Friday, OCTOBER 24, 2025 |
Photo – Building in Encampment – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Encampment Town Council narrowly approved a measure to loan its unused police patrol vehicle to the neighboring community of Riverside. The patrol vehicle will help address speeding issues on a state highway at the southern end of the Platte Valley.
During the September 11th Encampment Town Council meeting, Riverside Mayor Leroy Stephenson had proposed leasing a spare vehicle from the Encampment Police Department. Mayor Stephenson said he would like to park the patrol car on the side of Highway 230 to deter speeding through his town.
Encampment Police Chief Kevin Shue responded that his department may occasionally need the vehicle to support its speed radar trailer. Encampment Mayor Shannon Fagan and Councilwoman Susan Munson both expressed concern that the vehicle could be damaged while being used by Riverside on the highway there. The governing body said they would consider the Riverside Mayor’s request.
The matter was revisited at the October 9th Encampment Town Council meeting. Mayor Fagan said the town’s insurance provider confirmed that the patrol vehicle would be covered while in Riverside.
Councilman Stas Banach reported that several residents had contacted him to note that the Town of Riverside had not financially supported the Encampment Police Department in years. Councilwoman Munson responded that the decision to withhold funding was made by a previous Riverside Town Council.
Encampment Councilman Steve Reichert said he was concerned the patrol vehicle could be vandalized while in Riverside. Despite the objections, Councilwoman Munson moved to loan the unused patrol car to Riverside to address speeding concerns on Highway 230. The motion passed, with Council members Banach and Reichert voting against the proposal.
Mayor Fagan said she will meet with Mayor Stephenson to finalize the terms of the agreement.
