Author: Mayor Joshua Marsh
As Mayor, I have the privilege of seeing the Greensburg community from many angles—from budget meetings to city hall discussions, to ribbon-cutting ceremonies. But recently, I joined two of our team members at the Greensburg Police Department (GPD) during an evening and early morning ride-along.
I stepped into the patrol car not just as a city official, but as a resident eager to better understand the daily lives of the men and women who keep our streets safe. What I witnessed was a profound commitment to service, professionalism, and community.
During my few hours in the car, we responded to multiple calls covering a wide range of community events, but one that stands out was a serious wreck on North 421. We often hear about training and cross-department partnerships within our community, but I had a front-row view of the work that GPD, Greensburg Fire, Decatur County Dispatch, EMS, and our private wrecker partners do on an active scene. They not only work quickly to treat the injured but also ensure the safety of responding crews, the public, and adjoining property, while also working to reopen the roadway as quickly as possible. I have had the opportunity to watch several training sessions over my years as mayor, but this was the first time I was on an active scene; it happens a lot more quickly in real life.
Our GPD officers are not simply responding to wrecks or enforcing laws; they are acting as social workers, mediators, and first responders to crisis situations that go far beyond criminal activity. They respond to domestic disputes with calm, they handle mental health crises with compassion, and they mentor our youth in between shifts. They are a part of the 24/7 backbone of our city’s stability, and they perform this demanding job with remarkable grace under pressure. These moments—the seemingly small, non-enforcement interactions—are the bedrock of trust.
This ride-along confirmed my belief that our city is so well-served. When residents see officers as trusted partners, they are more willing to cooperate, communicate, and actively participate in local efforts. This partnership creates a virtuous cycle of accountability and mutual respect that dramatically enhances public safety for everyone.
As we enter the holiday season, with Christmas lights appearing throughout our neighborhoods, it’s important to remember that for many of our utility workers or first responders, service doesn’t stop. While most of us are gathered around tables and fireplaces, the men and women of the GPD, along with our Fire, Dispatch, EMS, and utility teams, remain on duty. Their dedication often means sacrificing time with their own families—missing holiday dinners and Christmas mornings—to ensure our celebrations are safe.
As I ended my nine-hour shift with GPD, I wanted to reassure residents of this: your police department is dedicated, highly trained, and deeply cares about your well-being. And to the officers, dispatchers, and staff of the Greensburg Police Department: thank you. I saw your dedication firsthand, and our city is better, safer, and stronger because of your continuous, often unseen, commitment to serve and protect. We will continue to invest in the resources and training you need to maintain this exemplary standard of service.
I am proud of our team. I hope you are, too. Thank you, Officers Amis and Able, for allowing me to intrude on your workday for a little while.
