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Kennedale Fire Chief outlines new apparatus, station remodel and staffing goals in 2024 annual report
Summary
Fire Chief presented the department's 2024 annual report detailing calls (1,578), apparatus acquisitions, plans for a new ambulance and brush truck, a temporary relocation while Station 59 is remodeled, and goals including accreditation, a second ambulance and consideration of an aerial quint (ladder) truck.
Kennedale Fire Chief presented the department’s fiscal 2024 annual report to the City Council on March 18, summarizing response statistics, equipment purchases, staffing and planned station upgrades.
Chief Peterson said the department handled 1,578 incidents in the fiscal year, including 1,004 emergency medical incidents and 574 fire‑related responses; of the 1,004 EMS incidents, 651 patients were transported to hospitals. “The big news is your fire department is on the move,” Peterson said, describing recent hires and equipment purchases and the department’s plans for a remodeled Station 59.
Peterson outlined apparatus and equipment activity: the department currently staffs one medic and one engine as primary response units, has two reserve apparatus, and expects delivery of a grant‑funded ambulance late this year (targeted for November or December). The department ordered a new brush truck to replace a 2004 model; the vendor estimated July delivery for the new unit. The department also acquired an off‑road Polaris vehicle, used primarily for special events and access to rough terrain.
Chief Peterson described plans for a temporary move to a bunkhouse trailer and an interim station arrangement with Southwest Ambulance while Station 59 is closed for renovation. He said staff expects to begin moving equipment in late March with construction starting in May.
On personnel and operations, Peterson said fire administration currently includes a captain position (new in the budget) and a full‑time fire prevention investigator; the operations roster totals 18 budgeted positions across three shifts with minimum on‑shift staffing of five personnel. The department is training more and increasing prevention inspections: since August, prevention staff conducted 263 inspections, 25 investigations and 27 plan reviews, the chief said.
Chief Peterson described revenue streams tied to ambulance billing and county response agreements and said the department plans to pursue grant funding for equipment and training where available. He also flagged longer‑term equipment needs, specifically researching an aerial quint (ladder) apparatus to provide elevated streams, rescue access and greater capability for structure fires.
Councilmembers asked about staffing, training and retention. Peterson said increased training opportunities with neighboring cities, the new captain position and an improved station facility are part of the strategy to retain personnel and reduce dependence on mutual aid for routine ambulance coverage. He said wash bays, grease traps and oil‑water separators would be included for any department vehicle‑washing facilities and emphasized compliance with state permitting when applicable.
Peterson closed by outlining community engagement goals including a Citizens Fire Academy, smoke‑detector and child car‑seat programs, and continued accreditation work.
No formal council action was taken; the presentation served as an informational report for council and the public.
