Mendoza requests Commission to consider establishing public safety working committee

By Robert Perea

North Lyon County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Joe Mendoza has requested the Lyon County Commission consider forming a public safety working committee to coordinate regional fire service planning and other public safety issues.

During the Feb. 19 meeting of the County Commission, Mendoza requested an agenda item for a future Commission meeting to establish a committee comprised of representatives from all four fire districts in the county, the Lyon County Sheriff's office, and Lyon County leadership. He said he was also sending a written request to County Manager Andrew Haskin.

Mendoza who is also the President of North Lyon Firefighters Local 4547 and the Fernley City Councilman for Ward 5, said he was making the request after going through Chapter 7 of the 2020 Lyon County Master Plan that was amended June 2, 2022. 

“Policy FS 2.1 clearly states that ensuring the safety of citizens is an essential and high-priority function of Lyon County,” Mendoza said. 

Mendoza also cited the strategies listed in the Master Plan to promote adoption of minimum levels of service standards for law enforcement and fire services; develop evaluation criteria and cost of service thresholds for development review; require land dedication or a fee in lieu of dedication to pay for the increased demand for public safety services to maintain adopted response time standards; recognize and support the important role of independent fire departments in ensuring the safety of citizens.

“In order to effectively implement and remain consistent with these strategies, a standing committee is necessary to coordinate regional fire service planning and service level standards, align development impact, evaluations with public safety capacity, establish sustainable funding mechanisms tied to growth, ensure long term operational readiness and resource planning,” Mendoza said. 

He added that the continued growth within Lyon County requires structured collaboration between county and all fire districts to ensure public safety providers remain adequately staffed, equipped, prepared, to respond effectively to threats to individuals and the community at large.

“A permanent working committee will polarize cooperation, increase transparency, and ensure the county remains in full alignment with its adopted master plan commitments,” Mendoza said.