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Interim fire chief flags equipment, training and security needs; council to consider budget items
Summary
Interim Fire Chief Jerry Brooks told council Sept. 23 the department lacks some equipment to designate a truck as a rescue unit, has a security concern at the station's rear door, and needs inventory and training work; council and mayor noted the issues and said they will weigh them in the next budget cycle.
Interim Fire Chief Jerry Brooks told Buckeye Lake Village Council on Sept. 23 that while the department is functioning, it lacks equipment and training needed for a full rescue designation on one engine and has security and vehicle-condition concerns that may require budget attention.
Brooks said crews have helped clean the station, a garage door was replaced, and engine 922 is in for parts. He noted a security issue with the back door and said they are "going through trucks to get equipment updated," adding the department currently does "not have proper equipment on one truck to be designated as a rescue." Brooks also said they do not have enough adequate training now to designate that truck a rescue vehicle and that a list of required equipment will be prepared.
Mayor Linda Goodman and councilors acknowledged the report and said the issues, including the chief's vehicle condition, will be considered for next year’s budget. Councilor Sue Wadley explicitly asked what would be needed to return Engine 921 to rescue status; Brooks said equipment and training are required and that third-party inventory services are being considered to manage equipment tracking.
Brooks invited residents to visit the station and noted firefighters respond to runs in neighboring communities as well. Council members thanked the department for its work and emphasized the need to prioritize inventory, equipment replacements and training in forthcoming budget discussions.
The council did not take formal action on fire department funding at the Sept. 23 meeting; officials said budget conversations will continue ahead of next year’s planning.
