Let’s Talk Services

Emergency Services Are a Top Priority

Group of firefighters in full gear carrying a stretcher during a smoke-filled rescue drill.

Emergency services and response times are a top priority. If new funding is not secured, the District would need to reduce spending over the next two years, and likely not be able to maintain the current levels of service. Response times, staffing levels, and programs will be affected.

Potential Impacts

These cuts could include having fewer firefighters on duty each day throughout our service area. The current staffing levels allow the District to respond with the most efficient and effective emergency response for fires and complexmedical incidents, as well as wildfires, water rescues, and hazardous material incidents. The District must maintain enough staff to protect the remainder of the service area while calls are occurring.

Learn more about these and more potential impacts on our Funding page

Increasing Costs

Costs to provide emergency services have increased significantly. Everything from heart monitors used daily in nearly every patient interaction, to fire engines, protective gear, and safety equipment.

Day-to-day costs have continued to rise including apparatus like a fire engine and equipment.

  • For example, a fire engine cost $755,000 in 2020, and costs about $1.37 million today, a cost increase of more than 81%. Fire engines typically must be replaced every 15 years, and to maintain its current fleet, the District must purchase a new engine about every 18 months.
Cost of a fire engine was $755,000 in 2020 and is $1.37 million in 2026, over 81% increase.
  • In 2013, a heart monitor cost approximately $33,000 per device, and in 2026, they cost $57,000, a 73% increase for an essential piece of medical equipment we use in nearly every patient interaction in the District. In fact, we deploy nearly 30 of them across the District daily.
Cost of heart monitor increased from $33,000 in 2013 to $57,000 in 2026, a 73% rise.