More Firefighters!!!

I have a problem and a question for the city council. I live on the far west side of town. A month or two ago I stopped in to the Fire Station on Hwy 190 by Ogletree Gap. Until that day I was under the impression that if my house caught on fire or my family had a medical emergency that there was a fire truck and an ambulance that could be at my house in very short time. I was surprised to find out that station is only staffed with two firefighters that work 24-hour shifts.

I was curious and asked what happen if there is a fire on the west side of town. They told me that they take the ambulance and the fire truck from the station that is down town and the one from the station by Civic Center will come along with the other ambulances. To make sure I heard them correctly I confirmed, if there is a fire they get into the ambulance and NOT the fire truck to go to a fire. They said that this is department policy. They also said that the fire truck at is only used to go to the county for fire. Once again it does NOT go to fire in the city limits.

I then asked, what happens if there is a fire in the middle of town or in the House Creek North area? Do the send the closest ambulance and this fire truck from the Ogletree Gap Station. They told me no. If there is a fire in House Creek North or in the middle of town by the station downtown the fire department will send the same fire trucks and the same ambulances.

Just to recap, since I live on the west side of town, the fire truck from downtown is the closest one that will come to my house. I asked them how long it would take to get from their station to my house if it was on fire, and was told 3-4 minutes. Which, as I said, I have done some studying is very good time. I then asked how long it would take the fire truck form downtown to get to my house were it on fire. I was told 7-8 minutes. So it would take 7-8 minutes for a fire truck to get to my house because the closest station to my house doesn’t send a fire truck. As I said I have done some study and 7-8 minutes is unacceptable for a house that is on fire.

I asked the firefighters why it is this way and they said they don’t have enough people to staff the ambulance and the fire truck at that station, just at the other two. And the city council continually turns them down for more people when they ask for them.

My question is why? Why have my property taxes continued to rise and I am not being given the same Fire and EMS protection as citizens in the downtown area and on the north side of town. Why can’t we hire enough firefighters to properly protect the citizens?

This is not a complaint against the Fire Department or the firefighters. It is a complaint against the city council that has once again shown me that they really have no idea what is going or what the needs of this city are. Mr. Goode, you live in the center of town I bet you sleep good at night knowing that you have adequate fire and EMS protection. What about you Mr. Stephens you live in the center of town as well. What about you Mayor Hull you live right nest to one of the fire stations that has adequate personnel? What about the rest of the council; can the fire trucks get to your house as SLOW as they get to mine. What about the rest of the citizens how quick can the fire truck get to your house? When will you all wake up and realize that this city has grown and needs better services and the citizens that elected you deserve them as well?

The population signs at the city limits still read +/- 29,0000 but who really believes that is a true estimate for the population of Copperas Cove in 2009.

I am sending this to all council members and the Mayor for a response.

I understand your concern, but to blame this on this particular city council is not fair.
I'm not sticking up for this current council; they have certainly caused much controversy, but that fire station was built years ago before the current council was seated. It's always been short people.

Retired 1SG wrote:

I understand your concern, but to blame this on this particular city council is not fair.
I'm not sticking up for this current council; they have certainly caused much controversy, but that fire station was built years ago before the current council was seated. It's always been short people.

I can understand that, but the problem still exists and it is being and has been overlooked by this council in an effort to reduce the budget. How much are our families woth in order to reduce the budget?

They just had to raise taxes 2 cents to $.76 to make the budget work. If your raise it any more than that there will be a rebellion in this city.
Cove's taxes are the highest in Central Texas: Killeen -$.695, Heights -$.67, Belton -$.65. That's just city taxes. Add in school district, county and college (CTC) taxes and it's downright ridiculous.
Sounds to me that they could transfer one of the firefighters they have at the main station to the 190 sub-station per shift and that would help. I know a couple of the firefighters personally and they have both told me it's a problem and they could afford to do just that, but it doesn't happen.
Add in the factor of the ridiculously high health insurance premiums these city employees are now being asked to have taken out of their paychecks and we may lose a few police officers and fire fighters making the situation even worse.
It's an overall problem that this city has been facing for over a decade and it will become worse before it becomes better.
I do share your concerns.

I would of thought that if the fire dept was in such bad shape that the fire chief and CM would of fallen on their sword to get more resources. Their silence speaks volumes.....

