Public Safety Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-01-29
Time: 17:30

City Council - Public Safety Committee

  Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City
 Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St

When: Jan 29, 2026 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Public Safety Committee Meeting

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Webinar ID: 936 0429 0986
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/adFI6Szpkv
1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
 2.1. Motion to adopt draft minutes from November 20, 2025

3. Public Forum
 Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department


  Type

4. Chiefs' Reports
  Subject 4.1. BPD
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 4. Chiefs' Reports

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

 Subject 4.1. Policy re: ICE
 Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January
 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor,
 City Hall, 149 Church St


 Category 4. Chiefs' Reports

 Department Police Department


 Type

 Recommended Action

  Subject 4.2. BFD - guest Marsha McCombie Battalion Chief of EMS
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 4. Chiefs' Reports

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. State's Attorney Data
  Subject 5.1. State's Attorney Data
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St
  Category 5. State's Attorney Data

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Revisit 2020 Resolution
  Subject 6.1. REIB Work
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 6. Revisit 2020 Resolution

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 6.2. Joint Meeting w/ Police Commission
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 6. Revisit 2020 Resolution

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

7. Trusted Community Voices Feedback
  Subject 7.1. Trusted Community Voices Feedback
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 7. Trusted Community Voices Feedback

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

8. Other Committee Business
  Subject 8.1. Other business
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St
  Category 8. Other Committee Business
  Department Council and Board


  Type

9. Next Meeting
  Subject 9.1. Next Meeting
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 9. Next Meeting

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

10. Adjournment
  Subject 10.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 10. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 11.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St
  Category 11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type

City Council - Public Safety Committee

  Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City
 Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St

When: Jan 29, 2026 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Public Safety Committee Meeting

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://zoom.us/j/93604290986

Phone one-tap:
+16469313860,,93604290986# US
+19292056099,,93604290986# US (New York)

Join via audio:
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
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+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Webinar ID: 936 0429 0986
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/adFI6Szpkv
1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
 2.1. Motion to adopt draft minutes from November 20, 2025

3. Public Forum
 Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments




 Page 1 of 50
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department


  Type

4. Chiefs' Reports
  Subject 4.1. BPD
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 4. Chiefs' Reports

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

 Subject 4.1. Policy re: ICE
 Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January
 29, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor,
 City Hall, 149 Church St


 Category 4. Chiefs' Reports

 Department Police Department


 Type

 Recommended Action

  Subject 4.2. BFD - guest Marsha McCombie Battalion Chief of EMS
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 4. Chiefs' Reports

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. State's Attorney Data
  Subject 5.1. State's Attorney Data
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St



 Page 2 of 50
  Category 5. State's Attorney Data

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Revisit 2020 Resolution
  Subject 6.1. REIB Work
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 6. Revisit 2020 Resolution

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 6.2. Joint Meeting w/ Police Commission
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 6. Revisit 2020 Resolution

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

7. Trusted Community Voices Feedback
  Subject 7.1. Trusted Community Voices Feedback
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 7. Trusted Community Voices Feedback

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

8. Other Committee Business
  Subject 8.1. Other business
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


 Page 3 of 50
  Category 8. Other Committee Business
  Department Council and Board


  Type

9. Next Meeting
  Subject 9.1. Next Meeting
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 9. Next Meeting

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

10. Adjournment
  Subject 10.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St


  Category 10. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 11.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting January 29, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 29,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person - Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall,
 149 Church St
  Category 11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 4 of 50
 Public Safety Committee
 Thursday, November 20, 2025
 Remote via Zoom/In-Person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall,
 Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Melo Grant (Chair), Mark Barlow

Staff Present: Hayley McClenahan (Assistant City Attorney), Shawn Burke (BPD Chief),
Michael Curtin (BFD Chief), Lacey Smith (CAIP Assistant Director)

Public Present: Richard Eaton

Meeting called to order at 5:31 PM by Councilor Grant.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.01 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda as written.

Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Grant
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Adopt Minutes
 2.01 Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from October 23, 2025

Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from October 23, 2025.

Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Grant
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

3. Public Forum
 3.01 Verbal Comments

Richard Eaton asked the Committee to consider Burlington implement a curfew for youth, given
a recent assault incident perpetrated by juveniles. No action taken.

Public forum closed at 5:40 PM.

4. Chiefs’ Reports
 4.01 BFD Chief’s Report

Chief Curtin presented the October incident and department data to the Committee. No action
was taken.
 Page 1 of 2



 Page 5 of 50
 4.02 BPD Chief’s Report

Chief Burke shared the latest incident and department data to the Committee. No action was
taken.

5. CAIP Report – Review of City Council Work Session
 5.01 CAIP Report – Review of City Council Work Session

The Committee reflected on the upcoming changes to Burlington CARES. No action was taken.

6. State’s Attorney Data
 6.01 State’s Attorney Data

Councilor Grant reviewed State’s Attorney caseload data through October 2025. No action was
taken.

7. Future Guests/Topics
 7.01 Future Guests/Topics

Councilor Grant suggested asking the Urban Park Rangers and the Howard Center to future
meetings. No action was taken.

8. Next Meeting
 8.01 Next Meeting

The next meeting dates were set for January 22, February 26, and March 26 of 2026. No action
was taken.

9. Adjournment
 9.01 Motion to adjourn

The meeting was adjourned with no objection at 7:08 PM.




 Page 2 of 2



 Page 6 of 50
January 29th, 2026
Chief’s Report – Public Safety Committee

Personnel & Staffing Update
The department welcomed two new officer candidates on January 20th, 2026. Officer Krista
Towne and Officer Hannah Schoene will attend the 121st Session of the Vermont Police
Academy beginning in February.

The department currently has 61 sworn officers, with 51 available for duty. Ten officers are on
long-term leave: 5 injured, 2 on FMLA, 2 pending Use of Force review, and 1 on military orders.
All the officers on long-term leave are assigned to Uniformed Services, resulting in significant
staffing shortages in that bureau.

Officer Sergio Caldieri will transfer from the Recruitment Officer position to the Uniform
Services Bureau in February. Detective Krystal Wrinn will assume the Recruitment Officer role
and is currently working alongside Officer Caldieri with the new officer candidates to ensure
continuity.

Officer Randall Webster was transferred to the Detective Services Bureau, filling the vacancy
created by the promotion of Sergeant Eric Kratochvil. Detective selection follows a competitive
process evaluating casework, criminal law knowledge, and departmental experience.

CAIP Leadership Update
CAIP Assistant Director Lacey Smith resigned to pursue a new position with CVOEO. The
department extends deep gratitude for her decade of service and leadership in developing the
CAIP.

Community Support Supervisor Anna Wageling has assumed leadership of the CAIP, which now
includes the Community Support Liaison Team and the Domestic Violence Advocate.

2025 Incident, Arrest, Traffic Stop & Use of Force Data
The Police Commission received an annual incident, offense, and arrest data report for 2025
this month. Data Analyst Jeff Nicholson is preparing multiple datasets modeled on prior annual
reports. Historically, this report was delivered later in the year to allow for full development.




 Page 7 of 50
The department will report on traffic stop data and use of force data in February. The Use of
Force data requires additional time due to reporting – the department changed use-of-force
reporting systems four times between 2019 and 2025.

Parallel to his work on the annual report, Analyst Nicholson is reestablishing workflows to
resume regular data transfers to the City of Burlington Data Hub.

Recruitment
Although the department did not meet our metric of having four candidates for the January
2026 hiring cycle, we did increase the number of applications received 2024 – 2025 by 32%.
There are still seven viable candidates in the process from the 2025 calendar year, and the
department has received three applications in 2026, two remain as viable candidates.

