Standing Strong for Public Safety in Warren County

Every day in Warren County, our fire and rescue teams, law enforcement officers, and first responders step up to protect our families, homes, and neighborhoods. These men and women are the backbone of public safety, and many of them do it while working with limited resources.

I understand their sacrifices personally. Growing up with parents who played a major role in Fire & Rescue, and now with family serving in law enforcement, I’ve seen firsthand the long nights, the stressful calls, and the commitment it takes to serve our community. Their dedication inspires me — but it also reminds me of how much more we must do to support them.

For too long, our emergency services have been asked to do more with less. Tight budgets make it difficult to upgrade equipment, expand staffing, and provide competitive pay. Decisions like whether to fund paid individuals at Chester Gap Fire Department shouldn’t even be up for debate — they should already be funded because we have the resources to make it happen.

Here’s where leadership and vision come in. We cannot keep trying to patch holes in the budget year after year. Instead, we need to grow the revenue base in a sustainable way that doesn’t put more burden on Warren County taxpayers. The best path forward is smart economic growth — especially by tapping into our enormous potential in tourism.

Tourism is not just about attracting visitors; it’s about building an economic pipeline that directly benefits our local citizens. With more tourism comes more local tax revenue. That revenue, in turn, can help us provide the tools, training, and support our first responders need to thrive. Stronger emergency services mean faster response times, safer neighborhoods, and peace of mind for every family.

Public safety is not a partisan issue — it’s a community issue. It’s about ensuring that when someone dials 911, help is on the way quickly and equipped to handle the situation. It’s about giving our first responders the respect and resources they deserve.

As your representative, I will fight for both stronger support for emergency services and the responsible economic development needed to fund them sustainably. Warren County deserves nothing less than a community where safety is a priority, and where the people who protect us are protected in return.