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Payson assistant fire chief details staffing, calls and new equipment

Town of Payson Common Council · April 22, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Assistant Fire Chief Kevin briefed the council on operations: three staffed engines, recent call volumes (including 55 fires reported in the stated period), a new drone program, an RMS upgrade (1st Due), an incoming ladder truck, and roughly $540,000 in annual contract revenue.

Assistant Fire Chief Kevin reported to the Payson Common Council on April 22 that the fire department continues to operate a three-engine, 24/7 response model and has added equipment and software intended to improve response and records.

Kevin said department data (figures reported through July 1 in the presentation) show multiple incidents this reporting period, noting there were 55 fires and numerous hazardous-material and medical calls; he emphasized the department’s role in community safety and mutual aid. "About 90% of the time, you get an engine at your residence within eight minutes of a call," he said, describing staffing and shift schedules.

The department is launching a drone program (including infrared capability) used for scene documentation and post‑event checks, and has implemented a new records-management system called 1st Due. Kevin said a ladder truck is on order and expected in the first week of May and that the department is coordinating upgraded 800‑megahertz radios with DPS. He also said the department brings in approximately $540,000 annually through contracts and services to other districts.

Council members asked about the feasibility of drones in firefighting operations and were told current drone capability does not replace apparatus such as ladder trucks but provides aerial observation and investigative benefits. Kevin also highlighted training, inspections, prevention work, and volunteer home-assessment outreach aimed at wildfire risk reduction.

The update was informational; no council action was taken on the presentation.

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