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Sparks expands emergency response, adds digital-evidence K9 and new ambulance service
Summary
Sparks leaders described several public-safety investments: a bond-funded Fire Station 6, Medic 51 ambulance service at Fire Station 5, 15 new license-plate readers, ShotSpotter coverage, and an electronic-storage detection canine named Bandit to support child-exploitation investigations.
Sparks officials said the city has expanded emergency services with new equipment, personnel training and a planned fire station, while adding investigative tools intended to accelerate crime resolution.
Mayor Ed Lawson said the City Council approved issuing up to $15,000,000 in bonds to build and equip Fire Station 6 in Spanish Springs; the facility is intended to reduce emergency response times in North Sparks and was scheduled to be operational later this year.
Councilman Joe Rodriguez, who spoke about emergency medical services at a city fire station, said the city purchased two ambulances and launched Sparks Medic 51 out of Fire Station 5. "I firmly believe that this is the most impactful service enhancement in decades," Councilman Joe Rodriguez said, adding that the unit averages about three patient transports per day.
The police department reported increased enforcement and investments in technology. Lawson said the department issued more than 6,000 traffic citations and warnings last year and used a $58,850 grant from the Office of Criminal Justice Assistance to purchase and install 15 FLOC license-plate readers across the city. The mayor also highlighted the ongoing use of ShotSpotter gunfire-detection technology and described several outreach teams—the Mobile Outreach Safety Team (MOST), the HOPE homeless outreach team, and the Neighborhood Police Unit—as part of a broader public-safety strategy.
Councilwoman Charlene Bybee introduced "Bandit," which she described as "the first electronic storage detection canine in the whole state of Nevada." Bybee said Bandit can locate electronic devices that store data—cell phones, USBs, SIM cards and similar items—and also serves as a therapy dog in difficult interviews with child victims.
Lawson listed additional fire-department investments: 13 new firefighters graduated from the city’s academy, the council authorized purchases including three pumper trucks and a brush truck, and grants helped fund an ambulance, EMS training mannequins, protective clothing and training for 10 personnel to attend paramedic school. The inter-hospital coordinating council provided two Lucas mechanical CPR devices.
Officials also said Sparks provided mutual aid to other states during major fires last year. No vote or ordinance was cited during the address for these actions; most items reported were existing commitments, purchased equipment, or completed/ongoing programs.
