Ensuring Efficiency, Safety, and Smart Resource Management for Vernon Township

Vernon Township deserves public services that are well-equipped, well-trained, and cost-effective. Whether it’s maintaining township roads, supporting emergency responders, or investing in equipment and training, we must prioritize fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. My plan focuses on optimizing resources, upgrading critical equipment, enhancing training, and improving emergency response.

1. Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance: Cost-Effective & Reliable Infrastructure

Maintaining Vernon’s roads, emergency vehicles, and public works equipment is critical to keeping our town running safely and efficiently. We must invest in the right tools, vehicles, and personnel to reduce costs and improve response times.

✅ Regular Fleet & Equipment Maintenance

• Ensure the Department of Public Works (DPW) has the necessary staff and resources to perform routine maintenance on township vehicles and equipment.
• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of in-house maintenance versus outsourcing repairs to determine the most efficient approach.
• Implement a preventative maintenance schedule to extend the lifespan of police, fire, EMS, and DPW vehicles while avoiding costly emergency repairs.
  
  

✅ Equipment Upgrades & Smart Investments

• Evaluate the long-term cost implications of purchasing vs. leasing emergency and DPW equipment based on lifespan, resale value, and operational efficiency.
• Work with state and federal agencies to secure grants for upgrading essential public safety equipment and emergency response vehicles.
• Ensure the Police, Fire, EMS, and DPW have access to modern, specialized equipment to improve response times and public safety.
  
  

✅ Exploring Shared Services & Regional Partnerships

• Compare the cost of shared services with neighboring municipalities versus maintaining a fully in-house fleet maintenance program.
• Identify opportunities to reduce expenses through cooperative equipment-sharing agreements with nearby towns.
• Work with county and state agencies to leverage bulk purchasing power for critical equipment and vehicle acquisitions.

2. Expanding Training & Workforce Readiness

Strong public services depend on well-trained employees and emergency personnel. Vernon Township must prioritize ongoing education and skills development to improve efficiency, safety, and service quality.

✅ In-House Training Programs for Public Employees & First Responders

• Develop a comprehensive in-house training program for DPW, Police, Fire, and EMS personnel, covering:
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Environmental compliance & safety protocols
  • Emergency response & disaster preparedness
• Ensure all firefighters and emergency service members receive advanced fire suppression, rescue operations, and hazardous materials handling training.
  
  

✅ Shared Training Resources for Cost Savings

• Explore regional training partnerships with neighboring municipalities to reduce training costs while maintaining a high standard of preparedness.
• Utilize county, state, and federal training programs to offset local training expenses and ensure access to specialized instruction.
  
  

✅ Measuring Training Effectiveness

• Implement a performance tracking system to evaluate training effectiveness based on:
  • Safety records
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Response time improvements
• Regularly review in-house vs. shared training programs to ensure Vernon Township receives the best value for its investment.

3. Strengthening Emergency Response & Preparedness

A fast and coordinated emergency response is critical to protecting residents and infrastructure during severe weather, public safety threats, and natural disasters. Vernon must ensure all emergency services are well-equipped, properly staffed, and strategically prepared.

✅ Assessing the Efficiency of Emergency Response Services

• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of in-house vs. contracted emergency services to determine the most effective model.
• Ensure emergency personnel and DPW crews have adequate staffing levels to respond quickly to snowstorms, floods, road obstructions, and power outages.
• Provide cross-training between DPW, Fire, EMS, and Police to improve coordination during town-wide emergencies.
  
  

✅ Updating & Expanding Emergency Preparedness Plans

• Regularly review and update Vernon Township’s Emergency Preparedness Plan, incorporating input from:
  • Police, Fire, EMS, and DPW leadership
  • Local hospitals & healthcare providers
  • State & county emergency management agencies
• Conduct annual emergency response drills for various disaster scenarios, including:
  • Severe weather events (hurricanes, floods, blizzards)
  • Power grid failures & hazardous materials incidents
  • Mass casualty & active threat situations
    
    

✅ Enhancing Community Emergency Preparedness

• Develop a public awareness campaign to educate residents on:
  • Emergency evacuation routes & shelter locations
  • How to prepare homes & businesses for severe weather
  • CPR, first aid, and disaster response training for residents
• Establish a town-wide emergency communication system (text alerts, website updates, and social media notifications) to keep residents informed in real-time during crises.

4. Securing Funding & Resources for Public Safety & Services

Strong public services require adequate funding, strategic planning, and proactive grant-seeking efforts. We must maximize financial resources to ensure Vernon’s public services operate efficiently without increasing the tax burden on residents.

✅ Aggressively Pursuing Grants & External Funding

• Seek federal, state, and local grants to:
  • Upgrade emergency vehicles & public safety equipment
  • Expand training programs for first responders
  • Improve infrastructure & road maintenance
• Work with corporate sponsors and public-private partnerships to help fund community projects, parks, and emergency services.
  
  

✅ Ensuring Smart Budget Allocation

• Allocate funds to critical services first—including police, fire, EMS, and DPW maintenance needs.
• Implement annual efficiency audits to ensure public funds are being used effectively and without waste.
• Establish a citizen advisory board to provide community input on budget priorities and spending decisions.
  
  

A Safer, More Efficient, and Well-Prepared Vernon Township

✅ Modernize equipment & ensure effective fleet maintenance
✅ Improve training & preparedness for public service workers & first responders
✅ Enhance emergency response coordination & disaster readiness
✅ Pursue grants & budget wisely to fund critical public services

With strong leadership and a commitment to public safety, we can ensure Vernon Township’s police, fire, EMS, and DPW services operate efficiently, effectively, and responsibly—keeping our community safe and well-prepared for any challenge.