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Fire chief reports jump in runs, outlines hydrant maintenance and ambulance timeline
Summary
Fire Chief Robert Chegan told the Safety Committee the department logged 2,399 year‑to‑date runs — roughly 200 more than last year — and described timelines for a new medic ambulance and a multi‑year hydrant maintenance plan funded at about $30,000 per year for 250 hydrants.
Fire Chief Robert Chegan told the North Royalton Safety Committee on July 15 that the Fire Department’s year‑to‑date runs stood at 2,399, about 200 higher than at the same point last year, and that overlapping incidents exceed 200.
Chegan said the department has been busy around the clock and that “they are quite busy” with more calls after 11 p.m. The department provided mutual aid 17 times and received mutual aid 13 times so far this year, he said.
On apparatus and staffing, Chegan reported a recently purchased medic is undergoing final outfitting at a local shop; the department expects to transfer the power‑load system from the 2009 squad and have Motorola install the radio so the medic can be placed in service, with a target “by August 1st.” He said a second medic unit approved in January is expected to arrive about a year from now and that new hires are completing training before being placed on shift.
Chegan also reviewed the department’s hydrant maintenance program. He said crews are working through a list of 250 hydrants this year and proposed continuing at that pace in the budget, with an estimated budget of $30,000; he estimated it will take roughly four more years to complete remaining hydrants. He noted main roads would need repainting less frequently once the bulk of hydrants are done.
The committee heard that Safety Town progress has been slower than anticipated because staff must prioritize emergency responses; Chegan said he is soliciting pricing from Lowe’s and Home Depot for building materials and is coordinating the work internally.
Why it matters: Committee members pressed for clarity on staffing, equipment timelines and infrastructure upkeep as the department’s call volume increases. The planned ambulance timelines and continuing hydrant program could affect response capacity and capital budgeting in the coming year.
What’s next: Chegan will continue to provide updates on training, ambulance outfitting and hydrant work as those items progress.
