For more information contact City Manager Rick D. Konrad at rkonrad@cityoffruitland.com or 410-548-2809.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Fruitland Police Station Official Groundbreaking
For more information contact City Manager Rick D. Konrad at rkonrad@cityoffruitland.com or 410-548-2809.
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40 comments:
For those of you who plan to travel to Fruitland for the ceremony, you may want to take a taxi so you won't get stopped for a traffic violation.
Always someone wanting to complain. If you dont break any traffic laws you dont have to worry about being stopped. Plain and simple
Plain and simple....Fruitland is in it for the money, not public safety...if all the police have to do is sit, hide and run radar...then that must mean there isn't a crime problem and some layoffs are needed.
Why are so many people ragging on the Fruitland Police Department. Have you people actually met the Officers?
As I have been reporting on Fruitland for the past 6 years, I have yet to see anyone, (including the Council) not work with the citizens.
in fact, that is one of the main reasons Salisbury News chose to paticipate/donate funds for the K-9 Dog project.
Maybe if some of you were to make some kind of communication with your Police Department you might think differently.
I'd personally be very happy you have the RIGHT amount of Police Officers who ARE solving crime.
Sheriff Lewis has always told me crime starts with a vehicle. They have to get to and from in a vehicle.
Considering the Sheriff's Department catches so many drug dealers, remember that most of it comes from a traffic stop.
Quit your bellyaching and start showing some support. I'll add, do all of you have any idea just how many people send me e-mails about people not following the law parking wise at the Fruitland WalMart!!!!! Between people parking in handicap parking spots or in the fire lane, COIME ON NOW! The FPD finally starts writing tickets and now you bitch and complain.
ALSO, have you see where the FPD is now located? Have you been inside? My God, if there's ever been a place that needs a new Police Station, Fruitland is it.
That's right 11:21-I've got something to complain about too. Why in the hell do all government buildings have to be made of brick with all the fancy architectural features? They could plain-Jane buildings out of blocks which are just as functional and will last just as long for half the price. I thought we were in a finacial crisis. Just another example of government waste while the people paying for it are struggling to survive. Has anyone else ever noticed this or am I the Lone Ranger? And by the way-FOR THE PEOPLE has it exactly right. You can sit up the street and watch drugs deals go down in the projects while the cops are on the other end of the street writing seat belt fines and speeding tickets. Why? Because that is where the money is. I guess it will only get worse now that they have this big fancy building to pay for.
Re.: 11:21
You obviously haven't spent any time in Fruitland. These guys have NO idea what your 4th amendment rights are, nor do they care. Eagle Express gets held up on a fairly regular basis, yet there never seems to be any arrests made, nor any police presence. Yet they stop pedestrians for no reason and search them, when there has been no crime committed nearby. Until recently, I thought this was an isolated incident. In talking with co-workers, it seems this is the norm. My husband & I were stopped on our way to work early one morning, asked all kinds of questions (how does one prove they're on their way to work?), nearly made late to work (we allow a lot of extra time), all on the pretense of break-ins recently in Tony Tank. We hadn't come out of that development, nor had there been a break-in in about 2 weeks. How about patrolling that neighborhood, or rousting some of the guys selling drugs on Dulaney (if I see them on the way to the post office, certainly the police can), instead of harrassing hard-working people trying to make a living. That's the way it should work, not do as I say because I have a uniform & gun. I have total respect for officers doing their job, but in this town they seem to be confused about what that is.
anonymous 12:19,
Take a minute to think about what you have stated. This is not a monster $14,000,000.00 Fire House, like Salisbury conned its citizens into. And please tell me WHY the Police Departments MUST be second rate people? I mean, ALL OF YOU treat them that way.
Now, getting back to the structure. If YOU were building a home and you could afford to build it with brick, wouldn't you do so. I mean, look around throughout history. Look at ALL of the brick structures, (even in England) that are still standing after hundreds of years. Built it once, build it right and after 30 years, (a normal mortgage) you'll have a facility/home worth a LOT more money. If the FPD built a pole building of metal, what will it look like after 30 years.
Now, what pisses me off more than anything is the fact that municipalities unload these properties for pennies on the dollar, like the old Station 16. They, (in many cases) do not RESPECT the value of what the citizens put forth up front for such well built facilities.
