Public Safety

Public Safety

Focus: Supporting law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS), and fire departments. Addressing crime, homelessness, and the opioid crisis, and the jail.

My Commitment as Your Commissioner:

Ensuring the safety and security of all Caldwell County residents is the most fundamental responsibility of local government. As your County Commissioner, I will be unwavering in my support for our first responders and dedicated to addressing the complex public safety challenges facing our community. This requires providing necessary resources, fostering collaboration, and implementing effective strategies. Here’s how I plan to be helpful:

1. Prioritize First Responder Support (Sheriff, EMS, Fire):
   
   

   • How I'll Help: Our deputies, paramedics, and firefighters deserve our full support. As Commissioner, I will make competitive pay and benefits for Sheriff's Office and EMS personnel a top budget priority to attract and retain qualified professionals in a challenging market. I will support funding requests that ensure adequate staffing levels for safety and effectiveness, and provide our agencies with the modern equipment, technology, and vehicles they need to perform their critical duties. I will also ensure the fair allocation of fire tax revenues to support our vital volunteer and combination fire departments across the county.

2. Combat the Opioid Crisis and Support Treatment:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: The opioid epidemic touches countless lives and strains our public safety resources. As Commissioner, I will support law enforcement efforts aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks within our county. Equally important, I will champion county investment in, and collaboration on, evidence-based addiction treatment, prevention education, and recovery support services, working closely with the Health Department, Social Services, and community partners. A comprehensive approach addressing both enforcement and treatment is essential.

3. Optimize Emergency Medical Response:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: Quick and effective EMS response is critical in emergencies. As Commissioner, I will work with EMS leadership to continuously monitor response time data throughout the county. I will support regular evaluations, such as 'Standards of Cover' studies, to ensure our ambulance stations and resources are strategically placed for optimal coverage. If analysis indicates a need for new station locations or resource adjustments to improve service in certain areas, I will advocate for the necessary investments.

4. Address Jail Needs Responsibly:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: The county jail is a critical piece of our public safety infrastructure. As Commissioner, I will work closely with the Sheriff to understand and address the needs of the Caldwell County Detention Center, focusing on ensuring safe conditions, adequate staffing, inmate healthcare, and facility integrity. I will support necessary operational funding and responsibly evaluate any requirements for major repairs, upgrades, or expansions to meet legal standards and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates.

5. Foster Collaboration on Homelessness and Crime:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: Addressing issues like homelessness and crime requires a collaborative approach. As Commissioner, I will foster partnerships between law enforcement, social services, mental health providers, and community organizations to develop and support strategies that address root causes, connect individuals with resources, and enhance overall community safety.

A safe Caldwell County requires well-supported first responders and proactive strategies to address complex issues. As your Commissioner, I pledge to provide the leadership and commitment needed to protect and serve all our residents effectively.