Police, firefighters, and other emergency responders from four counties met with Kentucky's Homeland Security Director Tuesday morning at a security summit.

State Homeland Security Chief Adam Edelen met with emergency workers from Floyd, Letcher, Knott, and Breathitt Counties to find out what they need, and to get ideas on how to improve public safety.

Police, firefighters, and rescue squad workers all told him they need better equipment, but they can't afford it.

Edelen says he will do what he can to help them.

“These are the folks who really lay their lives on the line, and they're heroes and those of us in Frankfort who administer dollars need to do it in such a way that acknowledges what heroes these people truly are,” Edelen said.

“All of these people have great ideas. Can you imagine what kind of safe Kentucky we'd have if we get those ideas working together,” Timothy Conley said.

Edelen says they are building a strategic plan to use across the commonwealth.