The Richardson City Council meeting on July 28, 2025, focused on the Richardson Fire Department's strategic master plan, outlining a comprehensive 10-year implementation strategy aimed at enhancing fire and emergency services in the city. Fire Chief Puvey, along with Assistant Chiefs, presented the plan, which includes both immediate and long-term initiatives designed to address the department's operational needs and community safety.

Chief Puvey highlighted several key components of the plan, emphasizing the importance of funding for both capital and operational needs. The plan includes a timeline for implementation, with some initiatives expected to begin as early as the upcoming budget workshop. Notably, the plan was developed in collaboration with a consulting team and reflects input from various stakeholders within the department.

Among the immediate initiatives underway are the establishment of a health and safety committee, the development of a succession plan for leadership roles, and improvements to the EMS staff rotation policy. Chief Puvey also discussed the elevation of the EMS battalion chief position to deputy chief, which will take effect shortly, enhancing the leadership structure within the department.

The plan also outlines significant long-term projects requiring substantial funding. These include the addition of a truck company in Northwest Richardson, which would necessitate hiring 15 new firefighters and an investment of approximately $2.7 million for the truck and equipment. Other major proposals include the construction of an apparatus storage building and repair center, renovations to Station 6, and the hiring of additional EMS captains to improve operational supervision.

The council was informed that the department is also looking to enhance its dispatch system to decrease response times and adopt a new internal benchmark for travel times. Chief Puvey assured the council that these changes would not negatively impact the department's ISO ratings.

In conclusion, the Richardson Fire Department's strategic master plan aims to bolster the city's emergency response capabilities while ensuring adequate funding and resources are allocated for future growth. The council's concurrence on the plan will be sought in the coming weeks, as the department prepares to present specific budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year.