Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Plymouth Fire Chief reviews 2024 operations, apparatus replacement remains top priority
Summary
Fire Chief Ryan Pafford presented the department’s 2024 annual report to the Plymouth City Council, noting 42 active personnel, the first cadet advancing to full membership, fundraising successes and a planned aerial apparatus replacement expected to arrive in 2027.
Fire Chief Ryan Pafford presented the Plymouth Fire Department’s 2024 annual report to the council, highlighting staffing, training, community outreach and capital needs. The chief said the department has 42 active personnel and seven contract staff who assist at large events, and that the department added nine new personnel in 2024.
Pafford told the council the department’s 2024 call volume totaled 342 incidents and that EMS and fire calls trended down while service calls rose. "We currently have 42 active personnel, and then 7 contract personnel," Pafford said, and noted the cadet program approved two years ago produced its first cadet who joined as a full member this year.
The department completed inspections and audits with ISO and DSPS and maintained its current ISO rating while exploring steps to improve it. Pafford said the department implemented new resource management software and drafted a vehicle and equipment replacement plan; he identified replacement of the aerial apparatus as the top priority, telling the council the truck approved last year has an expected three-year delivery window and is likely to arrive in 2027 or later because of lead times.
The chief described training and community activities: volunteer training hours totaled 261; fire prevention week engaged 637 people; open house and community events drew multiple attendees; and fundraising by local businesses generated donations — Pafford cited Jigs Bar and Grill, which donated $4,935 in 2024 and $6,246 already in 2025; Troubadour Vineyards raised $18,000 in a single day across multiple departments; and Wallow State Bank donated chicken for a department barbecue.
Council members asked about capital and timing; Pafford confirmed the aerial truck is the department’s immediate replacement priority, and staff plan to arrange demonstrations and equipment showings for council members later in the year. No formal council action on department items is recorded in the transcript; the presentation was received and followed by council questions and appreciation for volunteers.
