Peoria police and fire outline staffing, tech and wellness requests in FY2027 budget
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Summary
Public safety leaders asked for a mix of civilian and sworn staffing, equipment upgrades and wellness supports: police requested four civilian positions and communications upgrades (drone program, radio replacements), and fire requested 15 rovers, apparatus replacement and a fire prevention inspector tied to industrial inspections; chief noted a SAFER grant could offset firefighter hires.
Public safety appeared as a major theme in Peoria’s FY2027 budget study session.
Police leadership presented a $92.1 million budget and a request for four civilian professional FTEs: two civilian investigators for the real‑time crime center, a case‑management investigator to streamline felony case workflow, and a police business analyst to support data and software systems. The police chief previewed a drone first responder program, radio replacements and RWC regional fees, a booking area renovation and staff wellness investments; he emphasized that civilian hires would reduce sworn workload and improve efficiency.
Fire leadership requested 15 additional rovers (five per shift) to cover day‑to‑day vacancies and ensure response coverage, a new engine pumper to replace a reserve vehicle, a fire prevention inspector dedicated largely to the Amcor site (fees to offset cost), a daytime peak‑time rescue unit to meet 10‑minute response metrics, and replacement of ambulance gurneys. Fire noted a SAFER grant application that, if awarded, would pay for the new firefighter positions for three years and defer nearly $1.9 million of cost.
Council asked clarifying questions about aviation budgeting, the operating cost profiles for a second helicopter, the rationale for civilian versus sworn positions, and how pilot programs and equipment needs would be funded. Police and fire committed to follow‑up detail on maintenance and operating hours and to provide cost breakout information.
Ending: The public safety requests will remain in the budget as supplemental asks; staff said they'll return with cost breakdowns and further grant updates as available.
