The Chatham County fire chief delivered a quarterly operational update, reporting a modest decline in fire responses from the prior year and substantial activity in the community paramedic/behavioral health unit (BHU).

The chief told the board fire responses were “slightly down at, 8%” compared with last year and that the community paramedic program has responded to 903 calls since Jan. 1, including 725 patient contacts. The chief also cited countywide biospatial data that lists 6,802 incidents tied to mental‑health, overdose or alcohol cases, and described outreach and prevention work the department is undertaking.

On staffing, the chief said the department currently has roughly 30 vacancies, has added a handful of hires in recent weeks and plans more recruit classes and testing to address gaps; the next recruit academy graduation is scheduled for Oct. 23. The chief described recent and planned community engagement — including youth fire camps, attendance at the Georgia Municipal Association convention and homeless‑resource events — and noted an upcoming Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5–11) focused on lithium‑ion battery safety.

Commissioners asked about BHU staffing and whether the EMS side needs more personnel; the chief said BHU is used primarily for referrals and follow‑ups rather than primary 911 dispatch responses, that staffing will expand with planned hires and that a licensed clinician will start in October. The chief encouraged commissioners to attend the recruit graduation and public safety appreciation events.

What’s next: staff will continue recruitment, monitor BHU call volumes and report back on staffing and program performance.