Hallandale Beach Reviews Community Risk Assessment to Strengthen Fire Services

A comprehensive community risk assessment was presented at the Hallandale Beach City Commission meeting on August 20, 2025, highlighting critical insights into the city's fire and emergency medical services. The assessment, conducted by Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI), aims to identify risks and vulnerabilities while establishing benchmarks for the Hallandale Fire Department's operational capabilities over the next three to five years.

Radu Dodia, the Human Resources Director, emphasized the importance of this assessment, noting that it aligns with industry standards from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and the National Fire Protection Association. The study revealed that Hallandale Beach, with a population density of 9,600 people per square mile and a significant portion of residents over 65 years old, faces unique challenges due to its aging infrastructure and high call volume—over 10,000 incidents annually, with emergency medical services accounting for nearly 65% of calls.

Chris Armstrong, the project manager from ESCI, detailed the findings, which included an analysis of response times and staffing levels. The report indicated that while most of the city is within the recommended response times, some areas experience delays, particularly during complex incidents. Recommendations included investigating the causes of these delays, improving dispatch protocols, and potentially increasing staffing levels to enhance service delivery.

Commissioners expressed frustration over the current response times and the challenges in obtaining timely data from the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), which provides fire services. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of current staffing levels, particularly for emergency medical services, and the need for a detailed cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the feasibility of increasing personnel.

The discussion underscored the urgency for Hallandale Beach to address its emergency response capabilities, especially as the city continues to grow and evolve. The commission plans to follow up on the recommendations and explore ways to improve service delivery and community safety.