Annapolis Fire Department unveils five-year strategic plan with workforce, capital and health priorities

Fire Chief Doug Romali and Deputy Chief Matthew Lopez presented the Annapolis Fire Department’s new strategic plan to the City Council on Feb. 2, outlining five strategic initiatives and an implementation approach tied to measurable objectives.

The plan — developed internally beginning in 2024 with support from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and community engagement — introduces a concise mission statement and sets five priorities: workforce development, capital improvement planning, health and wellness for personnel, community engagement, and pursuit of accreditation. The department said it will use a management implementation guide assigning tasks, timelines and senior-leadership accountability, and will provide monthly status updates to the city manager, the mayor and relevant council committees.

Chief Romali said some elements will be phased and tied to the budget process. He reiterated that Annapolis holds an ISO Class 1 rating, which affects insurance ratings for property owners, and said accreditation is being considered as a future step but will not be rushed. The plan includes a goal to align staffing with NFPA recommendations within five years, recognizing that doing so will require phased investments and fiscal planning.

Deputy Chief Lopez described community engagement efforts and said the department had recruited a diverse committee of participants, collaborated with the union (IAFF Local 1926) and ran community surveys to inform objectives. The presentation also covered specific initiatives: a peak-time medic unit request for the upcoming budget to address high EMS demand; telemedicine pilots that allow medics to consult clinicians on scene for lower-acuity calls; and ongoing equipment replacement planning.

Council members asked questions about timelines, the benefits of accreditation versus ISO ratings, deployment of telemedicine, and the department’s interest in non-PFAS turnout gear. Chief Romali said the city no longer uses PFAS firefighting foam, confirmed the department is evaluating lower-PFAS or PFAS-free gear as technology permits, and emphasized worker safety in equipment choices.

What happens next: The department will incorporate the strategic plan into upcoming budget requests and provide regular status updates to council committees; council members indicated support while noting budgetary constraints and the need to prioritize competing capital and staffing demands.