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Toledo Fire & Rescue reports higher incident volume, new recruits and long lead times on apparatus replacements
Summary
Deputy Chief Daniel Brown Martinez told the committee the department’s first‑quarter workload remained heavy — driven largely by EMS calls — and outlined staffing gains, training and a multiyear fire‑vehicle replacement need estimated in the millions.
Deputy Chief Daniel Brown Martinez presented Toledo Fire & Rescue’s first‑quarter 2025 report to the council committee, describing staffing, training, calls for service and a multi‑year vehicle‑replacement challenge.
Martinez said uniform staffing stood at 585 and that the department added 28 probationary firefighters this quarter. He reported seven separations to date with 16 additional personnel indicating intent to retire during the year. Martinez said a new eligibility list is in place and a class of about 20 recruits is scheduled to begin in late summer or early fall.
Total incidents through March were about 15,286 — roughly 70 responses per day by the department — with 2,241 fire incidents (51 structure fires) and more than 6,000 ambulance transports in the quarter. Martinez said emergency medical incidents comprise the majority of calls and named one high‑volume ALS medic unit in the North End with over 1,000 responses. The Fire Prevention Bureau completed more than 1,100 inspections and several plan reviews and pre‑plans for commercial buildings.
Martinez highlighted training achievements: two‑thirds of the department received hands‑on high‑rise training, and a technical‑rescue team conducted extrication and other specialty training. He said about 40% of uniform personnel are licensed paramedics and the department is pursuing paramedic training expansion; paramedic courses run roughly 11 months when taken through local institutions. Martinez described an in‑house emphasis on paramedicine and said the department is developing a paramedic training program and the administration is working with training institutions.
Equipment and facility needs were prominent in the briefing. Martinez said two heavy‑rescue units were due to be delivered soon, four fire engines were in production, and three new medic ambulances were ordered. He cautioned that post‑pandemic production timelines can run years — a ladder or engine may take two to three years or more — and Chief Armstrong had estimated a multi‑year fleet replacement need on the order of $8 million to $9 million. Martinez also outlined ongoing station improvements (roofs, HVAC, kitchens) and asked council to consider funding strategies and grant opportunities to address the aging fleet and station upkeep.
Several council members asked for follow‑up referrals: a station‑by‑station list of needed repairs and a consolidated fleet replacement estimate, and details on contingency plans for a large‑scale maritime or bridge incident. Martinez said he would provide requested information and coordinate with operations staff on response plans for incidents like bridge strikes.
Quote: Martinez summarized staffing success: “We are very proud of that number,” referring to current uniform staffing. He added that the department aims to increase paramedic coverage and expand training where possible.
The committee acknowledged the department’s training work and asked for more granular data the administration offered to supply by referral.