I do not believe ANY of the local Police Agencies on the Eastern Shore have asked for much at all and I firmly believe the citizens need to start showing far more support towards them.
We can all learn to agree to disagree. Now, all that being said, let's see who's MAN enough to put their real names behind their comments. Better yet, let's see those REAL people show up at a Council Meeting and make the same kinds of statements face to face.
My name is on my comments every single time I have something to say and tens of thousands of you have the right to disagree with me, I'm cool with that.
However, YOU know that when I am out and about we can discuss these issues and YOU know who you're dealing with. In fact, I have learned quite a bit from our readers over the years because they know who I am, they know what I've said and guess what, WE GET SOMEWHERE.
Every time you anonymously post a comment, YOU GET NOWHERE.
anonymous 12:36, I'm sure over the years you've traveled north on Rt. 13 and have seen ALL of the Towns with speed traps in them. You got from 55 mph to 35 mph almost in na split second, like Bridgeville, for example. Fruitland is NOTHING like that. If YOU get a ticket for speeding on a road that has a regular and daily speed limit, YOU broke the law and YOU deserve a ticket.
I crack up at those of you who think all cops get excited about having to write you a ticket. It's actually a big pain in their ass. Not only to write the ticket but to have to take their time off to meet you in court. Get over yourselves, seriously.
Joe...
Is any county tax dollars being used for this project. You said it is being funded by a loan but is it tax dollars paying for it?
If not, I appreciate the info. If so, they I have a problem with the construction as well. If we complain about the new Bennett Middle, then we darn well better complain about this project. Comments on here said we should build a bare bones school so we should do the same with every county project from here on out.
anonymous 12:50, a Police Station is NOT a school. Clearly, at leas the Police do bring back revenue to the community/state.
You will NEVER change my mind OR support towards this project.
There are literally TENS OF THOUSANDS of taxpayers that DO NOT have children in school, yet they have to pay those taxes anyway. That means tens of thousands of people are unfairly screwed. The Police protect each and every citizens. Use your head and stop comparing apples to oranges.
I will not support this as a taxpayer no matter what you say Joe. I do not live in Fruitland and don't agree that my tax dollars should go for this project. Same argument that you make above about people not having kids at BMS.
I respect your opinion but don't agree. You say they bring in thousands of dollars to the community/state but we rarely see that money since the state divides it up. A new school brings money to the area immediately. New schools bring new families, eventually new jobs, and a better community.
You too are comparing apples to oranges.
12:50
As far as them collecting all this money for the traffic tickets they write, that is wrong. All speeding tickets, etc....all that money goes to the state of Maryland and I am sure the eastern shore see's none of it....
Fruitland has been trying to get a police station for years!! Glad to finally see a Chief in there getting it accomplished. About the brick, how would you like to work inside a police department, where bullets could easily travel through the building?? Brick will help in that aspect. The Sheriff's Office and Delmar P.D. are the other departments in the area that need newer facilities to work in. I believe I heard someone say once that the Sheriff's Office building was only built for 75 mph winds or something of that sort (Don’t quote me on that, that is purely not documented proof to my knowledge). Anyways brick will last a lot longer and be less of a tax burden in the long haul than any other structure material. Fruitland does desperately need a police department. If you haven't been inside their police department it is, I would estimate approximately 600 sq feet if that. Everyone bumps into each other, there is no interview room, and no prisoner cell. These guys have made the best of what they have had for so long. It is simply not practical to do this anymore. Good job guys you deserve this building so much!!! Good luck with the K9 also!!!
***A side note on the proactive traffic infractions in Fruitland. The speed camera vehicle saves money to the tax payer for other expenses. The violator is the only one that pays. Same goes for them or any other law enforcement giving you a ticket. If they do that, you have broken the law and they have the discretion to give you a ticket or a warning. Now as far as the money the violator pays for the ticket. I believe I have heard from someone that it is less than 1% that actually comes back to the police department. The money goes to the State of Maryland and the Police Departments see little to none of it. Why do you think MD State Police write so many citations? Nothing against them, but most of the barracks are traffic barracks. In the State of DE, all the money from traffic citations goes towards law enforcement's retirement fund. Hence so many speed traps in DE. But either way if you are worried about the money and them taking your money, here is a hint for you.....DON'T BREAK THE LAW FOR THEM TO HAVE TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST YOU!!!! I have learned my lesson from speeding and do not do it anymore, so if you think I travel too slow now, pass me, because I don’t want to lose any of my income to pay for a citation because I would be in the wrong and expect nothing less than a ticket.
