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Fire department reports new recruits and rising overdoses; requests use of Idaho contract funds for hazmat unit
Summary
Deputy Chief Bill Grama said Spokane Fire graduated 12 recruits (seven in stations, four finishing EMTs) and reported 172 overdoses in June with SFD administering Narcan 65 times; Logistics Chief Kyle Chase asked permission to use Idaho contract funds to buy a light hazmat response unit manufactured in Boise.
Deputy Chief for training Bill Grama told the committee the Spokane Fire Department graduated 12 recruits (7 already assigned to stations, 4 completing EMT certification and expected to deploy by Aug. 16) and reviewed year‑to‑date response metrics. Grama said SFD has about 1,800 fewer calls year‑to‑date (Jan–June) compared with the prior year but noted structure fires are up (57 total so far) and brush fires are even with last year.
On overdoses, Grama said there were 172 overdose calls in June; SFD administered Narcan 65 times that month and he noted broader community distribution of Narcan means other responders or bystanders may have administered additional doses. "So that's all I have for you," Grama said, adding he would follow up with comparative historical data and regional response participation when available.
Logistics Chief Kyle Chase requested committee consent to use funds from an ongoing contract with Idaho (Region 1) to purchase a light hazmat/materials response unit. Chase said the apparatus is an F‑550 chassis with a custom box being manufactured in Boise by Ulta and that the Idaho contract funds have already been received and are in an account; delivery is estimated at four months to a year depending on build queue. "The funds for that project are are part of the greater, Idaho contract," Chase said.
Scott Campbell presented an annual renewal for ESO Solutions (the department’s records management system for fire/EMS) including a 'gold package' for dashboards and reporting enhancements; staff said dashboards are for internal use but council members requested access to them.
The committee did not take final procurement votes at the meeting; Chase said funds for the hazmat unit cover the apparatus and tax and that the city will inspect the vehicle before acceptance.
