9.1 Police, Fire & EMS

Law enforcement is a profession focused on upholding laws and ensuring public safety. This service delivery area includes police officers, detectives, and administrative staff who work to maintain public order and prevent crime. Police officers are often the first responders to emergencies, traffic incidents, and reports of criminal activity. They patrol neighborhoods, investigate crimes, and engage with the community to build trust and prevent crime. Detectives handle more complex investigations, such as homicides, fraud, or organized crime, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to solve cases. Administrative roles within police departments, such as records clerks and crime analysts, provide essential support by managing information, analyzing data, and ensuring that officers have the resources they need to perform their duties effectively.  

The fire service is dedicated to protecting life and property from fire and other hazards. This profession includes firefighters, fire chiefs, and fire inspectors who respond to a wide range of emergencies. Firefighters are trained to extinguish fires, provide medical assistance, and rescue individuals from dangerous situations. They also engage in community education, teaching fire safety and prevention techniques to reduce the risk of fires. Fire chiefs oversee the overall operations of the fire department, including strategic planning, budget management, and personnel decisions. Fire inspectors conduct safety inspections in buildings, enforce fire codes, and investigate the causes of fires to help prevent future incidents.  

Emergency medical services—or EMS—provide urgent medical care to individuals experiencing sudden health emergencies. This service delivery area includes paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and EMS supervisors who are trained to deliver life-saving medical treatments. EMTs and paramedics respond to 911 calls, assess patients’ conditions, and provide care on the scene or while transporting patients to hospitals. Paramedics have advanced training that allows them to perform more complex medical procedures, such as administering medications or using specialized medical equipment. EMS supervisors manage the operations of EMS teams, coordinate responses to large-scale emergencies, and ensure that all personnel receive proper training and equipment.