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Police and fire introduce new officers and first full‑time firefighter EMTs
Summary
Chief Butler introduced two new police officers, John Harris and Mark Bailey. Fire Chief Keith Lewis announced the city's first full‑time paid firefighter EMTs and cited improved response times, from 8:22 in 2024 to 5:27 in 2026.
City leaders on July 28 formally introduced recent public‑safety hires and recognized volunteer and paid staff milestones.
Police Chief Butler presented two new officers, John Harris and Mark Bailey, and summarized their training histories and current field‑training status. "It's my pleasure to introduce our two newest officers, Officer John Harris and Officer Mark Bailey," Chief Butler said, noting both are completing field training.
Fire Chief Keith Lewis introduced the city’s first full‑time paid firefighter EMTs and reviewed a multi‑year effort to expand staffing and training. Lewis said the department has grown volunteer ranks from 23 (with nine certified) in 2024 to 35 volunteers (16 certified) and that the department’s average response time improved from 8 minutes 22 seconds in 2024 to 5 minutes 27 seconds in 2026. "Full time firefighters bring a level of reliability... that modern emergency services require," Lewis said, and staff recommended adding up to six full‑time positions when station renovations are complete.
Council members praised the response of local firefighters to a July 23 laundromat fire and thanked public‑safety staff for their service.