Why is the Department of Agriculture writing loans for a local police station?? I thought they were supposed to be dealing with FARMING issues?
The Gov't is so out whack these days ....
The Bennett Middle School is made of BRICKS! It should be renovated not scraped off for something new.
Wow I really hope that this new building is being built on the backs of the people of fruitland and not the rest of the taxpaying people of maryland ..... being i pay taxes to live in salisbury i want to see my money spent in salisbury not fruitland and why does a police station have to look fancy whats the point.... its just criminals that will be going there anyway
The police departments have quota's to meet as far as ticket writing it's about revenue not public safety.
Joe we thought you had the backs of the little guy...what happened?
"Why is the Department of Agriculture writing loans "
That struck me odd too. Maybe they should hit up the DHS for a garbage truck loan.
anonymous 3:15, read all of my comments here. I have the backs of what is right, not the little or big guys. You have every right to disagree with me, that's cool. However, when YOU are at the other end of the barrel of a gun, YOU are then the little guy. YOU would NEVER live or work where these Officers are subjected to work right now. Fruitland is growing and we all know that. Salisbury has become a place not many want to live any more and Fruitland is a great alternative. You need to look ahead.
If you want to be rid of ALL of these kind of expenses and taxes, move to Delmar, DE. like I did. Get out of the Town limits. My well water is perfectly fine. My septic system works great. My taxes are $1,200.00 a year with 7.5 acres of land.
In Delmar, we protect ourselves. It's as simple as placing No Trespassing signs on your property and walking out your front door armed, if necessary. Now, if you don't choose to live like that, move to Fruitland or Salisbury, (or stay there) and stop complaining.
That's the fisrt thing I noticed: The Dept of Agriculture is writing the loan. Wish someone could explain that!
They need a new building. The current building is not big enough for a two man department. And they need a holding cell, not a wooden bench. Chief Phillips is what that department has needed for years.
The building appears very nice and Fruitland is growing; Town houses getting ready to pop up near the Fruitland Food lion; gor rid of the Horse Farm there to build these homes.
I am sure the type of people they will have there; another government assistance housing project will bring more crime to the area.
12:50,The police station is being funded by Fruitland taxpayer dollars. If you do not live in Fruiland, you are not supporting it, so shut up. We don't really care here in Fruitland what your opinion is.
Our police department is working for us. I feel safe outside, and our guys are customer service oriented. If I call over there, a person speaks to me and addresses my concerns.
The current building is illegal. There are requirements for storage of prisoners until they are booked into the county jail. I have seen the room, and it is just that, a room. The whole police department is a room with partition walls.
For all of you idiots that keep talking about revenue from speeding tickets. How many times do people have to post, Fruitland receives NO REVENUE from officers running radar. It ALL GOES TO THE STATE. But our taxbase has to pay overtime for officers to sit in court on traffic cases to help make THE STATE money. Doesn't sound right does it?
If you don't like a responsive police department that enforces the laws, dont move to Fruitland. Fruitland is a great place to live, it has a responsive council (now), city manager, and dedicated employees. It is truly a gem.
5:35, That's why the new police facility for them to visit.
Joe:At no point did I say we were speeding when stopped that morning(we weren't). We were stopped for NO REASON, then given the third degree as to why we were on a public road @ 4 AM. Had we been speeding, it would have been a justified stop, & you wouldn't have heard a peep out of me. Even when the officer could plainly see that we had nothing in the vehicle that could have been stolen property, still we were answering questions instead of being on our way. Have lived here a long time, never before received such treatment.
I seems like mostof the officer are trying to be state police like their chief use to be. If they have three officers on they work traffic all the time. I have a friend in the Sheriffs Dept. and he says sometimes they can't get a word in edgewise. On a few occasions their as been emergencies going on, on the police channel and they can't get on to put out important information. Wow check how many officer they have for a samll agency. I believe it is close to 15 to 18, yes a few are part time.Back to three working at one time they all seem to be working traffic and sometimes at the same location. You ask how can someone set the city yard on fire. easy they are on the other end of town working traffic.
anonymous 8:47, graduate of the Eastern Shore????
anyone remember when Howard Bounds was the Fruitland Police Department?
