Loud noises startle VBT planning commissioners during June 11 meeting

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
As the brief, June 11 Van Buren Township Planning Commission meeting was winding down, the commissioners were startled by loud noises that seemed to be on the roof.
The meeting was disrupted for a few minutes as commissioners commented on the noise and stared at the ceiling.
It was suggested there might be a violent storm outside. There are no windows in the board room, so they couldn’t look out. But, it wasn’t storming.
Cable Director Ali McGraw said police are practicing and she saw some people running around the back of the township hall wearing masks.
VBT Police Lt. Ken Floro on Friday confirmed that the police department had scenario training for all of its officers on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
“There were a variety of decision-based scenarios that officers faced in a role-playing environment,” Lt. Floro said.
“The scenarios are initially scripted and become very dynamic as the mock incident unfolds based on timely decision-making, individual judgment and level of confidence displayed.
“The training is excellent and is always a lot of fun,” Lt. Floro said.