Public safety is an essential service of local government. The ability to recruit and retain first responders is an ongoing crisis that jeopardizes the health, safety and welfare of all.
Police officer candidates are steadily decreasing. This impacts public safety and the safety of the officers themselves. State level incentives to bring qualified people to the profession are needed.
Volunteer Fire and EMS services have been at crisis levels for years, and there is still a valid concern that when needed, no one will respond. State level incentives are needed, including incentives to achieve voluntary consolidation. It is also important to properly fund, reimburse and support ambulance services so they can continue to serve our communities.