Hey 7:02 i want to see where the money comes from to build the Fruitland police palace i know for a fact its not being funded by fruitland taxpayers only..... otherwise it would simply be a basic block building that would serve the purpose... will it affect us Salisbury residents and all other taxpayers of Maryland the answer is yes especially in our wallets come tax time
With all the crime around here, why is anyone bitching about a police station? Personnally I would rather see the officers get a raise, but if they need a building, they need a building.
I have seen the one they are in. Looks more like a boy scout troop building. They can build them a freaking penthouse as far as I'm concerned as long as they are out there keeping the bad guys away from me.
You keep ragging on those who have to deal with these punks and mental subjects. Two days time, if that, you all would be resigning.
Nobody likes being stopped by the police, speeding or anything else. It's my understanding they can stop you at any time for any reason or none. Random.
Even if they need a reason they can easily come up with one. How would you like to stop a vehicle not knowing if it's a bad guy with a gun who no more cares about shooting you in the face as swatting a fly?
You treat them like professionals and likely they will act that way. You treat them like assholes, and you will have a problem.
Let them do their job and be glad they are doing it and not napping in some dark spot. Geesh, be reasonable for goodness' sake.
FPD gave me parking ticket for packing in 2 spaces in the far end of the parking lot. Sounds like pure revenue to me, very unnecessary if you ask me.
12:59
How about you dont park in 2 parking spaces? I hate that when I see it, I have a nice truck, and I park in the far end of the parking lot as well, BUT I park in 1 parking space. If your going to cry or complain about something, atleast let it be for something you were not doing wrong. Have you looked up the definition for double parking?
First, no one is responsible for any monies for the new building except the residents of Fruitland. It is a City building, nothing to do with the county or Salisbury. The citizens of Salisbury need to worry about what is spent in their city not in Fruitland.
Second, if you break the law you deserve what you get. You all complain when you think the police do not do enough and then turn around and complain that they do to much.
Obey the laws, be respectful and teach your children to be respectful of the Officers, one day your life may depend on them doing their job.
I for one am glad to live in Fruitland!!
Cory, please share this great secret you must hold in how someone other than Fruitland is paying for the police station. You are wrong, plain and simple. The FPD is being paid for through a loan, a USDA low interest loan, and the payments will be made by Fruitland over 40 years. I really don't see anything that fancy with the building. It may have some aesthetic appeal in the gray parts, but is basically a square brick building with a couple of extra corners. Stay in Salisbury and enjoy your crime. I for one am glad to see results in the taxes that I pay. Fruitland has all the services and convienences right here within the city limits that I seldom have to go anywhere else to do things. Sounds to me like you are jealous.
8:47, nobody "set" the city yard on fire. It was an electrical problem, and guess who discovered it.......THE POLICE!!! rotfl. You are such an idiot.
Anon 2:08 Just where do you think the USDA is getting the money to loan to fruitland..... From the US taxpayer so if fruitland wants this Fruitland and only Fruitland should be paying for it plain and simple... or just live with a plain basic building with no gingerbread like the basic buildings you would see at a military training base... This is the problem with the US spending too much money on crap that is not needed above the basics..... It would be more acceptable to give the offcers better training and for them to learn the Bill of Rights
9:04
Don't cry when someone puts a dent in your car and costs 800 dollars. Speaking from experience
8:47, Your sheriff's office friend would be on the wrong channel if you say "he couldn't get a word in edgewise." There are several different talkgroups here in Wicomico county, most departments have thier own. FPD has 1 talkgroup (channel), while the WCSO has 8 different talkgroups.
http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=1559
Sooooo someone here is telling a tall tale...
Cory, I can't even argue with stupid. With your logic, what about all the FHA loans. The government backs the loans to secure the interest rate. The US taxpayers will be making money off of this building. You need to worry about your 14million dollar fire house that is cracking, your 60 million dollar WWTP that doesn't work, and stop worrying about our police station that is working. So, where is the rest of your big secret? How is Salisbury and Wicomico residents helping to foot the bill. waiting.......
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