Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: Loveland Police Department

The 2021 4th of July Loveland Parade Stayed True to America’s Red, White, and Blue!
Cassie Mattia’s Latest Loveland Salad includes all of Downtown’s 4th of July Festivities!

by Cassie Mattia,

Loveland, Ohio – The streets of Loveland were filled with patriotism as the community gathered around to enjoy one phenomenal 2021 Independence Day Celebration in the heart of Downtown!

Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Loveland’s 4th of July celebration was canceled so many Americans across Cincinnati missed out on celebrating America’s birthday Loveland-style. In preparation for this year’s celebration, many didn’t know what to expect, but as the 4th of July drew nearer one thing became clear; friends, families, and community members wanted to bring in Independence Day together with a bang. That couldn’t have been more true as the Loveland 2021 4th of July celebration kicked off at Noon and the sea of red, white, and blue filled Downtown Historic Loveland.

The beautiful sunny day was filled with activities, local vendor booths, food trucks, live music, and rides for the kids. At 4 PM Nisbet Park hosted the “Kids Zone,” which included exotic animals on display, potato sack races, martial arts, face painting, jugglers on stilts, the Loveland Robotics Team, pirates, inflatables, festival rides, and much more!

There was of course no shortage of food and drinks as the local food trucks rolled into Downtown Loveland at 4 PM as well. Crowds of festive Americans had the choice of lining up to receive ice cream from the Loveland Dairy Whip, 4th of July grill out cuisine from The Right Stuff Grill, delicious Southeast Asian-style food from the Sea Cuisine Food Truck, unique burgers and sandwiches from Stellar Street Eats, on-the-spot homemade lemonade at The Lemonade Stand, or a mouth-watering smoothie from The Smoothie King Food Truck.

As civilians ventured down the Loveland Bike Trail live patriotic music filled the air, creating an unbelievable atmosphere throughout Downtown Loveland. Russel Kuzuhara performed at Jackson Street Market as adults enjoyed nice cold beverages from the beer booth. Later the Bluewater Kings Band took the stage at the Nisbet Park Amphitheater as friends and families danced to the high-energy 6 piece ensemble.
The featured event of the night was the Loveland Parade, which brought in hundreds of Americans from all over the Cincinnati area just to catch a glimpse of patriotism in its best form! As local organizations, businesses, churches, Disney Princesses, circus performers, the LPD, the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department, and city officials made their way down West Loveland Avenue in their decked-out Americana vehicles kids lined the streets with their families for candy, popsicles, and even toothbrushes tossed out by those in the parade. The atmosphere couldn’t have been more perfect for those that attended and of course, the community felt more united than ever before!

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to commentate the entire parade while Loveland Magazine’s Editor, David Miller, streamed all of the action on Facebook Live for those who wanted to enjoy the Loveland Parade from their homes or vacation spots.

If you missed out on the 2021 4th of July Loveland Parade check out part 1 and part 2 of Loveland Magazine TV’s Facebook Live footage below!

https://www.facebook.com/361028064446/videos/545819269757466

As the sunset on Downtown Loveland, people began to claim their front row seats to the Annual Loveland Firework Show that started promptly at 10 PM. The firework show didn’t disappoint as friends and families camped out on blankets and lawn chairs while staring into the beautifully lit sky! Loveland’s Independence Day celebration ended with a firework grand finale that left those who were watching with an overwhelming feeling of love for America and the Americans surrounding them.

If you weren’t able to catch Loveland’s 2021 4th of July festivities, check out the videos below captured by David Miller on Loveland Magazine TV and the photos taken by Alex Eicher and Bob Kessler!

Loveland 4th of July Firework Photos by Alex Eicher

Check out these videos taken by David Miller on Loveland Magazine TV from Loveland’s Independence Day Celebration!

Loveland 4th of July Firework Photos by Bob Kessler

Bob Kessler took these particular photos from the East bank of the Little Miami River looking towards the Tufts Schildmeyer Family Funeral Home. (All Photos © 2021 Bob Kessler)

For more of the latest Loveland event coverage stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!
Jul 7, 2021
DEA/Loveland Police “Drug TakeBack Day is Saturday

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Police Department is hosting the National DEA Takeback Day again this year.

There is a permanent drop-off location inside the Loveland Safety Service Center at 126 S. Lebanon Road.

This Saturday, April 24th from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Loveland Safety Center lobby @ 126 S Lebanon Rd, you can bring in your old, unused pills, tablets and capsules.

