Chief Steve Elswick, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, said the new Chester Road Fire Station is open. It improves response coverage in that area. Three additional facilities are planned - River's Bend, Winterpock and on Reams Road. Thermal imaging devices have been added to their firefighting tools. With these hands-free devices, firefighters can see through smoke and darkness, detecting the body heat of fire victims and locating them more quickly.
Firefighters are safer.
Damage and injury during post-fire cleanup is reduced. More than 12,000 children took part in the Fire and Life Safety House Program last year. With Chesterfield's population growth, there has been a corresponding rise in emergency calls. Elswick said the increasing strain on equipment and personnel has challenged available resources. A search for a solution is under way.