Mayor Ashley Swearengin held a press conference to highlight features of the public safety proposals included in her proposed budget.
Fresno will see substantial increases in public safety funding, as the mayor strives to get the force back to pre-recession levels.
“Our firefighters have battled epic infernos, and they’ve chased down serial arsonists, and they’ve earned a national reputation for service and bravery, so our goal in this year’s budget is to not only maintain that level of excellence but to the extent that it’s financially sustainable, improve our commitment to public safety.” – Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
3 more firefighters and a new fire company will be added at clinton and fruit.
“If we add that additional company to Station 9, our ability to provide that 8 minute coverage to Central, West and Downtown is substantially improved.- – Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
After years of cutbacks, a 10.5 million dollar project over 8 years will include replacing the aging equipment, and a communications system will see 320 new radios.
As for prevention, Fire Chief Kerri Donis says they’ll look at re-instituting the inspection of businesses every four years and their own fire maintenance shop is on the “to do” list.
“The fire shop, this is a 100 year old building if you haven’t been there, you should take a tour. They still have horseshoes inside the building where we used to respond to fires with horses and buggies, if you will. – Fire Chief Kerri Donis.
With 3 engines, 2 trucks, 7 light duty vehicles also slated – no buggies are needed.
[
