Where Your Tax Money Goes

The Cost of Fire & Emergency Services

Expense Category Estimated Cost
Firefighter Bunker Gear & Equipment $15,000 per firefighter (helmet, coat, pants, boots, gloves, hood, SCBA)
Personal Life-Saving Equipment $8,000 per firefighter (oxygen tank, mask, harness, radios, thermal imaging camera)
Fire Engine (Pumper Truck) $750,000 - $1,000,000
Ladder Truck (Aerial Apparatus) $1.5 million - $2 million
Brush Truck (Wildfire Response) $200,000 - $350,000
Station Operations & Maintenance $50,000 - $150,000 per year (utilities, repairs, upkeep)
Firefighter Training & Certifications $5,000 - $10,000 per firefighter annually
Firefighter Salaries & Benefits Varies (based on staffing levels and experience)
Fuel & Vehicle Maintenance $100,000+ annually (for apparatus and response vehicles)
Dispatch & Emergency Communications $75,000+ annually (radios, software, maintenance
Community Outreach & Fire Prevention Programs $25,000+ annually (education, school visits, smoke alarm programs)

Why These Investments Matter

  • Safety First: Outfitting firefighters with modern protective gear and life-saving equipment ensures they can perform their duties safely and effectively.
  • Rapid Response: Well-maintained stations, vehicles, and communication systems allow us to respond quickly to emergencies, reducing damage and saving lives.
  • Fire Prevention & Education: A portion of funding goes toward fire safety education and prevention efforts, helping to reduce risks before emergencies occur.
  • Long-Term Community Protection: Investing in state-of-the-art equipment and ongoing training ensures we are always prepared for any emergency.
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