Episode 44- Firecrackers and Textbooks - Sheriff Smith Goes Back To School

OVERVIEW:

“What Do Fireworks and Textbooks Have in Common? 🎆📚”
From explosions on the Fourth to enlightening futures at FMCC, this episode of Montgomery County Now brings the boom and the brainpower. Sheriff Jeff Smith shares summer safety reminders, recent incidents across the county, and exciting updates from the Sheriff’s Office. Then, we take a front-row seat on a tour of Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC) with its president, discovering why it's one of the county’s most valuable educational treasures.

OLD NEWS: Sheriff's Facebook Page

• 🚨 Extreme Weather: First official heatwave hit the county—multiple EMS calls, but no fatalities

• 🚗 Traffic Incidents: Major accidents in Fultonville, Charleston (38 tons of lime spill), and a truck into a house

• 💥 House Explosion: Propane tank explosion in Minden/Canajoharie—victim seriously burned but recovering

• 🎓 Training Updates:

  • Investigator Cody Fabian graduates FBI Crisis Negotiation Training

  • CPR recertification for all dispatchers and deputies

  • Marine Unit out patrolling rivers due to high-speed complaints

• 🚤 Boater Reminders: Speed limits enforced—No Wake Zones and 5–10 mph restrictions stressed

• 💰 Grants at Work: Two fully grant-funded patrol vehicles added—no local match funds required

• 👮‍♀️ Community Outreach:

  • Graduation & prom season passed safely

  • Ongoing child safety ID events and demonstrations

  • Partnership with Kyla’s Care Packages—deputies now carrying support kits for those in need

• 🛍️ Crime Updates: Continued arrests for welfare fraud, retail theft, domestic disturbances

• 🧯 Holiday Advisory: Fireworks safety reminder for pets, veterans with PTSD, and community peace

GUESTS:

Dr. Greg Truckenmiller
President, Fulton-Montgomery Community College
Highlights:

• Full facility tour of FMCC with Sheriff Jeff Smith

• Emphasis on FMCC’s impact and importance in county development

• FMCC praised as a "gem" of Montgomery County with programs that prepare youth for brighter futures

• Sheriff encourages families to visit and consider FMCC for education and training

UPCOMING EVENTS:

🔗 Full Events Calendar

• July 4 – Independence Day

  • County-wide celebrations — fireworks, parades, BBQs

  • Reminder: Be respectful of neighbors, pets, and veterans. Use fireworks safely and legally

• July 8 – Montgomery County Youth Day

  • 📍 Annex Building Field, Park Street, Village of Fonda

  • 🎈 1,000–1,500 kids expected

  • Activities: Safe child IDs, bounce houses, educational demos, giveaways

  • 🎉 Free & open to the public

  • 👏 Special thanks to Brenda Rabbit, Youth Bureau Director

RESOURCES:

• 📲 Download Our App for real-time updates: Get the APP

• 🚨 Emergency? Dial 911

• 📞 Non-Emergency? Call us at (518) 853-5500