During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the rising costs of fire service equipment and the importance of proactive budgeting. The price of fire engines has surged dramatically, with one engine purchased in 2017 for approximately $363,000 now costing nearly $1 million. This significant increase underscores the need for careful financial stewardship of taxpayer money and accurate forecasting of future needs.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of the fire prevention team, led by Fire Prevention Officer Dan France, who is actively engaged in community outreach to educate the public on fire safety. The department aims to prevent fires before they start, emphasizing that the most effective fire is the one that never occurs.

A key focus of the discussion was the revival of the youth fire setting program, which aims to rehabilitate young individuals exhibiting fire-setting behaviors. Both the deputy chief and the fire prevention officer recently attended training at the National Fire Academy to enhance this initiative. The program will involve collaboration with counselors and therapists, and officials plan to partner with local agencies to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue.

Additionally, the fire department has transitioned to a new records management system, which is expected to improve data collection and support data-driven decision-making. This upgrade is part of broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness within the department.

As the fire department prepares its budget for 2025, officials are closely monitoring various line items to ensure adequate funding for essential services and programs.