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By Charlotte Reames

City department heads gave their reports during the Wednesday meeting of the West Point city council.

The presentations began with Captain Kevin Carter of the West Police Department. August saw an increase in incidents, with 105 throughout the month, compared to 89 in July. More citations were also issued, due to the Labor Day Weekend festivities. However, overall, Carter said there was “little fluctuation” for the month of August.

Council member Gloria Marshall asked about staffing. The Chief said WPPD is currently down four “sworn staff” and five personnel, meaning three of the four shifts are understaffed. Carter added the department has two cadets in the academy who are set to graduate around Christmas.

West Point Fire and EMS chief Derick Staley said for the month, they responded to five fire calls, 38 calls in total when including aiding partners in the area. On the EMS side, 16 patients were transported to EAMC-Lanier while 39 went to WellStar West Georgia in LaGrange. EMS received 82 calls in August.

The Recreation Department was the last to go. They had 522 children play baseball and softball across 45 teams in the summer program this year, with 180 volunteer coaches to support them.

Head of the recreation department, Mike Pitts, said the number of kids able to participate is reliant on volunteers. They are getting ready for Fall sports now, across all sports they have 30 teams and 120 coaches so far. In 2023, there were 91 teams, because there were over 360 volunteer coaches.

A new program in the department will allow even more kids an opportunity to play recreational sports.  For those who have Peach State insurance, if they get their child a wellness and dental check, they will receive a $100 voucher to pay for the recreation sport of their choice. Pitts adds that if families have some sort of assistance the department has discounted prices and scholarships available.

“There is no reason for a child not to play. We will work with them,” Pitts said.