The changes are expected to improve communication, response times and overall safety for crews and residents
Upgrades for the fire department in Brockville are moving ahead after approval of the city’s 2026 municipal budget.
Fire Chief Melanie Jones said the department has been lobbying for more firefighters for years. Trucks responding downtown operate with three firefighters, while trucks uptown respond with only two. The goal is to have four firefighters responding on each side of town.
Jones said a staffing increase is needed as call volumes have steadily risen. Having only two firefighters on some trucks affects operations and can slow response times.
The budget allows the department to hire one new firefighter this fall.
A radio system upgrade was also approved to address dead spots across the city, where firefighters have at times been unable to radio out during emergencies.
The changes are expected to improve communication, response times and overall safety for crews and residents.
Story by: Evan Gibb
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