Retired 1SG wrote:

They just had to raise taxes 2 cents to $.76 to make the budget work. If your raise it any more than that there will be a rebellion in this city.
Cove's taxes are the highest in Central Texas: Killeen -$.695, Heights -$.67, Belton -$.65. That's just city taxes. Add in school district, county and college (CTC) taxes and it's downright ridiculous.
Sounds to me that they could transfer one of the firefighters they have at the main station to the 190 sub-station per shift and that would help. I know a couple of the firefighters personally and they have both told me it's a problem and they could afford to do just that, but it doesn't happen.
Add in the factor of the ridiculously high health insurance premiums these city employees are now being asked to have taken out of their paychecks and we may lose a few police officers and fire fighters making the situation even worse.
It's an overall problem that this city has been facing for over a decade and it will become worse before it becomes better.
I do share your concerns.

True, if the taxes would have gone up any higher there would have been a revolution or a mass exodus. Not sure which one I would have done. I think your wrong about the last decade, it took more than ten years to get in this shape. All Im asking is that the we start fixing it. What took 20 years to screw up cant be fixed in 1 or 2 years. But we can start somewhere and start small and fix it over a persiod of years. There is 3 shifts, hire 3 extra people a year or even every other year until its fixed.

the Hammer wrote:

I would of thought that if the fire dept was in such bad shape that the fire chief and CM would of fallen on their sword to get more resources. Their silence speaks volumes.....

I Did'nt say that the fire dept was in bad shape. What I think has happened is that this has become the staus quo for so long because it was placed on the backburner a while back and then forgotten about. I have spoken to the CM and Fire Chief on otrher subjects prior to this. Both of them seem very competant.

the Hammer wrote:

I would of thought that if the fire dept was in such bad shape that the fire chief and CM would of fallen on their sword to get more resources. Their silence speaks volumes.....

The fire chief couldnt fall on anything! With that big ass gut of his, he would just bounce back up!

Members of the council were at the station and asked the same questions and these questions were brought up to the fire chief with the same results. Sounds like someone trying to stir the pot again. Basically the need hasn't prsented itself to need more staff out there. It will take the loss of a house to increase staffing. I think Goode and Stephens has always voted on increasing gear and stuff for the fire department and I can not recall a request for more firemen on a council meeting in the last few years. They did increase the police force when asked.

I"ll bet it comes down to the same answer - how to cover what needs to be done with the least amount of money so that the taxes don't have to be raised.
Not that that's a good answer, but it seems to be how it works, from what I've seen on the budget meetings.

I imagine it does need to be seriously looked at, especially after all these new subdivisions that have gone in the last 3 years or so. Maybe not more equipment, but more personnel.

I work for Cove FD and hopefully this will answer some questions.

There are 3 shifts that work 24 hours a day providing Fire/Rescue/EMS protection to the citizens of Copperas Cove and to areas of Coryell, Lampasas and Bell counties.

Current minimum staffing per shift is 14 and there are two vacation slots available every day.(currently both vacation slots are filled everyday in order for the firefighters to use all of their federally mandated holidays (since the fire dept does not close for Labor Day or X-mas) the firefighters are allowed to use those hours at other times in the year) and the city vacation days just like every other city employee. This means that there are normally 12 personnel on duty every day.

This number does not count the admin staff and FM office. They work Mon-Fri 9-5 just like almost every other city employee.

Normal Staffing each day is as follows:
Central Station – The downtown station
1 – Battalion Chief
Engine 1 – staffed with 3 personnel
Medic 1 – staffed with 2 personnel

Station #2 – The station by the Civic Center
Engine 2 – staffed with 2 personnel
Medic 2 – staffed with 2 personnel

Station #3 – The Ogletree Gap Station
Medic 3 – staffed with 2 personnel
Engine 3 – not staffed but the 2 personnel can change over and respond to fires in the county.(This policy is currently under review for changes and improvement))

1. Yes, the firefighters and the Fire Chief both understand that Sta 3 needs more people per shift to provide adequate and save response to the west side of town.
2. We also understand that when Sta 3 was built there was no vision of the future put into it and now it becoming a problem with the growth on the west side of town.
3. I don’t understand the correlation between the shape and size of the Fire Chief to his abilities to do his job. two toter, your statement is not polite nor is it appreciated.
4. The Fire Chief did ask for more personnel but it was one of the first things cut out of the budget this year.

