Virginia’s police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers are the backbone of public safety and emergency response across the Commonwealth but right now, departments are understaffed, morale is low, and too many frontline workers are burning out or walking away. 

 

John Reid’s plan is simple: back the badge with real action, not empty slogans. 

 

Policy Pillars: 

 

1. Recruitment That Works 

   • Launch a statewide First Responder Workforce Grant Program -- helping localities cover the cost of training, recruitment, and onboarding for police, fire, and EMS. 

   • Partner with high schools, community colleges, and veteran transition programs to build talent pipelines into first responder careers.

2. Retain and Reward 

   • Create a First Responder Retention Tax Credit for officers and responders who serve five or more consecutive years in the Commonwealth. 

   • Offer locality-matching bonuses for departments with the highest retention and community satisfaction scores. 

3. Train for the Real World 

   • Support modern, scenario-based training for law enforcement and EMS including mental health response, community de-escalation, and advanced medical training. 

   • Fund regional training academies in high-need areas to reduce recruitment delays. 

4. Respect the Risk 

   • Protect qualified immunity for officers acting in good faith. 

   • Provide trauma and mental health resources for those coping with the stress of the job. 

 

This is not about politics — it’s about public safety. And John Reid believes that if we want safe communities, we need strong departments, trusted officers, and a Commonwealth that has their back.