HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke Friday about a new report laying out ways that the Houston Fire Department can improve its services, including dealing with critical emergencies.
A four-page executive summary of a work demand analysis of HFD was commissioned last November by then-Mayor Annise Parker and members of city council.
The report states that HFD responded to 300,000 emergencies in 2015. The report made 48 recommendations, including hiring more people.
"They certainly are saying that we need more revenue, enhanced training and additional staff, specifically adding more paramedics," Turner said.
The report also suggests building more fire stations, purchasing 25 more ambulances and adding an additional hazmat unit.
It's no secret the city is growing and the Fire Department will grow with it.
"We look forward to working with the city council members and public safety chair to continue to improve our service to the city," HFD Chief Rodney West said.
"We have roughly 3,800 firefighters and we certainly want to make sure they have everything they need in order to do their jobs and to do them safely," Turner said.
Other recommendations include IT upgrades, career development, a wellness program, a tobacco-free environment and a cancer awareness/prevention program.
The Response Time and Staffing Analysis Model was prepared by Facets Consulting.