CSFD Proposes 2012 Budget

The Colorado Springs Fire Department is facing a 1.6 percent reduction in budget for 2012.

According to Interim Chief Brown, the reduction includes cuts to 6 unfilled positions; 3 sworn and 3 civilian.

During the meeting with city council on Tuesday, Brown talked about a new fire academy for 2012 and said he got supporting head nods.

“We are going for another 20 firefighters in the academy, which is spectacular news for the organization,” said Brown.

Brown is hoping to use those graduates to fill other positions within the department.

“We’d like to get these numbers filled just to be at authorized strength,” he said.

Brown said the department just graduated 23 recruits in July. That academy was the first one since 2007. He also got support for sending some personnel to paramedic school, something that hasn’t been done since 2006.

For more information on the 2012 Fire Budget, visit springsgov.com/units/budget/2012/prelim/14-Fire.pdf.