2024 Fire Department Annual Report
The Montgomery Fire Department remains committed to delivering high-quality emergency services to the community. With a team of highly trained professionals, the department provides continuous 24/7 coverage to ensure the safety and well-being of Montgomery residents.
Personnel and Staffing
The department is staffed by:
- 24 full-time firefighter/paramedics
- 1 customer service representative
Fleet and Equipment
The department maintains a well-equipped fleet, which includes:
- 2 medic ambulances
- 1 rescue pumper
- 1 fire engine
- 1 quint fire truck
- 1 support/hydrant maintenance vehicle
These vehicles enable the department to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies, from medical calls to fires and technical rescues.
Emergency Response Activity
In 2024, emergency medical services continued to represent the majority of the department’s calls, accounting for 68% of total incident volume. This reflects the department’s ongoing role as a frontline provider of pre-hospital emergency care.
Fire Incidents and Prevention
Total fire-related losses in Montgomery for the year amounted to $351,250. The department attributes the low number and severity of fire incidents to proactive fire prevention initiatives, including annual inspections by our Fire Inspector.
In today’s fire service, prevention is as critical as response. Educating the public, identifying hazards early, and enforcing fire codes are essential strategies in reducing the risk of fires and improving community safety.
ISO Rating Achievement
Following a comprehensive review of operations, the department received an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of Class 2. The ISO rating scale ranges from 1 (best) to 10 (worst), with lower scores translating to reduced insurance premiums for residents and businesses. Out of approximately 46,000 fire departments nationwide:
- Only 409 earned a Class 1 rating
- Just 1,324 earned a Class 2 rating
- The remaining 44,348 were rated Class 3 or higher
This rating helps reduce insurance costs for Montgomery residents and highlights the department’s professionalism and readiness.
Budget and Funding
The fire department is funded through two community-approved property tax levies:
- A 5.5-mill levy passed in 1998
- A 6-mill levy approved in 2018
Thanks to strong fiscal management, current projections indicate that these levies will support operations through 2030. Additional funding is generated by billing for EMS services provided to non-property owners.
Community Outreach and Education
Public education remains a key focus for the department. Outreach programs are designed to reduce risk, prevent injuries, and educate residents with life-saving knowledge.
Educational Programs Offered:
- Fire Safety Center tours
- CPR and First Aid certification classes
- Fire Prevention Week activities
- Child Car Seat Safety Program:
- In 2024, 62 residents were trained in proper car seat installation
- Since 1999, over 3,731 individuals have been educated through this program
Smoke Alarm Initiative
In partnership with the American Red Cross, the department continues to offer free photoelectric smoke alarms and home safety checks.
- Program began in 2016
- To date, 604 smoke alarms have been installed in 251 homes
This effort plays a vital role in early fire detection and saving lives.
Smart911 Program
Smart911 is a free, web-based service that allows Montgomery residents to create a secure profile with critical health information, accessible to paramedics during an emergency. This includes:
- Medications
- Chronic health conditions
- Allergies
- Emergency contacts and physician details
Smart911 helps first responders deliver more efficient and informed care during 911 calls. The program is offered in partnership with the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency. Learn more at alerthc.org.