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CALVIN R. PECK, JR.
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Tab 9
Star-News (Wilmington, NC)
February 28, 2004
Carolina Beach calls for input
Citizens to get chance for say on public safety plan
Author: Sherry Jones, Staff Writer
Carolina Beach residents will have two chances to offer input on the proposed creation of a
public safety department.
Under the plan, the town's police and fire departments would merge. A public safety director
would head the department, with three commanders - police, support services and fire - reporting
to that person.
The Town Council plans to vote on the issue at its March 9 meeting.
Town Manager Calvin Peck has said the format would improve emergency response times,
delay the need for a full-time professional fire department and protect against declines in
volunteerism. At the same time, the system would beef up the town's police presence.
Mayor Dennis Barbour said the council will look to the Police Advisory Committee for a
recommendation. Mr. Peck presented his proposal to the committee several weeks ago. The
committee is made up of a cross-section of residents and business people.
The group will get another look at the plan Monday. The first of the public hearings on the issue
will be held during the committee's 7 p.m. meeting in the police training room at the municipal
complex, 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd.
Charles Grissom, chairman of the Police Advisory Committee, said he thinks the concept of
combining the police and fire departments has merit. "But it does need to be researched more in
depth," he said.
More specifically, he said he believes the idea needs to be marketed to residents and employees.
"You want the support of everybody," he said.
Mr. Barbour said the public hearings are a good way for residents to get a close look at the
proposal. A copy of the organizational chart will be available at the meetings.
"We're looking for a lot of public input," he said.
And Mr. Grissom said he's found the Town Council to be "very responsive" to the committee,
which will devise its recommendation during Monday's meeting.
"This council is one that is really going to work with the people," he said.
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