Olean Fire Department discusses staffing challenges amid rising call volume

During the City of Olean Common Council meeting on March 18, 2025, significant discussions centered around the challenges facing the city's emergency services, particularly the fire department's staffing and response capabilities.

The meeting highlighted a concerning trend: while the call volume for emergency services has surged, staffing levels have decreased. The fire department currently operates with 35 personnel, down from 44 in the 1990s, despite responding to an increasing number of calls—3,450 ambulance calls and 2,300 engine calls in 2024 alone. This rise in demand has raised alarms about the department's ability to respond effectively to emergencies, particularly fires, when all available firefighters are occupied with ambulance calls.

One notable incident was discussed where firefighters were unable to respond adequately to two fire calls in February because they were all engaged in ambulance services. This situation poses risks not only to the firefighters but also to the safety of residents. The department's leadership expressed concerns that the current staffing levels may not be sufficient to ensure public safety as call volumes continue to rise.

The meeting also touched on the financial implications of these staffing challenges. The city's operating budget has seen a significant increase since 2002, but inflation has reduced purchasing power by about 10%. This financial strain complicates efforts to hire additional personnel or enhance services.

Additionally, the council explored potential revenue-generating strategies, such as the possibility of hiring dedicated emergency medical service (EMS) personnel to handle inter-facility transports. However, this idea faces hurdles due to existing union agreements that grant exclusive rights to the firefighters for ambulance services.

The discussions underscored the need for a strategic approach to address staffing shortages and improve emergency response capabilities. As the council looks to the future, finding solutions to these challenges will be crucial for maintaining public safety and ensuring that the city can effectively respond to emergencies.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for the City of Olean to reassess its emergency service staffing and response strategies to meet the growing demands of the community while navigating financial constraints and union agreements.