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Fire chief lays out plan for swift‑water team, new station and fleet replacement
Summary
San Angelo Fire Department leaders presented a three‑stage plan that includes a swift‑water rescue team this year, a ninth fire station within three years to improve response in the southwest area, and a long‑term capital plan to replace aging apparatus.
Fire leadership told council members the San Angelo Fire Department (SAFD) is pursuing a three‑part strategy: stand up a certified swift‑water rescue team within the current fiscal year, pursue construction and staffing for a ninth fire station in the next three years to cut long response times in the Southwest region, and develop a five‑year apparatus replacement plan to keep pace with rising vehicle costs.
Fire Chief Patrick outlined the swift‑water objective first: SAFD has purchased two rescue boats and identified personnel for training. “We purchased 2 rescue boats…they're going to be delivered today,” he said, adding that training, personal protective equipment and deployment protocols must be completed before the team is operational. Chief Patrick said TIFMAS (the Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System) reimbursements have funded recent apparatus purchases and will fund initial swift‑water setup costs.
Why it matters: Chief Patrick said an underserved area in the Southwest currently experiences average first‑unit response times above 7 minutes and that the city risks losing its ISO Class 1 rating if the overhaul is not underway when ISO returns for its next survey. “If we break ground by that point…they will delay their survey,” he said, referring to the March timeline tied to the ISO review.
Key initiatives described: - Swift‑water team (year 1): buy and outfit two boats, certify initial personnel, and stand up deployment and maintenance protocols. Chief Patrick said available TIFMAS funds can cover equipment and training costs and that the department has identified an initial group for swift‑water technician certification. - Ninth fire station and staffing (year 3): the department proposes a phased hiring plan to add 20 firefighters and open Station 9 to reach a four‑minute average first‑unit response in the Southwest region. Chief Patrick said SAFER grant funding could offset personnel costs for the first three years but cautioned the grant mainly covers entry‑level salaries and imposes limits on reimbursable items. - Fleet replacement (year 5): Chief Patrick presented a life‑cycle plan for engines and aerials and warned apparatus prices are rising; he cited recent quotes for annual radio‑system maintenance and an estimate that long‑term ladder truck replacement costs will be substantial.
Funding and risks: Chief Patrick said no definitive, dedicated grant or capital source for Station 9 has been identified; possible options include a bond issuance or other local funding mechanisms. He said grant sources such as SAFER and AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) can help but do not cover all costs and stressed the need for long‑term budgeting because vehicle acquisition and radio maintenance now require ongoing annual funding rather than once‑every‑decade capital purchases.
Quote: “We will never deploy out more vehicles or personnel that would reduce our coverage area in San Angelo because this is our number 1 priority,” Chief Patrick said, describing the department’s approach to mutual‑aid deployments.
Next steps: Chief Patrick said staff will continue grant applications, finalize design and cost estimates for Station 9, and return to council with specific financial plans. No council vote was taken during the presentation.
