Detroit Fire Department FY2027 Budget Hearing - March 16, 2026

On March 16, 2026, the Detroit City Council held a budget hearing for the Detroit Fire Department (DFD). Commissioner Chuck Sims and his team presented their FY2027 budget, highlighting achievements, response metrics, community programs, and future initiatives. Council members raised questions on demographics, recruitment, retention, capital improvements, firefighter health, and technology.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Budget Presentation: Commissioner Sims introduced his leadership team and outlined DFD's alignment with Mayor Sheffield's "Rise Higher" platform. Key metrics included: 1,311 budgeted members, 40-42 daily ambulances, ~450 medical calls/day, over 300 patient transports/day, CO1 response time of ~7 minutes 30 seconds (consistent for two years), over 73,000 total incidents responded to, structure fire response time of 5 minutes 20 seconds (beating NFPA standard of 6-7 minutes), lowest structure fires in 40 years (1,471), and over 45,000 medical runs.
• Fire Communications: Dispatched over 180,000 emergencies; consistently met NFPA 30-second standard at 20 seconds for two years.
• Community Relations: Installed/distributed over 4,000 smoke and CO detectors; attended over 80 community events reaching over 30,000 citizens; provided fire safety presentations reaching over 33,000 citizens; hands-only CPR sessions for over 3,200 citizens; distributed DFD safety guides in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Bengali; received FEMA grant for a smoke training trailer; trained over 1,000 eighth graders in hands-only CPR; hired an ADA coordinator.
• Fire Marshal: Implementing a community risk reduction initiative targeting district-specific risks; inspecting 100% of critical structures (high-rises, senior multifamily, gas stations, rec centers, hazardous material sites, schools); launched a business self-reinspection program.
• Fire Investigations: Joint task force with police (16 fire investigators, 8 police officers); investigate 100% of structure fires; created a state-recognized fire investigation course.
• Training: First internal paramedic training class of 28 resulted in 25 licensed, 3 testing (90-95% pass rate vs. 70% national average); nine EMT classes increased departmental EMT or higher licensure to over 80%; cross-training of all EMS personnel; two fire academy classes for new recruits; five disciplines for rescue courses.
• Next Generation of Life Savers: Investing in youth with CPR/AED awareness, apprenticeship program, and Heart Safe Community designation (largest city in the U.S. with this designation).

Key Outcomes

• Demographics & Residency: Commissioner Sims reported DFD is 51% white, 34% African American, ~10% no answer/prefer not to say, remaining Hispanic and Asian; approximately 25% of the department are Detroit residents. (Councilmember Benson noted the department lacks a formal retention period, and Deputy Commissioner Hillman stated a prior legislative effort dropped the fire aspect).
• Recruitment: Commissioner Sims confirmed ongoing talks with HR to establish specialized recruiters for DFD, similar to DPD.
• Community Outreach: Reported plans to increase community relations staffing; current smoke/CO detector inventory is being replenished after the DSAP program ended.
• Capital Investment: Councilmember Benson moved to request the administration provide a capital plan for upgrading/replacing fire stations (motion approved with no objections). He also moved to add $500,000 for a capital fund study for the fire department (approved without objection).
• Revenue: Commissioner Sims noted EMS billing (Bravo 24, $22.7 million) could potentially increase by $1-2.5 million per year once the paramedic program is fully implemented (5-10% increase).
• Firefighter Cancer & Health: Councilmember Waters moved to "do an analysis of fire firefighters, health and wellness" (approved without objection). Council President Tate pressed for more details on cancer presumption challenges; Commissioner Sims stated that an oncologist reviews files and disqualifiers include 10-year smoking-free status and documented non-work-related causes. DFD now offers cancer screenings twice a year (aiming for quarterly) and has proactive gear cleaning with two sets of gear to reduce carcinogen exposure.
• Mental Health Response: Councilmember Santiago-Romero moved that the administration, fire, and police work to move the COIL response (mental health response unit) under the fire department first (approved without objection). She also expressed full support for the upcoming nurse navigation program.
• Technology: Council President Pro Tem Young discussed extended reality, augmented reality, drones, and AI. Commissioner Sims confirmed DFD is researching augmented reality face pieces, smart clothing, and autonomous drones dispatched simultaneously with fire companies. AI is also being considered for EMS billing and report writing.
• Advisory Commission: Councilmember Miller moved to hold a discussion on reinstating the advisory commission for the fire department (approved without objection). She also moved to develop mandatory safeguards to ensure Detroit is not used as a training ground, suggesting a minimum three-year employment commitment (approved without objection).