CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

In 2018, I had the privilege of taking the oath of office as the first female mayor in the history of Emmaus. Prior to that, I served as the first female council president for six years (2010-2016). I also served as council vice president for two years (2008-2010).

The duties of mayor are to:

•Oversee the day-to-day operations of the police department

•Preserve order in the borough

•Enforce ordinances and regulations

•Remove nuisances

•Administer oaths

•Determine if a state of emergency exists within the borough

With 18 years’ previous experience serving on Emmaus Borough Council, coupled with an early career in the district justice’s office, I have valuable knowledge of police procedures and other emergency services. I have also been involved in the development of ordinances and policies our police department enforces.

Under my leadership as mayor, the police department received:

•Reaccreditation status three times (every three years: 2018, 2021 and 2024). This improves law enforcement and community relations, extends agency accountability to the public and elected officials and develops improved methods for providing services to the community.

•Premier Agency status in 2024. The result of receiving reaccreditation status consecutively. Only 33 agencies across Pennsylvania have obtained this status.

•The FBI LEEDA Trilogy Award Feb. 18. The command staff completed the three components of leadership curriculum consisting of The Supervisor Leadership Institute, The Command Leadership Institute and The Executive Leadership Institute. Only 16 agencies in Pennsylvania and 187 agencies across the country received this prestigious award.

While serving on borough council as chairperson of the public safety committee, I was instrumental in changing the ambulance corps from a Basic Life Support Unit to an Advanced Life Support Unit which greatly benefits our citizens with timely and effective emergency responses.

I was involved in the promotion of two police officers to the rank of chief, promoting police officers to the rank of sergeant and hiring several police officers to expand the department.

I appointed officers to the Lehigh County Emergency Response Team and the Lehigh County Drug Task Force.

In 2006, I supported the police department in acquiring accreditation through the PA Chiefs of Police Association. I have also taken the National Incident Management System Training courses IS100, IS700 and IS800A through FEMA.

In 2020, I had the honor of being named “Mayor of the Year” by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, which encompasses five counties. Since 2018, I have organized and hosted “Family Fun Night” and “National Night Out” at the police department as well as hosted trick-or-treat night.

Since taking office, I have issued 156 proclamations ranging from COVID-19 emergencies, welcoming new businesses and celebrating special birthdays and events.

I have had the honor of officiating 15 weddings and have represented the borough at numerous events. I have spoken to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, community organizations and have taken part in the filming of a video that showcased the borough.

As mayor, I am committed to providing you with the safest community to live in and raise a family. If reelected as the top law enforcement officer of the borough, I will continue to make public safety a priority and promote all that we offer.