A statement from Mayor William D Tate and City Manager Bruno Rumbelow regarding the Grapevine Fire Department –
You may be receiving a survey or have seen a social media discussion regarding changes in the Grapevine Fire Department that was not sent by the City. Let’s be clear about the facts. We are strategically reallocating resources and strengthening minimum staffing to be more efficient stewards of public funds. In 2021, the results of an operational and efficiency study (shown here: bit.ly/3P3fPYM) by a leading public safety consulting firm, Fitch and Associates, were presented to the City Council. That study led us to the need to purchase a fourth ambulance to meet the needs of our residents and visitors, and the ability to reallocate existing resources to do so.
Due to supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, the delivery of the necessary apparatus to accomplish this effort was delayed. This summer, all the necessary apparatus will be in place to put a fourth ambulance into service at Station 4. This ambulance will allow us to meet the changing needs of residents and visitors, as EMS calls make up 71% of the total calls received by the fire department.
Two ladder companies, three fire engines, and a “squad” will be in service at all times to meet fire needs. The squad is a new concept to Grapevine that has been used successfully in other municipalities. It provides a flexible response to both EMS and fire calls. In addition, a blocker truck will be in service at all times. Highway safety during traffic incidents was cited as the largest concern in a recent department survey. The Scorpion (blocker) essentially protects first responders on the scene of traffic incidents by “blocking” the road. It also serves as an advanced warning system, as is seen first by motorists.
In addition, there will always be more personnel on duty at all times. This will offer flexibility so that we may respond more quickly to any kind of incident. This also allows us to comply with two-in / two-out at each station. Essentially, if two firefighters are in a building and need assistance, there will be two outside to assist. This makes all incidents safer for personnel. For a detailed explanation, visit bit.ly/4rJwJdO to see the full City Council presentation.
We fully support Chief Brown and the Fire Department in their efforts to meet the ever-evolving needs of our citizens and remain community-focused.
On a related note, next Tuesday, the Crime Control and Prevention District Board will call an election on May 2 to renew the CCPD half-cent sales tax. These funds, which are primarily paid for by visitors, will continue to give Grapevine the resources to remain financially sustainable going forward, which benefits all our employees and citizens.
Let’s keep Grapevine moving forward in a positive, safe, and responsible way.
Thank you, Grapevine!
