NYC-WTC_000195490

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Fire Department is responsible for protecting the lives and the property of the citizens of New York City from fire, medical and; other emergencies, and from building hazards. The Fire Department extinguishes fires, promotes fire prevention awareness, investigates suspicious fires, provides ambulance and pre-hospital emergency medical services, and inspects for building safety. The 362 fire companies provide fire and rescue services, while public outreach and enforcement of New York City’s fire codes promote fire prevention. The Department’s Fire Marshals investigate arson cases and apprehend perpetrators. The Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), assisted by the Certified First Responder - Defibrillation (CFR-D) trained personnel responding Irom Engine iP/:' Companies, provide ambulance transport and pre-hospital emergency medical care. Building inspectors enforce the various building code regulations. I*' /■

Financial Review \ I

The Fire Department’s 2002 Executive Budget provides for operating expenses of $ 1.09 billion. This increase of $22.7 million from the amount forecasted for 2001 is primarily due to the anticipated transfer of the building w inspection program from the Department of Buildings to the Fire Department. Capital commitments of $246.3 million are also provided in 2002. The increase of $60.3 million is a 32.4 percent change from 2001 and includes funding for a new computer aided dispatch system, firehouse rehabilitation and renovation, EMS station construction, and new mandated firefighting and support vehicles.

Revenue Forecast

(I The Fire Department issues permits and collects fees for the inspection of fire suppression and electrical w;5'E systems, places of public asseipbly, laboratories, high-rise buildings, and the storage and use of combustible materials. In addition, the Department realizes revenues from fees charged to out-of-state fire insurcr.s doing

I; business in New York City and to private fire alarm companies. In 2002, it is estimated that the Department will collect $58,3 million in revenue that includes certain fees and permits formerly collected by the Department of I. (lit Buildings.

Expense Budget Highlights I

Budgetary Priorities; Providing Core Services j

I • an ihcrease in firefighter availability, due to hiring over quota, to strengthen response to structural fires and I to non-fire emergencies, such as hazardous materials spills. ! • an allocation of $0.6 million in 2002 to procure cold water rescue equipment, rebar cutters, and pharmaceuticals to maintain emergency readiness.

• the hiring; of 150 Fire Cadets to improve minority recruitment and to enhance fire prevention programs citywide. ' ' ' ' / • the re-certification (CFR-D) training for First Responder firefighters, who respond to life-threatening medical incidents, citywide. \

Streamlining

• the Department will outsource the Medical Necessity Review process for Ambulance Call Reports (ACRs). J ' ' i

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