Nixa Police Officer Brent Forgey (3rd from left) is about to present a certificate to Nixa Hardware representatives Christi Fairchild, Larry McCroskey (a current owner), Roy Curbon and Joe Glenn (at right) for their participation in a new Crime-Free Business program. Also present at left were Lt. Joe Campbell of the Nixa Police Department and Nixa Mayor Brian Steele.
In proximity to a "Smile for the cameras" sign on the side door, Nixa Hardware employees were honored by members of the Nixa Police Department and Nixa Mayor Brian Steele for having successfully completed a new free three-step program meant to reduce crime in and around retail and service businesses.
"I want to showcase great management," said Officer Brian Forgey, crime prevention recruiter for the Nixa Police Department, who after a seminar last fall at the Nixa Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for encouraging further involvement in the program. So far, Nixa Hardware is the second to complete the program out of 18 who attended the seminar. The Nixa branch of the BluCurrent Credit Union was the first to get onboard.
Nixa Hardware & Seed Company is a family owned business that's been in operation since 1899. The 80,000 square-foot building is located at 510 W, Mt. Vernon St. in Nixa.
To complete a four-hour training session, pass an evaluation and consequently certify for the program, Nixa Hardware was asked to comply with seven low cast measures to reduce their chances of being the target for crime. These included employee training, cash management, lighting, visibility or natural surveillance, access control, general appearance and crime prevention signage.
We want to "make sure crime knows we're not an easy target," said Joe Glenn, Nixa Hardware's general manager. He considered the creation of vigilant employees a significant part of crime prevention. Employee Christi Fairchild agreed with him, thanking Forgey for his assistance in setting up necessary parameters and in making the cost minimal for this otherwise non-grant funded program.
Lt. Joe Campbell wanted to reassure everyone that the program was not the result of a rise in crime in this otherwise sleepy bedroom community adjacent to Springfield. He called the program "proactive" rather than "reaction." Mayor Steele also called attention to how crime prevention "saves the city time and energy [and expense] in prosecution."
The crime free business program is the third effort to involve citizens in crime reduction. A program to reduce crime involving muti-housing and the encouragement of the establishment of Neighborhood Watch programs were previously initiated.
For more information regarding these programs contact Forgey by phoning (417) 725-2510 or sending an e-mail here.
 Look for this sticker and similar certificate (pictured below) at local Nixa businesses.
Photos by Vince Rosati
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