LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington mayor Linda Gorton informed the city of plans and several additional details about the community in the annual State of the City address.

What You Need To Know

  • The Lexington Forum event, held at the now-finished Central Bank Center, focused on the city’s progress and needs for 2023

  • Mayor Gorton says the city is expanding the Flock license plate reader program, bringing the city’s new technology to 100 readers across Lexington

  • In 10 months alone, the license plate readers have already put homicide suspects behind bars, located missing persons and property, and helped police recover over 40 guns

  • Other focus points mentioned were toward developing affordable housing structures and expanding shelter capacity and resources

Mayor Gorton and the community recognized the ways they will handle its public safety needs moving forward, including the success of the community paramedicine program.

“We want the best for our residents, so we continue every day to work for the very best for our people and our community,” Gorton said. 

Focusing on matters of public safety, health and economic opportunities over the last year, the goal is to find longer-term solutions for people in need.

Homicide, domestic violence, and other emergency prevention and reduction services are front of mind. Like its revamped community paramedicine program, that once comprised just first responders. Now, social workers, law enforcement and firefighters are all working together.

“Firefighters could only address a patient’s emergency needs. Community paramedicine allows them to look a little deeper and find longer-term solutions for people,” Gorton explained.

Lexington’s paramedicine program started in 2018 and offers emergency help, mental health treatment, housing and financial resources.

Lexington Police Department Chief Lawrence Weathers says he hopes to continue growing these efforts with the fire department and the team of trained specialists.

“Once we get up to our staffing levels, I’d love to expand that and maybe add a few more detectives to it. And I know that he would love to expand it too,” Weathers said.

It takes continuous efforts like these to help prevent violent crimes and the unexpected, Weathers said.

“To keep people from repeating, to keep people from dying. That’s what it’s all about.” Weathers said.

The paramedicine program provides follow-ups and mobile outreach to those in need. Last year, the Lexington Fire department was awarded the national Whelen Everyday Champion Award for its paramedicine efforts. 

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