During the City Council Meeting held on January 16th, the Fergus Falls City Council made significant decisions to bolster the capabilities of the local police and fire departments.
Among the many topics discussed at the City Council meeting, two resolutions were passed, focusing on the purchase of essential equipment and necessary budget adjustments for both The Fergus Falls Police Department as well as The Fergus Falls Fire Department.
Eight Portable Radios for Fergus Falls Police Department
The first resolution approved the acquisition of eight portable radios for the Fergus Falls Police Department.
The primary objective is to enhance communication among police officers, ensuring improved coordination during critical situations.
The City Council also greenlit budget adjustments to accommodate the cost of purchasing these radios.
32 Portable Radios, SCBA Compressor, and Station Fill Station for Fergus Falls Fire Department
The second resolution authorized the purchase of 32 portable radios, along with an SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus or “air pack”) compressor and station fill station for the Fergus Falls Fire Department.
The radios aim to improve communication within the fire department, while the SCBA equipment is crucial for the safety of firefighters during emergency responses.
Similar to the police department resolution, the City Council approved budget adjustments to fund these acquisitions.
The decisions made during the City Council Meeting highlight the city’s commitment to providing its law enforcement and fire departments with essential tools and technology.
The approved resolutions reflect a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of public safety, showcasing the dedication of the Fergus Falls City Council to enhance community safety and emergency response capabilities.
Chief Ryan Muchow of The Fergus Falls Fire Department expressed gratitude for the coming upgrades, saying “These are all good things in our eyes”.
Chief Muchow also shared that the radios will assist fire fighters for use in the fire trucks during incidents, and that the SCBA system they have been using is from the 90’s.
These upgraded are going to be available tentatively in six months, as the order for the new SCBA compressor, fill station and radios has only recently gone out.
These upgrades to equipment are in part paid for by the Public Safety Funding.