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Groves Fire Chief outlines 2025 activity: medical calls dominate, response time averages under four minutes
Summary
The Groves Fire Chief presented the 2025 annual report noting medical calls made up roughly three-quarters of call volume, an average dispatch-to-arrival time of about 3 minutes 49 seconds, staffing changes, equipment needs including air-pack replacement and two 2012 engines due for replacement, and a $25,000 grant.
The Groves Fire Chief delivered the department's 2025 annual report to council on Feb. 9, saying medical calls remain the department's largest category and that response metrics and equipment needs will shape the department's budget requests.
In the presentation the chief said the department responded to medical calls for roughly three-quarters of incidents and that the average dispatch-to-arrival time was about "3 minutes and 49 seconds." He also described mutual- and automatic-aid arrangements with neighboring agencies (Newland and Port Nes/Port Arthur) and said the department responded on calls outside the city and received mutual aid when needed.
The chief highlighted personnel changes and recruitment: one retirement (C.J. Treyan, 24 years of service), three new hires (Turner Hart, Chris Smiley, and John King), and development of a junior firefighter program for ages 16'0. He noted ongoing training and certification activity and reviewed inspection and incident statistics included in the written report.
Equipment needs were a key focus. The chief said the department has 23 air packs and anticipates a phased replacement schedule to address NFPA guidance and a 15'0-year replacement outlook for some air-pack components; two engines from 2012 were identified as nearing the time for replacement, and the department is pursuing battery-operated hydraulic rescue tools to reduce maintenance costs. The chief also referenced a $25,000 grant tied to short-term goals and mentioned an ordered pumper to replace a 2005 engine.
Council members asked about the medical call mix and whether future budgets would account for needed equipment and training. The chief said a newly engaged medical director enables more advanced medical options for personnel and that budgeting will reflect training and equipment needs as certifications and new capabilities are brought into play.
There was no formal council action on the annual report; council received the report and thanked department staff.
