TALLMADGE, Ohio — Some new security measures are happening this year at the Summit County Fair.After a shooting incident last year that left one person injured, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure everyone feels safe at the fair.Jeannie Marie visited the Summit County Fair with her granddaughter.“The sunshine, the animals, the people, the exhibits, we love it all,” said Marie.She said they come every year, but this time she noticed something different.“I think...
TALLMADGE, Ohio — Some new security measures are happening this year at the Summit County Fair.
After a shooting incident last year that left one person injured, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure everyone feels safe at the fair.
Jeannie Marie visited the Summit County Fair with her granddaughter.
“The sunshine, the animals, the people, the exhibits, we love it all,” said Marie.
She said they come every year, but this time she noticed something different.
“I think walking through the metal detectors might help a little bit with the sheriffs,” said Marie. “I think it’s a good thing.”
The shooting outside the fair in the parking lot last summer led to new security measures, including more law enforcement and metal detectors.
“We’ve increased staffing numbers,” said Chief Deputy William Holland from The Summit County Sheriff’s Office. “We’ve added some other increased screening measures when people come into the fair. Our mounted unit will be up here as well as other units.”
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office provides security for the fair. Chief Deputy William Holland said these changes are in response to community concerns.
“We just want everyone to come to the fair,” said Holland. “We want them to not only be safe, but we want them to feel safe while they’re at the fair.”
Haley English said knowing there’s an increased law enforcement presence makes her more comfortable to be there with her little ones.
“I didn’t think it was that necessary until last year, but after what happened last year, I definitely think it’s important,” said Haley English, a fair attendee.
Holland said that the stepped-up presence will also include mobile and mounted units, officers inside and outside the venue. He said they were prepared to respond quickly if something happened.
The Summit County Fair runs until Sunday, August 2.