Mail carrier recognized for help during emergency
Police Chief Michel Soyez told Marion City Commissioners during the regular meeting Monday afternoon that he would like to publicly recognize mail carrier Howard Thompson for his quick service during an emergency.
"His quick thinking and dedication to the community prevented a holiday tragedy," Chief Soyez said.
It happened at 11:25 a.m. Friday. Thompson heard an alarm going off in the house at 410 E. Santa Fe. Though he could smell no smoke, he could hear the alarm. Eventually he smelled smoke. He contacted the Marion Fire Department, entry was made, nobody was at home, but the oven was found on high setting and nearing the point of starting a fire.
The John and Echo Smith family was out of town. Relatives were notified. Marion firemen continued to monitor the residence until the family returned on Saturday. "A tragedy was avoided," Chief Soyez said.
In other matters:
Officers continue investigating telephone harassment. They also responded to a structure fire at 1004 Lawrence on Nov. 25. The fire was in a shed containing a wood burning stove. Firemen prevented the fire from spreading.
A dog was running at large in the 100 block of N. Cedar. The dog was taken to Animal Health Center. A motorist received a citation for parking in a posted no-parking zone. And a runaway child was taken home.
An emergency message was delivered, a suspicious person investigated, and police checked on children attempting burn leaves in Central Park.
Another dog was reported running loose in the 400 block of South Roosevelt, but officers could not locate the animal.
Officers drove 389 miles, issued two warning citations, and made no arrests during the week.
