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Village Committee: Public Safety Building Committee

The Public Safety Committee was created in 2022 by the Village Board of Trustees to explore potential solutions to the Village’s public safety facility needs.

The committee is charged with exploring alternatives and making recommendations to the Board of Trustees about long-term solutions for the Village of Saranac Lake Police and Fire Departments, along with the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department and the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Guiding Documents

Feasibility of Emergency Services Report

Mission

The mission of the Public Safety Committee is to support safe, effective, coordinated, and sustainable emergency and public safety services for the Village of Saranac Lake.

The Committee operates under the direction of the Village Board of Trustees and works to:

  • Support long-term public safety planning
  • Evaluate emergency services infrastructure needs
  • Encourage coordination between public safety agencies
  • Encourage public awareness and community engagement related to emergency services

The Committee also supports strategic planning efforts related to emergency response facilities, equipment, staffing needs, training, and community preparedness initiatives.

Members

The Public Safety Committee consists of 11 volunteer members appointed by the Village Board of Trustees, along with designated ex-officio. Members serve without compensation.

The Committee may include representation from:

  • Police Department
  • Fire Drivers
  • Fire Department
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Municipal government
  • Community stakeholders
  • Design, engineering, or construction professionals

Current Members

  • Darin Perotte, Police Chief
  • Rick Yorkey, Fire Driver
  • Michael Knapp, Fire Chief
  • Julie Harjung, Rescue Chief
  • Brendan Keough, Resident / Volunteer Fire Department
  • Ben Watson, Resident / Rescue Squad
  • Ben Douglass, Resident
  • Bob Testa, Resident

  • Jordanna Mallach, Town of Harriestown Supervisor
  • Rick Preston, Town of North Elba Supervisor
  • Davina Thurston, Town of St. Armand Supervisor

Ex-Officio Member

Village Trustee David Trudeau

Staff Liaison

Village Manager

Meetings

The Public Safety Committee meets monthly, with regular meetings held:

Third Thursday at 5PM
Village Board Room
39 Main Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

All meetings are open to the public in accordance with New York State Open Meetings Law unless otherwise noticed. Public notice of meetings is posted at least 24 hours in advance.

Board members may attend meetings remotely by telephone or video conferencing.

Documents

The Public Safety Committee operates in accordance with Village policies, resolutions, and applicable New York State laws.

Committee materials may include:

  • Meeting agendas
  • Meeting minutes
  • Planning studies
  • Consultant reports
  • Facility assessments
  • Public presentations
  • Supporting documents and recommendations

Available documents and materials will be posted here.

Information about the Public Safety Building project will be posted here.

Contact Information

Village of Saranac Lake
39 Main Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Phone: (518) 891-4150
Email: [email protected] 

Join or Participate

Public engagement and stakeholder participation are important components of the Public Safety Committee’s work. The Village of Saranac Lake remains committed to supporting effective emergency services, transparent planning, and thoughtful long-term investment in public safety infrastructure and operations.