Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fire chief warns of rising calls, staffing shortfalls and vehicle needs
Summary
The Radford Fire & EMS chief told council the department handled about 2,970 calls last year, averages a 4:45 response time, is four full‑time positions short and needs restored positions, pay adjustments and vehicle replacements; council asked staff for specific budget estimates.
Chief Haywood told Radford City Council that Fire & EMS is experiencing rising demand and persistent staffing and equipment pressures.
Haywood said the department responded to roughly 2,970 calls last year (about 264 per month) and reported an average response time of about 4 minutes 45 seconds, below a cited national average. He said the department now operates four shifts with seven personnel per shift to reduce fatigue and that the department is currently four full‑time positions short of the budgeted complement. Haywood described high-stress call types — cardiac arrests, gunshot wounds, vehicle crashes — and the mental‑health strain on personnel and urged restoring budgeted positions, increasing pay to remain competitive with neighboring localities, and beginning a vehicle-replacement program for ambulances with high mileage.
Haywood also described the value of the Western Virginia EMS Council (a $4,816 line item in the current budget) and said Rescue Squad Assistance (RSA) grant funding helped purchase a medic unit in the past (he cited roughly $160,000 in past grant support). He confirmed the department uses a third‑party vendor for EMS billing and that fire-call billing is under review. Council members asked for detailed cost estimates for restoring positions and pay adjustments; staff agreed to provide numbers for the upcoming budget cycle.
