE — City Manager Dave Hansen said public safety concerns in the city’s south and the need for volunteer rescue personnel in Blackwater and Creeds will be among but not the only topics discussed during a town hall meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, at the fire and rescue station in Blackwater.
It is billed as a follow up to discussions about a string of burglaries, motor vehicle thefts and thefts from cars in rural communites and Pungo and Sandbridge areas. But the city has expanded the agenda to include discussions of agriculture, roads and drainage.
Hansen said the meeting will be an opportunity to connect with residents in the rural area and discuss how to address issues such as the need for volunteer rescue personnel, which City Councilmember Barbara Henley, who represents the Princess Anne District, has also stressed during meetings for constituents.
“We are struggling to get volunteers to join the Blackwater rescue squad and Creeds, as well,” Hansen said, adding that the city will discuss incentives to try to gain recruits and how emergency medical services officials have increased the number of training classes.
“We haven’t had a town hall down there, and I don’t want the furthest area of the city to be left out,” Hansen added.
The meeting is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 29, at Station 13, 6009 Blackwater Road. It is the second to be scheduled in the wake of public safety concerns.
On Wednesday, June 15, Police Capt. David Squires, commanding officer of the First Precinct, met with citizens at the Senior Resource Center, Inc., in Creeds.
He discussed advances in some cases, and again urged citizens to lock vehicles and remove valuable items, particularly weapons. In some cases, weapons have been stolen from cars, according to city police.
“I would also urge anyone who has weapons to have that serial number recorded,” he added, noting this can help when police recover lost or stolen guns.
The department is starting a “Beep It To Keep It” campaign to help citizens remember to lock vehicles.
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