FY25 Proposed Budget

Emergency Operations The Fire Emergency Operations is under the direction of the Deputy Fire Chief. The division works a three-shift system. Each duty shift is comprised of 24 hours and consists of one Battalion Chief, one Captain, four Lieutenants, and 14 Firefighters. Minimum daily staffing for the department is 16 emergency response personnel. This division is directly responsible for all emergency incident response. Calls for service are divided into four categories: fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, and hazardous materials. Activities:  Emergency Operations services include fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response. The Fire Department responds to over 9,000 emergency incidents annually.  Repurposed many automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in partnership with Johnson County Ambulance, placing AEDs for public access at Terry Trueblood, City Park, and the Ped Mall.  Through grant funding, purchased and placed into service an automated CPR device.  Successfully navigated reaccreditation. One of a few municipal fire departments to retain accredited status since 2008.  Increased departmental diversity by four new members. Upcoming Challenges:  Managing apparatus replacement schedule with several new fire truck replacements in the next few years.  Operational tempo will continue to challenge unit availability – staffing issues are a critical strategic consideration.  Deployment model must be considered for District 2 – only one fire station covers the area west of the river.  Must finalize locations for station 3 and station 5 by late winter.  Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus are nearing the end of useful life. Will need replaced in the few years.  Current SCBA compressor at station 1 is reaching the end of its useful life and will need to be replaced station in the few years.  Current hydraulic tools on Rescue 1 are approaching 14 years old and are becoming obsolete. Recent Accomplishments:  Call volume continues to increase at a record pace.  Specified and purchased three new fire engines, delivery in 24 months.

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