PBA says local officials, manager offer support to cops

On behalf of the Howell PBA Local 228, I would like to address the front-page article by Kathy Baratta published in the News Transcript Oct. 18.

In the article, Howell Police Chief Ronald T. Carter makes the inference that the police department’s operations are being affected by the mayor, Township Council and township manager in a negative manner. We as the PBA disagree with this inference and do not share the chief’s opinion.

Over the past year and a half, the Howell PBA has worked with the mayor, council and township manager to improve the quality of service that this department is able to provide to the residents of Howell. The mayor, council and manager have had nothing but the best intentions for the Howell Police Department and the residents of Howell.

Due to their efforts over the past year, several new programs have been instituted. Heading the list of new programs is the training of officers as emergency medical technicians, one of whom has already saved a life. A K-9 unit has also been established, along with the start of a traffic unit which addresses the concerns of residents. They recently boosted morale by honoring officers with 20 years of service as a police officer.

The PBA recognizes that all these programs have been positive and that the governing body continually seeks new ways to make Howell a better place to live and work.

Kevin Stout

PBA President

Howell