Another thing to be considered is the National Fire Protection Assoc (NFPA) standard on fire personnel. It states that all fire apparatus should be staffed with a minimum of 4 personnel to ensure the greatest protection to citizens and safety to the firefighters and to put at least 4 personnel on the scene of a structure fire within the first 4-7 minutes after the alarm. Texas is not an NFPA state; they only recognize certain NFPA standards. However should their be a tragic event such as loss of life (citizen or firefighter) or significant loss of property, a lawyer, even a bad one, will ask the city and the fire dept, were you meeting the nationally recognized standards for fire and life safety. The rub is, staffing every fire apparatus with 4 people will break the budget of most cities.

Speaking for myself, yes I would like to see the Fire Dept staff Sta 3 with 4 personnel and begin working towards having 3 personnel on every engine. This way it can be said that due to budget constraints we don’t have 4 people on an engine but were working towards it and here is our plan.

Please know this, the firefighters of Copperas Cove will continue to do our job and respond to emergencies just as we always have and we are going to leave the staffing issues to the Fire Chief and the City Manager, both of which we have complete confidence in and whether you can see it or not, there have been some significant changes made in the Fire Dept over the past year to begin correcting and improving the problems that have existed from the past.

Cove EMS saved my grandsons life several years ago and I will always hold the CCFD in high regard.

If you will review the budget meetings that were held. The Fire Department made notice to the Council that they needed at least 6 more members. It is there, the Fire Chief clearly shared this information with the council. You can play the video for your self too. Budget meeting July. Got anything else that you dont have a clue about that you would like to discuss?

the Hammer wrote:

I would of thought that if the fire dept was in such bad shape that the fire chief and CM would of fallen on their sword to get more resources. Their silence speaks volumes.....

CCFD Leatherhead wrote:

I work for Cove FD and hopefully this will answer some questions.
There are 3 shifts that work 24 hours a day providing Fire/Rescue/EMS protection to the citizens of Copperas Cove and to areas of Coryell, Lampasas and Bell counties.
Current minimum staffing per shift is 14 and there are two vacation slots available every day.(currently both vacation slots are filled everyday in order for the firefighters to use all of their federally mandated holidays (since the fire dept does not close for Labor Day or X-mas) the firefighters are allowed to use those hours at other times in the year) and the city vacation days just like every other city employee. This means that there are normally 12 personnel on duty every day.
This number does not count the admin staff and FM office. They work Mon-Fri 9-5 just like almost every other city employee.
Normal Staffing each day is as follows:
Central Station – The downtown station
1 – Battalion Chief
Engine 1 – staffed with 3 personnel
Medic 1 – staffed with 2 personnel
Station #2 – The station by the Civic Center
Engine 2 – staffed with 2 personnel
Medic 2 – staffed with 2 personnel
Station #3 – The Ogletree Gap Station
Medic 3 – staffed with 2 personnel
Engine 3 – not staffed but the 2 personnel can change over and respond to fires in the county.(This policy is currently under review for changes and improvement))
1. Yes, the firefighters and the Fire Chief both understand that Sta 3 needs more people per shift to provide adequate and save response to the west side of town.
2. We also understand that when Sta 3 was built there was no vision of the future put into it and now it becoming a problem with the growth on the west side of town.
3. I don’t understand the correlation between the shape and size of the Fire Chief to his abilities to do his job. two toter, your statement is not polite nor is it appreciated.
4. The Fire Chief did ask for more personnel but it was one of the first things cut out of the budget this year.
Another thing to be considered is the National Fire Protection Assoc (NFPA) standard on fire personnel. It states that all fire apparatus should be staffed with a minimum of 4 personnel to ensure the greatest protection to citizens and safety to the firefighters and to put at least 4 personnel on the scene of a structure fire within the first 4-7 minutes after the alarm. Texas is not an NFPA state; they only recognize certain NFPA standards. However should their be a tragic event such as loss of life (citizen or firefighter) or significant loss of property, a lawyer, even a bad one, will ask the city and the fire dept, were you meeting the nationally recognized standards for fire and life safety. The rub is, staffing every fire apparatus with 4 people will break the budget of most cities.
Speaking for myself, yes I would like to see the Fire Dept staff Sta 3 with 4 personnel and begin working towards having 3 personnel on every engine. This way it can be said that due to budget constraints we don’t have 4 people on an engine but were working towards it and here is our plan.
Please know this, the firefighters of Copperas Cove will continue to do our job and respond to emergencies just as we always have and we are going to leave the staffing issues to the Fire Chief and the City Manager, both of which we have complete confidence in and whether you can see it or not, there have been some significant changes made in the Fire Dept over the past year to begin correcting and improving the problems that have existed from the past.