If you can’t make it on Saturday, LPD has a permanent medication collection box that is in their lobby, accessible during weekday normal business hours.

The items that are not accepted in Saturday’s Take Back or anytime in the secured deposit box:

• LIQUIDS

• SYRINGES/NEEDLES/TESTING STRIPS

• INHALERS

• LOTIONS

• OINTMENTS

You can contact www.Rumpke.com for information on sharps disposals.

WHY?

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

Locate Another Collection Site Near You

Apr 22, 2021
Former Loveland Police Officer Anthony Pecord pleads down to three counts of Gross Sexual Imposition

Pecord faced 88 years in prison – Sentenced to 4

by David Miller

Loveland, Ohio – Police officer Anthony Pecord was put on administrative leave on January 25 after he was notified by Police Chief Sean Rahe that the City had begun a “formal investigation” on on the same day related to a claim of sexual assault that occurred on January 24. Pecord was ordered not to conduct City business or enter City property. He remained on “paid status” with benefits. Pecord was ordered not to communicate to other City employees or access emails, City accounts, or other City services.

Loveland Police Chief Sean Rahe (City of Loveland Photo)

The City retained the services of attorney Patricia Pryor to conduct an investigation.

On February 25, Rahe issued a statement to the press that said, “A police officer was placed on administrative leave as soon as allegations involving him related to off-duty conduct were reported to the City. Once notified of the allegations, the City immediately retained an outside investigator.” Rahe said that as the matter progressed, the City requested and received the officer’s resignation.

Pecord was subsequently indicted by a Hamilton County Grand Jury on March 15 on 16 counts; 8 counts of Rape, and 8 counts of Sexual Battery, for an incident that occurred on January 24, 2021. If convicted on all charges, he would have faced the possibility of 88 years in prison.

In the original complaint filed by Hamilton County detective Jack Losekamp, Pecord was charged with raping the victim while the victim was unconscious and unable to consent due to intoxication. Losekamp said that the victim was surreptitiously given an intoxicant, a first-degree felony. The complaint alleged there was forensic evidence on Pecord’s cell phone that he committed the crime. Pecord was booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center.

At the time, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters commented, “We take all cases of sexual assault seriously. But when acts like this are committed by someone in a position of power and public trust, it is especially sickening.” Deters also said that once this behavior was reported, the City of Loveland and the Loveland Police Department “cooperated fully” with the investigation.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters

As a result of a plea agreement, Pecord has now been convicted of three counts of Gross Sexual Imposition and has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. Pecord will also be required to register as a Tier I sex offender for a period of 15 years. Gross Sexual Imposition is a fourth-degree felony.

Deters said in a press release after the trial, “Thanks to Sheriff Deputy Jack Losekamp’s work, the photographic evidence of this crime was discovered, despite Pecord’s attempts to destroy it. Without the efforts of Detective Jack Losekamp and Assistant Prosecutor Christina Dattilo, we could not have pursued this case and Pecord would still be free.”

Deters also made a statement about why Pecord’s plea of guilty on the lesser charges was accepted. “We are especially sensitive to the victim’s wishes in sexual assault cases. As a result of this plea, we were able to provide justice to this victim while allowing the victim to close this chapter of his life and begin the healing process,” Deters said in the press release.”

Chief Rahe said in his original release to the press, “Our focus and concern has been, and continues to be, for the safety and well-being of the injured party.”

“We are concerned that more victims may be out there, and ask anyone who may have been victimized by Pecord to contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Detective Losekamp at 513-595-7484,” said Deters.

Deters concluded his statement by saying, “What is absolutely clear is Pecord should never, and will never, work in law enforcement again.”

Apr 7, 2021
Beware of scammers claiming to be Ohio Homeland Security and Loveland Police
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Police Department reported today on Facebook that a resident received a phone call claiming to be from the federal attorney general in Washington DC. “They told the resident their Social Security number had been compromised and asked for the number to confirm it so they could clear false reports.” The resident hung up on the scammer, however, they called back a few minutes later claiming to be a Loveland police officer with the police number on the caller ID.

The post concluded with:

“Our officers will NOT call under such circumstances. Do NOT give your personal information. A reminder that the Loveland Police Department will also never solicit donations over the phone or mail.”

https://www.facebook.com/LPDfamily/posts/1785871101593296

Beware of Scammers Claiming to be Ohio Homeland Security

OHS Phone Number Spoofed; Don’t Fall for Telephone Scams

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Public Safety has received reports of a possible scam being perpetrated on Ohioans today from scammers claiming to be from Ohio Homeland Security (OHS).

