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Fire district seeks dedicated fire recruit training officer as recruitment and growth accelerate
Summary
Deputy Chief Kevin Nelson said the fire district will be fully staffed after a recruits graduation, highlighted growth in residential and commercial development, and requested one full‑time fire recruit training officer to avoid pulling operations staff off duty for recruit instruction.
Kevin Nelson, deputy chief for administration at the Sedgwick County Fire District, reported the district is nearing full staffing after a recruit class and asked the commissioners to fund a dedicated fire recruit training officer.
Nelson said the district will graduate seven recruits next week and expects to be “completely staffed.” He described rapid residential and commercial growth in Park City, Goddard and other areas as an opportunity that requires sustained recruitment and training. The district has expanded programs such as drone operations and dual‑certified wildland gear purchased with a grant.
The single decision package Nelson presented is for a dedicated fire recruit training officer. Currently, training duties require taking experienced crew members off the floor, which creates vacancies and overtime. Nelson said a dedicated recruit training officer would allow more consistent instruction, reduce overtime costs and better align the district with NFPA training standards.
Nelson also warned of revenue sensitivity: the fire district depends on property tax and has limited alternative revenue tools in Kansas. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the department’s medical/training roles and civilian administrative positions; Nelson confirmed the recruit training‑officer request is the only decision package for 2026 from his department.
