Winamac Police Chief Mike Buchanan asked the Winamac Town Board this week for permission to hold a training session at Arens Field.
Buchanan explained that the air strip would be used to train the town officers in emergency vehicle operations. The board granted the request.
In another matter, Buchanan and Town Attorney John A. Kocher said the town insurance is investigating a tort claim. A suit was filed by a Winamac resident after police reportedly damaged his home after a warrant check and the Winamac Town Board voted to reject a claim that would pay for damage in that incident.
Buchanan performed a welfare check at a residence and ended up breaking the door to get into the resident’s home. He said all efforts were made in finding the resident and as a last resort, officers broke down the door to ensure the location and safety of the resident. Police later found out that the homeowner was on vacation.
The homeowner is now seeking reimbursement of the door. The town’s insurance company has denied the claim from this incident.
