Fire chief updates commission on academies, facilities and budget advocacy

Chief Joanne Hayes White and Deputy Chief Ramona Williams briefed the Fire Commission on departmental operations and administrative items on May 24, covering academy status, facility projects and budget engagement.

Hayes White said the 120th recruit academy is in week five with 52 recruits remaining after two resignations; she described a battalion chiefs academy and other in-service training initiatives designed to strengthen on-the-job supervision. She said the department will appear before the Board's Budget and Finance Committee on June 16 and 22 to advocate for maintaining or enhancing existing funding to address staffing and operational needs.

Deputy Chief Ramona Williams detailed facilities and fleet work: repairs to Pump Station 1, ongoing Station 5 construction on schedule, Station 16 work continuing but behind schedule, and delivery and outfitting of new engines and ambulances (multiple delivery dates noted). Williams said aerial ladder truck specifications are out to bid with proposals due in June and that two cliff-rescue units had just come online.

Assistant Deputy Chief Jeff Columbini reported that a battalion chiefs academy concluded successfully, introducing a task book and mentor program to support probationary battalion chiefs.

Hayes White closed by asking the commission to adjourn the meeting in honor of three recently deceased retired members of the department. No formal budget vote occurred; the report was informational and scheduled follow-up as the budget process proceeds.