Public safety update: fire, police reports; council authorizes disposal of old firefighting foam and receives new engine

City public‑safety leaders reported monthly staffing and activity numbers and sought approvals for equipment disposition at the June 1 council meeting.

Alderwoman Swanson summarized the Public Safety Committee meeting. Fire Department reporting to the committee indicated 49 sworn firefighters and 348 hours of overtime for the month of April; the department recorded two fires in April with an estimated combined loss of about $120,000. The committee approved monthly bills totaling $89,949.78.

Chief Loach told council the city held roughly 621 calls in April, including 364 medical calls. For the police department Chief Kwell reported 69 sworn officers, eight firearms recovered and roughly 250 deployed cameras citywide; the department approved bills and reported overtime for the period.

Council approved an ordinance declaring several hundred gallons of aging firefighting foam surplus and authorized professional disposal because staff said the foam is no longer deemed safe for use or the environment. Chief Loach said disposal will cost the city money but will ensure safe handling and environmental compliance.

Late in the meeting staff announced a new fire engine had been delivered and was being outfitted at Station 5; training was under way and the engine was expected to enter service as Engine 5 pending final steps. Council invited members and the public to see the apparatus the next day.

The council recorded votes on the surplus authorization and other related items as part of the consent agenda; the motion to declare the foam surplus and authorize disposal passed on final reading (13 yes, 0 nays).