Donation fund set up for department equipment

CHESAPEAKE — The Chesapeake village council voted on Monday to put a 1.5 mil police levy on the general election ballot for the fall.

Mayor Tommy Templeton, who proposed the levy, said, in addition to funding the police department, it would free up general funds currently going to the police department.

Voters in the village rejected a 1.5 mil operating levy on the 2016 general ballot.

At the council meeting, Templeton commended interim police chief Randy Lewis and officers in the department for their work on a March 23 drug bust in front of village hall.

Lewis stopped a vehicle and, during an investigation and execution of a search warrant, drugs, firearms and cash were seized and two were arrested.

Templeton said the bust was the largest in the village’s history and praised the department, who worked until 2 a.m. on the matter.

“This is the vision I had of how this police department is supposed to function,” Templeton said.

Lewis took the position of interim chief in September.

The mayor said he is often asked by village residents what they can do to help the department.

He said a fund has been set up to collect donations to purchase equipment for the department.

Those interested in contributing can visit PNC Bank and donate to the “Chesapeake Police Department Equipment Fund.”

Templeton said that Lewis, who became interim chief in September has donated $100 to start the effort.