Perrysburg Fire Department reports increased response times and training efforts

During the recent Safety Committee meeting held on February 24, 2025, in Perrysburg, significant discussions centered around the city's fire department's response times and incident statistics, highlighting the challenges and successes faced by local emergency services.

A key focus was on travel times from the city's two fire stations. The fire department presented a graphic created by the GIS department, illustrating that approximately 89% of the city can be reached within four minutes. However, factors such as traffic, road conditions, and construction can impact these times. The fire chief noted that while emergency lights and sirens help, they still rely on traffic yielding and must navigate intersections safely. The chief emphasized that travel times are crucial for response efficiency, especially as the city continues to grow.

In 2024, the fire department responded to 3,584 incidents, marking a 12.75% increase from the previous year, which translates to about 405 additional calls. The average response time was reported at 7 minutes and 18 seconds, slightly above the national average. The chief acknowledged that while this number is concerning, it is influenced by various factors, including call processing and travel times.

Training was another highlight, with the department achieving a significant increase in training hours, totaling 5,500 hours last year compared to 3,000 the year before. This investment in training is seen as vital for maintaining operational readiness and effectiveness.

The meeting also touched on the challenges faced by local hospitals, particularly Mercy Perrysburg, which has been operating at capacity due to increased demand following the closure of another facility. The fire department is working closely with the hospital to ensure adequate capacity for patient transports.

In conclusion, the Safety Committee meeting underscored the importance of ongoing evaluations of response times and incident management as Perrysburg continues to grow. The fire department's commitment to training and community engagement remains strong, ensuring that they are prepared to meet the needs of residents effectively.