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One year of talks has culminated in an agreement between Mary Rutan Hospital and Bellefontaine to add up to five police officers and a cruiser so that the city police department can provide around-the-clock security for the hospital.
MRH’s vice president Chad Ross told City Council members at Tuesday’s meeting the hospital will cover the salaries and benefits of five officers and their equipment and training, while purchasing a cruiser to patrol MRH’s property.
“Our experience has been that situations tend not to escalate when uniformed police officers are involved,” he said.
Security coverage will be phased in over a period of time as the department will have to hire and train the necessary staff.
Council members voted 7-0 on a first reading to authorize the agreement.
The police department currently has an eligibility list of seven officer candidates.
Another exam is set for May 21 to add more to the list. Those on the list can retake the written portion and pick the best result.
Chief Brandon Standley said the department has several retirements looming on the horizon.
If the agreement is approved, it will open more opportunity to hire officers.
Under the agreement, MRH will pay the personnel costs for five officers as they are brought on.
City Auditor Jack Reser said that under current contracts and benefits packages, each officer position costs around $75,000 per year.
Mr. Ross noted the hospital currently pays a private security firm and that contract would end.
“We are not doing this because we feel we have an unsafe environment at the hospital,” he said. “We are doing this because we believe this is a different day and age in society. We believe it is important to be proactive for the safety of our patients, visitors, volunteers and staff.”
Read complete COUNCIL NEWS in Wednesday’s Examiner.
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