The Cities of Sun Valley and Ketchum Partner to Study Public Safety Improvements in Northern Blaine County

BLAINE COUNTY, Idaho – The Mayors of Sun Valley and Ketchum, Idaho announce a partnership to study possible improvements in the delivery of public safety services.

The purpose of exploring such improvements within the northern Wood River Valley is to enhance the safety and welfare of residents, visitors and business owners. As our valley continues to grow and host larger events, the need for enhanced coordination and coverage in the northern cities becomes more evident. It is hoped that if police and fire services are enhanced, economic efficiencies may also be realized.

Of the study, Sun Valley Mayor Peter Hendricks offered, “It is my primary aim to concentrate on improving public safety. Having more first responders with a more detailed knowledge of concerns in specific areas can only make our community safer.”

The possible creation of a combined public safety structure should result in improved command and control for both routine and non-routine police and fire events. A larger, unified department will also provide members with greater opportunities for professional growth and development. These elements, among others, will be the focus of the study led by Sun Valley Public Safety Director Walt Femling.

Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw noted, “Our residents and visitors deserve a safe place to work, live, and play. It is the responsibility of elected officials to establish and manage government services of the highest quality in the most cost-effective manner. If dialogue, cooperation and collaboration with neighboring cities is likely to result in a safer community, we are obligated to explore these opportunities.” Today, the Cities of Sun Valley and Ketchum are doing just that.

Bradshaw further noted, “Government transparency and stakeholder involvement is important to the success of this process. That is why we are making this announcement before any in-depth analysis is started.”

Initial signs look positive for a rewarding effort to combine resources; however, significant analysis is required before any determination can be made. A broadscale study will examine aspects of the prospective combination. The results of the study will be presented to both City Councils. A citizens’ outreach meeting will follow and final decision on whether to proceed will be made soon thereafter.