Violent crime down in 2017 despite more homicides says police chief Gene Marrano February 5, 2018 1 minute read The number of police department calls for service went up by about 5000 between 2016 and 2017 – Roanoke City heard that and more during a Public Safety update this morning as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports: Share: Post navigation Previous: Sports Minute – Tech loses to MiamiNext: New Boones Mill Town Manager has familiar name Related Stories FDA Approves new Kidney Stone Treatment out of Virginia Tech Emma Thomas March 19, 2026 0 The Market on Melrose gaining a following in northwest Roanoke – but still in the red at this point Gene Marrano March 18, 2026 0 Radford professor offers March Madness bracket strategy ahead of NCAA Tournament Ian Price March 17, 2026 0