Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Le Mars fire and rescue reports 1,948 calls in 2024 and seeks county support for rural transfers
Summary
Fire Chief Pete reported 1,948 calls in 2024 (up 145 from 2023), including 415 transfers; the department estimates budgeted transfer revenue of roughly $650,000 and seeks county assistance to sustain extended rural coverage.
Fire Chief Pete presented the fire and rescue report to the council, saying the department responded to 1,948 calls in 2024, an increase of 145 calls from 2023. He told the council EMS runs, transfers and fires all increased.
Chief Pete reported 415 transfers in 2024; he said the city budgets roughly $650,000 for income from transfers. He also said the combined fire, EMS and other billings generate close to $907,000 in revenue in the coming year's estimate.
The chief described expanded rural coverage demands and said the department has asked the county for financial support to help cover calls outside the city's traditional area. He told the council that running farther into neighboring towns and rural areas several times in recent months strains local resources and that the county has been receptive to the request for help. He said salary and benefits for a new position were discussed as one funding option; in the meeting he referenced "about $8.5" for a new employee but did not specify units or whether that was a monthly, annual or thousands-denominated figure.
Chief Pete outlined other department activity: roughly 40 members currently on the roster, 205 inspections, 52 internal trainings, community classes that reached more than 4,000 people (speaker presented figure as 4,144) and volunteer departures: five firefighters retired or resigned in 2024. He credited assistant staff for grant work and listed private donations and National Fire Safety Council fundraising as revenue sources.
