Police and fire ask for equipment, radios and training as departments near full staffing
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Summary
Police and fire chiefs outlined one‑time equipment requests, radio and dispatch upgrades and training priorities. Police described ongoing CAD/RMS implementation, a potential radio system upgrade (congressional funding sought) and hiring progress; fire sought power cots and Lexipol policy management.
Police and fire department leaders presented their proposed items for FY25–26 and described operational priorities tied to staffing and equipment.
Police Chief Brian Slinski said the department is close to closing a long‑running vacancy gap but noted that new hires require academy time and field training, a process that can take up to a year. He described a push to reduce overtime as vacancies decline and said the department is evaluating fleet‑replacement options and funding mechanisms.
On communications, the chief said South Pasadena still uses analog radio and is the only agency in the San Gabriel Valley that has not migrated to digital; staff said encrypted digital radio capability and interoperability with neighboring agencies are priorities. The department is seeking federal/congressional funding for an estimated $1–1.4 million radio upgrade, and staff said they were close to final approval on a funding request.
The police presentation also covered completion of a CAD/RMS implementation (several modules remain to be activated) and a customer‑service platform that will provide case status and notifications for non‑emergency service requests.
Fire Chief Greg Lloyd requested one‑time funds of $121,000 to purchase two power cots intended to reduce lifting‑related injuries and described a planned purchase of a Lexipol policy‑management system to keep fire policies legally vetted and current. He also noted a previously appropriated $1.2 million for a fire engine remains in a special projects fund and will be rolled forward until purchase is made.
Commissioners asked about training budgets ahead of large regional events in 2028 and about how staffing assumptions affect salary and benefit lines; chiefs and staff answered that training needs are being planned and that some line items are tied to post‑mandated training and non‑POST training. No formal votes were taken; the items were presented for incorporation into the proposed budget.
