FINDLAY, OH (Toledo News Now) - The Ohio State Highway Patrol held the first class of its "Community Shield" program Tuesday. The program is an expansion of the patrols "Trucker Shield", and trains community members on what they can do to keep Ohio roadways safer.
Troopers talked to interested community members about what to be on the lookout for, and how to report suspicious or criminal activity. The Patrol recently rolled out a new hotline number, *677, for drivers to report criminal or drug activity.
"We're averaging about 5,000 phone calls through that 677 number, monthly," said Highway Patrol Sgt. Kurt Beidelschies. "The support that we receive from the community - words cannot emphasize how big of an impact or how big of an influence has on our jobs and how much easier it makes our jobs."
"I can't tell you how important it is for people to help whenever they can. Whether it's along the highway or a phone call for some reason or other, they've seen something happen- we're the person that keeps up and helps the police departments all the time," said retired Trooper and Findlay resident Dick Boyle.
Community Shield classes will be held at the Findlay patrol post the second Tuesday of every month. To register call 419-423-1414.
Copyright 2012 Toledo News Now. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and Toledo News Now, a Raycom Media Station. 
