News Flash

The Beachwood Fire Department is partnering with the American Red Cross to help improve home safety by providing and installing free smoke detectors for residents in need. 

According to a survey conducted for the Red Cross, many people overestimate how much time they have to escape a burning home. Fire experts say residents may have as little as two minutes to safely escape once a fire starts. However, the survey found that 62% of Americans mistakenly believe they have at least five minutes, more than twice the time they may have.  

Working smoke alarms provide an early warning that can make a life-saving difference. In fact, homes with functioning smoke detectors can cut the risk of death from a home fire in half. 

Through this partnership, the Beachwood Fire Department and the American Red Cross aim to ensure that every home has working smoke detectors, helping residents be better prepared to respond quickly in the event of a fire. 

Residents who need smoke detectors installed are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross at 216-361-5535.

The Beachwood Police Department has achieved national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), marking a significant milestone that reflects the department’s commitment to professional excellence, accountability, and community trust. 

Established in 1979, CALEA is a nationally recognized credentialing authority for public safety agencies. Accreditation signifies that a department has met hundreds of professional standards designed to strengthen operations, improve accountability, and promote best practices in policing. 

Becoming CALEA-accredited is a voluntary and rigorous process that typically spans four years and includes extensive policy development, comprehensive self-assessment, independent evaluations, and ongoing compliance reporting. 

“Earning CALEA accreditation represents a tremendous accomplishment for our department,” said Beachwood Police Chief Dan Grispino. “Our officers and staff worked diligently to review policies, strengthen procedures, and ensure we meet the highest national standards. This accreditation reinforces our commitment to providing the safest and most professional service possible to the residents and businesses of Beachwood.” 

Mayor Justin Berns praised the department’s achievement and the dedication required to complete the process. 

“This accreditation is a powerful reflection of the professionalism and integrity of the Beachwood Police Department,” Berns said. “Our residents expect and deserve the highest standards of public safety, and CALEA accreditation demonstrates that our department meets and exceeds nationally recognized benchmarks for policing.” 

Accreditation strengthens accountability, reduces liability risks, and enhances community partnerships. To mark the achievement, the City of Beachwood will add official CALEA accreditation decals to each Beachwood Police Department vehicle. 

Mayor’s Business Reception Highlights Progress, Partnership, and Vision for Beachwood’s Future

Nearly 150 business leaders, community partners, and residents gathered on March 11 for the Mayor’s Business Reception, which featured the State of the City address and a forward-looking update on Beachwood’s continued growth and success.

Hosted this year at the University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the city’s 2025 accomplishments while outlining priorities for the year ahead. Mayor Justin Berns emphasized that Beachwood’s progress is driven by strong collaboration among civic leadership, city departments, engaged residents, and the local business community—working together to ensure the city remains a premier community to work, live, learn, and thrive.

The Mayor highlighted key achievements in public safety, infrastructure, economic development, fiscal responsibility, and community services, noting that these successes result from thoughtful planning, responsible management, and meaningful partnerships.

The city extends appreciation to the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce for its continued support of this annual event and to the outstanding team at the University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute for graciously hosting and helping make the evening a success.

Residents and community partners who were unable to attend are invited to explore the presentation materials online. A digital flipbook of the State of the City report, along with the video shown during the event, is now available for viewing.

It's finally time to turn the page and look ahead to all the energy, connection, and fun that spring and summer bring to Beachwood! Warmer days mean fuller calendars, and we're excited to share all the upcoming opportunities in our Spring and Summer Recreation Guide.

There is no shortage of programs and events for all ages, including:

• Cookout with Cops
• The Juneteenth Community Celebration
• BFAC Pool Party Nights
• Teen Night at the Courts
• Senior Special Events
• BFAC Memberships
• Summer Camps
• And much more!

View the latest edition of the Beachwood Recreation Guide at BeachwoodRec.com.