2025 Accomplishments
Despite a significant leadership transition and operational challenges in 2025, the department
advanced several mayoral priorities:
 • DD 01 Law Enforcement Role & Authority revised and ratified (VCJC compliant)
 • DD 14.1 Body-Worn Camera Systems revised and ratified (VCJC compliant)
 • DD 29 Online Incident Reporting Revised; new platform launched
 • DD 30 Public Information Directive revised; mayoral executive order rescinded
 • DD 44 Community Service Officer Program developed and ratified (first CSO directive;
 essential for liability insurance)
 • PowerDMS launched with public-facing policy access
 • Burlington School District–BPD MOU and response protocol finalized
 • CSL Street Outreach Incident Response Protocol developed and implemented
 • Improvements in department image, community trust, and engagement
 • Notable gains in data quality and internal leadership development


Lastly, the department launched the Situation Table in partnership with the Department of
Public Safety and the Mayor and Governor developed and implemented a 14-Point Short-Term
Action Plan aimed at improving public safety. These efforts both contributed to improved
conditions in the downtown district.




 Page 8 of 50
BPD Annual Report
INCIDENTS AND ARRESTS
JANUARY 29, 2026



 Page 9 of 50
Incidents



 Page 10 of 50
 All Incidents, 2012 - 2025




Data
1/1/2012 –
12/31/2025


 Page 11 of 50
 Top Incidents, 2025




Data
1/1/2025 –
12/31/2025


 Page 12 of 50
 Incidents with Greatest Rate of Change,
 2021-2024 average to 2025




 Directed Patrol excluded,
 as it is essentially a new
 incident type and had a
 3500% increase

 2022 – 2024 average
 shown for Service
 Coordination, as the
 incident type started in
 2022

 Filtered to incidents that
Data occurred at least 50 times
1/1/2021 – in both years
12/31/2025

 Page 13 of 50
 Service Coordination Incidents




Data
1/1/2022 –
12/31/2025

 Page 14 of 50
 Highlighting Discretionary Incidents




 Incident types included:
 Traffic,
Data Foot Patrol,
1/1/2012 – Directed Patrol
12/31/2025

 Page 15 of 50
 Monthly Calls for Service by Area




 Officer-initiated incidents
 removed.

 Foot patrols, traffic stops,
 and outreach removed.

 Airport incidents not
 shown, as well as ~1,400
 incidents with missing
 Area values.

Data Some automation was
1/1/2020 – used to fill missing Area
12/31/2025 values where possible.


 Page 16 of 50
 Violent Crime Incidents




Data
1/1/2020 –
12/31/2025


 Page 17 of 50
 Violent Crime Incident Map




 Incident types (in order of
 frequency):
 Assault – Simple,
 Assault – Aggravated,,
 Robbery,
Data
 Reckless Endangerment,
1/1/2020 –
 Homicide
12/31/2025


 Page 18 of 50
 Domestic Assault Incidents




Data
1/1/2020 –
12/31/2025


 Page 19 of 50
 Domestic Violence Related Incidents




 Shown: Domestic Assault
 incidents plus all incidents
 where the ‘Domestic
 Violence’ related box in
Data Valcour was checked
1/1/2020 –
12/31/2025


 Page 20 of 50
 Burglary / Larceny Incidents




 Other types:
 Theft of Service,
 Possession of Stolen
Data Property,
1/1/2020 – Larceny from a Person
12/31/2025


 Page 21 of 50
 Burglary / Larceny Incident Map




 Incident types (in order of
 frequency):
 Larceny – from Motor Vehicle,
 Burglary,
 Larceny – from Building,
 Retail Theft,
 Stolen Vehicle,
 Larceny – Other,
 Larceny from a Person,
Data Possession of Stolen Property,
1/1/2020 – Theft of Service
12/31/2025


 Page 22 of 50
Arrests



 Page 23 of 50
 Arrests, 2012 - 2025




Data
1/1/2012 –
12/31/2025


 Page 24 of 50
 Highlighting Top Arrest Categories




Data
1/1/2012 –
12/31/2025


 Page 25 of 50
 Arrests by Type




Data
1/1/2012 –
12/31/2025


 Page 26 of 50
 Arrests on Warrant




 Includes arrests
 where the charge is
 “Arrest on Warrant”
 or the arrest type is
Data “Arrest on Warrant”
1/1/2012 –
12/31/2025


