annual report-2009.pdf - The City of Titusville, Florida

The per capita cost for the
emergency and safety services
provided by Titusville Fire and
Emergency Services Department is
very favorable for our citizens in
comparison to other fire
departments within Brevard
County.
Our per capita cost is the third
lowest in the county (and only .06
cents from that of Satellite Beach
Fire, representing the second lowest
per capita cost).
$300.00
$250.00
$200.00
$150.00
$100.00
$50.00
$0.00
$115.01
Palm Bay
Satellite Beach
$132.02
Per Capita Cost Comparison
FY 2009-10
Titusville
$132.08
Rockledge
$134.20
Brevard County
$144.77
Melbourne
$172.96
Canaveral
$232.00
Cocoa
$244.54
Cocoa Beach
$257.84
Life safety and injury prevention education are critical components in
preventing or minimizing catastrophic events experienced by our citizens.
As the City’s General Fund budgetary resources diminished over the
years, our department transitioned the maintenance of these vital public
safety programs to resources outside of the General Fund. With the
exception of the position of Life Safety Specialist, the foundation and
support for our public education programs come from grants, community
and civic donations, partnerships and in-kind services.
In addition to instructional literature and classes, we are able to provide
free smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, CPR instruction, bicycle helmets,
Vials of Life and reduced costs for child safety seats.
Beginning in 1998-99, municipal fire chiefs negotiated the First Responder Fee Program
with Brevard County which structured a formula for cost reimbursements for first
responder unit responses and medical direction and supplies, based on the municipality’s
emergency medical call volume and medical service level. All of Titusville’s units
provides advanced life support for emergency medical responses.
The First Responder Fee program provides the majority of our department funding to
maintain the advanced emergency medical care provided to our community. However,
the current economic downturn has placed continuation of these funds in jeopardy. The
Space Coast Fire Chiefs’ Association is currently soliciting support from the County
Commission to maintain this critical funding for emergency medical services.
Members of our community continue to be very supportive of the mission and
responsibilities of our department. Our community volunteer program began over
13 years ago and we currently have nine members of our community involved in the
program.
These valuable community members provide a wide variety of support services at no cost.
Annually, they contribute between 1,300-1,700 hours of service at a value of
$22,000-$29,000.
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