New initiatives within the department include the fire stations adopting the block they're on. To do that, firefighters will help fix up the community by planting flowers, boarding up abandoned houses, or whatever else might be needed. The department also started the Extra Care Program in the last year. Firefighters visit with elderly or disabled people within the community to develop relationships with them and keep them active, Taylor said. Home visits for that program just started in the last two months.
Firefighters are excited to get started with their new chief's vision.
I can't think of anybody who doesn't look forward to Chief Taylor as head of this department. Having been acting chief for five months, Taylor said he feels he's ready to jump right in. I'm very comfortable now. It's trial by fire, so to speak.