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Cape Coral Fire Department unveils 2025-2030 strategic plan emphasizing health, readiness and training
Summary
The Cape Coral Fire Department presented a five-year strategic plan on Oct. 15 that formalizes goals for workforce wellness, operational readiness, community risk reduction, asset reliability and a new training campus.
The Cape Coral Fire Department presented a five-year strategic plan for 2025'2030 at the Oct. 15 Committee of the Whole meeting that refocuses operations on health and wellness, operational readiness, community risk reduction, asset reliability and training.
Chief Mike Russell said the plan was developed in April 2025 using a SOAR process (strengths, opportunities, aspirations, results), third-party facilitation, and input from internal staff and external community stakeholders. He said the plan aligns department goals with the city's strategic plan and includes measurable, outcome-based objectives and SMART tasks assigned to working teams.
"Our mission is to save lives, protect property, and serve the community through risk reduction and emergency response," Russell said. The department's vision in the plan is "to be the leader in fire and emergency services by empowering our people, embracing innovation, and honoring our mission to protect what matters most." The department kept its values acronym, CAPE (Commitment, Accountability, Professionalism, Excellence).
Key elements: the plan contains seven goals, including a health-and-wellness program for members, strengthened operational readiness (special operations and traditional firefighting), community education and risk-reduction outreach, a culture-of-safety program, asset reliability (apparatus and facilities), technology upgrades to increase efficiency, and a training campus for foundational and advanced training.
Council response and budget implications: Several council members praised the plan's thoroughness and alignment with the city's goals. Councilmember Steinke thanked the chief and asked whether planned equipment and facility upgrades were included in the department's budget forecasts; Chief Russell said some items are already forecast but additional investments may be required over time. Assistant City Manager Mark Mason noted staff have included forecasts for potential revenue loss tied to property tax changes elsewhere in the budget; Russell and Mason acknowledged the department may need capital investments in stations as the city grows, and councilmembers discussed the need to protect funding for public-safety infrastructure even as other priorities change.
Next steps: The department will move to implement the plan through assigned teams and report progress through the city's budget and capital planning processes. Council provided positive feedback and expects budget discussions to consider the plan's staffing and facility needs.
Why it matters: The plan is intended to prepare the fire department for growth as Cape Coral continues to develop and to ensure services and facilities keep pace with population and risk changes.
