Public Safety
Public Safety is a top priority for local and state government agencies, encompassing the protection of citizens through law enforcement, emergency response, and crime prevention strategies. Effective public safety measures are essential for maintaining order and ensuring the well-being of communities. This directory offers articles on public safety and related topics like Emergency Management, which focuses on preparing for and responding to natural disasters, public health crises, and other emergencies that impact community safety.
Funded by a public sales tax, Muskogee County EMS is handling higher call volumes while advancing major investments in fire, police and emergency infrastructure
The new Kensington-based facility uses high-fidelity disaster simulations to strengthen EMS readiness for mass casualty and complex emergency responses
Gov. Josh Green said the funding will expand rural health care, EMS and workforce programs statewide
Gov. Kathy Hochul rejected two major EMS support measures, prompting providers to caution that funding limits and rising costs could worsen coverage gaps
Governor Maura Healey is sending $5M in EMS grants to 13 communities to offset longer transport times and higher call volumes following the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center
Carmel PD hopes the real-time Waze notifications will help reduce the safety risks officers face on highways
A new analysis recommends hiring more firefighters and rethinking cross-staffing practices at the Anne Arundel County Fire Department
Corewell Health and the Grand Rapids Fire Department will launch a six-month pilot in January embedding a community health worker with EMS responses to redirect low-acuity 911 calls
Violent crime is down 19% in Prince George’s County, and property crime has decreased 15% compared to 2024; the county also welcomed its largest recruit class in a decade
Uniformed Services University and NHTSA are launching a federally backed push to expand prehospital blood transfusions
Agencies statewide are struggling to recruit and retain paramedics and EMTs as competition for qualified candidates intensifies
The U.S. Department of Education has also launched an investigation into the school’s security, looking into security reports, audits, dispatch and call logs and emergency notifications
A state feasibility study in Wyoming County recommends agencies unite under a countywide authority, secure dedicated funding and improve coordination to stabilize EMS
Santa Monica’s new Advanced Provider Unit pairs a nurse practitioner with a firefighter/paramedic, freeing ambulances for critical emergencies and reducing unnecessary transports
Facing staffing losses and reduced tax revenue, Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken is using endurance fundraising to fill critical equipment gaps
Athens Fire and Rescue will equip additional trucks with AEDs using opioid settlement funds while the police department begins placing them in patrol vehicles
The State Fire Marshal’s Division is offering in one-time funding to support equipment, gear and fire protection needs
The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act recognizes occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death for public safety officers, clearing the way for expanded federal benefits
Birmingham City Council has approved a three-year, $170,000 agreement with Axon to lease cameras, with footage to be used for training and incident investigations
