By Debbie Carson, Online Editor
FELLSMERE — With no discussion during Thursday’s city council meeting in Fellsmere, the council unanimously approved the ongoing tradition of mutual aid between its police department and its neighbor, Sebastian.
“It’s more of a formality,” Fellsmere Chief of Police Scott Melanson said after the council meeting. The agreement addresses issues such as compensation and liability when officers from one jurisdiction are called in to assist the other.
Chief Melanson said that the two police departments have worked together regularly and share a strong relationship.
“We actually train with them,” the chief said of his officers working with Sebastian officers.
The mutual aid agreement between the two departments allows the Fellsmere Police Department to call on Sebastian for assistance when the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is unable to respond.
Chief Melanson added that the Sebastian Police Department has helped with traffic details, special events including the Frog Leg Festival, and even K-9 backup.
In return, the Fellsmere Police Department offers, among other assistance, Spanish translation help.
The chief explained that his department has, perhaps, the most number of officers who speak both Spanish and English. He added that the Fellsmere Police Department routinely helps the Sebastian and Indian River Shores police departments and the Sheriff’s Office with translation.
Chief Melanson said that Fellsmere and Sebastian residents who see the city’s police counterpart should remember the departments’ agreement.
“There are a lot more bad people out there than there are officers,” Chief Melanson, so it is important to have assistance.
Sebastian’s Chief of Police Michelle Morris was unavailable for immediate comment pertaining to the mutual aid agreement.
