Let’s Talk Podcast: Chief Bage with the city of Fort Walton Beach Police Department

Welcome back to another Let’s Talk podcast, where we sit down with local civic leaders and nonprofits. This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Chief Bage from the city of Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

Construction Junction Event

The chief mentioned the upcoming Construction Junction event, which will be held at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds on April 20th. Here’s what you can expect at the event:

• The event has grown every year and will feature a variety of activities and demonstrations.
• The event starts at 10 am and goes until 2 pm, with the first hour being an auditory-friendly hour.
• From 11 am to 2 pm, the event will feature loud demonstrations and activities, including a K9 demonstration and a SWAT team display.
• The event is not just for kids; it’s a great opportunity for individuals interested in law enforcement or public service to engage with local officers and learn more about the profession.

Community Engagement and Resources

Chief Beige emphasized the importance of community engagement at events like Construction Junction. He highlighted the opportunity for residents to interact with local first responders, explore different resources available in the community, and engage with neighbors.

Preparation for Summer and Hurricane Season

As the summer season approaches, the police department is gearing up for an increase in tourism and recreational activities. Additionally, they are actively preparing for the upcoming hurricane season and encourage residents to start planning and preparing early.

Telecommunication Appreciation Week and Fentanyl Eradication

The chief mentioned the ongoing Telecommunication Appreciation Week and the department’s efforts to raise awareness about the crucial role of dispatchers. He also discussed the state’s initiative to eradicate fentanyl overdoses and the importance of addressing the issue of drug lacing and overdose deaths.

Recruitment and Community Support

The police department is continuously looking for ways to recruit new members and engage with the community. They have implemented the See-Click-Fix app for residents to report concerns directly to the city. They are focused on addressing vagrancy and quality of life issues in the community.

Conclusion

Chief Beige provided valuable insights into the upcoming Construction Junction event, the department’s preparations for the summer and hurricane season, and their ongoing efforts in recruitment and community support. Stay tuned for future podcast episodes where we’ll delve deeper into topics such as fentanyl eradication and community initiatives.

Thank you for listening to the Let’s Talk Podcast, and we hope you can join us for the next episode.

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