Police Chief Graduates from FBI National Academy: The Ross Township Board of Trustees is proud to announce that on March 15, 2024 Police Chief Burton Roberts graduated as a member of the 289th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on March 15th, 2024. Chief Roberts is the first officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions. The 289th session consisted of one-hundred and ninety-seven law enforcement officers who graduated today from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 289th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 23 countries, four military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations. FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. A total of 54,985 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

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Ross Township Fire Department Issue #6 Renewal Levy

On November 2nd, 2021, The Ross Township Fire Department will ask Ross Township voters to renew the 3-mill levy currently supporting fire department operations. This levy is placed on the ballot every five years and represents NO INCREASE in taxes. Passage of this levy will provide for the maintenance of fire apparatus and buildings, payment of firefighter salaries, purchasing ambulance equipment, and for providing ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services. This funding has been in place since 2005 and has been renewed several times without increasing taxes. It is imperative that we maintain this funding to ensure our firefighter/paramedics are ready to meet the needs of our growing community. 

In 2014, voters continued their support of the fire department and voted in favor of an additional 2.75-mill levy.  The additional levy funding was requested to make up for losses due to the Local Government Fund cuts.  This funding has allowed the department to be fiscally responsible and sustainable. Since the passage of this levy, the department has been able to add three full-time personnel, as well as many other enhancements to our department.  The department also announced this year the Insurance Service rating for the department remained an ISO rating of 3 and in the top 7% of the most capable fire departments throughout the country.  The rating means a savings of insurance costs to both residential and commercial properties.

In the last five years, the department has seen an increasing demand in calls for service, community outreach, and community risk reduction tasks. As the department adapts to the community’s ever-changing needs, we must continue a holistic approach to be proactive, produce measurable results, and remain fiscally responsible.  It is vital to our department’s success to provide adequate funding to support our mission while providing the taxpayers the best possible value. We have created a budget plan that reflects the department’s vision, supports the activities necessary to achieve its mission and goals, and continuously evaluates its effectiveness.  One of our goals was to prepare a five-year and ten-year budget forecast that accurately shows the department’s funding requirements.  Through these budget forecasts, the department feels it is not necessary to replace this levy.  

We realize the Ross Township community carries a large tax burden already and we will ask for only exactly what we need.

The Ross Township Fire Department has managed your tax dollars responsibly and we ask for your continued support to ensure the efficient operation of this department. 

Respectfully,

Chief Steve Miller, OFE and the Members of the Ross Twp. Fire Department