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While thousands of race fans are having fun in the sprint car capital of the world this week, the Knoxville Police Department is working hard to make sure everyone is kept safe. Chief Dan Losada says there’s no such thing as “time off” during the 10 days of the Southern Iowa Speed Week as the officers are working full shifts to make sure there is extra patrol out during this busy time. In addition to the regular sworn officers on the police department, Losada says they also count on volunteers to help make sure things are kept under control. In 2009, six Knoxville Police Reserves provided 209 man-hours during the 11 days of nationals, which would have cost the city over $5,000 if they had to pay them. Losada says his main goal is to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time in Knoxville.

For more on what the Knoxville Police Department does to keep everyone safe during nationals, tune in to today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville at 12:40 when I’ll sit down with Chief Losada and discuss these and other topics.