ARTICLE: Keeping Our Emergency Responders Safe, Keeps Us Safe
By Jen Blumenstock, Marc Lazarow, and Clarissa Nolde | Published in The Union County Hawk, August 11, 2022
One of the most important responsibilities of elected leaders is to make sure first responders have the proper equipment to serve and protect. In Garwood, we are proud to support the bond ordinances that passed on the July 28th Garwood Council meeting for essential Fire Department equipment such as turnout gear, portable radios, SCBA equipment (oxygen tanks and harnesses), and needed escape equipment.We were disappointed to see that our Republican colleagues, Councilwoman Salmon and Councilwoman Loffredo, voted no on water rescue gear for our firefighters and a water rescue boat that the Fire Chief advocated for after Hurricane Ida caused such incredible flooding in Garwood last year. During that storm, firefighters were literally in water, chest high. They rescued trapped citizens in cars without the proper gear and put their lives at great risk given the challenge of working in these extreme conditions while wearing regular turnout gear that is not meant to be worn during storms with major flooding.
We need to learn from past experiences, such as how Superstorm Sandy happened one year after Hurricane Irene, and certainly for what happened during Hurricane Ida just a year ago. Seeing the increase in severe weather from flash flooding to heat waves, it is incredibly important that we stand by our first responders and make sure they are in a position to do their job without compromising their own safety. One life lost that could have been prevented would be completely unacceptable. It is our job as members of the Council and those seeking elected office to prioritize safety. While we do believe in being fiscally prudent, we will not cut corners at the expense of putting the lives of our firefighters or any first responder at greater risk.
Council President Jen Blumenstock
Councilman Marc Lazarow
Council Candidate Clarissa Nolde