Springfield Township enhances security for Strawberry Festival, Freedom Celebration
Township deploys mobile surveillance trailer, additional deputies
Springfield TWP., Ohio (WTVG) - Springfield Township officials say they have added new security measures at Homecoming Park for the Strawberry Festival and next Saturday’s Freedom Celebration following the Old West End Festival mass shooting.
The biggest addition is a high-tech mobile surveillance camera trailer donated by McElheney Security Solutions, giving deputies a real-time view from above.
“Everything that’s going on in the park is going to be recorded the entire weekend,” said Andy Glenn, Springfield Township administrator.
Officials say there are also additional sheriff’s deputies on site.
“We have additional deputies on duty, and then we have a lot of security in place that you’re not going to see,” Glenn said.
Glenn said visitors can expect bag searches, metal detectors and a brighter, better-lit park designed to spot issues early and deter trouble.
“We have been planning this for an entire year. We’ve increased security measures, we’re confident in the measures that we have in place and we want everybody to enjoy their time with their families and come out and enjoy the festivals,” Glenn said.
Officials say if people have been hesitant to come out after recent violence, they want them to know it is safe.
“Our goal is to provide an extremely fun and family-friendly event. That’s our commitment to the community,” Glenn said.
The same enhanced security measures will carry over to next Saturday’s Freedom Celebration on June 27 at Homecoming Park.
“There’s going to be two bands playing right up unto the time the fireworks go off. There’s going to be a beer tent, there’s going to be food trucks, there’s going to be bouncy house for the kids,” Glenn said.
The Freedom Celebration is free, including parking, and includes concerts, a 5K, family activities and fireworks.
Ryan Jewell, a spokesperson for McElheney Security Solutions, said the company wanted to help in the wake of the Old West End Festival violence.
“As a security company that works throughout the surrounding Toledo communities, we wanted to do our part to help. As an act of goodwill, McElheney Security Solutions is donating the use of one of our mobile surveillance trailers to support public safety efforts at the festival,” Jewell said.
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