Ohio residents have reported receiving phone calls from scammers claiming to be from OHS and informing the call recipients that their identity had been stolen. Caller ID on these calls indicate the calls originated from the OHS main line 614-387-6171, but they did not; the Ohio Homeland Security main line was spoofed. Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity.

“If you receive these calls, don’t fall for this scam,” said Ohio Homeland Security Executive Director Brian Quinn. “Hang up immediately and report it to either your local law enforcement or the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center (STACC) at 1-877-647-4683.”

Ohio Homeland Security, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, does not investigate personal identity theft and would not make these kinds of phone calls to Ohio residents.

Do not fall victim to telephone scams. Tips to protect yourself from telephone scams include:
- Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Be wary of callers claiming that you’ve won a prize or vacation package.
- Hang up on suspicious phone calls.
- Be cautious of caller ID.
Feb 19, 2021
The Candy Police were a great success last night!
It was that spooky time of year again when all the little ghouls and goblins were running amuck in search of the best candy! Well, thankfully the Candy Police were back and ready to make sure everyone was able to enjoy Trick-or-Treating in Loveland.

The Loveland Police Department and the Hamilton Township Police Department worked together last night to bring joy and of course candy to any kids or adults with special needs who couldn’t physically go trick-or-treating.

Both police departments said that they wanted to make sure Halloween was a special day for not just the kids with special needs but the adults as well!

Thank you everyone who donated! Thank you to the officers who serve us so faithfully.

A message from the Loveland Police Department

The Candy Police was a great success last night!!
Officer Hayslip, Officer Smith and I want to thank the kids & adults with special needs and their parents for sharing their Halloween night with us!
As a father and grandfather of kids with special needs, it was such a joy to include them. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
A huge thanks to Officers Molly Hayslip and Rich Smith from Hamilton Township Police Department for making this successful!
Thank you also to everyone that donated candy, especially Loveland Striped Might Robotics and the Cincinnati Elite Girls 2009 Soccer Team!
– Lieutenant Mike Szpak

Photos from the Departments Facebook Page:
Nov 1, 2020
Loveland Magazine Presents a “9/11 Photo Essay”

Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown and the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland celebrated those heroes who lost their lives during the 9/11 tragedy gathered around the Chief Candace M. Cook Firefighters Memorial, located on Harrison Avenue right along the Loveland/Little Miami Bike Trail just two Fridays ago.

Both the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department and the Loveland Police Department attended the beautiful ceremony as well as several dedicated community leaders.

Luckily, Loveland Magazine was there to capture the breath-taking ceremony that included, a speech by retired Cincinnati Police Lieutenant and Republican candidate for Hamilton County Sheriff ,Bruce Hoffbauer, the playing of bagpipes as the firefighter memorial flag was lowered to half-mast, search lights resembling the Twin Towers set off into the sky, and a patriotic display of fireworks as songs honoring the fallen heroes rang throughout the night. Pastor Bill Hounshell led the gathering in prayer.

We understand that many may have missed Loveland’s 9/11 ceremony so here at Loveland Magazine we wanted to make sure our readers could virtually enjoy the experience through our “9/11 Photo Essay.” Click below to view the compilation of photos taken by Editor-In-Chief David Miller honoring the 9/11 heroes, local first responders, and attendees.

(The Memorial – the Monument – the Ceremony – the Fireworks – the Searchlights – the Solemn People of the Greater Loveland Area)

Stay tuned for more of the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

Sep 21, 2020
[Video Interview) Loveland’s Annual “Stuff-a-Cruiser” Event Significantly Surpasses 2019 Donations!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – There is no better time than now to give back to your local community and that’s just what The Loveland Police Department and the Loveland Citizens Police Academy Alumni did! On Saturday, July 18th at the Loveland Madeira Kroger the two local organizations sponsored the Annual “Stuff-a-Cruiser” Food Drive, in order to benefit Loveland’s very own LIFE Food Pantry.

LIFE or Loveland Interfaith Effort is a faith and community-supported organization that provides food, financial assistance, and programs to those experiencing hardship in the greater Loveland area. LIFE is located at 101 S Lebanon Road and is open for donations Thursdays from 3 PM-6:30 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM-12:30 PM. LIFE also supplies Holiday Baskets during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah, and runs both a Giving Shop, which provides eligible families the chance to shop for new gifts for their families and a Student LIFE Shop, that provides much-needed items to students in the Loveland School District. LIFE also has a food pantry called Tiger Pantry, which provides Loveland students in need with necessary food items.

