Terre Haute Fire Chief Derek Scott Highlights Annual Achievements and Recruitment Challenges

In the heart of Terre Haute, city officials gathered for the Terre Haute City Council Regular Meeting on December 12, 2024, where discussions ranged from staffing challenges to significant advancements in public safety. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of progress and urgency as department heads presented their updates and future plans.

Marcus, a key city staff member, opened the meeting by addressing ongoing staffing challenges. While he acknowledged that recruitment remains a hurdle, he expressed optimism about recent hires who have proven to be flexible and capable. “If we can continue to find the caliber of people that we have, we’ll call it an opportunity,” he stated, highlighting the importance of partnerships with various departments, including the street and wastewater divisions. These collaborations not only enhance efficiency but also save taxpayer dollars, allowing for more extensive road projects without the need for costly contractors.

However, Marcus also pointed out a significant challenge: the city’s outdated zoning code. He emphasized the need for updates to accommodate modern developments that did not exist when the code was established in 1967. “It’s a changing world,” he remarked, indicating a push for more mixed-use developments to better serve the community's evolving needs.

Following Marcus, Fire Chief Derek Scott took the floor, celebrating a milestone in service as he recognized senior firefighter Ed Lewis for 40 years of dedication. Chief Scott reported that the fire department is on track to exceed its previous year’s call volume, with nearly 14,000 runs recorded to date. He highlighted the introduction of cancer screenings for firefighters, a crucial step given the profession's heightened risk for cancer. “We started those screenings this spring,” he noted, sharing the unfortunate news of two confirmed cancer diagnoses among his team.

The chief also detailed significant investments in equipment and safety measures, including new fire engines, protective gear, and thermal imaging cameras for all apparatus. These enhancements aim to ensure the safety of firefighters and improve response times during emergencies. He expressed gratitude for the council's support in securing funding for these initiatives, which included upgrades to firehouses and the installation of generators to assist during power outages.

Looking ahead to 2025, Chief Scott identified recruitment and retention as critical challenges. He proposed lowering the minimum hiring age from 21 to 19 to attract younger candidates in a competitive job market. “We need to grab them when they’re coming out of high school,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of appealing to the local workforce.

As the meeting concluded, both Marcus and Chief Scott left the council with a sense of accomplishment and a clear vision for the future. Their reports underscored a commitment to improving city services while navigating the complexities of staffing and community needs. The discussions not only reflected the challenges faced by Terre Haute but also the proactive steps being taken to ensure a safer and more efficient city for all its residents.