Perrysburg City Council approves new police vehicles and fire station upgrades

During the recent Perrysburg City Council meeting on February 4, 2025, significant discussions centered around public safety enhancements and operational improvements for the city's police and fire departments.

One of the most notable highlights was the reported 17% decrease in crime within the police division compared to the previous year, alongside a 3% reduction in average response times. This positive trend reflects the ongoing efforts to bolster community safety. The council also discussed plans to hire three new EMS fire personnel in 2025, which aims to ensure three firefighters are available per shift. This addition is expected to reduce overtime costs and alleviate stress on current staff, further improving response times for emergency services, which averaged 4 minutes and 53 seconds in 2024.

In terms of equipment upgrades, the council approved the purchase of new ZOLL EMS ventilators to replace outdated models that are no longer supported by the manufacturer. This purchase is part of the 2025 capital budget and will enhance the capabilities of the EMS team. Additionally, the HVAC system at Fire Station 38 is set for replacement due to negative air pressure issues, with a request for proposals (RFP) being developed.

The meeting also acknowledged the retirement of Captain Joel Whitmore, who has served the city for over 30 years. A retirement reception was held to honor his contributions to the community.

On the technology front, a contract with Sierra Wireless was discussed to upgrade police division modems to 5G, which will improve processing speeds for camera footage. This upgrade is expected to come with a $28,000 credit from Verizon.

Other topics included the donation of surplus property, such as infant CPR trainers and AED trainers, to the Safety Council of Northwest Ohio, and the introduction of several resolutions related to emergency purchases for police vehicles and equipment.

As the council continues to prioritize public safety and operational efficiency, residents can look forward to enhanced emergency services and community support in the coming year. The next council meeting is scheduled for February 18, 2025, where further resolutions will be discussed.