New daytime EMT Team in place in Howell

HOWELL – The governing body is launching a new service to the residents of the municipality on Monday, June 7, 2004. As of that date, the township will have in place 11 new Emergency Management Technicians (EMTs) to supplement the EMT service provided by the volunteer squads.

According to Councilman Joseph DiBella, “We’re blessed with an excellent team of EMTs here in town. However, during the daytime when many of our volunteers are working, it’s harder and harder to provide coverage for emergency response. These additional 11 part-time EMTs will increase our capacity to provide better response time and help save lives.”

The 11 additional EMTs will use two new ambulances secured by the township. These ambulances will patrol the community and while not responding to emergency calls, the EMTs, who are members of the police department, will have a community presence.

Councilwoman Cynthia Schomaker said, “The 11 EMTs will provide a life-saving service. And at the same time, their presence in the community, in our shopping areas, and throughout the town will significantly increase our police presence in the township.”

Howell Township has 50,000 residents and spans more than 62 square miles. The governing body’s commitment to public safety is paramount. Over the past two years, eight new police officers have been added to the squad , an emergency SWAT vehicle has been secured, 11 new police cars have been purchased, and the township is erecting a new Emergency Management Building, all to enhance the township’s emergency response capacity.

“Our investments in and commitment to public safety have been very significant since we assumed control last January,” DiBella said. “Aside from a townshipwide down-zoning, open space/farmland preservation, road improvements and new recreational amenities, increasing public safety is a primary responsibility of this governing body and we will do everything in our power to protect all Howell families.

# # #

· Councilman Joseph DiBella is running for Mayor of Howell Township this year. Councilwoman Cynthia Schomaker is seeking re-election to the Township Council.