Irondale police and fire chiefs report crime reductions, new equipment and expanded emergency services

Police Chief Jason Wiggins and Fire Chief Josh McDaniel reported operational changes and new programs in Irondale—1s public-safety departments.

Chief Wiggins said the city—1s crime rate fell 19% from 2023 to 2024, noting declines in forgery, weapon violations, vehicle thefts and robberies, and he said there were no homicides in 2023 or 2024. He said the department added a second canine trained for tracking and narcotics work, runs a drone unit that assists in search-and-rescue and mutual aid to other jurisdictions, and has expanded training and equipment investments. Wiggins said Irondale is the second-highest paid municipal agency in Jefferson County personnel board rankings, which he said helps recruitment.

Fire Chief Josh McDaniel said the department has replaced frontline apparatus so none are older than model year 2020, has begun EMS transporting to address private-ambulance shortfalls, and has invested in water-rescue and drone capabilities to respond to incidents around natural areas.

April Dausch, newly promoted dispatch supervisor, said the city has separated dispatch into its own department, is teaching 911 classes in schools, and is in early stages of implementing text-to-911; she said text-to-911 could help callers who cannot speak and could allow sending photos from crash scenes to improve location and description information.

Ending: Chiefs said efforts aim to improve community policing, training and response capabilities; no formal policy or ordinance changes were proposed at the briefing.