Harrisburg Fire Bureau fills vacancies and updates community safety initiatives

The Harrisburg City Council held a Legislative and Work Session on March 24, 2025, focusing on updates from the Fire Bureau, budget analysis, and community engagement initiatives.

The meeting began with a report on the current status of the Fire Bureau, highlighting that as of December 31, 2024, the department had a complement of 93 firefighters, with seven vacancies filled by new recruits who started their training two weeks prior. The Chief noted that three firefighters were on military deployment, with one returning soon, and addressed ongoing work-related injuries within the department.

In 2024, the Fire Bureau experienced six retirements, all of which have been successfully replaced. However, there were also three resignations, including one firefighter who transitioned to a police role. The Chief emphasized the importance of maintaining staffing levels to ensure effective service delivery to the community.

The discussion then shifted to financial matters, with the Chief providing an overview of grants received, including $250,000 from Dauphin County for flooring and $15,000 from the State Fire Commissioner for new equipment. The Chief also mentioned ongoing projects funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money, which are currently under legal review.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to budget analysis. The Fire Bureau spent approximately $12.67 million in 2024, coming in under budget by about $776,000. The Chief explained that this underspend was partly due to a $500,000 allocation for a new fire truck, which was placed in a special fund.

The Chief also addressed the issue of overtime costs, particularly related to deployments with Pennsylvania Task Force 1. He provided examples of reimbursements received from federal sources for various deployments, totaling around $322,000, which helps offset the costs incurred by the city.

In terms of community engagement, the Fire Bureau has been active in smoke detector installations and educational events, including fire drills and training sessions. The Chief highlighted the importance of these initiatives in promoting fire safety and preparedness among residents.

The meeting concluded with a summary of the Fire Bureau's achievements and ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and community safety. The Chief expressed gratitude for the support received from the council and emphasized the commitment to transparency in financial matters and operational effectiveness.