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Mission

The Ellsworth Fire Department is committed to providing all hazards protection to the citizens and visitors of Ellsworth through professional emergency response and risk reduction efforts.

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Vision

The Ellsworth Fire Department aspires to be recognized as a leader and resource among regional fire services through cooperation and collaboration. We desire to be a premier workplace in our industry with fire service professionals from across the state seeking to be employed by us. We envision a safer community built through positive relationships and shared opportunities with the people we serve.

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All-Hazards Approach to Emergency Response

Fire Suppression

Emergency Medical Services

Technical

Rescue

Extrication, Water/Ice Rescue,

Hazmat, Confine Space,

Rope Rescue

Community Risk Reduction

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Fire Department Staffing

Fire Chief
Administrative Assistant to the Chiefs
Deputy Fire Chief of Operations and Training
Fire & Life Safety Inspector

Command Staff

A Shift – 1 Captain, 2 Firefighter, 2 Firefighter EMT
B Shift – 1 Captain, 3 Firefighter/EMT, (1 Firefighter/EMT 1/2025)
C Shift – 1 Captain, 1 Firefighter, 1 Firefighter/EMT, 1 Firefighter/ Paramedic
D Shift – 1 Captain, 1 Firefighter/EMT, 2 Firefighter/AEMT

4 shifts – 24 hour rotating schedule

1 Captain, 3 Firefighters, 1 PT- Firefighter/EMT, 1 PT-Firefighter/Paramedic

Pay Per Call Force & Part-Time

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Community Risk Reduction

Staffing – current and anticipated needs
Response times – current and areas for improvement
Apparatus and Equipment – operational readiness

Emergency Response – Use of data for metrics

Fire Prevention – create and maintain ongoing programs throughout the year
Community engagement – Football games, Parades, static demos, Station Tours

Education

Fire & Life Safety Inspections for new construction
Scheduled inspections for Business Licenses
NFPA Inspection schedule by hazard class

Enforcement

Plans Review
TRT

Engineering

Smoke detector program with Red Cross for at risk populations
ISO rating (3/8) to assist with lowering homeowner property tax potential

Economic

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Apparatus

Tanker 4-1998 Metal Fab Engine 1250/1250

Rescue Boat-1998 Zodiac rescue Boat -30hp

Engine 7-2007 Metal Fab Engine 1750/1250

Ladder 1-2010 Smeal 75 ft ladder 1500/300

Squad 5-2012 Ferrara Heavy Rescue Engine 2000/900

Truck 3-2015 GMC 3500 with Skid Tank 300 gallons

Engine 2-2016 E-One Engine 1500/850

Car 1- 2024 Chevy Pickup

Car2 -2024 Chevy Pickup

Rescue 1-2020 Ford F-450 Braun Ambulance

Air trailer – trailered mobile air compressor

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Call Volume FY 2024

01/01/2024 – 12/31/2024

Total 2,146 calls

1571 EMS related calls

(113 transports)

575 Fire Related calls

(14 Building Fires)

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Locations of Ellsworth Fire Department Responses �2024

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Heat Map of Incidents Ellsworth Fire Department Responses �2024

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Capitol Improvements

Diesel Exhaust Removal System installed 7/2024
New Hydraulic Extrication Tools – Acquired October 2024
Air Line system for Apparatus in progress
ALS equipment for EMS license upgrade – Permitting to Paramedic

License application completed
All equipment purchased
Awaiting response agreement with Northern Light Medical Transport
Upgrade in progress expected to be complete spring of 2025

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Strategic Planning to receive community input and identify organizational needs

Capital planning to address large purchases such as vehicles and facilities

Community risk assessments

Short & Long Term

Planning

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Strategic Planning

Creation of Strategic Planning Committee

SWOT analysis of the Fire Department and its services will begin Sept 24

Strengths

Weakness

Opportunities

Threats

Mission Vision, Values and Cultural Pillars developed and adopted.

Initial Citizens Survey completed; 2^nd survey will go out later this year.

The fire department is implementing a formal Strategic Planning process. Timeline is approximately 9 months.

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Planning for the Communities Needs in North Ellsworth

Geography and available resources leave North Ellsworth underserved.
We are exploring options for building a fire station to serve the area.
Addressing needs will be done through a phased in process.

Phase 1

Identify property options and funding streams.
Work with the City Manager and Council to improve staffing levels to meet service demand.

Phase 2

North station completion – One fire engine and ambulance housed in the North Ellsworth Fire Station. Staffing of three members that will cover both vehicles as needed.
In addition to the above staffing our goal would be to have one supervisor, and five firefighters located at the City Hall Station. This would ensure proper supervision and adequate staffing for the fire engine and ambulance.

Phase 3

Commit dedicated staffing to the fire engine and ambulance in North Ellsworth.

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Apparatus Replacement

1998 Metal Fab Engine 1250/1250 (26 years old, was due for replacement FY 20)

1998 Zodiac rescue Boat -30hp (26 years old, undersized, does not support missions on the lakes with adequate staff for rescues or fire suppression due to weight limit overloading)

2007 Metal Fab Engine 1750/1250 (17 years old, already a reserve Engine, was due for replacement FY22)

2010 Smeal 75 ft ladder 1500/300 (14 years old due for 20-year replacement in 2030)

2012 Ferrara Heavy Rescue Engine 2000/900 (12 years old, purchased used to replace Rescue 5 in FY 22)

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Apparatus Replacement

2015 GMC 3500 4x4 with Skid Tank 300 gallons (Limited use as a Brush Truck)
2016 E-One Engine 1500/850 (8 years old, due for replacement 2026)
2020 Ford F-450 Braun Ambulance ( replace or Remount in 2030) FD will need a 2^nd ambulance by FY 2029 to allow full-time EMS transport the city of Ellsworth
Air trailer with mobile air compressor

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To help us further improve and ensure we are meeting your needs, we would appreciate it if you could answer the following questions

Take a moment to introduce yourselves. (Name, neighborhood, etc.)
Do you feel you now know more about fire department operations than before this session?
Other than fighting fires, what do you think is the most important function the fire department can provide?
What do you think is the least important?
How do you think the fire department can add more value to the community?
What additional thoughts or questions do you have?

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THANK YOU

On behalf of the entire fire department, thank you for participating in our Town Hall meeting to discuss the strategic plan. Your input is invaluable as we work to best serve our community.