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The Lansing City Council is set to tackle the critical issue of inadequate staffing levels that have been plaguing the Lansing Fire Department. As city officials emphasize the gravity of the situation, data reveals that the department responded to nearly 27,000 emergency calls in 2024. Despite the pressing demand, the department has experienced a 21% drop in staffing since 2011, while call volumes have soared by 60%.
During an April 21 city council meeting, Lansing Fire Chief Brian Sturdivant highlighted the challenge, stating, "Call volume is going through the roof, resources have remained flat or have been cut and not restored." In response, City Council Member Jeremy Garza introduced a resolution aimed at addressing the staffing crisis by proposing the implementation of three to six new hires annually until adequate staffing levels are achieved.
Since 2011, the number of firefighters on duty daily has dwindled from 52 to 41, and the city currently operates with just five ambulances despite rising call volumes. Garza pointed out the need for more resources, referencing a study completed in 2019 that recommended the city have 12 ambulances.
Recent incidents, such as the fatal street-racing crash on April 24, further underscore the urgent necessity for more staff as external agencies had to step in to manage the situation amidst other ongoing emergencies.
While Mayor Andy Schor expresses openness to the resolution, he acknowledges the challenge of reallocating funds with over a quarter of the $173 million general fund already dedicated to public safety. Schor insists, "We have a lot of needs in our city, and we’re not going to raise taxes to do it, so it’s about finding where those dollars are coming from."
Garza emphasizes the council's commitment to enhancing public safety, asserting, "I want the community to know we’re doing our best putting our foot forward to try to curb some of this reckless behavior in our city and try to make our streets and neighborhoods safer."
The council will deliberate on Garza's public safety staffing resolution during the upcoming city council meeting, with Fire Chief Sturdivant advocating for a 1.2% increase in the department’s budget. The fiscal 2025-26 budget is slated for adoption on May 19.
For more details, visit the original article at [WILX](Source-_).
Lansing City Council to Address 'Dangerous' Staffing Levels at Fire Department
The Lansing City Council is set to tackle the critical issue of inadequate staffing levels that have been plaguing the Lansing Fire Department. As city officials emphasize the gravity of the situation, data reveals that the department responded to nearly 27,000 emergency calls in 2024. Despite the pressing demand, the department has experienced a 21% drop in staffing since 2011, while call volumes have soared by 60%.
During an April 21 city council meeting, Lansing Fire Chief Brian Sturdivant highlighted the challenge, stating, "Call volume is going through the roof, resources have remained flat or have been cut and not restored." In response, City Council Member Jeremy Garza introduced a resolution aimed at addressing the staffing crisis by proposing the implementation of three to six new hires annually until adequate staffing levels are achieved.
Since 2011, the number of firefighters on duty daily has dwindled from 52 to 41, and the city currently operates with just five ambulances despite rising call volumes. Garza pointed out the need for more resources, referencing a study completed in 2019 that recommended the city have 12 ambulances.
Recent incidents, such as the fatal street-racing crash on April 24, further underscore the urgent necessity for more staff as external agencies had to step in to manage the situation amidst other ongoing emergencies.
While Mayor Andy Schor expresses openness to the resolution, he acknowledges the challenge of reallocating funds with over a quarter of the $173 million general fund already dedicated to public safety. Schor insists, "We have a lot of needs in our city, and we’re not going to raise taxes to do it, so it’s about finding where those dollars are coming from."
Garza emphasizes the council's commitment to enhancing public safety, asserting, "I want the community to know we’re doing our best putting our foot forward to try to curb some of this reckless behavior in our city and try to make our streets and neighborhoods safer."
The council will deliberate on Garza's public safety staffing resolution during the upcoming city council meeting, with Fire Chief Sturdivant advocating for a 1.2% increase in the department’s budget. The fiscal 2025-26 budget is slated for adoption on May 19.
For more details, visit the original article at [WILX](Source-_).