The Board of Public Safety received the fire department’s monthly report on Aug. 21, covering July response volumes, training activities, community outreach and bond‑project updates. The fire department reported 512 calls in July, including 214 rescue/EMS calls and 129 false alarms, and said July call volume was down about 9% from July 2024 but up about 34% compared with July 2020.

The presenter described on‑campus activity for July as 49 calls, 33 of which were false alarms, and said year‑to‑date campus calls have increased relative to prior years. Response times and a heat map identified recurring high‑frequency areas including Redbud Hills, Belle Trace, Penn Street, Wheeler, West Third and Crawford.

Training updates included completion of a flashover training‑the‑trainer program, operational training on newly purchased lithium‑battery fire extinguishers (described as a suppressant that smothers a battery to stop thermal runaway), and plans for autism‑aware training sessions. The department said training hours have dipped because there are no recruit classes in session; two recruit start dates are scheduled for Sept. 15, which the presenter said will return staffing to full strength.

The department reported community‑engagement work by its Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) team: nine car seats fitted and two given away under a state program, multiple referrals to shelter and housing agencies, and assistance distributing mobility equipment and other wraparound services. The presenter noted that collaborative work involved nine partner agencies.

On equipment and procurement, the presenter said pending purchases for an aerial truck and a fire engine have lengthy lead times but contracts were modified to take stock units, shortening delivery and reducing price; both vehicles are expected to be built this year. The presenter also said a grant has funded training and equipment to expand the MIH division.

On capital projects, Station 3 (referred to as 'Phoenix') is slated for contractor completion on or about Sept. 12, 2025, with time needed to move in before reopening; the presenter said an open house will be scheduled. The operations center project has limited remaining work and is expected to be completed in August.

No board action was taken on fire operations beyond asking for routine updates; personnel notes included two staff on workers’ compensation and two on FMLA, and the department confirmed active recruitment and administrative staffing work to fill a recently vacated administrative assistant position.