Owensboro Fire Department seeks promotions, paramedic expansion and water-rescue upgrades in 2025-26 budget

Owensboro Fire Chief James Howard asked the commission to approve a fiscal 2025'1026 operating budget that he described as focused on personnel development, medical-service expansion and safety equipment.

Chief Howard said the department's proposed budget is $17,000,002.59 and represents a roughly 4 percent increase over the current year, with more than 80 percent of costs attributable to personnel.

"We intend to strengthen our personnel development by adding some engineer promotions," Chief Howard said, describing a plan to expand the number of driver-engineer positions from nine to fifteen across shifts to create clearer promotion pathways and improve retention.

Howard also said the department plans to grow its advanced life support (paramedic) program. He said paramedics are currently stationed at three of the department's stations and staff hope to add paramedic-trained personnel and equipment'including a cardiac monitor and airway kit'to expand coverage to a fourth station in the coming year and to the fifth station in a later budget request.

The chief described upgrades to water-rescue capabilities, including training, personal protective equipment and upgraded sonar systems to strengthen river response; Owensboro's fire boat provides a "lock-to-lock" response along the Ohio River and the department has participated in out-of-jurisdiction mutual aid when requested.

Howard also requested funds for public-education tools such as a child-focused educational robot and for specialized training and a rapid-intervention air pack to improve on-scene firefighter rescues.

The chief told commissioners he is actively managing staffing and expects a certified hiring list in about four to five weeks; he said two positions are currently vacant and a third staff member has given notice. No vote was taken at the briefing.