Emergency Services Advisory Council (ESAC)

Authorized by County Code (Sec. 15-604.) the Department of Public Safety created the Emergency Services Advisory Council (ESAC).  ESAC is tasked with assisting with the development and implementation of countywide operational policies and procedures.  Membership of ESAC consist of the Chief of each volunteer Fire Department and Captain of each volunteer Rescue Squad located in Henry County.  Other emergency services agencies and organizations that serve Henry County, including the Martinsville-Henry County 911 Center, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, AirCare, AirLife VA, Martinsville-Henry County Firefighter’s Association, and the Henry County Rescue Squad Association are also invited to provide reports to the council at each meeting.  All meetings are held at the Henry County Public Safety Emergency Services Training Center and are open to the public.  Anyone with an interest in the emergency services of Henry County is encouraged to attend the meetings.  Anyone with a specific item to be added to the agenda should contact the Director of Public Safety at least seven days prior to the meeting.   

To view the minutes of the ESAC meetings, please visit https://www.henrycountyva.gov/AgendaCenter. 

Mission Statement

The Emergency Services of Henry County are committed to the protection of life, property, and environment from the adverse effects of fire, medical, and hazardous conditions through sustained training, progressive education, and consistent diligence to provide the highest level of customer service.

Vision Statement

The fire, rescue, and emergency management services of Henry County will provide a timely community-focused emergency response while ensuring a safe and secure environment for all through training, education, and efficient use of resources.

Core Values

Professional Excellence

We believe the pursuit of continuous improvement through excellence and high professional standards are critical to our work.  To ensure the best possible service for our community, the Henry County Emergency Services support continuous training and encourages professional development.

Health & Safety

We believe our health and safety are essential to the fulfillment of the Henry County Emergency Services Mission.  We are committed to providing the best health and safety programs for our member’s well-being and operational readiness.

Diversity

We know Henry County is a diverse community, and we commit to meeting its ever-changing needs.  We will respect the diversity of our community by providing compassionate and quality service to all.

Teamwork & Shared Leadership

We know well-functioning teams of people are more effective than individuals working separately; our lives depend on it.  We believe individuals can lead, and our organization values leadership at all levels. Teamwork and shared leadership are integral to our organization, and we will seek out and value the opinions of our members.

Effective Communication

We believe that communication is essential to the cohesiveness and performance of our organization.  We are committed to providing effective and responsive means of communication throughout the organization and the community.

Integrity

We understand the trust placed in us by the public, and our colleagues are integral to the performance of our duties.  We are committed to honest and ethical behavior, and we will hold ourselves accountable to these values.

Community Service & Involvement

We believe we have a duty to be involved in the communities where we work. Our responsibility is to protect life, property, and the environment.  We are committed to fulfilling our responsibility and to deepening our involvement in the community we serve.

Innovation

We recognize and understand that the constancy of change in our community and industry impacts our business daily.  We are committed to seeking out and implementing innovative and progressive thinking to address change effectively to benefit the citizens of Henry County.

Strategic Objectives

Develop and deliver the highest quality medical, fire suppression, technical rescue, manage hazard materials response, water rescue, life safety education, fire prevention, and investigation services.

Maintain a leadership role in local, state, and national public safety initiatives.

Ensure responder readiness and leadership development by providing innovative education and training programs.

Ensure community health and safety by developing and maintaining effective programs and policies.

Increase organizational effectiveness by developing leaders while maintaining facilities, apparatus, equipment, and technology; and improving internal processes.