The Dalton Fire Department opened the July meeting of the Dalton Public Safety Commission Tuesday morning by presenting two candidates for promotion.  Firefighter IIIs Scott Brock and Randy Rogers both had their promotions to the rank of lieutenant approved by unanimous vote of the commission. 

Lt. Brock joined the fire department in December 1998 and Lt. Rogers joined in June 2002.  Both firefighters reached the rank of Firefighter III in 2007.

After the promotions, one Dalton firefighter’s upcoming retirement was recognized by the Public Safety Commission.  Code Enforcement Officer Eddie Hughes will hang up his gear on Friday after completing more than 31 years of service to the DFD.

Mr. Hughes joined the Dalton Fire Department in April of 1981.  He worked in fire suppression until 1987, becoming certified as a Georgia Smoke Diver during that period.  In 1987, he became a dispatcher for the department.  In 1993, he transferred back to fire suppression duties which he performed until 2000 when he transferred to the Fire Safety Division and became the agency’s Code Enforcement Officer.

The Dalton Fire Department wishes Mr. Hughes well in his retirement.

Assistant Chief Truman Whitfield presented the Dalton Police Department’s report covering June 2012.

Chief Whitfield noted that the Part 1 crime rate for June was up about 20% compared to June 2011, with the significant increases coming in the categories of larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft.  For the year, the Part 1 crime rate in Dalton is up 3% compared to 2011 year to date.  Clearance rates for both violent crime and property crime are both still up over 2011, with 68% of violent cases.  That’s a 2% increase over 2011.  Property crime clearances are up 5%, at 44% for the year.

Calls for service were down in June by 5% compared to the same period in 2011.  For the year, service calls are down slightly less than 1%.

The rate of traffic crashes in Dalton increased by 14% compared to June 2011.  The areas of Shugart Road and Walnut Avenue continued to be the most dangerous roads in town, accounting for 23 crashes in June with 14 injuries.

Representatives for two Dalton businesses appeared before the Public Safety Commission for approval of their alcoholic beverage applications.  The Momoya Restaurant at 1277 Cleveland Highway was approved for a pouring beer and wine license by unanimous vote of the commission.  Tijuana’s Mexican Restaurant #2 at 2311 Chattanooga Road had a change of address approved for their pouring beer, wine, and liquor license approved by unanimous vote of the commission.

The Dalton Public Safety Commission is comprised of Chairman William B. Weaver, Carlos Calderin, Terry Mathis, Keith Whitworth, and Kenneth E. Willis.

Eddie Hughes (center) stands with Deputy Chief Gary Bagget (left) and Chief Bruce Satterfield (right) after being recognized for his retirement.