Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Rescue topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fire Rescue details expansion, response volumes and planned tech upgrades
Summary
Deputy Fire Chief Danny Cardessa reported Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue operates 177 frontline units from 73 stations, responds to about 300,000 incidents a year, and is implementing radio, dispatch and vehicle‑preemption initiatives while seeking land for additional stations.
Deputy Fire Chief Danny Cardessa briefed the commission on Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue’s capabilities and priorities. Cardessa said the department currently staffs 177 frontline units across 73 stations and responds to approximately 300,000 incidents each year. Recent accomplishments include placing 18 new units into service and opening East Medley Fire Station 83 and Eureka Fire Station (Station 71).
Cardessa identified key challenges—property scarcity and a 13% increase in call volume over the last five years—and outlined priority initiatives: an additional two units expected next fiscal year, computer‑aided dispatch implementation, radio infrastructure upgrades and a pilot for an emergency vehicle preemption system to reduce response times. He said staffing and land acquisition remain critical constraints for building more stations but the department plans multiple recruit firefighter classes and continued investments to maintain accreditation and service levels.
