City Manager Dan Hoffman has selected Deputy Chief Amanda Behan as Winchester’s new and first female Police Chief in the department’s 200-year history. DC Behan has been a dedicated member of the Winchester Police Department for over 20 years, climbing the ranks from recruit in 2001 to Deputy Chief in 2021.
The City of Winchester public safety departments, various supporting agencies, and Winchester Public Schools will hold a full-scale emergency exercise on Saturday, October 1, 2022. The training exercise will be held in and around John Handley High School from approximately 8 am-12 pm.
This simulated scenario will focus on an emergency response to an active threat inside the school. The goal is to assess the readiness of first responders and school staff to facilitate a coordinated and timely response in the event of a future threat.
Following a nation-wide search, Winchester City Manager Dan Hoffman has appointed Michael Ruddy, of Frederick County, as the City’s new Community Development Director.
“Mike not only brings a deep familiarity with our area, but also has a track record of delivering professional, high-quality service,” said Dan Hoffman, City Manager. “We're very excited to have someone with his expertise in this critical role as we work toward achieving the City’s strategic plan goals.”
To improve the efficiency of operations, the City Manager Dan Hoffman is reorganizing several administrative functions and positions.
The involved staff members include:
In observance of the Labor Day holiday, the City of Winchester will operate on the below schedule the week of September 5, 2022.
Recycling Collection Schedule:
Collection on Monday, September 5 is moved to Wednesday, September 7. Yard Waste collection is canceled on September 7.
Winchester Parks & Recreation:
As of today, the City's new glass recycling program is accepting glass at five designated locations. Now, local residents can drop off their glass at any of these recycling stations at their convenience and know they are doing good by keeping glass out of the landfill. Glass recycling is not being accepted curbside at this time.
The following road closures are being implemented due to this weekend's Fiddles & Fifths Bluegrass & Bourbon Festival in Old Town Winchester.
From 5 pm on August 25 to 8 am on August 28:
From 8 am on August 26 to 8 am on August 28:
A special type of holiday cheer is coming back to Winchester on November 28, 2022 when the annual Holiday Parade returns to Old Town. Hosted by Winchester Parks and Recreation (WPRD), the parade begins at 7 pm and typically features floats, bands, and vehicles representing local organizations. Santa himself will most certainly make an appearance, too! The annual tree lighting will take place immediately following the parade.
In an active shooter or mass casualty situation, law enforcement personnel are typically first on scene, responsible for securing the scene before EMS providers enter. As true first responders, police officers may need to provide immediate, life-saving measures until EMS arrives. It is vital they have the supplies and training to do this.
Please be aware that Winchester Fire & Rescue and Police Departments will be conducting a joint training at the Innovation Center (behind JHHS) on the following dates:
Expect heavy first responder, apparatus, and traffic in this area.