During the Summer months, the LIFE Food Pantry tends to get very low in food supplies because there are so many families that are at home (school is out which means no school lunch programs to fall back on) and in need of nutrition. This is why both the LPD and Loveland Citizens Police Academy sponsor the Annual “Stuff-a-Cruiser” specifically over the Summer.

This year volunteers held the “Stuff-a-Cruiser” Food Drive beginning at 9 AM on July 18th at the Loveland Kroger and collected food items and cash donations the majority of the day! Those within the Loveland community and those just casually grocery shopping were able to bring food items from their home to “stuff the cruiser” or could simply use Kroger’s “Click List” and select specific items to go towards “LIFE Food Pantry Stuff-a-Cruiser.” Shoppers were also able to leave a cash donation in LIFE’s designated donation jar located on their Food Drive display!

Peggy Goodwin, a member of the Loveland Citizens Police Academy, spent most of her day at the Food Drive event helping organize donations and couldn’t express enough how kind the community of Loveland is for the number of donations brought in!

“Inside the gym at Prince of Peace – as soon as a cart came through the door, volunteers immediately started sorting the grocery items onto tables by commodity. The Pantry estimates the value of the groceries, gift cards, and monetary donations at $4,000,” Goodwin said, “This provided a much-needed boost to help fill their ‘cupboard.’ This event speaks volumes to the kindness and generosity of the Loveland community – whenever there is a need, you can count on our residents to step up and do what they can to take care of their neighbors. What a great place to call home! And thank you, Cassie and Dave, for giving up your Saturday morning to come out to talk with us, see what was going on, and now spreading the word about some of the great things Lovelanders do to help each other,” Goodwin added.

Loveland Magazine Editor, David Miller, and I wanted to show our support for such a fantastic event so we spent time with Goodwin, LT. Amy Campbell, and many other volunteers at the “Stuff-a-Cruiser” Food Drive while taking in all the acts of kindness the Loveland community put forth through both food and cash donations. Both Miller and I brought over food donations ourselves as we encouraged those walking in and out of Kroger to do the same. Miller expressed that this particular Food Drive is one of the most important events held in Loveland every summer.

“This time of year is so vastly different from the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season when thinking about others comes so easy. Each penny families and seniors don’t have to spend on food can go instead to paying bills like rent and utilities,” Miller said, “These needs are something the greater community can help with and they really came through as usual with this reminder from the folks that worked so hard to pull it off.”

Being in the presence of such generosity at the “Stuff-a-Cruiser” Food Drive made me feel as though I was helping so many families in need and I encourage those within the Loveland community to always make time to give back. Being kind can allow us all to receive the ultimate reward in life…HAPPINESS! Now please enjoy the interview with Peggy Goodwin and LT. Amy Campbell as well as the photo album below from the Food Drive!

If you would like to donate food items or learn how you can get access to food benefits for you and your family go to http://www.lifefoodpantry.org/. Thank you once again Loveland for being a community filled with LOVE!

Aug 2, 2020
[Video Interview] Loveland’s Mayor Talks COVID-19 and What the City is Doing to Keep YOU Safe!

By Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – It has been a tough few weeks for people all over the United States with COVID-19 hasn’t reached its peak. With many small businesses and schools being forced to close their doors for the safety of the public, community members all over Ohio are wondering what’s next?

LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV decided to join forces with Loveland’s Mayor Kathy Bailey in an on-camera interview so that we could get answers to some of the community’s hard-hitting questions! Mayor Bailey sat down with us, while of course still adhering to the 6 feet rule, in the Amphitheater at Nisbet Park in Downtown Loveland in hopes that she could not only share what she and her team are doing for the community but also answer any questions the Loveland community, small businesses, and school officials might have about the foreseeable future.

We know most of Loveland is at home right now wanting to connect with the community virtually so in saying that sit back, grab your favorite snack, and tune into LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV presents a “One-on-One With Mayor Kathy Bailey!”

RECENT UP-DATES to this story:

Read the full statement from Lt. Amy Campbell: Loveland Police Lt. Amy Campbell: We want our residents to abide by the Shelter in Place order

Ohio Tax Commissioner Announces State and Local Income Extension!

Building and Zoning Department suspends of services

Utility Payments

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Loveland Council declares a state of emergency

Read the Emergency order that Council adopted

Mar 28, 2020
Loveland Legacy Foundation Honors the Work of Loveland Educating Against Alcohol and Drugs with Grant Award

Loveland Legacy Foundation Executive Committee Member CeeCee Collins presented a check of $1,000 to Loveland Educating Against Alcohol and Drugs (LEAAD) Program Coordinator Katie Sedziol for LEAAD’s important contributions to the betterment of our community.

