Shakopee Snapshot: Winter 2025

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in emergency call volume. As new neighbor hoods, businesses, and entertainment destina tions continue to emerge, so does the demand for around-the-clock emergency coverage. The staffing plan for the 12 new positions will add three battalion chiefs, three captains, and six firefighters. These positions will support the Fire Department’s initiatives to strengthen supervision, improve on-scene coordination, and expand overall response capacity. INVESTING IN THE FUTURE While FEMA funding covers the majority of salary and benefit costs for three years, the City will contribute a portion each year: 25% in years one and two, and 65% in year three. By year four, the City will assume full funding for the positions, ensuring the department’s growth is financially sustainable long-term. “The SAFER Grant allows us to plan responsibly,” said Simon. “It bridges the gap between where we are and where we need to be, without put ting immediate strain on the City’s budget.” Beyond faster response times, the expanded staffing will bring a ripple effect of benefits to the community: improved firefighter safety, reduced property loss, stronger emergency medical response, and greater readiness for large or multiple incidents. “This investment is really about people: our firefighters, our residents, and our businesses,” said Reynolds. “It ensures that as Shakopee grows, our ability to protect it grows as well.” The City is in the process of hiring for the new positions, with onboarding and train ing expected to begin in 2026. For more information and updates on this initiative, visit ShakopeeMN.gov/SAFER or follow @ShakopeeFD on Facebook.

Shakopee firefighters use a vehicle extrication tool as part of a training exercise.

past decade, and this funding helps ensure our emergency services can keep pace with that growth and continue providing the highest level of protection to our residents.” MEETING THE NEEDS OF A GROWING CITY Currently, the Shakopee Fire Department is structured for 15 full-time positions, including six administrative staff and nine full-time fire staff. The addition of 12 more staff will bring the department closer to meeting National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for staffing and response times. Just as importantly, this grant will make it pos sible to completely staff Fire Station 2 with full-time personnel for the first time, a signifi cant milestone that will improve response times across the community.

“This grant represents a major step forward in our ongoing efforts to provide the most effec tive and efficient emergency response possible,” said Fire Chief Joe Simon.“The additional staff ing will enhance our ability to respond quickly to fire and medical emergencies, improve fire fighter and public safety, and support our mutual aid partners throughout the region.” Shakopee’s population growth and eco nomic development have driven an increase “The SAFER Grant allows us to plan responsibly. It bridges the gap between where we are and where we need to be, without putting immediate strain on the City’s budget.” Joe Simon | Shakopee Fire Chief

#AsktheCity

SUSTAINABLE WINTER SALT USE

Q: HOW DOES SALT IMPACT THE ENVIRONMENT? A: Using salt on roads and public property helps melt ice and keep sur faces safe, but it comes with several environmental downsides because of its composition. Salt has the potential to pollute water when snow and ice melt, damage soil and stunt plant growth, harm wildlife, and corrode roads, cars, and other infrastructure. Q: WHAT ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL ROAD SALT CAN RESIDENTS USE? A: Residents can use several eco-friendly options, like calcium magne sium acetate (CMA), which is biodegradable and gentle on concrete, plants, and pets. This type of product works well in moderate cold with less harm to the environment.

Q: HOW DO ALTERNATIVES COMPARE TO REGULAR SALT IN EFFECTIVENESS? A: Eco-friendly alternatives can be just as effective as regular salt, espe cially in colder weather. Other options may even melt ice at much lower temperatures. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) helps prevent ice from sticking, making shoveling easier. Though these products often cost more, they’re gentler on plants, pavement, and waterways, reduc ing damage to the environment. Q: WHY IS THE CITY LOOKING AT TRANSITIONING INTO MORE SUSTAINABLE SALT/DE-ICING PRACTICES? A: The City is exploring more sustainable de-icing practices to reduce the environmental and infrastructure damage caused by traditional road salt. Salt runoff can pollute rivers, lakes, and groundwater, harm plants and wildlife, and corrode roads, bridges, and vehicles. By shift ing to greener products, the City can maintain safe winter conditions while protecting local ecosystems, preserving infrastructure, and pro moting long-term environmental health.

›› DID YOU KNOW? One teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes 5 gallons of water.

6 Shakopee Snapshot