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Fire chief reports record call volume, new station construction, staffing plans and disaster response
Summary
Chief Kovacs presented the BST&G Fire District 2024 report showing over 1,600 incidents, a 3.5% year-over-year increase, continued investment in training and a new shared station under construction; the department described staffing plans and the district's response to a tornado event.
Chief Kovacs presented the BST&G Fire District's 2024 annual report to Sunbury City Council on May 7, reporting record call volume, active construction on a new station and staffing plans to meet growing service demand.
Chief Kovacs said the district handled over 1,600 incidents in 2024, about a 3.5% increase from the prior year, and that EMS calls and fire/rescue calls were roughly split 50/50. “Last year, again, was another record year, over 1,600 incidents,” Kovacs told council. He added that, so far in 2025, call volume is running about 10% ahead of last year.
The chief highlighted the community risk reduction division, which he said has five inspectors and is increasingly busy reviewing both new construction and existing structures; staffing capacity for that division will require monitoring. He also recapped public programs including car-seat installations, bicycle helmet giveaways and community events.
On capital projects, Kovacs credited voters for approving a bond last spring and said the new shared station is on schedule for completion next March, noting recent progress including completed footers and foundation work. He said the building includes a tornado shelter, which he described as a requirement based on recent storm experience.
Kovacs described last year’s tornado, which affected the district and touched four communities. He said there were no injuries or fatalities from that storm and praised interagency preparedness and response.
On staffing, Kovacs said the department added three full-time staff at the beginning of the year and intends to add part-time personnel to reach full shift staffing; converting part-time positions to full-time will depend on budget availability.
Council members asked about training facilities and whether the new shared station would be used to host classes; Kovacs said the new station’s classroom can hold about 50 students and will support more in‑house training.
He also reported two traffic fatalities on I‑71 so far this year and reminded drivers to exercise care. The council did not take formal action on the report; the presentation served as an informational update.
