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 Mill Mountain Zoo welcomes pair of Patagonian maras Web Staff June 19, 2026 Dr. Verletta White, Superintendent of Roanoke City Schools, to step down in one more year Gene Marrano June 18, 2026 Fire chief presents plan to replace 75-year-old Roanoke Fire Station No. 2 Ian Price June 18, 2026