New Substation will Enhance Emergency Medical Response

In this episode, we’re joined by Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services Chief Brian Jones as we discuss a new EMS station now under construction at the northeast corner of 7^th Street and Buffalo Soldier Trail.

Funded in part by a Defense Community Infrastructure Program grant of more than $1.4 million from the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment, the substation will aid EMS efforts on Fort Huachuca, improve response for many military families living off-post, and benefit the community at-large. Brian also shares how his department cultivates leaders from within, why it’s an extraordinary place to start a career in fire and medical services, and what fire safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season. Plus, we remind folks to get ready for the department’s annual Christmas Toy Drive!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interview begins (01:25)
• So a big component of the funding for the new EMS substation now under construction is tied to how it will benefit Fort Huachuca. Many folks may not be aware that SVF&MS already provides Fort Huachuca with EMS service through a first-of-its-kind Intergovernmental Services Agreement. Can you refresh our memory on how that got started in 2017 and share how it’s been going to date? (01:29)
• How will this new substation enhance your ability to support Fort Huachuca and local military families? (03:10)
• What are the broader impacts to EMS service in the community? How have call volumes trended over time? (3:55)
• What can people in that neighborhood expect in terms of the station’s aesthetics and any other possible impacts? (5:30)
• What percentage of calls are medical versus fire? How has the profession evolved to be more medically-focused? (7:05)
• The new Patient Transport Engine (8:28)
• You recently celebrated the retirement of Fire Marshal Paul Cimino, who was longest-tenured City employee when he retired. How you prepare for that type of transition in your leadership team? (10:25)
• You’re currently hiring firefighters and EMTs. How can people interested in the profession get started? What makes SVF&MS an especially good place to work? (12:21)
• Making the profession safer (15:07)
• One of the things Paul Cimino was known for is running the department’s longstanding Christmas Toy Drive. How are plans going for that event this year? (18:32)
• With temperatures cooling and the holidays approaching, do you have some fire safety tips folks should remember during this season? (21:30)
• Thanks so much for taking the time to join us today. (23:37)
• Outro (23:46)

Thank you for enjoying another episode of Let’s Talk Sierra Vista. As always, you’re invited to join the conversation by sending your comments, ideas, or questions to Pod@SierraVistaAZ.gov.