VANESSA PADILLA
Goshen News, Ind.
(TNS)
The annexation for a new South Fire Station has been an ongoing discussion. Mayor Gina Leichty did inform the council that this project is one that will continue to be evaluated as the city waits to hear more from the state.
Fire Chief Anthony Powell spoke on the subject and is aware that since this project was proposed in 2021, the climate has changed.
“Our call volume has increased dramatically and the staffing we were originally going to set for that station, is not going to be adequate in my opinion,” he said. “We asked for 15 personnel for this station and then we agreed upon nine. Our call value from 2002-2015 went up from 1,300 calls. From 2016-2020 it went up 1,200 and in the last four years we went up another 900 calls.”
He anticipates that this year alone, the call volume is on track to hit 6,000 if the calls continue to increase the way it has been within the last two months. With call volumes increasing, he thinks moving forward with the project would cause the new station to be understaffed and be a burden for personnel.
Chief Powell also mentioned that staffing under the National Fire Protection Association says that each shift should consist of 26-28 members per shift but they are currently at 20 when fully staffed and that plays a part in the decision making of the station.
“There are a lot of factors that went into play in making this decision,” he said. “Do we want a new fire station? Yes. However, moving forward I think we have some time. Cherry Creek is not built up yet, we can service that area.
“And if we have to, the Elkhart Township Fire Station is out there and we could do some remodel that would get us by for 10 to 15 years down the road.”
The resolution was passed by council. The department and the city will continue to proceed with caution while they wait for information on grants and funding from the state and federally.
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