FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Springfield Fire Department is conducting a staffing and deployment study that could significantly improve its responses within the community by moving personnel and equipment currently assigned to two slower stations to other areas of the City with significantly greater demand.
The study uses analytics software to evaluate a wide variety of factors from the number fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) incidents to response times. It also evaluates the number of responses where the fire department is not meeting the national standard for apparatus and personnel.
The evidence suggests that Fire Station 6, located on west Battlefield Road, should have its staffing and apparatus relocated to assist in covering west-central Springfield. It also suggests that Fire Station 12, located on South Blackman Road, should have its staffing and apparatus relocated to other areas of the City, most likely south-central Springfield.
Several years ago, resources from the core of the City were redistributed to open each of the two stations with anticipation of annexation occurring in east and southwest Springfield. However, annexations have not occurred.
According to Fire Chief David Hall, “It is essential to use our resources as efficiently and effectively as we can. Over the past several years, we have developed the data to be able to make data-driven informed decisions on station, apparatus, and personnel placement in a way we previously could not. When one looks at the data, it is hard to see how any other conclusion can be drawn.”
The department requests City Council input to determine the next step in the process. If the City Council does not have strong opposition to the move, the department will further evaluate the various options and make a final decision and how to deploy the resources.
Chief Hall adds a very personal note, “My mother lives in Station 12’s district and my mother-in-law lives in Station 6’s district, each of which will be affected if those stations no longer house fire apparatus and personnel. I would never put them at undue risk; however, I cannot in good conscience not put resources where they provide the greatest benefit to all citizens of the community. This moves resources to those citizens with the greatest risk and yet lacking the fire protection that is needed in their area.”
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For more information, contact Fire Chief David Hall at 417-874-2310 or [email protected].