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DeLand Fire Department seeks Station 83 staffing, details service‑gap mapping and capital needs
Summary
Fire chief reported accreditation progress, ISO 1 status and a multi‑point plan including Station 83 construction, service‑gap mapping and capital requests; staff proposed shared south‑side station discussions with Volusia County and HCA.
Fire Chief presented the DeLand Fire Department's budget, accreditation results and capital requests at the City of DeLand budget workshop, emphasizing both recent accreditation gains and gaps that accompany rapid growth.
The chief opened by describing the department’s recent achievements: DeLand completed accreditation (the first in Volusia County) and retained an ISO Class 1 rating. He said those accomplishments underscore continued investment in training, equipment and data-driven planning.
Why it matters: The department is managing rising call volumes and mapped service‑gap areas outside the city core; the chief said new stations or shared facilities are needed to preserve targeted 6–8 minute response goals in the 90th percentile.
Key details - Accreditation and ISO: The department reported completion of accreditation and maintenance of ISO Class 1; the chief said these place DeLand among a small group of U.S. agencies with both distinctions. - Station 83: Construction of Station 83 is scheduled to begin with site activity July 28 and a 180‑day construction schedule; the department expects a new unit delivered from the manufacturer in January 2026 and hopes to staff and open the station in late March or April 2026, contingent on personnel availability. A temporary housing unit will be used during construction. - South‑side strategy and shared facility proposal: The chief described exploratory discussions with Volusia County Fire and HCA about a potential shared station at the HCA Sanford site. Staff has budgeted $150,000 for architectural and site feasibility work and said the proposal could distribute costs across partners and allow the city flexibility (lease vs. permanent build) depending on how the south‑side growth pattern evolves. - Service‑gap mapping: The department presented analytic maps showing areas east and south of the downtown core where 6–8 minute response goals are not met at the 90th percentile. The chief said growth and infill projections increase future demand in those zones. - Capital requests and grants: The department listed roughly $612,000 in capital requests that include replacement cardiac monitor(s), turnout gear (10‑year replacement life), fire hose (AFG grant application submitted), apparatus equipment and exterior improvements to Station 82. The department also applied for an opioid‑related grant to acquire ZOLL AutoPulse devices to automate CPR compressions on multiple trucks. - Advanced Life Support (ALS): Station 83 is planned to carry ALS capability; the chief said the department is completing equipment and credentialing steps and expects to expand ALS coverage as personnel clearances finish.
Commission response and next steps Commissioners asked about succession planning, staffing pressures and opportunities to partner with Volusia County and local institutions. Vice Mayor Davis and others expressed support for exploring shared facilities as a way to reduce cost and manage uncertain future development. The chief said community surveys and targeted input sessions are planned for mid‑2026 to refine priorities.
No vote occurred. The chief asked for continued budget support to complete Station 83, pursue grants and fund equipment replacement cycles noted as essential to maintain response standards.
Ending Staff will proceed with the Station 83 construction schedule and continue feasibility work on the south‑side shared facility concept; the department will report back on grant outcomes and completion targets for ALS staffing.
