Town to review fire services dispatch model

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Town of Strathmore council has voted for a review and a report to be developed by administration of local fire dispatch services.

“It is basically a motion just to review fire dispatch services and then bring a report. It does not necessarily mean that I am going to vote to change fire dispatch services,” said Mayor Pat Fule during the March 4 meeting of council. “I think we owe it to our residents to at least hear from administration, see the review, see the report, have the discussion and debate, and then make our decision as a council.”

The notice of motion was brought forward by Coun. Melissa Langmaid after having made her intentions known about the motion during a previous meeting.

Her motion included that the report from administration is to include alternative options and/or opportunities for fire dispatch services for the Town of Strathmore and other regional partners for council’s consideration. 

“The intention of this motion is to ensure that the town’s fire dispatch services meets the needs of our fire department and our residents. This motion does not propose specific changes to fire dispatch services,” said Langmaid. “Instead, it directs administration to undertake a review of our current service model, explore alternative options, and identify opportunities for council’s consideration.”

Coun. Richard Wegener opposed the motion, citing concerns from citizens regarding potential changes to ambulance services which could result from making alterations to the current system or cutting ties with the Wheatland and District Emergency Medical Services Association (WADEMSA).

“Should we go the route of changing? Should WADEMSA fold, (which) their concern is, will the ambulance service see changes? Probably not; WADEMSA is only fire dispatch,” he said. “What WADEMSA does is, if there is an ambulance call, they transfer it to AHS. (They) will also stay on the line and camp out and listen to the call, then they will, if necessary, dispatch the fire department to provide pre-ambulance medical service.”

He added pre-ambulance medical services often arrive ahead of paramedics, and without WADEMSA, alternative dispatch protocols may result in longer response times to emergencies, be it fire or medical. 

Coun. Brent Wiley echoed Fule’s sentiments, citing council’s responsibility to review service delivery and make what they believe to be the best decision for local residents, regardless of whether that means changing service providers after a 30-year long relationship.

Ultimately, the notice of motion was passed by council in a vote of 6-1 in favour. An exact date on when the report from administration will be brought before council was not determined at the time of the meeting.