During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on public safety, particularly regarding fire incidents and community engagement in crime prevention. The police department highlighted the importance of crime watch accounts, noting that while being among the top six municipalities for incidents may not be ideal, community engagement is crucial.

Chief Rhino addressed the activation of the mobile Emergency Operations Center (EOC), explaining its role during significant fire events. He described the vehicle as a mobile 911 center that can be dispatched to assist local operations when incidents escalate. However, he noted that during recent fires, the county's larger vehicle was not called upon, as local resources were sufficient.

The meeting also touched on a series of recent fires in the area, with Chief Rhino clarifying that none were deemed suspicious. He emphasized that many of these incidents were preventable, often linked to unsafe living conditions, including hoarding and improper electrical setups in rental properties. The fire department has observed a troubling trend of overcrowding in homes, which exacerbates fire risks.

Chief Rhino expressed concern over the living conditions of some residents, particularly children, and the challenges faced by the codes department in addressing these issues. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, attributing it to longstanding quality of life problems that have persisted for over two decades. The chief urged for community awareness and cooperation to mitigate these risks, emphasizing that while some landlords are responsible, tenant behavior also plays a significant role in maintaining safety.

Overall, the meeting underscored the need for ongoing dialogue and action to improve public safety and living conditions within the community.