The Lakewood Development Corporation's Board of Trustees today approved using a total of $1.6 million in UEZ funds for new ambulances and vehicles for the police department.
UEZ funds are intended to be used to promote economic development within the Township's UEZ zone. LDC Executive Director David Klein confidently assured the Board of Trustees that "all of these new emergency response vehicles will be used in the zone to enhance economic development."
The Board of Trustees took this assurance at face value and unanimously approved the entire expenditure.
Resolution 23-11-3 authorizes funding $150,000 for a Emergency Mobile Command Center for Lakewood Police Department.
Resolution 23-11-4 authorizes funding $60,000 for two motorcycles for Lakewood Police Department for the purpose of patrolling the UEZ district.
Resolution 23-11-5 authorizes funding $10,000 for two electric bikes for Lakewood Police Department for the purpose of patrolling the UEZ district.
Resolution 23-11-6 authorizes funding $200,000 for the acquisition of two Specially Modified Ford Truck Units for the Special Response Team (SRT) that will enable the LPD to carry out its mission to provide essential safety services and critical response in the event of a crisis or disaster to the Lakewood UEZ.
Resolution 23-11-7 authorizes funding $290,000 for the acquisition of an Ambulance for Lakewood First Aid and Emergency Squad.
Resolution 23-11-8 authorizes funding $370,000 for the acquisition of an Ambulance for Hatzolah EMS of Central Jersey.
Resolution 23-11-9 authorizes funding $65,000 for the acquisition of drones and the cost of drone training for Lakewood OEM agencies.
The LDC's resolutions state, "the Township of Lakewood was awarded designation as an Urban Enterprise community effective November I, 1994, meeting the qualifying criteria as an urban-depressed city with unemployment rates exceeding the State's averages.
"The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is the designated coordinator of township-wide emergency protocols in the event of a major event or disaster. Lakewood's OEM responds to HAZMAT, Homeland Security and other situations and threats to public safety; and whereas, Lakewood OEM coordinates with Lakewood Police Department in response to public emergencies and the Police Department needs to be properly equipped to effectively respond in coordination with OEM to a major event or disaster.
"The enforcement of laws and the protection of life, property and the constitutional rights of all to meet the present and future needs of the public through a continued partnership with the Lakewood community. LPD is dedicated to service and committed to excellence, focusing on the following core values: Integrity by holding itself accountable to the highest level of honesty, truthfulness and ethical conduct; Pride by taking pride as individuals, its division as a team and Lakewood citizens as a community; Respect by ensuring that all persons are treated with equality, dignity and courtesy; Professionalism by being committed to the highest level of professional standards through development of highly trained and motivated employees. In order for LPD to carry out its mission of protecting Lakewood businesses, it must be properly equipped to effectively police the UEZ areas. Additionally, the LPD needs to fortify sensitive industries and religious institutions within the UEZ and it requires specialized equipment to effectively execute this strategic endeavor; and LPD requires the use of modified Marked Police Truck Units that will provide the comprehensive advantages of utilizing these trucks for the Special Response Team (SRT) that will enable the LPD to carry out its mission to provide essential safety services and critical response in the event of a crisis or disaster to the Lakewood UEZ.
"The Lakewood First Aid & Emergency Squad (LFAS) plays a central role in upholding the wellbeing of the UEZ business community, with forty dedicated and highly trained volunteers, including an Extrication Team, a Water Response Team, and other specialties upon which Lakewood UEZ relies for its safety services.
"Hatzolah EMS of Central Jersey is a nonprofit volunteer organization, based in Lakewood, whose primary function is to render emergency medical services and transports. Hatzolah volunteers respond to all emergency situations.
Resolution for drone training:
The Township of Lakewood has this necessity for the Police Department, OEM and volunteers. OEM - The Office of Emergency Management is the designated coordinator of township-wide emergency protocols in the event of a major event or disaster. Lakewood's OEM responds to HAZMAT, Homeland Security and other situations and threats to public safety.
The Lakewood Police Department provides the highest level of service through the enforcement of laws and the protection of life, property and the constitutional rights of all. It will allow them to complete tasks and protect our community furthermore. OEM, Police Department and volunteers will be deemed drone train qualified, through the course training that is provided within this proposed project.
The purpose of this project is to purchase drones and the cost of drone training for the OEM, volunteers, and Police Department. These two items will help assist OEM and Police Department with overnight searches and other tasks that would be supported by the drones and training. The project items will be used within UEZ zone centric.
Per the UEZ legislation signed into law on August 17, 2021, up to 25% of UEZ funds may be used for Municipal services such as Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
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1 comment:
Why does Hatzola's ambulance cost more than Lakewood first aid's?
And these are at least more useful than the park and ride which is never used.
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