Loveland, Ohio – Katie Sedziol, program coordinator for Loveland Educating Against Alcohol and Drugs (LEAAD), accepted an award and donation from Loveland Legacy Foundation on Monday, December 9. With a mission of supporting a wide variety of ideas, interests, initiatives, and needs benefitting the betterment of Loveland, the Foundation presented a check of $1,000 for LEAAD to continue the important work providing students with direction, education, and awareness of healthy life choices and supporting families in prevention and intervention strategies through community and school-based activities.

“As an example, the LEAAD youth ambassador program has taken prevention initiatives to the next level by engaging students in meaningful discussions, activities, and experiences to create positive change in our community.”

“LEAAD has a tremendous impact through its work for students and families in Loveland,” said CeeCee Collins, member of the Loveland Legacy Foundation executive committee. “As an example, the LEAAD youth ambassador program has taken prevention initiatives to the next level by engaging students in meaningful discussions, activities, and experiences to create positive change in our community.”

Youth ambassadors make up the student sector of the LEAAD coalition, which is a partnership of numerous community-based organizations, including Hope Restored Counseling, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, the Loveland Police Department and the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department, local faith-based organizations, NEST, and many others. For more information, visit LEAAD’s page on lovelandschools.org.

About Loveland Legacy Foundation

The Loveland Legacy Foundation was initially created in response to the devastating 2017 fire in downtown Loveland. Businesses and residents affected by the fire received financial support through the generosity of members of the Loveland community and in turn, created the foundation as a way to pay it forward.

Dec 11, 2019
Loveland/Symmes Fire Department Introduces “Smart911” to the Community

Columnist Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland

Loveland, Ohio – The speed and the accuracy when receiving a 911 call are top priorities to any 911 dispatcher. Although these 911 dispatchers do their best to focus on speed and accuracy one fact that many people may not know is that 80 percent of 911 calls are made from a cell phone meaning no matter how quickly a dispatcher works to alert first responders that dispatcher is only able to identify the caller’s phone number and a VERY vague sense of their location. If a 911 caller is unable to speak due to their emergency situation how is a 911 dispatcher able to effectively get emergency personnel to where they need be quick? This is a problem that emergency responders have been working hard for a very long time to make better or even fix permanently.

Smart911

Recently the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department and Northeast Communications came across a solution that many police and fire departments have adopted due to the 911 issue. It’s called “Smart911,” and it’s a national 911 database that ensures when you dial 9-1-1 your information is readily available. According to Smart911’s website when you download the Smart911 application to your phone, “you can provide 9-1-1 call takers and first responders critical information you want them to know in any kind of emergency.

A Mobile App For A Mobile Community

You can now download the Smart911 app for free to create a Safety Profile and receive targeted alerts.

When you call 9-1-1, your Smart911 Safety Profile displays on the 9-1-1 screen and the call takers can view your addresses, medical information, home information, description of pets and vehicles, and emergency contacts. You can provide as much or as little information as you like.

Smart911 is a national service meaning your Smart911 Safety Profile travels with you and is visible to any participating 9-1-1 center nationwide.”

Jon D. Frye, Deputy Chief of Loveland-Symmes Fire Department couldn’t hold back his excitement for the Smart911 partnership with Northeast Communications.

“We are so excited to announce that Northeast Communications has partnered with Smart 911, a National 911 Database to ensure your information is available at the time of need. Please register yourself and your family at www.smart911.com or download the Smart911 app on your smartphone. You can list all your information about your home, medical history, medications, best door to access and much more. Anytime you call 911 within our community your information will automatically be available to our dispatchers,” Frye explained, “Smart911 is free, all we ask is our residents and businesses register online. Wherever you travel your information goes with you, as long as the nearest 911 center are subscribers of the Smart911 product,” Frye added, “Smart 911 has many other features, such as reverse text 911 if a caller dials 911 but is unable to speak due to the situation, language barrier or medical issues the dispatcher can immediately send a text to your phone number and start a text conversation. Smart 911 instantly accesses all of the information that you have put into the system to ensure the quickest, most appropriate information is passed along to first responders.”

If you would like more information on how you can get your loved ones signed up for Smart911 visit www.smart911.com or download the Smart911 app on your smartphone.

Nov 14, 2019