Fire Chief Bruce Elliott and Police Chief Anthony Mele understand what it takes to protect residents, schools and local businesses. It starts with well-trained officers, firefighters and paramedics. Add to that excellent and experienced leadership and a community that supports its safety services.
It also requires tools and equipment offering the latest advancements in technology. Elliott says 2025 has been busy when it comes to upgrading technology.
“In 2025, we have already put the latest cardiac monitors in place. We also upgraded our records management system,” he says. Add to that a new ambulance this spring.
“Ongoing training is important to us and continues to be a large part of our daily activity,” he adds.
The police department has been busy adding six new police officers, five to replace retiring officers and one additional officer, and remodeling a 24/7 dispatch department at the station with the latest technology.
“We have been upgrading equipment and training since I became the police chief three years ago,” Mele says. “We have installed intersection cameras to help us monitor traffic accidents and license plate readers to help us solve crimes. We’ve implemented a drone unit with five officers completing their FAA Part 107 drone pilot license.” The department also received a grant to implement new 800 MHz radios.
Mele says the department completed over 2,000 hours of training and successfully completed its fourth year of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), which only 4% of police departments in the country have accomplished.
