PRIORITIES
PUBLIC SAFETY
MODERN EMERGENCY SERVICES BUILT ON READINESS, COORDINATION, AND TRUST
The safety of our communities depends on the strength, sustainability, and coordination of our emergency services. Public safety must be rooted in preparedness, not just response.
It’s about building systems that work together—across jurisdictions and across disciplines—to keep people safe, prevent crises, and respond effectively when emergencies occur.
As a volunteer firefighter and EMT, I’ve seen firsthand the pressures facing our first responders and the urgent need to modernize how we deliver emergency services. Staffing shortages, outdated systems, and unnecessary duplication across municipal lines are putting strain on our departments—and ultimately, on our communities. We need a smarter, more coordinated approach to public safety that ensures every resident, no matter where they live, gets the help they need when they need it most.
One of the great strengths we have in our region is the Allegheny County 911 center, which already provides a shared foundation for dispatch and coordination. I strongly support continued investment in this regional asset and believe it should be leveraged even more effectively to reduce duplication and improve response times. But a regional dispatch system is only part of the solution—we must also bring that same level of coordination to how we deliver fire, EMS, and police services across municipal boundaries.
Fire departments across Pennsylvania, including in our region, are facing critical volunteer shortages. The traditional model—where each volunteer company operates its own operation, often staffed by dwindling numbers of volunteers—is increasingly unsustainable. We must help local fire departments work together more effectively by identifying opportunities for shared training, joint purchasing, mutual aid planning, and even regional service models where appropriate. Preserving the spirit of community volunteerism is important, but it must be paired with practical solutions that ensure 24/7 coverage and long-term viability. I continue to advocate for state-level support to help fire departments modernize, collaborate, and recruit the next generation of responders.
The same urgency applies to emergency medical services. Response times are increasing across the state, not because responders aren't doing their jobs, but because EMS systems are stretched too thin. We need to proactively fund EMS agencies—not just when they’re in crisis, but consistently, with long-term planning. That means sustainable funding models that support readiness, not just response. EMS should not have to rely on billing alone to operate; public safety is a public good, and it deserves reliable public funding.
Our police departments must also be supported with proactive investments that build capacity, trust, and responsiveness. That means ensuring departments are staffed and trained to meet modern expectations, including de-escalation tactics, community policing, and crisis intervention. It also means being open to collaboration where shared resources—like training facilities or specialized units—can strengthen public safety across municipal lines while reducing unnecessary overlap.
Moving forward, we must also prioritize resilience and prevention—investing in public health, traffic safety, and mental health services that reduce demand on emergency responders. Building safer streets, expanding mental health crisis response teams, and addressing substance use with compassion and coordination are all part of a comprehensive approach to public safety.
I will continue to fight for local and state policies that incentivize regional collaboration, streamline funding for emergency services, and support local leaders working to modernize outdated systems. I will work to protect and strengthen the infrastructure we already have—like our regional 911 center—and push for reforms that ensure every community in our region can access high-quality, timely emergency services without unnecessary duplication or inefficiency.
Public safety is not just a local concern—it’s a regional and statewide responsibility. The future of emergency services depends on our willingness to work together, plan ahead, and invest wisely. I am committed to ensuring that every Pennsylvanian can count on a fast, professional, and effective emergency response, no matter where they live.
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