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Harrington fire chief reports deployments, donated rescue boat and ongoing delays with KDEM reimbursements
Summary
Fire department reported multiple mutual-aid deployments, training and a donated Zodiac valued at about $23,000; the department cited reimbursement delays from KDEM and described the current reimbursement structure ($198.9 per truck-hour) and volunteer stipend practice, and commissioners requested a written report on costs and expected reimbursements.
The Harrington fire department reported recent operational activity, the addition of water-rescue capability through a donated Zodiac boat, and continuing reimbursement delays from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management (KDEM).
A department representative (Fire Chief) summarized multiple deployments and monthly call totals (one month with 93 calls and 62 emergency responses; a later month of 68 calls with 33 medical assists and other incidents). He described mutual-aid training, drafting with brush trucks, and the department’s ongoing volunteer recruitment efforts.
The chief said the department received a donated 15-foot Zodiac boat and motor — equipment the chief estimated would be about $23,000 new — transferred at no cost from the Salina Fire Department after a federal transfer through Homeland Security. He said the Zodiac will add fast-response rescue capability for victims in the water but that the pontoon boat remains useful for towing disabled craft and for other common calls.
On finances, the chief explained KDEM reimbursement rules: the truck is paid from the moment it leaves the station to return, and the stated reimbursement rate discussed in the meeting was $198.9 per hour for the truck; volunteers receive hourly stipends and full-time employees receive pay or overtime when deployed. The chief described past delays in KDEM payments (including reimbursements outstanding from earlier deployments to Riley and Wabaunsee counties) and said that recent process changes — with the Fire Marshal’s office positioned to pay departments directly and then be reimbursed by KDEM — should speed reimbursements.
Commissioners asked the chief to prepare a written report that itemizes what the city has already spent on deployments, what the department expects to receive back, and where reimbursed funds would be recorded in the city budget. The chief estimated the department might ultimately recover between $30,000 and $40,000 for deployments so far this year, though he cautioned this is a rough figure while accounting and receipts are finalized.
Commissioners thanked the department for training and volunteer onboarding and asked staff to return with a financial reconciliation showing expenses, per-diem/food reimbursements, fuel receipts, and stipend accounting.
