|
It is
indeed a great pleasure to represent the dedicated and very capable firefighters
that make up the Elizabeth Fire Rescue Team. As a native to Elizabeth, I have a
specific interest in making sure the staff and members of the Fire Department
are efficient and professional in performing their duties. We as a family of
emergency responders are committed to offering the highest level of service
possible to the community in which we serve. Whether we are responding to an
emergency, educating our citizens and children, performing fire safety
construction reviews, or simply assisting our community with daily tasks, our
family feels honored to serve our customers needs consistently.
Our
agency is working every day to continue the highest level of service possible
for our community. We have evolved as an agency to keep up with the increasing
demands of our growing community. With the addition of new projects such as “Big
Box” retail stores and “High Density” residential developments we find ourselves
constantly evaluating our capabilities and making changes when necessary. One of
the priorities in ensuring progressive safety and response strategies for our
new community partners is to make sure that our existing citizens are provided
the same services they are accustomed to.
As we
continue to plan for the future, we find ourselves emphasizing the need to
update fire trucks, stations and equipment. An aging fleet can prove costly for
firefighters and victims that are relying on a fast and capable response.
Stations that are spread too sparsely can increase response times and old
equipment can cause adverse results in rescue operations.
We have begun the process of evaluating our current annual budget and are
realizing the need for alternative funding in order to perform efficiently. We
are confident that we can become more responsible in utilizing our existing
funds and also know that these savings will not offset the funds needed to meet
our goals. Subsidizing our budget is necessary to continue providing a 24 hour
coverage model and still allow for capital improvements.
Federal and State grants were identified as a priority in assisting with
shortfalls in funding and as a result, our staff is aggressively pursuing a
number of grants for capital improvements. Voter approval for an increase in
temporary capital funds was identified as a realistic funding source although it
was agreed that during these trying economic times, we should only ask our
community for absolute minimum necessities if this option is exercised.
It was also discussed that those minimum necessities most positively
affect every citizen within our district. No matter what the choice for funding
is, we are positive that the need for capital improvements is imminent.
As we continue to grow with our
community, we have empowered our staff to make sure the needs of our citizens
are met on a consistent basis. This effort means that if you have a specific
need, our staff will do whatever they can to help. As a personal guarantee to
our community, I want you to feel
secure asking an Elizabeth Firefighter for any assistance you may need. If they
can’t help you, they will find someone who can.
Thank you for taking an interest in your local firefighters. I hope that you will contact me with any input or comments about your fire department.
|
