Munns highlights public safety staffing gains, new units and calls for facility upgrades

Mayor John Munns said public safety remains the city’s top priority and outlined staffing increases and new units within the Plano Fire and Police departments, while urging voters to support facility upgrades in a planned May bond measure.

Munns said the city hired 27 firefighter paramedics to fill vacancies and plans to remodel Fire Station No. 5. On policing, he said the department opened a new substation, added a mental health and homeless outreach team, increased first‑responder patrol capacity by 17%, created a special victims unit, hired a full‑time recruiter and added a mobile command post for critical incidents and large events.

"Your public safety will always be our greatest priority," Munns said, describing the staffing and unit additions as part of efforts to maintain Plano’s record among the nation’s safer cities.

Munns recounted one anecdote involving Deputy City Manager Sam Greif: Greif encountered officers who had organized a surprise birthday celebration for a young man with Down syndrome, an example the mayor used to illustrate everyday public‑service gestures by police and fire personnel.

Why it matters: Staffing and facility investments affect emergency response capability and city operating costs; the mayor linked both to quality of life and public safety outcomes.

Details and next steps: Munns asked voters to consider a bond in May to fund a new police headquarters, a new fire station and other infrastructure upgrades. He did not specify the bond amount or a project funding breakdown during the address.