 Page 27 of 50
 Drug Arrests




 Includes any arrest
 with a drug charge,
 regardless of the
 most serious
Data charge
1/1/2012 –
12/31/2025


 Page 28 of 50
 Drug Arrest Charges




 Counting arrest
 charges that
 reference the
 substance by
 name.
 Arrests can have
Data multiple charges.
1/1/2012 –
12/31/2025


 Page 29 of 50
 Top Arrest Charges




 Counting most
 serious charge per
Data arrest.
1/1/2025 –
12/31/2025


 Page 30 of 50
 Top Arrest Charges Compared to
 2021 – 2024 Average




 Counting most
Data serious charge per
1/1/2021 – arrest.
12/31/2025


 Page 31 of 50
 Top Arrest Charges by Type




 Counting most
Data serious charge per
1/1/2025 – arrest.
12/31/2025


 Page 32 of 50
 Arrests by Area, 2021 - 2025




 Airport arrests not shown.

 Some automation was
Data used to fill missing Area
1/1/2021 – values where possible.
12/31/2025


 Page 33 of 50
Questions?




 Page 34 of 50
 BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387




Chief’s Report to the Public Safety Committee: End of Year Data Points
January 22, 2025

Call Volume & Activity Summary

Total Incidents for the month of December: 864
2025 Total Incidents: 11,533 (Busiest Year)

 • Fire Incidents: 1,782
 • EMS: 7,689
 • Hazmat: 220
 • Service Call/Public Assist: 2,186
 • Significant Events:
 ➢ 12/26 2nd Alarm Structure Fire 365 St. Paul St.
 ➢ 12/30 1st Alarm Structure Fire with multiple rescues 103 Archibald St.

 During the same period in 2024, we responded to 10,995 incidents, a 4.9% increase from last year.




 Page 35 of 50
 BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387




EMS Data:

The following charts presents monthly data on EMS-confirmed overdose and drug-related incidents in our
community from 2021 through December 31, 2025. Confirmed drug and overdose incidents have increased
significantly since 2021, rising from relatively low monthly totals to a consistently higher baseline beginning in
2022. The data show recurring late-summer and early-fall peaks, with notable surges in August 2022 (39
events), September 2023 (47 events), August 2024 (38 events), and October 2025 (39 events), indicating both
sustained growth and a seasonal pattern. While monthly totals fluctuate year to year, overdose-related calls
remain elevated and represent a continuing demand on resources, requiring advanced life support interventions,
medications, and extended on-scene times. Overall, this trend underscores that overdose response is no longer
episodic but an ongoing operational workload.




 Page 36 of 50
 BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387




• From 2021 through 2025, confirmed overdose and drug-related incidents show that opioids remain the
 primary driver of overdose activity, with frequent and sometimes sharp monthly spikes, particularly
 from late 2023 through 2025. Overdoses involving other illicit drugs or misuse of medications
 consistently represent the second-highest category and often rise alongside opioid cases, underscoring
 the growing prevalence of poly-substance use. Events involving psychoactive or hallucinogenic drugs,
 cocaine, and intentional self-harm via medication occur at lower but steady levels, contributing to
 ongoing EMS and hospital demand. Overall, the data reflect a sustained overdose environment that
 continues to place significant operational, training, and public health demands on emergency response
 and healthcare systems.




