I’m a little behind getting this story out as both the local newspaper and a regional news network picked it up earlier this week — but good news is always worth repeating.

If you had any doubts, here’s proof that good samaritanship is alive and while, even in the 10 and under crowd.

Here’s the email that I received from Fire Chief Tosko describing the circumstances:

Last Friday, the Kent Fire Department responded to a call for smoke coming from a house on the 500 block of S. Francis St. When we arrived, black smoke was coming from several windows and neighbors told us of a dog trapped inside. We quickly made entry and put out the fire in the kitchen. The dog was rescued and is doing well. The occupant was not at home at the time.

That, though was not the end of the story. A nine year old young man by the name of Brandon who lives next door was the one who first noticed the fire. He notified his neighbor Emily who was watching him. Emily called 911 and tried to contain the fire herself. Brandon then made multiple calls himself to insure that help was on the way.

Today, the Kent Fire and Police Departments recognized Brandon for his quick thinking and actions to get help on the way quickly. Brandon was given a challenge coin, a T-shirt and even a Dairy Queen gift card from dispatcher Becky Schneider, Captain Rich Lynn, Chief John Tosko, Lt. Mike Lewis and officer John Romanoski.

Watch Fox 8 news or Channel 3 news tonight for all the details. Thanks again Brandon for your quick thinking and for making all of us in Kent proud. Brandon is truly a hometown hero and one of the many reasons it’s great living and working in Kent.

John Tosko
Fire Chief OFE
Kent Fire Department

And here’s the story in the local newspaper, with some great photos of Brandon.

Knowing to do the right thing, and doing it …. fantastic.

Saving a dog … awesome.

That smile afterwards … priceless.

This time of year the Kent Health Department is fully engaged in keeping the mosquito population as low as possible in order to keep exposure to West Nile virus as low as possible — which is why they’ve announced another round of neighborhood spraying.

Here’s the details:

This is a message from the Kent City Health Department. We will be spraying for mosquitos this week according to the following schedule:

All sections north of Main Street will be sprayed Tuesday August 7th.

All sections south of Main Street will be sprayed Wednesday August 8th.

If there is rain either of these days, spraying will occur on Thursday August 9th.

We will begin spraying at dusk at approximately 8:00 p.m. If you hear a mosquito truck in your area please go indoors.

For additional information please visit our website at, www.kentpublichealth.org

If you need to speak to someone regarding Mosquito Spraying, please contact Justin Smith at 330-678-8109 extension 5208 during normal business hours.

Thank you.

Police Captain Jayme Cole announced that he’s satisfied that the new police station is ready to handle our 911 calls so starting the week of July 30th, the Kent Police will be relocating the dispatchers and the equipment into the new police building.

During the move, dispatch will be working out of both buildings so if residents want to go to the Police station Jayme is recommending they call the non-emergency number (330 673-7732) to confirm which building they should go to.

Chief Lee says that after the dispatch move is complete, patrol and the remaining personnel should be able to follow shortly thereafter.

Moving 911 is always a bit nerve-wrecking but we won’t flip the switch until we know everything is running as it should.