Mayor Tom Semaan – New Baltimore, MI
Mayor Tom Semaan – New Baltimore, MI

Public Safety

Mayor Tom Semaan has made public safety a top priority for New Baltimore, drawing on his 30-year experience as a volunteer firefighter to ensure the city remains a secure and welcoming place for all. His administration is committed to supporting a well-equipped police force, a responsive fire department, and community-focused safety programs. Below are the key efforts and achievements in this critical area.

Priorities & Initiatives

Strengthening Police Services

Mayor Semaan champions a proactive and community-oriented police department to maintain New Baltimore’s low crime rates:

  • Staffing & Training: Increased funding for hiring and retaining officers, with an emphasis on de-escalation and community engagement training.
  • Technology Upgrades: Equipped the police force with body cameras and modern dispatch systems, fully implemented in 2024, to enhance transparency and response times.
  • Neighborhood Patrols: Expanded foot and bike patrols in downtown and residential areas to build trust and deter crime.

Progress Update: Crime rates dropped by 5% in 2024, reflecting the success of these initiatives.

Enhancing Fire & Emergency Services

With his firefighting background, Mayor Semaan ensures the fire department is prepared for any emergency:

  • Equipment Modernization: Secured $500,000 in ARPA funds to replace aging fire trucks and upgrade protective gear, with new equipment arriving in Summer 2025.
  • Volunteer Support: Launched a recruitment campaign to bolster the volunteer firefighter roster, adding 10 new members since 2023.
  • Disaster Preparedness: Partnered with Macomb County to conduct annual emergency drills, including flood response training tailored to New Baltimore’s waterfront location.

Progress Update: Response times for fire emergencies improved by 15% in 2024 thanks to new equipment and training.

Community Safety Programs

Mayor Semaan believes safety starts with an engaged community:

  • Neighborhood Watch: Revitalized the program with quarterly meetings and online reporting tools, now active in 12 neighborhoods.
  • Youth Outreach: Introduced “Safety Days” at local schools, where police and firefighters teach kids about fire prevention and stranger safety.
  • Senior Support: Expanded wellness checks for elderly residents, conducted by first responders, to ensure their safety during extreme weather.

Progress Update: Over 200 residents participated in Safety Days in 2024, fostering stronger community ties.

Mayor Semaan’s Vision

“As a firefighter and your mayor, I know firsthand what it takes to keep New Baltimore safe. My commitment is to provide our police and fire teams with the resources they need while building a community where everyone feels protected and supported.”

Looking Ahead

Mayor Semaan’s administration is working toward:

  • Installing additional public safety cameras in high-traffic areas by 2026, balanced with privacy considerations.
  • Developing a mobile app for real-time safety alerts and direct communication with city services, launching in late 2025.
  • Expanding mutual aid agreements with neighboring communities to ensure seamless emergency response.

Get Involved

Your safety matters! Share your thoughts on how we can improve public safety in New Baltimore. Join us at a City Council meeting or reach out to the Mayor’s Office at (586) 725-2151 or tsemaan@cityofnewbaltimore.org.