 Page 37 of 50
 BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387




 • This chart shows that a significant portion of BFD calls initially dispatched as overdoses are not
 confirmed as overdoses once crews arrive on scene, with confirmation rates fluctuating month to month.
 Overall call volume varies, with noticeable spikes in spring and late summer 2025, but confirmed
 overdoses consistently represent roughly one-quarter to one-half of dispatched incidents. Several months
 (e.g., Dec 24, Jan–Feb 25, Oct–Dec 25) show higher confirmation percentages despite lower total
 volume, while higher-volume months often have lower confirmation rates. This trend highlights the
 operational impact of overdose dispatches that ultimately prove unconfirmed, reinforcing the importance
 of accurate call triage while acknowledging the necessity of treating these incidents as high-risk until
 clinically ruled out on scene.

CRT Data for December 2025:

Staffed 5 days for the month of December

 CRT Total Narcan Kits Wound Care Comfort Care Referrals
 Contacts Kits Kit
 December 10 0 0 0 3
 2025 Total 1,144 49 73 56 30

Personnel & Staffing

Total Department Staff: Uniformed Members 90 / Authorized 95 (4 in recruit academy)

 • Minimum Daily Staffing: 22
 • Vacancies: 5 (December)
 • Injuries/LOA/FMLA: 5
 • Staff Training Hours: 1,237 (December)
 • Company Level Inspections: 3

 Overtime Type 2025 Hours 2024 Hours %+-
 Minimum Staffing 10,611.5 7296.5 + 45.4%
 Mandatory 2,394.5 1415.25 + 69.2%
 CRT 3045.75 3326.75 - 8.4%
 Emergency 218.75 229.25 - 4.5%
 Extra Duty Events 703.25 807.25 - 12.88%

4 Recruits in school on the floor January 26




 Page 38 of 50
BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
  Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387




 Page 39 of 50
 BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387



 December Community Engagement

• 12/6 Polar Express
• 12/7 polar Express
• 12/17 Ladder 2 Ride along
• 12/17 Joint Training with Winooski FD
• 12/18 Operation Fire Cuffs




• Social Media:




 Page 40 of 50
 EMS Utilization Trends & Impact
 Cohort Overview
 Burlington Fire Department – EMS Division
 Public Safety Committee | January 29, 2026


DATA TIMEFRAME: JANUARY 1, 2017 – DECEMBER 31, 2025

SOURCE: SIREN (STATEWIDE INCIDENT REPORTING NETWORK), VIA IMAGETREND
THIS ANALYSIS IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO REFINEMENT AS ADDITI ONAL DATA ELEMENTS ARE INCORPORATED.




 Page 41 of 50
 What is the Impact Cohort?
Impact Cohort
A small subset of individuals who account for a disproportionate number of EMS encounters over time.
Identified through retrospective analysis of EMS encounters in the SIREN database to better understand patterns of
repeat system use and operational impact.

To support analysis and discussion, individuals are grouped into tiers based on the number of EMS encounters within
a single calendar month.

These tiers are analytical tools only and do not reflect patient acuity, intent, or appropriateness of care.

 Monthly Tier Definitions
 Baseline Use: 1–2 EMS encounters per month
 Watch Tier: 3–5 EMS encounters per month
 High Tier: 6–9 EMS encounters per month
 Intensive Tier: 10+ EMS encounters per month




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 Impact Cohort
 Monthly counts of people in the impact cohort
 2025 median month:
 21 people



 Monthly counts of
 2022 median month:
 14 people individuals with frequent
 EMS encounters have
 increased.

 2018 median month:
 7 people




Source:
Siren


Data
1/1/2017–
12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change.

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 All Utilizers
 Monthly counts of all people served by EMS



 They account for a small
 share of total EMS
 utilization each month.

 2025 impact cohort percentage:
 5%



 2022 impact cohort percentage:
 4%


 2018 impact cohort percentage:
 2%




Source:
Siren


Data
1/1/2017–
12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change


 Page 44 of 50
 Incidents for Impact Cohort
 Monthly counts of incidents for impact cohort

 2025 median month:
 88 incidents

 Monthly incident volume
 2022 median month:
 48 incidents for the impact cohort has
 increased.




