Supporting public safety
The roles of police officers and firefighters have always been challenging, a fact that has become even more apparent in recent years as we navigate the complexities of ensuring community safety and security. My experiences as an Assistant Attorney General, working closely with law enforcement, have given me valuable insights into the demands and pressures faced by these professionals.
We have excellent leadership in our police and fire departments, and I remain confident in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence in our public safety departments. We must continue to employ best practices in the hiring, training, and retention of our officers and firefighters and in maintaining public safety in our city.
Our police officers and firefighters need the facilities, equipment, and training to do their jobs properly. Our police station is in disrepair and as Mayor I will lead our efforts to build a facility that meets the needs of the 21st century. Likewise, our officers and firefighters need regular replacement of vehicles (purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles whenever feasible) and equipment, and access to high-quality continuing education. Our officers and firefighters increasingly deal with serious mental health issues in our community and I will coordinate efforts among public safety officials, our health department, and our schools to address them in a holistic manner.