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Fire and police give year-end reports; police describe recent hires and training
Summary
Fire Chief Patrick and police staff reported 2024 activity: about 1,000 fire calls, two recent life saves, roughly 7,700 training hours for fire staff; police reported hires, certification steps for out-of-state officers and annual statistics including 22,461 total calls for service.
At the Jan. 7 meeting, public safety officials summarized 2024 operations and staffing updates.
Fire Chief Patrick delivered a year‑end review, saying the department responded to about 1,000 calls in 2024, logged roughly 7,700 staff training hours (about 240 hours per person), and recently completed two life‑save incidents that the chief said the council would recognize in coming months. The chief also said delivery and final inspection of a new engine had been delayed by manufacturer issues but that the vendor was scheduling a new inspection and delivery in the coming weeks.
Police staff described recent hires and certification processes for officers coming from other states. The department has brought in new staff including BLET graduates and officers transferring from other jurisdictions; one candidate from Georgia plans to re-enter the full North Carolina BLET program rather than transfer partial certification. Police statistics offered in the report included 98 firearms seized, 2,959 reports taken, 22,461 total calls for service in 2024, 3,476 training hours for police staff and other enforcement figures.
Human Resources reported improved recruitment and retention metrics: seven full‑time vacancies as of Jan. 1, 13 hires since July 1 still active, six hires since Christmas, and turnover falling from 44.44% to 17.91% to 9.42% over successive periods. HR staff said implementation of a pay classification study and NeoGov HR modules is on track to coincide with ongoing OpenGov finance rollouts.
Next steps: Departments said they will continue equipment inspections, training, and recognition of staff achievements; HR and finance will complete system implementations and follow up on staffing matters.
