During the recent City Council Budget Workshop in Decatur, Fire Chief highlighted pressing staffing and resource needs for the local fire department, emphasizing the critical impact on community safety. With emergency medical service (EMS) calls now comprising about 50% of the department's call volume, Chief expressed concern over response times, particularly when delays occur due to insufficient staffing.

The Chief referenced the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, which recommends one firefighter for every thousand residents, noting that Decatur's growth necessitates an increase in personnel. He pointed out that the opening of Station 2 and the anticipated arrival of a new ladder truck in 2026 further underscore the need for adequate staffing to meet the demands of a growing population.

In addition to staffing shortages, the Chief raised issues related to workers' compensation, paid time off, and paramedic training, all of which have strained the department's budget. He warned that if current staff become overworked, it could lead to higher turnover rates, which would exacerbate the existing challenges.

The discussion also touched on the need for overtime and part-time staffing to cover community events and major incidents, which are essential for maintaining safety standards. The Chief's remarks highlighted the reliance on neighboring volunteer departments, which may take 20 to 30 minutes or longer to respond in emergencies, further stressing the importance of bolstering local resources.

As Decatur continues to grow, the fire department's ability to provide timely and effective emergency services remains a top priority for city leaders, who must consider these needs in upcoming budget discussions.