Town council approves hiring of four additional firefighters

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the May 28 special meeting of Town of Strathmore council, Strathmore Fire Department Chief David Sturgeon petitioned a recommendation to permanently hire four full-time firefighters. 

The hiring would be part of the strategic and financially supported plan to enhance the Strathmore Fire Department’s emergency response capacity. 

Sturgeon’s proposal was directly tied to the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Program, which was announced last month, and will fund the salaries and benefits of the positions for the first two years.

“Through this grant, the town has secured approximately $1.09 million in funding, allowing us to expand the service with no immediate tax impact. In addition, revenue from deployment is directed into the fire reserve,” said Sturgeon. “Organizationally, this is a proactive step towards a sustainable 24/7 fire service model. Currently, we operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with full time, and using a composite model after those hours.”

Sturgeon explained adding the four new positions would allow the fire department to move towards being fully staffed around the clock, which would improve response times, firefighter safety, and coverage for both local and regional calls through mutual aid agreements.

Through the WUI Program, Strathmore is one of six municipalities that are to receive funding over the next three years to enhance fire protection and response services. An announcement about the program was made May 23 at the Strathmore fire hall. 

The most current information available to the Town of Strathmore indicates the discontinuation of the WUI Program in March 2027, at which point the town would be responsible for the salaries and benefits of the four new positions to maintain 24/7 fire service coverage for the community. 

“Operationally, we will establish three-person crews to start; it would be 365 days a year, with a goal of expanding to four-person crews as per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard over time,” said Sturgeon. “This significantly reduces our reliance on overtime and paid on-call staffing while improving consistency and reducing fatigue. This proposal also responds to the rapid population growth, possibly 5,000 new homes in the coming years.”

If the WUI program is to be discontinued come 2027, the town would plan for that contingency in the 2028 budget process. 

Following an inquiry by Coun. Richard Wegener, Sturgeon clarified any firefighter who desires to be WUI trained and part of the team is allowed to do so, but it is not mandatory. 

Of the Fire Department’s 35 current members, 25 are trained to WUI standards, and another three are set to receive the training.

The town passed a motion to approve a 2025 operating budget amendment to adjust for the WUI grant funding over the next two years in a unanimous vote.