Oct. 27 – A reckless driver who crossed the line on the evening of Kettering’s Delco Park Go 4th celebration three years ago has been cited by police for the need for a mobile barrier.
Despite staffing the annual celebration that draws tens of thousands with two departments and using various security resources, the safety of those in the area around 10 p.m. was at risk, Kettering records show.
“Other than an officer assigned to a nearby patrol cruiser who was able to quickly confront, distract and arrest the suspect, all other security measures proved ineffective,” according to an application for homeland security funding for the barrier.
No injuries have been reported. But “the incident has highlighted the need to increase perimeter security at large public events to prevent potential terrorist attacks involving vehicles,” the document said.
Similar mobile barriers are being deployed for several events in the Dayton area, including those in the Oregon District, law enforcement officials said.
“We haven’t had any issues in terms of a potential terrorist attack,” Kettering Lt. Ryan Vandegrift said. “But we always want to be prepared and we want to do everything we can to prepare and respond as best we can.”
Homeland Security is offering a range of “risk-based grants” to help “prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism” and other threats, according to the website.
Kettering police could use a barrier in several ways, including blocking crime or accident scenes, Fraze Pavilion entertainment festivals and parade routes, Vandegrift said.
They are “very heavy, very sturdy pieces of metal. But they are also very maneuverable,” he added. “Based on what we saw in the demo, they are very effective at stopping a vehicle that weighs several thousand pounds in a very short period of time.”
According to Kettering’s data, it could also be used by the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit and “surrounding regional partners.”
The TCSU serves Centerville, Germantown, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Springboro and West Carrollton.
The barrier “would improve coordination and cooperation, improve response effectiveness and promote a unified approach to threats,” Kettering documents say.
Kettering has approved $150,000 for a barrier, but Vandegrift said it could cost about $20,000 less.
Kettering Assistant City Manager Bryan Chodkowski said the city would initially purchase the device and later be reimbursed with grant money.
