City of Coral Springs, FL

10/01/2024 | Press release | Archived content

A Message from Chief McKeone

A Message from Chief McKeone

Published on October 01, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, I want to thank you for your continued support of our community. This time of year is about giving, and we are excited to once again host our annual Holiday Toy Drive from November 18th to December 13th. Please consider donating new, unwrapped toys to bring joy to children in need throughout Coral Springs. Note that we cannot accept stuffed animals, used toys, or Nerf guns.

We know the holiday season is a time when many residents travel to visit family and friends, and we want to ensure your home stays secure while you're away. If you're planning to be gone for more than five days but less than 30, we encourage you to sign up for our Vacation Watch Program. Through this program, a Coral Springs Police Officer will stop by your home periodically to make sure everything is secure, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy your trip. For more information and to sign up, click here.

To further my goal of effective communication with the community, I'm excited to introduce a new initiative: "Conversations with the Chief." On select Thursday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., I will visit various local coffee shops and diners to interact with residents and discus topics of local interest. This is a great opportunity for open dialogue, and I encourage everyone to stop by and share their thoughts or concerns. Be sure to follow my Facebook page and turn on post notifications so you don't miss out on the weekly locations!

Election time is approaching, and the Coral Springs Police Department is working closely with the election office to ensure every polling location is safe and secure. We encourage you to stay vigilant-if you see something, say something. Our priority is to create a safe environment so that everyone can confidently exercise their constitutional right to vote.

I can't emphasize this enough: lock your car doors. Did you know that 88% of vehicle burglaries in August 2024 happened because the cars are left unlocked? You can help reduce this number by simply locking up and removing valuables, especially key fobs, when you leave your vehicle. If you must leave something in your car, make sure it's not in plain sight. And never, under any circumstances, leave a firearm in your vehicle, as it could be stolen and used in other crimes. Watch this helpful video for more tips on keeping your vehicle safe.

Are you looking for ways to get more involved in our community? Consider joining the Community Ambassadors Program and the SafeKeepers Program. The Community Ambassadors Program provides a unique opportunity to engage in open dialogue about important and sometimes controversial topics with fellow residents and myself. It's a space where diverse perspectives are respected, and mutual understanding is fostered. The SafeKeepers program, which evolved from the Community Ambassador Program initiative, stations volunteers at schools to create a more positive and welcoming environment for students as they arrive and leave school every day. Both programs offer meaningful ways to contribute to our community, and I invite you to get involved!

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