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Fire chief warns of staffing shortfall; deputy chief resigns and new hire is in academy
Summary
Fire Chief Roach reported the department is at 46 personnel on a 51-post budget, noted the resignation of Deputy Chief Salazar and the hiring of Philip Bright (in the fire academy), and highlighted training, equipment purchases and a new EV-sticker safety program.
Fire Chief Roach told the Public Safety Committee the fire department is operating below budgeted staffing levels. "For the month that we've had, we had 46 personnel. 51 budget," Chief Roach said, and he reported the resignation of Deputy Chief Salazar (July 25) and that Philip Bright was hired July 27 and is currently in the fire academy.
Roach described recruitment activity — an entry-level test with a short application window and about 14 applicants (many paramedics) — and noted several firefighters are on FMLA, which will temporarily reduce staffing. On age requirements for full-time hires he said, "To be hired by a full time fire department you have to be 21," citing pension/statute constraints; he contrasted that with volunteer and cadet pathways that allow earlier engagement. The chief also reviewed equipment purchases (shared foam, turnout gear, body armor) and said maintenance costs fell due to in-house repairs.
Roach highlighted prevention programs: 36 carbon monoxide detectors installed this calendar year, a Wilderness Trail Safety initiative planned for fall, and an EV-sticker program residents can pick up at the fire department to alert responders to electric vehicles in garages.
