A person driving a yellow and blue emergency vehicle on a sunny day.
A person in uniform hugging a large Great Dane in an office setting.
A red and white Austin Fire Department truck parked in a fire station garage.
An Austin police officer greeting a child in a tie-dye shirt, with a group of smiling children sitting nearby.
A firefighter in gear operating a hose from atop fire truck, spraying water at a tall training tower in the background.
An officer shopping with children in a clothing store.
A smiling police officer standing in front of a police car holding her vest straps.
Firefighters smiling together at the entrance of a station.
Police officers blocking a street with a "Road Closed" sign and barricades in the background.
A smiling paramedic wearing a headset and uniform in a dispatch center, surrounded by multiple monitors.
A police officer speaking to seated children in front of a police SUV on Career Day.
Police officers interacting with children near a patrol car and a mounted officer standing next to a horse.
A woman talking to two police officers in a grassy area with tents in the background.
A group in athletic gear running past the Texas State Capitol building at dawn.

Public Safety Investments: 2024 Overview

Our 2024 initiatives combined advocacy for major infrastructure projects with targeted support for essential equipment and programs, including:
  • Approval of five year police contract
  • Provided resources for numerous public safety projects
  • Supporting the purchase of a new facility to serve evidentiary public safety needs
  • Funding for new patrol uniforms
  • Providing K-9 assistance, including support for retired K-9s
  • Securing renovations for a SWAT vehicle 
  • Scholarships for a leadership conference for female firefighters
  • Youth education on police, fire, and EMS safety concerns
  • Partnerships with local businesses to enhance the Commission’s support for first responders
A police officer showing a patrol car's trunk to a family with a child sitting on an adult's shoulders.
A red and white Austin Fire Department truck parked in a fire station garage.

IMPACT

The challenges facing our first responders evolve constantly, from emerging public safety threats to increasing demands on limited resources. We work directly with police, fire, and EMS departments to identify and fund mission-critical needs that enhance their ability to serve our communities safely and effectively. Investments include:
  • Development of data-driven staffing models to optimize department resource allocation
  • Equipped EMS and firefighters with protective vests in response to increasing safety threats during emergency response
  • Funded protective riot goggles and tactical vests for mounted patrol units, safeguarding both officers and horses during crowd control operations
  • Distributed Narcan throughout downtown Austin and provided fentanyl testing kits to protect first responders during overdose responses
  • Outfitted bike patrol officers with weather-appropriate uniforms for more effective community policing

INITIATIVES

Our organization takes a comprehensive approach to supporting public safety across Central Texas. We recognize that effective emergency response requires more than just equipment—it demands ongoing training, community relationships, and support systems that help first responders perform at their best. Current focus areas include:
  • Community engagement and relationship building
  • Recruitment and retention support programs
  • Regional training facility development and enhancement
  • First responder wellness and mental health initiatives
  • Equipment modernization and tactical resource provision
A firefighter in gear operating a hose from atop fire truck, spraying water at a tall training tower in the background.
A group of people in uniform pose outdoors at night with the Austin city skyline and colorful spotlights in the background.
Police officers interacting with children near a patrol car and a mounted officer standing next to a horse.
An exterior view of Austin Fire Department Central Fire Station No. 1, surrounded by trees and a brick walkway.

ADVOCACY

As the region’s leading voice for public safety support, we work alongside community partners to advance policies and secure resources that strengthen emergency response capabilities. Our advocacy efforts focus on creating sustainable solutions to staffing challenges, ensuring competitive compensation for first responders, and promoting investments in training and equipment that enhance public safety outcomes. Current focus areas are:
  • Sustainable funding for essential equipment and training
  • Policy support for enhanced recruitment and retention
  • Regional cooperation in public safety initiatives
  • Community education and engagement programs
  • Professional development and career advancement opportunities

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