City of Gonzales
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: March 18, 2024
FROM: Jason Muscio, Fire Chief
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Fire Department Activity Report
RESPONSES
There were 78 calls for service during the month of February, including 30 EMS calls, 5 vehicle accidents, 15 service calls, 16 calls cancelled in route, 4 hazardous conditions, and 8 false alarms. The 2024 year to date total is 158 which is a substantial increase over the same period in 2023. The Fire Department provided mutual aid to our neighboring agencies twice during the month of February.
DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS
All full-time positions are currently filled, and we have two active Volunteer Firefighter who continue to work shifts as time allows. A Volunteer Firefighter applicant began the selection process and completed both the background check and physical examination before withdrawing from the process to take an offer for full time employment with another agency. Staff is currently planning to begin active recruitment for a full-time position as there is a potential vacancy in our full-time staff expected in the next two months. All fire apparatus are in service at the time of this report. Engine 8112 was removed from service for three days for repairs to the coolant system. Both our pumping apparatus require repairs to the fire pumps that were identified during annual pump testing, those repairs will be made as time and funding allow. Personnel continue to conduct readiness drills on the company level, including fire ground and water supply operations.
PREVENTION
Four annual business fire inspections were conducted during the month. The Fire Chief and the Building Official performed a farm labor housing inspection on the Vincent Hotel. Additional inspections will be scheduled in March. The Fire Department conducted two smoke detector installations through our partnership with the Red Cross.
AGENDA
ITEM
7 GRANTS
Staff continues to pursue grant opportunities including an application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). If awarded, this grant would fund the purchase of a new fire engine. Staff is also preparing applications for several smaller grants, which would be used to purchase needed equipment.
COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT
The Fire Department participated in the drive through NARCAN distribution event in cooperation with Sun Street Centers, the School District, Grupos Unidos, Gonzales Police Department, and the GYC. We were able to distribute 96 NARCAN kits to the community and educate the public on use and prevention.