Shakopee Fire Department 2024 Year in Review

A MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF

2024 was a year of significant change and progress for the Shakopee Fire Department. I am proud to highlight some of our team’s key accomplishments over the past year. Earlier in 2024, Citygate Associates presented their Fire Department Services Evaluation Study to the Shakopee City Council. This comprehensive study evaluated the challenges the department was facing and compared our procedures and operations against local, state, and federal standards and fire service best practices. It also assessed our staffing and response model in relation to community needs. The study provided valuable insights and recommendations for organizational improvements that we have been working hard to implement. In late spring, we reorganized our department administration to clarify roles, streamline communication, and improve our supervisory structure. Our paid-on-call firefighters were transitioned to part-time employees with updated job descriptions and new training requirements. We also completed a nationwide hiring process for the Fire Chief position. During the summer, we expanded our full-time operational staff from four to nine, including three captains and six firefighters. This expansion allowed us to implement a more reliable and consistent staffing model, ensuring one Captain, two full-time firefighters, and one part-time firefighter available 24/7. While this change did not increase our average daily staffing levels, it significantly reduced the strain on our part-time staff, who had shouldered most of the staffing responsibilities since the 24-hour model was implemented in 2020 due to COVID-19. Our training division made significant strides, launching our first full-time Fire Academy to ensure new staff were fully trained and prepared for their roles. We also introduced a new learning management system and increased the frequency of formal in-person training outside of daily shift training to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal standards. Additionally, we updated our accountability and Incident Command System (ICS) procedures to align with national best practices, further enhancing fire ground operations. Another significant milestone this year was completing the phase one remodel at Fire Station 1. This upgrade not only improves the administrative area but also enhances the station’s safety and functionality by creating formal dorm space for firefighters and ensuring the separation of contaminated gear from living quarters. In closing, I am incredibly proud of our department’s work this year. The dedication and professionalism of our staff are a constant source of inspiration, and I am confident that we are on the right path to meeting the future needs of our community. We are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring the safety and well-being of every resident, visitor, and business in our city. Sincerely, Mike Nelson Mike Nelson Shakopee Fire Chief

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