Title
Fire Department Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Description
This report provides a follow up and updates to the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee on Fire Department challenges related to service delivery.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
As discussed at the October 12 Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee meeting, the Fire Department has been working to address staffing challenges, high call volume, and longer than desired response times. Due to these challenges, the Fire Department has developed a comprehensive plan in an effort to address current and ongoing needs. Key aspects of the comprehensive plan include the following:
Short-term solutions
Short-term solutions include the Fire Department’s prioritization plan, increased training capacity, and a telehealth consultation program.
Long-term solutions
Long-term solutions include the Fire Department’s strategic planning efforts focused on the 20-year fire station needs forecast, current and future GO Bond program plan, and continued efforts to develop innovative solutions.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Response Time Standards
The NFPA standard is to respond to 90 percent of calls within 5 minutes. In order to bring the Fire Department's current response times within the NFPA standards, the department will need additional facilities, apparatus, staff and training.
Sworn Salary Comparison
Ongoing comparison of the Phoenix Fire Department’s current pay scale as compared to other regional fire departments.
Phoenix Fire Deployment Model
A strategic overview and importance of the Fire Department’s “All Hazards” deployment model.
Current Efforts to Improve the Identified Challenges
Multiple actions are in progress that will have a positive impact on the identified challenges.
Previously approved actions by the City Council include the addition of 15 FTE’s to permanently staff Station 72, 4 FTEs as firefighter rovers, and the award acceptance of the 2021 SAFER Grant for an additional 32 FTEs.
In addition, Fire staff request the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee approve a recommendation to the full City Council to authorize funding for a total of 58 FTE positions to the Fire Department's FY 2023-24 budget. This funding request includes adding 31 new FTE to the Fire Department.
This recommendation will provide staffing of Fire Station 62 with 24 new General Fund FTEs, 7 new FTEs from Aviation to support 24-hour operation of Rescue 19, and General Fund funding to continue 27 FTE currently being supported by the 2019 SAFER Grant.
If approved, the City Council will have authorized funding for a total 82 FTEs by the end of FY 2022-23 and an additional 27 FTEs for FY 2023-24.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Fire Department.