Fire Department updates records management with First Due software to enhance efficiency

The Wyoming City Council convened on May 5, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including routine approvals and a significant proposal for new records management software for the fire department.

The meeting commenced with a brief discussion on the need for wire and splice kits, which was approved unanimously by the council members present. Following this, the council moved on to Resolution E, which involved accepting a quote for a new records management software system.

Battalion Chief Brad Bennett presented the proposal, highlighting the limitations of the current system, ImageTrend, which only tracks incidents without offering scheduling or fleet management capabilities. Bennett explained that the new software, provided by First Due, would modernize operations by integrating reporting, scheduling, inspections, and inventory management into a single platform. This transition aims to eliminate the reliance on paper documentation, which has been cumbersome and prone to loss.

Bennett detailed the benefits of the First Due system, including cloud-based storage, automated notifications for equipment issues, and streamlined scheduling processes. He noted that the current method of managing overtime shifts is inefficient, often requiring hours of phone calls to fill vacancies. The new system promises to automate these notifications, significantly reducing response times.

The council discussed the implementation plan, which includes training for staff and a phased approach to integrating the new software. Bennett assured the council that historical data from the existing system would be transferred seamlessly to the new platform.

Council members expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery. The funding for the software will come from public safety dollars, and the council anticipates that the transition could begin as early as June 30, 2025.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to modernizing the fire department's operations through technology, aiming to improve response times and overall service quality for the community. The next steps will involve finalizing the contract and initiating the implementation process.