Roswell’s Ongoing Commitment to Public Safety is evident.
Establishing a new Public Safety Headquarters is an important part of the City’s ongoing commitment to support first responders and enhance safety and responsiveness in the community. The former Sharp Shooters building on Highway 9 will serve as the 911 Center and will house administrative offices for both Roswell’s Police and Fire Department. "Public safety is a vital priority in Roswell, especially as our city grows," said Mayor Wilson.
Along with these initiatives, The Roswell Police Department purchased a mobile command vehicle equipped with advanced communication and command technologies used to support emergency response and disaster management.
Mobile command centers provide secure locations for communication and establish backup solutions if the primary response function is incapacitated. The center also supports on the spot operations, technical and tactical deployments and negotiations space if needed. There are also secure networks, slide-out sections to expand space, integrated electrical systems along with HD and thermal cameras. Weather stations, radio and robust power controls are also an integral part of the setup.
The City of Roswell's Fire Department was nationally recognized for pioneering efforts to enhance firefighter health and safety, earning the prestigious 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. This honor, presented by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), highlights innovative leadership in addressing critical challenges within the fire service. The award was presented February 13th, during the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC.
Fire Chief Joe Pennino, accepted the award on behalf of the department, emphasizing the significance of the initiative, stating, “This award reflects the incredible support of our Mayor and Council in prioritizing health and safety of our first responders. We are always seeking innovative ways to equip our team with the tools, training, and resources they need to excel. This research project highlights our team’s commitment to firefighter well-being, and we are honored to be at the forefront of advancing firefighter health initiatives.”
The department received this recognition for its groundbreaking research on firefighter health, collaborating with leading experts. The study evaluates impact of a 48/96 shift schedule and adjusted start times on firefighter performance, focusing on how improved sleep quality can reduce physical and mental health risks. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for fire departments nationwide. In a strategic move to promote firefighter health and operational efficiency, the department proposes a 48/96-hour work cycle and a later start time.
The traditional 24/48 hour work schedule has firefighters waking up early to work for 24 hours before and again the following day. The result is a cycle where only one out of three allows for uninterrupted sleep at home. Prolonged sleep deprivation has many associated health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mental health disorders. The new 48/96-hour model aims to break this cycle giving more time for uninterrupted rest at home. The revised schedule includes a later start time of 11 AM, allowing improved sleep patterns and increased recovery time. Mayor Wilson in support, states, "This is a significant step forward in our commitment to the health and well-being of our first responders. By adopting the 48/96 work schedule, we are enhancing our firefighters' quality of life and improving the safety and efficiency of our fire services."
The Citizens' Police and Roswell Fire Academy's have been founded to develop programs that foster a close working relationship between the department and the Roswell community. The Citizen’s Fire Academy was created to build connections between local fire service professionals by educating those who live and work in Roswell about services provided by the Fire Department. The Citizen's Police Academy is part of the community policing efforts of the Roswell Police Department. This program urges members of our community, to participate and learn about the department, its mission, and the men and women serving in community daily.
The Citizen’s Fire Academy is a free, 30-hour program designed to provide an in-depth understanding of fire service operations and the many functions it serves in the community. This program features a mix of engaging presentations and hands-on activities taught by members within the department to achieve the vision of becoming an innovative, world-class public safety division. Citizen’s Fire Academy applicants must live/or work in Roswell, be 16 years old and pass a background check. For additional information:
https://www.roswellgov.com/government/departments/fire/citizens-fire-academy
The Citizens' Police Academy invites residents of Roswell, along with business owners, to attend the Academy. This free program is designed to introduce residents to various functions of police work. The program is free to residents and Roswell business owners 18 years of age or older. Each week the class focuses on a specific division of the Police Department, giving students an overview of the Department's duties and responsibilities.
"Roswell continues to be listed as one of the safest cities in Georgia and in the Metro Atlanta area. The responsibility of public safety is not only a job for the police. Public safety is a shared responsibility among all of us who live, work and play in this fine city. Together, we will improve public safety and ensure that the Roswell Police Department is the premier law enforcement agency in Georgia," states, Police Chief James Conroy.
For more info: https://www.roswellgov.com/government/departments/police
Additionally to the improvements and investments Roswell is making for public safety, there is a local unsung hero who had an idea to help. Local resident, Michael Hernandez says, "I have always been grateful and have admired our first responders in knowing they are the first on scene giving us a sense of safety and comfort. I can’t imagine what they see when they arrive to an emergency, but knowing they are there and will take care of us in a very unfortunate circumstance is why I wanted to do something." He founded The First Responders Foundation with a mission to encourage and strengthen partnerships between the citizens of Roswell and our public safety first responders. RFRF is dedicated to providing critical resources to those who make Roswell a safe place to live, work and visit. RFRF raises funds for programs through sponsored events, donations from local businesses, civic organizations, neighborhoods and individuals. Funding provides support and financial assistance for first responders injured or killed in the line of duty or enduring a family hardship. Also supporting and recognizing Roswell firefighter and police officer heroes who demonstrate exceptional skill, expertise, innovation, bravery in keeping us safe. Lastly, funds purchase supplementary or unbudgeted equipment and training materials to keep first responders performing at the highest level of productivity and preparedness.
An excerpt of gratitude from one family who received support, "As you may know, my son was severely injured in a bicycle accident requiring extensive medical attention, which placed a significant emotional and financial burden on our family. In the midst of this crisis, we faced the added challenge of finding accommodations close to the hospital, as we wanted to be by his side every moment. We learned about the assistance provided by the Roswell First Responders Foundation. Your organization stepped in and helped cover our hotel expenses, allowing us to focus entirely on my son's recovery without the added stress of financial strain. Your kindness and generosity not only provided us with a roof over our heads but also comforted us by letting us know that we had a community that cared. Your work is truly commendable, and I am forever grateful for the help we received during our time of need."
https://www.roswellfirstresponders.org/