Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire And Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Royalton fire runs hit record levels; Safety Town project moves toward spring start
Summary
At the Jan. 20 Safety Committee meeting, Fire Chief Robert Chegan reported a record 4,416 runs in 2025 and outlined grant and equipment updates; officials also said Safety Town construction will begin after school and weather permit and that Finance will consider appropriations.
Fire Chief Robert Chegan told the North Royalton Safety Committee on Jan. 20 that the fire department completed 2025 with 4,416 runs, an increase of roughly 8% from 2024 and the highest annual volume in department history. He said December was among the busiest months and the department is seeing a sharp influenza season contributing to call volumes.
Chegan reported several equipment and grant developments: a medic unit ordered in January 2024 is expected to be delivered in June 2026; radios have been placed into service and the department plans to repurpose older radios to the Service Department; and the department is working through appropriations tied to multiple grants. He said the city was awarded more than $315,000 in FEMA funds for SCBAs and also received a $10,000 grant from Cuyahoga County. Because FEMA’s paperwork initially listed a lower amount, staff included an appropriations amendment so the city can spend funds if the full award is confirmed. The department is also pursuing a BWC grant.
Chegan gave an update on Safety Town, a child-safety training site: architectural plans were received in December and the schools have agreed to begin site work once weather permits. He said striping of the concrete will precede construction and that some sponsor contributions remain outstanding. Because Safety Town was not budgeted for 2026, Chegan said the Finance Committee will consider appropriations next month before purchases begin.
The committee recorded no questions after the police statistics review earlier in the meeting. No formal decisions or appropriations were finalized at the Safety Committee meeting; officials said planned legislation and budget amendments would be brought to the Finance Committee for action.
