Nashville Fire Department discusses savings from squad trucks and plans for new stations

The Metro Council Operating Budget Hearings on May 13, 2025, focused on the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) budget, highlighting significant discussions around equipment efficiency and staffing needs.

One of the key topics was the impact of squad trucks on reducing wear and tear on fire engines. Officials noted that the use of squad trucks could lead to a 50% reduction in wear and tear, which translates to substantial cost savings for the department. The department plans to provide specific figures on these savings, emphasizing that the reduction in wear and tear is crucial given the high usage rates of their equipment. Fire engines, which typically have a lifespan of five years, are currently being run through in just two years due to the volume of calls, with Nashville ranking among the top 20 busiest fire departments in the nation.

Additionally, the discussion included the need for more staffing, with a request for 18 additional full-time employees (FTEs). The department anticipates that these new positions would further decrease wear and tear on existing equipment, enhancing operational efficiency.

Another significant point raised was the need for new fire stations. It was noted that Nashville has not built a new fire station in over 20 years. The department is currently collaborating with Vanderbilt's GIS team to assess where new stations are needed based on call volume and city growth. Six potential locations for new stations have already been identified in their capital planning.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for both updated equipment and increased staffing to meet the demands of Nashville's growing population and ensure effective emergency response services. The department committed to providing further data to the council to support these initiatives.