Town Council Reviews Fire and EMS Staffing Requirements in Teton County
August 04, 2025 | Jackson, Teton County, Wyoming
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The Jackson Town Council and Teton County held a joint information meeting on August 4, 2025, focusing on critical discussions regarding fire and emergency medical services (EMS) in the community. The meeting addressed the requirements set by state statutes for fire services and the role of volunteers in staffing.
Mayor Jorgensen and Fire Chief Moyer clarified that while the town and county are mandated to provide fire services, they are not required to offer EMS. However, the Jackson Hole Fire EMS provides essential services that would otherwise be unavailable. Town Attorney Leah Kosman confirmed this distinction, emphasizing the importance of understanding the community's needs despite the lack of a statutory requirement for EMS.
A significant point of discussion was the integration of volunteer firefighters into staffing calculations. It was noted that typically, three volunteers are considered equivalent to one career firefighter in staffing formulas. This ratio is crucial for assessing the overall staffing needs of the fire department, although some council members expressed concerns about the visibility of this factor in the report.
The meeting also covered the management of fire and EMS apparatus, highlighting the differences in operational costs and call volumes between the two services. The discussion included a cost replacement plan for fleet management, where the lifespan and annual maintenance costs of vehicles are calculated to ensure proper funding for future replacements.
Commissioner Probst raised a unique situation regarding an enclave in Teton Village served by a separate fire department. The response indicated that if Jackson Fire and EMS respond to calls in that area, the population should be included in calculations; otherwise, it may be excluded.
Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of fire and EMS service provision in Jackson and Teton County, emphasizing the need for clear communication and understanding of community service requirements. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics to ensure effective service delivery in the future.
Mayor Jorgensen and Fire Chief Moyer clarified that while the town and county are mandated to provide fire services, they are not required to offer EMS. However, the Jackson Hole Fire EMS provides essential services that would otherwise be unavailable. Town Attorney Leah Kosman confirmed this distinction, emphasizing the importance of understanding the community's needs despite the lack of a statutory requirement for EMS.
A significant point of discussion was the integration of volunteer firefighters into staffing calculations. It was noted that typically, three volunteers are considered equivalent to one career firefighter in staffing formulas. This ratio is crucial for assessing the overall staffing needs of the fire department, although some council members expressed concerns about the visibility of this factor in the report.
The meeting also covered the management of fire and EMS apparatus, highlighting the differences in operational costs and call volumes between the two services. The discussion included a cost replacement plan for fleet management, where the lifespan and annual maintenance costs of vehicles are calculated to ensure proper funding for future replacements.
Commissioner Probst raised a unique situation regarding an enclave in Teton Village served by a separate fire department. The response indicated that if Jackson Fire and EMS respond to calls in that area, the population should be included in calculations; otherwise, it may be excluded.
Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of fire and EMS service provision in Jackson and Teton County, emphasizing the need for clear communication and understanding of community service requirements. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics to ensure effective service delivery in the future.
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