Page 5 - eagle051922

May 19, 2022 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN PAGE 5

INKSTER - WAYNE - WESTLAND
INKSTER - WAYNE - WESTLAND

Smoke testing of sewer system continues

Smoke testing of the Inkster through the sewer system to for dangerous sewer gases to
sewer system is expected to con- detect potential entry points for ” enter the house.
tinue through Friday, May 27, stormwater to enter the city sys- The smoke, officials stressed, is not toxic, Residents do not need to be at
according to officials from the tem. is harmless and has no odor. home during the testing and field
Department of Public Works. The smoke, officials stressed, crews will not need access to
The smoke test is performed is not toxic, is harmless and has homes. The smoke testing crew
to locate breaks and defects in no odor. The smoke does not cre- members will be noticeable doc-
the city sewer system are being ate a fire hazard. ing buildings. Residents are entering the home, they advised. umenting the testing, taking pho-
performed by work crews from To prepare homes for the urged to ensure all basement If smoke does enter a home, tos and measuring distances.
Alfred Benesch & Co., engineers smoke testing, officials as resi- drains have water. About three residents should consult a local For more information or ques-
for the city. The crews are using a dents to ensure that all drains cups of water should be poured licensed plumber. If the smoke tions, contact Maya Roots at (313)
high-capacity blower on man- and traps are filled with water to in floor and sink drains, filling can enter the home through the 563-9774 or Dan Guastella at (313)
holes and smoke is blown prevent sewer gases from enter- the traps to prevent smoke from plumbing, there is the potential 234-0307.
Hegira Health partners with Westland police

Credentials of the newest staff mem- make referrals, and more understand-
ber at the Westland Police Department ing is needed to relay accurate informa-
differ from those of most of the other tion to officers.”
officers. Officials said the new initiative is cru-
The Westland department has part- cial and underscores the immense value
nered with Hegira Health to launch a Westland continues to place on resi-
mental health initiative led by a full- dents and their needs.
time licensed master's level social work- “With this new partnership, we now
er operating from police headquarters. have a great way to put people in touch
Officials said this initiative will allow with a variety of resources for needs
officers to help residents with mental such as substance use disorder, depres-
health challenges receive help from a sion, and other concerns. We look for-
well-trained and licensed behavioral ward to the many benefits this initiative
health professional. The new resource will bring to the community and the
will also allow officers more time on the police department,” said Police Chief
street rather than dealing with usually Jeff Jedrusik.
time-consuming mental health situa- He recalled that in 2021, the depart-
tions requiring professional interven- ment partnered with First Step to have
tion. an onsite victim's advocate to help vic-
Though officers are usually not tims of domestic violence. That same
trained and equipped to address mental year, it also established the Special
health crises, the Westland Police Victims Unit (SVU) comprising a multi-
Department responded to an average of disciplinary team of professionals to
500 mental health calls each year during provide a victim-centered response to
the last three years, according to statis- incidents of sexual assault, child abuse
tics provided by the city. According to and domestic violence. “This nascent Westland city and police officials welcome representatives of Hegira Health to the com-
The Council of State Government (CSG) partnership with Hegira Health serves munity as the new mental health initiative takes effect in the city. Hegira will have a
Justice Center, “These calls can be as the natural next step and will provide licensed master's level social worker on call at the police station to handle police calls
among the most complex and time-con- Westland Police with trained and with a mental-health component.
suming for officers to resolve, redirect- licensed behavioral health clinicians to
ing them from addressing other public better assist residents,” Jedrusik con- goal to ensure availability of quality, William R. Wild. “With this formal part-
safety concerns and violent crime … cluded. individualized and rapidly accessible nership, the Westland Police
When these calls come into 911/ dis- “Hegira Health is one of Michigan's behavioral and primary health services Department now has a dedicated behav-
patch, the appropriate community- largest freestanding integrated, behav- while being dedicated to the diversified ioral health clinician that has their own
based resources are often lacking to ioral healthcare organizations. It is their needs of the community,” noted Mayor office within the police department.”

Ten-hut

City of Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong recent-
ly announced the promotion of Ofc. Matthew
Whalen to the rank of sergeant, effective May
11. The new sergeant is a veteran member of
the department and has served in several
capacities including as a Field Training Officer,
defensive tactics Instructor, mobile field force
consortium member, and as a taser instructor.
Whalen is also a the recipient of a MADD
(Mothers Against Drunk Driving) award in
which he was recognized for his outstanding
commitment to enforcing drunk driving laws.