Politics & Government
City Of San Antonio: Firefighters' Needs And Community Safety Are Highlighted During Council Proposed Budget Work Session
You are appreciated," she told SAFD Chief Charles Hood, who outlined his department's budget to the Council.
August 26, 2021
CONTACT: Victor Landa
Victor.landa@sanantonio.gov
Find out what's happening in San Antoniofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
SAN ANTONIO (August 26, 2021) –During today’s Council Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Budget work session Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety Committee, expressed appreciation for the work and sacrifices made by all the members of the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), especially as first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic and last February’s historic winter storm.
“Thanks to every single person in the department - firefighters, dispatchers, the members of the union that are helping to hold everything together. You are appreciated,” she told SAFD Chief Charles Hood, who outlined his department’s budget to the Council.
As part of the budget process the six fire stations in District 6 (D6) are slated to receive new and additional generators, rescue airbags and HVAC and plumbing upgrades for Fire Station 44.
“The allocation of funds for those particular resources seem very basic, but they can make a huge difference to not only the station but the supporting stations and of course the community,” she added.
Also, the addition of eight clinical dispatchers for the SAFD in the 2022 budget is seen as a game-changing element in the Department’s ability to respond efficiently to emergencies. Clinical dispatchers have been proven to reduce the number of emergency responses by identifying and reacting to minor emergencies received as 9-1-1 calls.
D6 and the City of San Antonio will host a virtual Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Budget Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, August 31st, at 7 p.m. General fund allocations for the SAFD as well as other City departments and initiatives will be discussed, followed by a question and answer period in which residents can address specific parts of the budget directly to City staff.
This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.