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During the month of May, I committed myself to become
more engaged in the public safety issues within my District
and throughout Cuyahoga County. To date, I have ridden with
the police departments of Bay Village, Fairview Park, Olmsted
Township, Rocky River and Westlake. I also spent time with
the City of Cleveland Fire Department.
In the past, both as an elected official and as an involved
citizen, I learned that in order to gain a full understanding
of the real life, day-to-day struggles and issues of any
community, one needs to invest time with the men and women
entrusted with our safety.
As a member of the Sandy Springs’ inaugural/charter city
council (a city of 100,000 residents) I was actively involved
in starting both the police and fire departments from the
ground floor. Forming police and fire departments of 100 plus
officers and firefighters provided me with unique and valuable
experiences. The issues that our police officers and
firefighters deal with on a day-to-day basis touch the most
critical, basic aspects of our lives. They are true ‘first
responders’ in every sense of the phrase.
I plan to continue to ride with our Public Safety departments
whenever possible. In the past, I have presented ordinances
stemming from the time spent with the men and women who
protect us. This “boots on the ground perspective” is very
important because it provides a firsthand view of the
ever-changing issues in our communities.
This Memorial Day, as we honor those members of the military
who protect our great country, please remember to thank the
men and women in our police and fire departments who put their
lives in the line of danger to protect the residents of our
local communities.
-Dave Greenspan |
