Fire chief asks for 55 firefighters over five years to ease strain on stations and improve response

At a January 2026 budget workshop, the Fire Chief presented a five‑year strategic staffing plan that would add roughly 55 firefighters (11 per year) to allow the county to open two new stations, restore independent staffing to existing stations and provide a relief factor so employees can take leave without undermanning units.

“We need 15 firefighters per fire station to open a station — that would be firefighter‑EMTs and paramedics with two riding an ambulance and three assigned to a fire engine,” the Fire Chief said, describing national staffing guidance and a conservative local staffing factor.

The chief cited call‑volume trends: 5,181 calls in 2025 (a 6% increase year‑over‑year and about a 34% increase over five years), with roughly 75–76% of responses as emergency medical services. Ambulance transports generated about $1.2 million in annual revenue under a compassionate billing program, but contractual payer limits and write‑offs mean transport charges do not cover full operating costs.

Board members focused on where new stations and personnel would be sited to relieve peak districts (the presentation singled out Centerville/Company 3 as near capacity) and discussed tradeoffs between phasing hires over five years or accelerating the timeline when revenue allows. The chief also noted volunteer recruitment gains (47 volunteers in 2025, ~40 operational) and specific equipment needs (SCBA replacements and engine procurement) that will come forward in CIP requests.

No formal vote was taken on staffing; the request will be considered during the budget process and modeled against revenue scenarios.