Annapolis Fire Department: Ward 2 accounts for more than 10% of city responses; new engine and fireboat on track

The Annapolis Fire Department reported to the city’s Public Safety Standing Committee that Ward 2 produced more than 10% of the department’s responses, and outlined operational highlights including an incoming engine and a fireboat now scheduled for production.

Deputy Fire Chief told the committee that “in calendar year 2024, [the Annapolis Fire Department] responded to 13,684 unique incidents. Of those, 1,347 were in Ward 2.” He said the department has handled 5,494 responses so far in 2025 citywide, including mutual aid, with 591 in Ward 2 to date.

Why it matters: Ward 2’s call volume is elevated by several recurring locations and by its geographic size, the department said. The presentation noted frequent responses to a high-rise senior building identified in the slides as the Morris Plum Senior High Rise and to Naval Academy Stadium events.

The department also reported improvements in fire-loss valuation citywide. “Last year, we had a great year. We only had a $450,000 property valuation loss from fire within the city,” the deputy chief said, adding the figure is down significantly from prior years.

Equipment and staffing: The department said a new fire engine is completing final work at Atlantic Emergency Solutions in Baltimore and should be delivered and placed in service at the Forest Drive station within about a month after on‑site radio and minor installations. A new fireboat design has been finalized and will enter production at Metal Craft Marine in July or August with an estimated 12‑month build time.

Strategic and training updates: Fire Department staff briefed the committee on a strategic planning process using the Center for Public Safety Excellence model, with internal stakeholder groups and planned external focus groups; a draft plan will be provided to the fire chief by September for eventual council review. The department also reported firefighter training activity: four firefighters in recruit school (two recently completed firefighter 1 & 2 certifications); two personnel in paramedic school whose field positions are being backfilled with overtime.

Technology trial: The department described participation in a national pilot for helmet‑mounted “see-through” thermal-imaging devices intended to improve visibility in smoke. The deputy chief said the devices, supported by Department of Homeland Security grant funding, will be used by the department for training evolutions and two-week field trials, with structured feedback returned to the vendor.

Ward 2 operational challenges: The presentation noted an elevator replacement project last summer at the senior high-rise that created access and response challenges, which the department said it handled in coordination with the Office of Emergency Management and the contractor.

The department closed its report with an invitation for questions and said the strategic planning and equipment deliveries are near-term items the committee will see again.

Ending: The committee heard no requests for immediate policy action; the department will return with the strategic plan drafts and follow up as equipment and training milestones are reached.