Fire chief thanks voters after levy, outlines EMS response metrics and goals

Fire Chief Campbell opened his department update by thanking residents who supported the recently passed fire levy and noting the department’s responsibility to serve the 46% of voters who opposed it.

"It's not a measure that I take lightly," the chief said, adding that the department will work to prove value to residents who voted no. He highlighted operational data showing multiple double and triple runs in short periods and said that, while response times averaged about 5 minutes 10 seconds on recent calls, the department is striving to reach benchmarks for cardiac-care metrics.

Chief Campbell said the department’s target for delivering a 12‑lead cardiac monitor within 10 minutes is 75 percent; the most recent audited performance was about 72 percent. He urged continued focus on audits and training to push performance higher.

The chief also described community outreach and recognition efforts, noting department participation in county awards and a recent food drive that collected roughly 1,000 pounds of food for a local pantry.

Why it matters: The levy funds personnel and equipment the chief said are necessary to maintain current response capability; the performance figures give residents a concrete measure of service delivery and a baseline for future oversight.

What comes next: The chief indicated ongoing audits and operational adjustments to improve metrics and invited trustees and the public to continue oversight at future meetings.