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Decatur fire chief reports 8,037 incidents in 2025, outlines training, new river rescue vessel
Summary
The Decatur fire chief told the City Council on April 20 that the department responded to 8,037 incidents in 2025 and is expanding training, special‑operations capabilities and vessel-based river response while planning a new pumper for the fleet.
The Decatur fire chief told the City Council at its April 20 work session that the department responded to 8,037 incidents in 2025 and recorded more than 10,550 unit responses, figures the chief said illustrate heavy demand for both fire and emergency medical services.
The chief outlined the department’s structure and training requirements: eight fire stations, shifts that are fully staffed at 35 members when complement is met, and a 48/96 work schedule the department adopted three years ago. He described the department as an "all hazards" service, with paramedics assigned to crews and a full complement of special-operations capabilities — hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, high‑angle rope rescue, structural collapse, confined-space and water rescue.
The presentation emphasized training and accreditation. The chief said entry-level training to move “from the street to the fire truck” includes more than 700 hours covering Firefighter I/II, EMT‑Basic, hazmat technician and rope-rescue courses, and continuing education meets NFPA and ISO hourly standards. He noted the department hosts classes through the Alabama Fire College with IFSAC and ProBoard accreditation and that the city’s Public Safety Training Center brings students — including DOD participants — to Decatur for certification programs.
The chief also announced near-term equipment additions. A new pumper remains pending delivery, and the department has put an all‑hazards boat into service at Riverwalk Marina to support firefighting, hazardous‑materials mitigation and medical response on the river. The chief said crews already used the vessel during training earlier in the day.
On community risk reduction, the chief described prevention activities led by the fire marshal’s office and by Lieutenant Seeley, including hands‑only CPR outreach and school fire‑safety programs, and noted the office reviews building plans as a delegated extension of the state fire marshal’s authority.
Mayor Lawrence and council members thanked the chief for the update; no formal action was required. The presentation concluded with council questions about recruiting homegrown firefighters and how the training center’s cost‑sharing with the Alabama Fire College generates revenue for city services.
