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Commission backs PSP partnership to pilot highway safety and EMS team
Summary
Eddy County commissioners supported a PSP-backed Highway Safety Team pilot that would add six EMS-focused personnel over four years, with PSP proposing $2 million and the county an offset of about $1.4 million; staff will return with contract details after PSP committees meet.
The Eddy County Commission agreed to support a four-year pilot program to create an Eddy County Fire & Rescue Highway Safety Team in partnership with PSP, a presenter said during the meeting.
A presenter for county fire services said the proposed program would add six EMS-focused personnel organized into three crews working 48/96 shifts and patrol primary corridors (notably State Road 128 up to the county line) between about 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The presenter said PSP had indicated potential funding of about $2,000,000 over four years and that the county's share would be a little over $1,400,000 for that period. The unit would also be able to respond into adjacent Lee County when necessary and would coordinate with local ambulance assets; the county plans to use some funds for ambulances already on order and to supply public-safety messaging on the vehicles.
Commissioners expressed broad support. One commissioner called the concept a "no-brainer," noting benefits for emergency response and job creation. The presenter said the PSP process begins in January with committee meetings through March and that contract negotiation typically takes 60 to 90 days. The commission voted to proceed with partnership support and asked staff to return post-PSP committee review with a recommended contract and funding allocation.
The program includes quarterly KPIs to allow the county to adjust patrol areas or schedules based on accident data and traffic flows; staff emphasized flexibility to shift hours or coverage to match identified hot spots.
