Six members of the West Carrollton Police Department were recognized for special achievements in 2012 during the March 26 city council meeting.

Officer Jeremy Branham was named the department’s 2012 Employee of the Year. Police Chief Rick Barnhart said that Branham was nominated by his peers because of his involvement in a case that resulted in a large cocaine seizure, as well as his consistent performance and thorough follow-up investigations.

Officer Nathan Biggs received the Distinguished Service Award for his role in a residential fire at 233 E. Pease Ave, in which he climbed a ladder to the second story and held the fire victim away from the smoke until the fire department removed her from the scene. “This award is given for an act which involved extreme risk of life, and which was performed above and beyond the call of duty,” Barnhart said.

Three other officers, Scott Lawson, Dan Wessling, and David Banas, were recognized with the Meritorious Service Award for their assistance at the same call. “We strongly believe that if these officers did not get there as quickly as they did, she may have perished,” Barnhart said.

In addition, Tracy Rankin, police department administrative assistant, also earned the Exemplary Service Award for her work in upgrading the department’s computer aided dispatch system and uniform crime reporting system. “This is award is given to a civilian employee for an act that directly contributes to the safety of the public.” Barnhart said. “Beginning in 2011, Tracy spent many hours, often on her own-time, working on the updates and providing training for all of the police department employees,” he said.

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For more information, contact Police Chief Rick Barnhart at (937) 847-4668.

The West Carrollton Fire Department will begin annual fire hydrant testing during the first week of April.

The testing will be done from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday starting on April 1 and continuing throughout the month. In the event of rain, the testing will be delayed. Testing will not occur during the weekends.

Discoloration of residential tap water is possible during the hydrant tests.  “If residents notice discoloration, they should avoid drinking or doing laundry until the water runs clear,” said Leanne Nash, fire prevention officer and EMS coordinator.

If necessary, rust removal laundry packets are available in the water clerk’s office of the Civic Center, 300 E. Central Ave. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call the water clerk at (937) 859-8280.

The city will host a public forum at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 18, in the Civic Center council chambers, 300 E. Central Ave.

Residents with questions about the tax issue that will appear on the May 7 ballot should plan to attend. City officials and members of the Citizens for West Carrollton’s Future committee will be on hand to present information and answer questions.

If approved, the ¼ percent, 5 year renewable, income tax would generate about $600,000 for the city’s general fund. “It’s essential that residents know that this represents a significant portion of funding for city services such as police, fire/E.M.S. and parks and recreation,” said Brad Townsend, city manager.

During 2012, the city lost $670,000 in revenue due to decreased state funding and the elimination of a majority of Appleton Paper’s workforce.