Latest news with #Bercaw
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tampa Police get 300 new lifesaving choking devices from New York-based company
The Brief A company based in New York donated choking rescue devices to the Tampa Police Department. The devices, which are called LifeVac, create a one-way suction to remove lodged food or objects from a choking victim. These devices will be distributed to officers soon. TAMPA, Fla. - A New York-based company donated 300 choking rescue devices to the Tampa Police Department. These devices, called LifeVac, create a one-way suction to remove lodged food or objects from a choking victim. "This is just another tool for us, especially for our youth, to be out there and provide another opportunity to save a life," Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said of the donation. The backstory Last month,a Tampa police officer used back blows to help save a toddler who was choking on a tomato. "That's the reason that we're getting this donation," Bercaw said Friday of the bodycam video. "[LifeVac inventor] Mr. Lih saw that video and said, 'I've got to get that product down here in a generous donation.'" "I knew as a parent, I'd be freaking out. I would be very distressed. So I tried to come up with something really simple. You push it, pull it, and that suction pulls it out," LifeVac President and Creator Arthur Lih said. These devices will be distributed to officers soon. Bercaw told FOX 13 the devices will be placed in patrol cars and will be used in schools and at Police Athletic League youth activities. Dig deeper As shown in LifeVac's online instructional video, the New York-based company said people should first follow choking protocols established by the American Red Cross. That means doing back blows and abdominal thrusts first. And if those actions don't work – or if those actions cannot be completed for whatever reason – then a LifeVac device can come into play. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages people to follow established choking rescue protocols by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. In an April 2024 update, the FDA said these protocols do not include anti-choking devices: "The safety and effectiveness of anti-choking devices that are being sold over-the-counter have not been established; they are not FDA approved or cleared." Success Stories Just this week, a Georgia police officer used a LifeVac device to save a driver choking on a water bottle cap. Years ago, LifeVac devices were placed in every school in Sarasota County. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘Making a huge impact': Tampa Police roll out teen job training workshop to curb summer crime
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The school year isn't over, but students are already looking ahead to their summer break. The Tampa Police Department is partnering with the Hillsborough County Public School District to help at-risk teens focus on their careers. The Shielding Our Teens program is helping students transition from the classroom to the working world. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw kicked off the three-week initiative at Freedom High School Monday. Students will receive one-on-one coaching to write a resume, prepare for an interview, and ultimately land a job. 'We went from a juvenile that was on sanctions with a curfew to now a summer job,' said Chief Bercaw. 'It's making a huge impact in our community and it's another reason why our crime is continuing to go down.' About 50 students from three high schools have been selected to participate in the program. The Tampa Police Department offers additional free summer programs for youth. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tampa leaders discuss safety plans ahead of Women's Final Four events
The Brief Tampa Bay leaders discussed their safety plans ahead of the Women's Final Four events this weekend. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said there will be an elevated presence of law enforcement throughout Tampa, but especially in places with large crowds. With the influx of people coming to the area, Bercaw emphasized that the roads will be backed up, so people should plan accordingly. TAMPA - Tampa Bay leaders shared their plans on Wednesday afternoon to keep everybody safe during all the Women's Final Four events this weekend. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said there will be an elevated presence of law enforcement throughout Tampa, but especially in places with large crowds. With the influx of people coming to the area, Bercaw emphasized that the roads will be backed up, so people should plan accordingly. What they're saying "As with any major event, we anticipate increased traffic," Bercaw said. "There will be more vehicles and pedestrians downtown, and we encourage everyone to allow extra time for planning and for traveling and coming up with alternate routes." Law enforcement will be out in full force on foot, boat, bike, horseback and in the air. READ: $5,000 bonus checks sent out to new law enforcement officers across Florida As we move towards the summer and with high temperatures expected this weekend, Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp said that people need to think about hydration when outside for long periods of time. "We want everyone to make sure they stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids while you're here," Tripp said. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was provided by the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire Rescue. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Tampa teen arrested after bringing loaded handgun to high school, police say
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa teenager was arrested after police said she brought a loaded handgun to her high school on Thursday. The Tampa Police Department said a student told the school resource officer at Middleton High School that a 15-year-old girl had the gun in her possession. During an administrative search, the SRO found a loaded .22 caliber handgun. Police said the girl did not make any threats toward the school, staff members or other students. 'The safety of our students is our top priority,' said Chief Lee Bercaw. 'Bringing a firearm onto school property is a serious offense that will not be tolerated. We commend the student who came forward and the swift action of our School Resource Officer.' The girl was arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. She was charged with possession of a weapon on school property. 'This quick resolution reinforces the fact that strong partnerships between a vigilant student, school officials, and an engaged School Resource Officer keep our school campuses safe and that situations are addressed immediately,' Bercaw said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
TPD touts crime reductions in Friday's 2024 Annual Report release
The Brief The Tampa Police Department released its 2024 Annual Report on Friday. The report detailed how officers kept people safe during last year's Gasparilla season and evacuated residents during the hurricane season, as well as statistics on the city's overall crime rates. Moving into 2025, TPD says it will prioritize illegal street racing and street takeovers, which rose last year, and improve its neighborhood watch groups to get more residents involved in reducing crime. TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department released its 2024 Annual Report on Friday. "It's all about the hard work of our police officers and the community working together," Police Chief Lee Bercaw told FOX 13. READ: Man shot & killed in neighborhood, Pasco deputies searching for suspect The 36-page report details how officers kept pirates safe during last year's Gasparilla season and how they evacuated residents during what was a historic hurricane season. The backstory It gives residents an idea of where the city stands on crime. "One big highlight on there is we kept pushing out last year is not to leave your guns in your cars. We're seeing a 25% decrease of guns being stolen from cars, which is attributing also as a factor in our reduction in violent crime, which is huge," Bercaw said. READ:Police urge residents to remove guns from cars after spike in burglaries Big picture view According to the report,Tampa saw a much bigger decline in overall violent crime (8.4%)—including robbery and murder—than the average decline in other major cities (5.2%). Bercaw added that homicides and non-fatal shootings are also down 10% and 27%, respectively. "That's because of our cops working hard out there," Bercaw said. "And it's because of the engagement with the community. We have town hall forums." Dig deeper However, TPD admits the city did see a "significant rise" in illegal street racing and street takeovers last year. Two people were arrested after a car was making donuts at the intersection of Kennedy Blvd and MacDill Ave in March 2024. Another street takeover occurred near the Tampa Convention Center during Labor Day weekend in September 2024. An 18-year-old was arrested. READ: Clearwater crash sends bicyclist to hospital: Police What's next In its annual report, Tampa police noted that new laws, which went into effect last year, introduced harsher penalties for street racing and felony charges for repeat offenders. These types of crimes will remain a priority for TPD again this year. "It's getting the message out that we're out here and that we're going to be in full focus on it," Bercaw said. "We're making an arrest on it. We're holding those accountable. Not only that, we're going to seize your car." This year, Bercaw added that the department will enhance and improve its neighborhood watch groups to get more residents involved in their mission to reduce crime. To read TPD's 2024 Annual Report, click here. The Source FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia collected the information in this story. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
