Date:    March 2023

To:       Directors of Public Safety

From:   Ken Filipiak, OAPSD President
             Mentor City Manager

Greetings!  The New Year has undoubtedly brought new challenges for all of us.  Effectiveness of our emergency and public safety services is a key determinant of a functional and utilitarian local government. It is essential in the perception of the quality of life in a community.  As communities grow or contract, the need for safe public, private, residential, commercial, and industrial environments, where citizens can fully enjoy and connect with their communities continues. The nature of public service dictates that none of us are alone in these public safety challenges. 

As a member of the OAPSD and now President, I believe it is imperative that we each make a concerted effort to contact other Directors of Public Safety in the State of Ohio and encourage all of them to join our organization. We must continue to stress to everyone we can that the Ohio Association of Public Safety Directors is an important voice for state and local safety forces and public safety issues. 

The OAPSD is dedicated to addressing the unique problems, issues, responsibilities, and experiences of public safety officials, and to promote the general health and welfare of the cities, townships and villages of the State of Ohio.  Further, we need to emphasize that we do not have to stand alone with our individual issues, problems, and concerns.  Our organization has flourished into an assembly whom through collectively communicating our ideas and opinions, sharing thoughts and input has been a source of support and conduit to each other and the communities we serve.  The comradery we have established has strongly afforded us many opportunities with the OML, House, State, Senate, and lobbyist groups.  As OAPSD members, we strive to keep abreast of new legislation and other public safety issues which impact or affect the public safety of the cities and villages of our great state. The OAPSD stands ready and willing to assist member communities.  

Also, I want to remind you that the Ohio Association of Public Safety Directors will hold its Annual Spring Meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Salt Fork Lodge in Guernsey County. There will be no charge for members who attend this conference, if his or her membership dues are paid. There will be a $50.00 fee for each guest.   Again, this year the OAPSD will invite vendors to attend the annual seminar, who will offer various products of interest for attendees to visit.  

Suggestions on topics that you would like to see featured in these seminars are welcomed. Registration and conference information is included in this mailing.