Fire and police chiefs outline equipment needs, staffing goals for 2026

Fire and police leadership used the village’s 2026 budget work session to detail equipment plans, staffing goals and ways to limit borrowing.

Fire Chief Dustin said he increased his department’s capital outlay for vehicles and is seeking EMS grants to replace the department’s aging rescue vehicle in 2026. “I’m looking at... applying for EMS grants to replace the rescue in ’26,” he said, while noting that replacement would depend on grant awards and village capacity to absorb costs.

Dustin also said the department’s roster has grown to 21 members from nine when he took over, with an aspirational target of 30 volunteers to avoid long waiting lists.

Police Chief Abbott said the squad car fund currently holds about $20,000 and recommended adding roughly $10,000 this year so the next vehicle might be purchased without a loan. Abbott described equipment priorities including restraint devices intended for incidents involving self-harm or transport; “They’re about $1,200 a piece,” he said of the devices.

Board members pressed both chiefs on timelines and grant amounts; staff reported prior grants totaling roughly $21,000 and noted a vehicle loan taken years earlier for about $468,000 at a 3.5% rate that will retire in upcoming years. Chiefs emphasized training and maintenance as recurring budget items and sought committee review before formal adoption.

What’s next: The chiefs will present detailed capital plans to the public safety committee and staff will fold committee input into subsequent budget drafts. No formal approvals occurred at the work session.