[IC] Mayor Restructures Jade Island’s Emergency Services

Due to manpower constraints and exorbitant overtime costs, Mayor Bill Kaye announced today a plan to restructure the city’s emergency services, which consist of the Jade Island Police Department (JIPD), the Jade Island Fire Department (JIFD) and Jade Island Hospital & EMS. 

Under the mayor’s new plan, the three major emergency services will operate under one banner–Jade Island Rescue Services. The mayor has appointed himself as the commissioner of the umbrella agency.

“I have extensive experiences as a first responder and as a medical professional,” Mayor Kaye said in a statement.  “I believe this new arrangement will allow me to create a harmonious and effective relationship amongst these three core agencies.”

Jade Island Rescue Services will consist of three major divisions–police, fire and hospital/EMS. Each of the current leads will retain their current status and manage day-to-day operations of the divisions. The position of fire chief remains vacant at this time, but Mayor Kaye intends to remain as the volunteer interim chief until a new chief is appointed. 

Captain Barry Rossi of the JIPD and Dr. Trixy Azuma will retain all of their regular duties, according to Mayor Kaye. The change simply aims at cohesion and camaraderie amongst the city’s heroes, he said.

As a result of the new agreement, first responders will be cross-trained to work as hospital, EMS and fire personnel. The mayor will establish firm policies that prohibit first responders from utilizing medical information that is obtained in the course of duties outside of the parameters of police work.

The mayor’s announcement marks the first major policy change of the New Year. In the coming days, Mayor Kaye hinted that further reforms to policy may be forthcoming.