Savannah Fire Chief reports high customer-satisfaction, flags fleet maintenance needs

Fire Chief Derik Minard presented the Savannah Fire Department’s third-quarter report to the City Council on Dec. 5, 2019, saying the department’s “Customer Service Rating Positive or Better is 97%” while the quarter saw 1,983 calls for service, 53 structure fires and 7,227 unit responses.

Minard told the council the department’s year-to-date unit responses totaled 25,042 and that significant events in 2019 included three major structure fires and Hurricane Dorian. He showed a district heat map indicating higher call volume in District 2 and confirmed that density, building type and usage — including hotels downtown — contribute to higher incident rates.

Alderman Bill Durrence asked whether actions could reduce the intensity of fires downtown; Minard said the causes are multiple and that the department is pursuing prevention and risk-assessment work, including a Citywide Risk Assessment that is 98% complete and planning for a new Fire Marshal position.

Councilors also questioned the department’s apparatus maintenance. Alderman Julian Miller and Mayor Eddie W. DeLoach pressed for detail on fleet condition; Minard and City Manager Pat Monahan said the fleet is large and difficult to keep on a preventative maintenance schedule. Monahan said the city should evaluate outsourcing some maintenance to catch up and maintain a strict schedule and noted vacancies among heavy equipment mechanics.

Alderman Brian Foster asked whether the city should continue purchasing high-end apparatus; Minard said the city does not buy the most expensive models but procures reliable apparatus after vetting vendors to avoid chronic maintenance problems.

Minard closed by outlining priorities for engaging the new council and enhancing community engagement; he opened for questions and thanked elected officials for their support. The council did not take any formal action during the workshop on the department’s recommendations.