 2018 median month:
 24 incidents




Source:
Siren


Data
1/1/2017–
12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change

 Page 45 of 50
 Incidents for All Utilizers
 Monthly counts of incidents for all EMS utilizers



 The percentage of total
 incidents they represent
 has also increased.


 2025 impact cohort
 incident
 percentage:
 2022 impact cohort 16%
 incident
 percentage:
 12%
 2018 impact cohort
 incident
 percentage:
 9%

Source:
Siren


Data
1/1/2017–
12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change


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 Mapping Impact Cohort Incidents

 Tracking where impact
 cohort incidents occur
 supports more efficient
 response.




 Not all incidents represented
Source: due to some missing location
Siren data in Siren. Currently working
 on a fix for that.

Data
11/1/2025–
12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change


 Page 47 of 50
 Mapping Impact Cohort Incidents
 This analysis
 provides a
 generalized view
 and does not
 separate specific
 impact categories.




Source:
Siren


Data
11/1/2025–
12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change


 Page 48 of 50
 Mapping Impact Cohort Incidents
 Inclusion required
 meeting EMS watch list
 criteria at least twice, or
 appearing once in the
 intensive tier, during
 calendar year 2025.

 People with the most
 impact cohort months
 are at the top.




Source:
Siren


Data
1/1/2025–
12/31/2025 Analysis preliminary and subject to change

 Page 49 of 50
 Potential Areas for Further Analysis
Nature of EMS Interactions
 Understanding call types, timing, responder impressions, and transport patterns

Utilization over time
 Examining how individuals move between utilization levels and whether patterns
persist
System intersections
 Exploring whether EMS utilization overlaps with other systems, where appropriate and
 feasible
Data refinement
 Continuing to improve data completeness and analytic methods




 Page 50 of 50

Public Safety Committee
 Thursday, January 29, 2026
 Remote via Zoom/In-Person in Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, Burlington,
 Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Melo Grant (Chair), Mark Barlow, Buddy Singh

Staff Present: Hayley McClenahan (Assistant City Attorney), Troy Ruggles (BFD Deputy Chief
of Operations) Marsha McCombie (Battalion Chief of EMS), Kyle Blake (BFD Captain), Shawn
Burke (BPD Chief), Jeff Nicholson (Data Analyst)

Public Present:

Meeting called to order at 5:33 PM by Councilor Grant.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.01 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda as written.

Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Singh
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Adopt Minutes
 2.01 Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from November 20, 2025

Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from November 20, 2025.

Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Singh
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

3. Public Forum
 3.01 Verbal Comments

No speakers present. Public forum closed at 5:35 PM.

4. Chiefs’ Reports
 4.01 BPD

Chief Burke presented to the Committee on the latest incident and department data. No action
was taken.

4.01.01 Policy re: ICE
 Page 1 of 2
No action was taken.

 4.02 BFD – Guest Marsha McCombie Battalion Chief of EMS

Deputy Chief Ruggles shared the 2025 End-of-Year report with the Committee. Battalion Chief
McCombie presented on EMS utilization trends. No action was taken.

5. State’s Attorney Data
 5.01 State’s Attorney Data

Councilor Grant noted State’s Attorney Sarah George is confirmed to attend the Committee’s
February meeting and reviewed the most recent data from SA George. No action was taken.

6. Revisit 2020 Resolution
 6.01 REIB Work

Councilor Grant discussed the possibility of a future joint meeting between REIB Committee,
Police Commission, and Public Safety Committee to review the resolution. No action was taken.

 6.02 Joint Meeting w/ Police Commission

No action was taken.

7. Trusted Community Voices Feedback
 7.01 Trusted Community Voices Feedback

Councilor Grant reviewed Trusted Community Voices’ presentation at a recent REIB Committee
meeting. No action was taken.

8. Other Committee Business
 8.01 Other Business

No action was taken.

9. Next Meeting
 9.01 Next Meeting

The next meeting dates were set for February 26 and March 26.

10. Adjournment
 10.01 Motion to adjourn

The meeting was adjourned with no objection at 7:43 PM.


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