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Fire chief urges board to move toward second station as staffing pressures rise
Summary
Chief Lupo told commissioners that Nolensville’s fire service is stretched and that the MTAS study supports a second station; commissioners asked for concrete cost timelines and options such as staging crews before constructing a new building.
Fire Chief (speaker 12) told the Board the department has grown rapidly and now aims to reach consistent minimum staffing to reliably staff two apparatus. He said volunteers and part‑time staffing help, but they do not eliminate the need for more full‑time personnel or a second station.
“Right now between our part‑time budgets and our personal staffing levels, it's really hard to do,” the chief said, noting daily staffing gaps, Kelly days, vacations and call‑outs that leave apparatus short without part‑time or volunteer support.
Chief Lupo referenced a 2020 MTAS study that identified the town’s coverage needs and recommended a second station; he said the town now approximates needing “1.9 stations” by coverage analysis and that Station 2 remains in the five‑year discussion. He added an ISO review is scheduled in March and may affect staffing and placement decisions.
Commissioners pressed for more concrete cost estimates and interim options. One commissioner suggested staging a crew at Sanford Road during peak hours rather than immediately building a station, and the chief identified driveway, plumbing and facility upgrades as the primary site work needed to make Sanford functional.
The chief raised equipment issues as well: recent warranty delays on a 2022 engine have prolonged reliance on older apparatus; staff is evaluating used vehicles (type 3 engines, brush trucks, skid units) as cost‑sensitive options.
Next steps: Chief Lupo and staff will provide an updated timeline and cost estimates for Sanford Road short‑term staging, the Station 2 programming/design target in 2029, and items to preserve ISO progress for the March review.
