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Fire & EMS say budget protects hiring and fleet but warn overtime and maintenance pressure will continue
Summary
Chief John Donnelly told the committee the FY2027 proposal supports recruiting and three new correctional officer classes (for DOC) and funding for FEMS staffing and capital investments, but FEMS and union witnesses warned about continued high overtime and the need for predictable fleet replacement and refurbishment.
Union and department leaders told the committee the FY2027 proposal provides funding to sustain recruit classes and a multi‑year apparatus replacement plan, but they pressed the administration on overtime levels and vehicle maintenance.
Joseph Papariello, Executive Vice President of the DC Firefighters Association Local 36, urged the Council to prioritize staffing, infrastructure, and a long‑term fleet‑replacement plan. Chief John Donnelly described program and capital priorities including a multi‑year apparatus plan that includes more than $347 million for ambulances and fire apparatus over six years and investments in a new fleet maintenance facility and several firehouse renovations. "Over 6 years, the capital plan includes more than $347,000,000 for ambulances, pumpers, ladder trucks, tower ladders, and command vehicles," Donnelly said. The department said it expects to keep vacancy levels low by running multiple recruit classes (recent classes totaled roughly 74 new hires in the most recent intake) and that the FY2027 budget includes an approach to align federal reimbursement flows for ambulance transport. Yet the department projects continued overtime spending (roughly $50M projected) and warned that traffic‑calming and other street changes can slow response and will require additional planning.
