Mayors Weekly Message 83

Dear Moreno Valley Residents, While writing this week's message regarding public safety, I learned of the shooting that killed CHP Officer Andre Moye and injured other officers in Riverside. It happened the same day an LAPD officer, another victim of gunfire, was laid to rest. It's been a difficult week for the tight-knit law enforcement community, and I know they have the sympathy and gratitude of all of us. As your Mayor, and along with our City Council, I talk with many members of our community about their priorities, and over and over again, public safety rises to the top of their lists. That’s why it ranks as our top priority, too. Our community’s first-responders do a wonderful job of protecting residents and our property, and since they can’t be everywhere or anticipate emergencies or crimes, public safety works best when it’s a joint effort with residents. For example, in the past week, Moreno Valley Police arrested several burglary suspects at the scenes after being alerted by residents of suspicious activity. Officers’ quick responses were made possible by the watchfulness of, and timely calls made by, residents and neighbors. Helping both residents and first-responders is the citywide camera system that monitors public spaces. It continues to help officers solve crimes, especially when there’s no timely report of an incident. Technology is an important additional tool, like the ingenious AutoPulse devices now deployed at our fire stations, which keep blood circulating by continuing CPR while a patient is being moved. But technology is not a substitute for the close working partnership between residents and first-responders. Last week’s National Night Out event at Celebration Park, pictured here, was a great example. Sponsored by MoVal PD, National Night Out was a chance for residents to engage and interact with officers in a non-emergency situation and begin to build relationships. Thanks to everyone who made it such a successful event. I urge residents to join with us to enhance public safety and protect our community by getting involved. If you see something, please say something. You’ll be doing your neighbors, yourself and our community a big favor.