ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — A fire department serving 35,000 people is in danger of losing its individuality.
An 83-page study shows Englewood fire has outdated equipment and their stations are in poor condition. For safety reasons affecting firefighters, businesses and residents, the century-old station can’t continue operations as is, the report suggests.
That means city council members have a big decision to make.
Plans to merge or contract out fire services with Denver Fire or South Metro Fire have been discussed for more than a year. The Englewood city council is expected to make a decision on the matter within two months.
The city manager has acknowledged that residents want to feel like they have control over their services. But at the same time, there are serious needs including an additional $1 million to replace aging fire truck, ambulance and command vehicles.
A study conducted by MetCom 911 also found the existing some existing fire stations in poor condition and undersized, but others do actually meet current standards and requirements.
As it stands, Englewood has three fire stations, 66 employees and an $8.2 million budget for 2014. If Denver Fire takes over Englewood, the cost be $4.5 million. South Metro Fire would do it for $6.5 million.
Denver says it could tailor a package with its 900 firefighters while South Metro says Englewood will never find itself short of equipment.
On top of those options, Englewood is considering consolidating to one fire station. The city would have to build a new one in a central location.
A study session is scheduled for next week.
There are already changes within the Englewood Fire Department. It recently contracted out fire dispatch services, which is also expected to enhance service and firefighter safety in the area.