Sunbury fire chief reports 1,644 calls in 2024, site work starts for second station at 485 Wilson Road
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Summary
Fire Chief Kovacs told council 2024 call volume was 1,644 (about 3.5% up from 2023), the city hired three full‑time firefighters who began in January, and site work has started for a second station at 485 Wilson Road with expected occupancy in first quarter 2026; a groundbreaking was scheduled March 10 at 4 p.m.
Fire Chief Kovacs told Sunbury City Council the fire department responded to 1,644 incidents in 2024, an increase of about 3.5% over 2023, and described staffing and construction updates for a planned second station.
Kovacs said the department hired three full‑time firefighters who started in January to bolster staffing reliability amid continuing part‑time retention challenges. He said the department still relies on part‑time personnel but added full‑time hires to stabilize shifts.
Site work has begun at 485 Wilson Road, just north of Camping World, Kovacs said. He reported earth‑moving started about two weeks before the meeting, foundation work is expected to begin in late March, and the administration currently anticipates substantial completion and occupancy in the first quarter of 2026, subject to weather and concrete schedules. Kovacs said the city will post progress photos online and is planning a groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m. on March 10.
During questions, a councilmember asked whether passing vehicles’ sirens could be quieted near a private home; Kovacs said the department could not comply with turning down sirens when responding, calling it “a no go.”
Kovacs said the department will continue monitoring staffing and the new station build timeline and will provide updates to council as project milestones occur.