Thanks for the well put comment. I think we are not blaming the fire Dept but the shortage of money.

What is the date of the workshop that the fire chief presented his budget.

Thanks for your response and the citizens of this community do appreciate everything you do for us each and every day.

I strongly beleive that the Fire Chief and City Manager are working on other ways to try and get our community what it needs and deserves. In the mean time please try to be part of the solution for our community.

CCFD Leatherhead wrote:

I work for Cove FD and hopefully this will answer some questions.
There are 3 shifts that work 24 hours a day providing Fire/Rescue/EMS protection to the citizens of Copperas Cove and to areas of Coryell, Lampasas and Bell counties.
Current minimum staffing per shift is 14 and there are two vacation slots available every day.(currently both vacation slots are filled everyday in order for the firefighters to use all of their federally mandated holidays (since the fire dept does not close for Labor Day or X-mas) the firefighters are allowed to use those hours at other times in the year) and the city vacation days just like every other city employee. This means that there are normally 12 personnel on duty every day.
This number does not count the admin staff and FM office. They work Mon-Fri 9-5 just like almost every other city employee.
Normal Staffing each day is as follows:
Central Station – The downtown station
1 – Battalion Chief
Engine 1 – staffed with 3 personnel
Medic 1 – staffed with 2 personnel
Station #2 – The station by the Civic Center
Engine 2 – staffed with 2 personnel
Medic 2 – staffed with 2 personnel
Station #3 – The Ogletree Gap Station
Medic 3 – staffed with 2 personnel
Engine 3 – not staffed but the 2 personnel can change over and respond to fires in the county.(This policy is currently under review for changes and improvement))
1. Yes, the firefighters and the Fire Chief both understand that Sta 3 needs more people per shift to provide adequate and save response to the west side of town.
2. We also understand that when Sta 3 was built there was no vision of the future put into it and now it becoming a problem with the growth on the west side of town.
3. I don’t understand the correlation between the shape and size of the Fire Chief to his abilities to do his job. two toter, your statement is not polite nor is it appreciated.
4. The Fire Chief did ask for more personnel but it was one of the first things cut out of the budget this year.
Another thing to be considered is the National Fire Protection Assoc (NFPA) standard on fire personnel. It states that all fire apparatus should be staffed with a minimum of 4 personnel to ensure the greatest protection to citizens and safety to the firefighters and to put at least 4 personnel on the scene of a structure fire within the first 4-7 minutes after the alarm. Texas is not an NFPA state; they only recognize certain NFPA standards. However should their be a tragic event such as loss of life (citizen or firefighter) or significant loss of property, a lawyer, even a bad one, will ask the city and the fire dept, were you meeting the nationally recognized standards for fire and life safety. The rub is, staffing every fire apparatus with 4 people will break the budget of most cities.
Speaking for myself, yes I would like to see the Fire Dept staff Sta 3 with 4 personnel and begin working towards having 3 personnel on every engine. This way it can be said that due to budget constraints we don’t have 4 people on an engine but were working towards it and here is our plan.
Please know this, the firefighters of Copperas Cove will continue to do our job and respond to emergencies just as we always have and we are going to leave the staffing issues to the Fire Chief and the City Manager, both of which we have complete confidence in and whether you can see it or not, there have been some significant changes made in the Fire Dept over the past year to begin correcting and improving the problems that have existed from the past.

Peterson wrote:

Thanks for your response and the citizens of this community do appreciate everything you do for us each and every day.
I strongly beleive that the Fire Chief and City Manager are working on other ways to try and get our community what it needs and deserves. In the mean time please try to be part of the solution for our community.
<quoted text>

I took no offense to this post nor did I believe that the original poster was blaming the fire dept or the firefighters. I merely saw an opportunity to educate and offer some insight as to the Station 3 situation and hopefully give the poster some peace of mind and reassurance that he/she, their family and property is protected to the best of CCFD’s abilities.

I don't understand, "In the mean time please try to be part of the solution for our community." My comments were meant to be nothing more than informative and positive, and to help the original poster understand the current situation and ongoing process.

Leatherhad,you just have to overlook Peterson's posts. He just thihks that evryone has a negative feeling about CC. He wants everybogy to think like he does. He knows it all.

Stick with Peterson and really get stuck!!!