The Vail Police Department is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, Oct. 24. The collection takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vail Municipal Building, 75 S. Frontage Road. This is an opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinets of all unwanted, expired or unused medications and have them disposed of safely. Getting rid of unused medications helps prevent accidental and intentional misuse of these items while safe disposal protects water sources by keeping drugs out of wastewater and the landfill. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
The 7th Annual Eagle County Public Safety Awards will be held on Oct. 29 at Donovan Pavilion for award winners and their families, followed by a virtual celebration for all citizens from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1. Initiated by the Rotary Clubs of Eagle County after 9/11 to recognize area public safety heroes, this event will recognize outstanding emergency responders, medical professionals and community leaders. This year is especially meaningful due to the extra demands and risk of COVID-19 and the life-threatening wildfires.
Catholic Charities and the Eagle County Law Enforcement Immigrant Alliance are sponsoring their 10th Annual Fall Coat Drive. Over the last several years, this coat drive has distributed over 4,000 coats to local kids and families in need. This year, the coat drive will be for kids’ coats and outer winter gear only. Coats are being collected from Oct. 12-30.
Transportation providers doing business in Vail are reminded that a permit is required to provide passenger service within the town. The permit system was established in 2012 to help regulate the town’s management of shuttles, limousines, taxis, buses and other transportation services, including Uber and Lyft.
The Vail Police Department and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are reminding residents to be mindful of increased bear activity and to take measures to eliminate easy food sources so bears can co-exist with humans. Bear activity is now on the rise as bears have begun their pre-hibernation feeding frenzy during which excessive eating and drinking pushes bears to eat upwards of 15,000 to 20,000 calories a day.
In honor of the 28th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vail Police officers will pay respect to the survivors and victims of this terrible disease. Uniformed personnel will wear pink badges and pink undershirts as a sign of solidarity for anyone struggling with this disease.
Vail Public Safety Communications Center Dispatcher Fernando Almanza has been selected as one of the International Association of Chiefs of Police prestigious “40 under 40” awards. The award will be presented to Almanza during the IACP’s virtual international conference in October.
In preparation for the likelihood of winter road closures on Interstate 70, the Code Enforcement Team from the Vail Police Department will be greeting motorists in the East Vail neighborhood on Thursday, Sept.10 to help distribute vehicle access placards issued by the Police Department. The free placards help improve access to East Vail neighborhoods during I-70 closures and are available for free to all requesting households. The distribution will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the entrance to the Bighorn park ‘n ride at the East Vail interchange. The bright yellow placards are also available from the Vail Police front counter, located at 75 S. Frontage Road, during regular office hours, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Over the past several weeks, graffiti has been found in several locations throughout Vail. After reviewing surveillance video where the graffiti was discovered, two males were identified as possible witnesses. These males were seen in the area and may be able to provide details on the suspects.
Police Chief Dwight Henninger and Fire Chief Mark Novak are hosting a timely conversation around Vail’s Emergency Evacuation Plan, reasons the town may need to be evacuated and how to personally prepare for an evacuation as well as address community concerns and questions.
Use these resources for updated status reports on nearby wildfires, smoke and traffic impacts, and local fire restrictions.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is announcing a limited reopening of Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon effective Monday, Aug. 24. CDOT asks that motorists prepare for reduced speeds, no stopping in the canyon and closures due to mudslides and other events. CDOT also urges travelers to stay focused on the road and avoid distracted driving. The I-70 closure began Monday, Aug. 10, when the Grizzly Creek Fire started burning along the interstate. The closure was located between Glenwood Springs (Mile Point 116) and Gypsum (MP 140). Wildfires in other parts of Colorado continue to affect Colorado Highways 14 and 139.
At approximately 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, Vail officers were dispatched to a report of an armed party at Buffehr Creek Park, located at 1953 N. Frontage Road. Once the officers arrived on scene, a male party was observed with a stab wound to his right-side torso. The victim was taken to Vail Health to receive medical treatment for the injuries, which were not life-threatening.
Over the past several weeks, several residential burglaries have been reported to the Vail Police Department. The offenses are similar and seem to be committed by the same offender(s). In each case, an unoccupied residence is entered, things are moved but nothing is taken. It appears the offender(s) is staying at the location, helping themselves to food and leaving when discovered.
Vail's police and fire chiefs discuss the importance of planning ahead for an evacuation, especially during this hot and dry summer. Don't wait for a pre-evacuation order, as there may not be time.