At the Aug. 27 meeting, committee members received multiple operational updates from police and fire staff covering recruitment, volunteer programs, new equipment and community outreach. Most items were presented as informational reports; no formal approvals were taken.
Why it matters: staffing and auxiliary programs affect response capacity and community engagement. Several items described concrete near-term operational changes and fundraising-dependent programs.
Key updates
- Recruitment and staffing: The police department reported one open full-time position and described an expanded candidate approach that will accept both already-certified officers and candidates who require academy training. The department has reserved a seat in the next academy should they hire a candidate who needs certification. The Fire Chief reported recruitment for POP (part-time/volunteer) positions is strong; 21 applicants were received in the opening window and the department expects to make multiple conditional offers in mid-September.
- Internships and part-time hires: The police department said its internship program is highly rated by a regional university and that current interns have applied for permanent positions. The Police and Fire Commission authorized a part-time officer who is now on patrol; that officer is also a full-time firefighter elsewhere and a former Madison Police Department employee.
- Chaplain and mental-health supports: Departments announced a new chaplain (Pastor Shannon) who will provide faith-based support and will pursue counseling/social-work licensure; both departments also reported continuing Employee Assistance Program services through Healthy Minds and indicated their insurer may cover some counseling sessions for first responders.
- Drone acquisition and shared capability: Fire staff said the fire department purchased a drone that matches the police drone model to enable shared batteries, parts and cross-trained pilots. The chief said remote-pilot (Part 107) training for volunteers is funded through professional-development money; the drone will be used for search-and-rescue, structure fire reconnaissance and pre-plans that integrate with dispatch. “We bought a drone that matches what PD has…so batteries are swappable,” the Fire Chief said, adding that the drone includes thermal imaging and “eye detection” capabilities.
- K-9 program and fundraising: Staff thanked council members and community donors for supporting the canine program and said the program runs on donated funds; the department promoted an upcoming canine golf fundraiser at a local course.
Discussion vs. decision
- Discussion only: Committee members discussed recruitment strategies, academy seats, and the role of the drone in search-and-rescue. A recent mass-search event was cited as justification for the drone capability.
- Direction/assignment: No formal assignments recorded; staff will continue recruitment and training activities and will return with program updates in future reports.
- Formal action: None recorded; hiring authorizations and part-time appointment were processed through the Police and Fire Commission before the committee meeting (reported to the committee).
Ending: Staff emphasized the departments’ focus on recruitment and on maintaining volunteer and donation-supported programs while integrating new technology for incident response.