June 25, 2008

The Heat is On

Fort Morgan Police Increase DUI Enforcement Over July 4^th Weekend.

The Fort Morgan Police Department is partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation to participate in the “Heat is On” campaign this fourth of July weekend. During this program the Fort Morgan Police Department will sponsor saturation patrols during various enforcement periods which usually run during holiday weekends throughout the year.

A grant through the Law Enforcement Assistance Fund (L.E.A.F.) has made it possible for the Fort Morgan Police Department to provide additional patrol officers who will be out looking for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol during the Independence Day weekend.

It is estimated that the first time a person is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, it could cost the violator over $9,000 in fines and fees, including additional insurance requirements.  Upon a first time conviction, a driver will also lose their driving privilege for one year and may be sentenced to jail time and community service.

Motorists can assist police by reporting suspected impaired drivers.  Some common indications of driving under the influence include: erratic driving, turning with a wide radius, striking or almost striking an object or car, weaving, swerving or drifting, straddling the center of the lane or driving with left tires on the center line.

If you suspect a drunk driver contact your local law enforcement agency by calling 911.  Give the dispatcher the exact location and direction of travel, a description of the vehicle including the license plate number and the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.  Do not attempt to follow or pursue the vehicle. 

Contact: Officer Roger Doll 542-3948 or

Lt. Jared Crone 542-3932

March 7, 2008

2 Cases of Parvo Confirmed

The Fort Morgan Animal Shelter has had two confirmed cases of Parvo this week stemming from stray dogs.  The first stray dog was picked up February 25th and the second was picked up on March 3rd.  There have been two cleaning procedures initiated for the areas where the two dogs were sheltered.  Other areas, utensils, and the vehicles the Fort Morgan Animal Shelter use to transport animals have been cleaned as well.  A solution of chlorine bleach and water was used in both of the procedures.

Even though both dogs were vaccinated for Parvo after they came to the shelter, the vaccination is not effective if the animals have already been exposed to the Parvo virus.  The Parvo virus is only carried by dogs and is very contagious.  The Parvo virus is not an airborne virus and does not affect humans or cats.

The Fort Morgan Animal Shelter wants the public to be aware of these cases so that dog owners remain diligent in their efforts of ensuring that their dogs are not running at large thus limiting their exposure to the Parvo virus.

February 26, 2008

2007 ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE

The Fort Morgan Police Department is proud to present our

2007 Annual Report.  The report is available in PDF format and

can be obtained from our home page or by clicking here.

January 9, 2008

Fort Morgan Police Conduct

Under-Age Alcohol Purchase Operation

We checked twenty-two liquor establishments, retail stores, grocery stores, bars, restaurants -- anywhere that sells alcohol and six were found in violation.  The holidays are a popular time for these types of operations.  However, this department plans to conduct them on a fairly regular basis throughout the year.

The first phase of the year focused on "over the counter" businesses on January 5^th.  We were very disappointed in the 13 percent failure rate. We wanted to determine the level of compliance, which we hoped was 100 percent, but it was not. The businesses in violation were not checking legitimate IDs, which questions how much scrutiny could they give to false IDs? Some didn't check ID’s, and some looked and “sold anyway."

After the sale, police officers entered the store and issued tickets to the employees at the register. Individual employees are responsible for the fines, and the business is responsible for appearing before the Colorado Division of Liquor Enforcement and the Fort Morgan Liquor License Authority.  

The six stores that were found in violation were:

* Wal-Mart Super Center #5033         1300 Barlow Road

* Fort Morgan Conoco                        1300 N. Main Street

* Conoco Outpost                               1410 Barlow Road

* Little Bamboo Restaurant                209 Main Street

* The Club Tap LLC                            212 Main Street

* La Cascada Mexican Restaurant     103 Main Street

Employees who sold the alcohol are due in Morgan County Court on February 27th for the violations.

The Fort Morgan Police Department is committed to the health and safety of our community's youth.  The use and abuse of alcohol among this population can often result in senseless tragedies involving injury and death.  In addition, alcohol can be a gateway that may lead to the abuse of other illicit or illegal substances.

We encourage businesses to perform their own internal checks to head off future problems, and for residents to call the police if they know of a store selling alcohol to minors. It’s very important for everyone to recognize the serious health issues and dangerous personal consequences for youth that engage in the consumption of these products.  Their safety is everyone's responsibility.