Volunteers in Public Safety Support

About the Program

Category: Volunteers (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Implemented in the fall of 2013, Volunteers in Public Safety Support (VIPSS) offers a certified and credentialed volunteer opportunity to county residents that fills the gap when public safety officials are over budget, understaffed or overwhelmed. The twelve week program utilizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of county officials from Homeland Security, Public Utilities, Port Authority and the Coroner and Sheriff’s offices in addition to area chiefs of police and fire as well as private sector partners to deliver classroom education and a hands-on training program. In addition to the twelve week academy, monthly experiential trainings are offered to develop new skills and refine specialization. Participants learn the fundamental capabilities necessary to create and implement a preparedness plan for themselves and their family. Through demonstration, exercise and role playing they receive a primer in the volunteer role to protect, prevent, respond and recover from natural and manmade disasters as well as support public safety outreach activity in their community. The close working relationship driven by the academics, monthly experiential trainings and diversity of volunteer opportunities throughout the county promotes participation in many other county government programs. In two years the program has provided about $100,000.00 in volunteer services to the county, increased citizen participation in the Emergency Alert System by 22% and increased the number of county employees with personal preparedness plans by 34%.