Harry Snellings, Jamestown police chief and director of public safety, said violent crimes dropped 18.7% in 2019, from 209 offenses the year prior to 170. Violent crimes include murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault.

The city recorded no homicides in 2019, with one in 2018; two in 2017; four in 2016; and two in 2015.

Snellings reported 18 total robberies last year throughout the city, a drop from 28 in 2018 and 55 in 2015. Aggravated assaults also dipped, from 150 in 2018 to 127 last year.

Property crimes, which include burglaries, larcenies and motor vehicle thefts decreased 7.5%, from 809 to 748 year-to-year.

The city fire department saw an increase in the number of ambulance transports in 2019, going from 532 in 2018 to 992 last year. City officials are currently seeking requests for proposals for ambulance service.

“I continue to be proud of our police officers, firefighters and all staff working to ensure the safety of city residents,” Snellings said. “The decrease in crime for three consecutive years speaks to our successful efforts in crime prevention.”

Overall, officers made 3,480 arrests in 2019, of which 806 were for felony charges; 2,249 for misdemeanor charges and 425 for violations. Calls for service dipped slightly, from 36,430 in 2018 to 35,884 in 2019.

The Jamestown Fire Department, meanwhile, saw an increase in the number of responses. According to the report, firefighters were summoned to 6,360 emergencies in 2019, an increase from the 5,528 emergencies the year before.

Also increasing were the number of ambulance transports provided by the fire department — 992 in 2019 compared to 532 in 2018. That compares to the 331 transports provided by firefighters in 2017.

“The increase in the amount of calls for service and number of transports the fire department undertakes is a major concern, but this will hopefully be drawn down over the next few years due to our search for a new primary ambulance service for the city,” Snellings said.

Sam Salemme, deputy fire chief, said firefighters responded to 87 motor vehicle crashes in 2019; provided 58 lift assists to residents requiring a hand; and administered naloxone, medication used to treat people suffering from opioid overdoses, 40 times.

Salemme said due to the anticipated retirements to two senior fire investigators this year, four investigator trainees have been appointed, “and they began their two-year-long quest to become pro-board certified.”

Overall, firefighters responded to 48 fires last year within the city, a slight decrease of about 2%. Of those fires, 17 were deemed to be arson; five were in vacant structures; five were in occupied properties; six were undetermined; and six were electrical in nature, among other causes.

No fatalities were recorded during the year, though Salemme said three people suffered injuries due to fires.

“I am astounded by the work and service our first responders provide to the city and its residents,” Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist said in the report. “While my administration is focused on finding a new primary ambulance service for the city to relieve the strain clearly being placed on our fire department, I am hopeful a solution will be found soon. I commend all the work that our police officers, fire fighters, and staff did to ensure our residents safety.”