From house fires to medical emergencies, Owensboro firefighters responded to 6,700 calls in 2024. They also significantly increased training efforts and investments in order to be as prepared as possible for every call that comes in.
Owensboro Fire Chief James Howard outlined these efforts Tuesday night while presenting the department’s 2024 Annual Report to the Owensboro City Commission. The report details operational highlights, budget priorities, and goals for the year ahead.
Howard said the report is more than just a formality for city officials — it’s also a tool to inform the public and demonstrate transparency. The full report will be available to the public soon on the City’s newly updated website.
Howard said the department’s total budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year is $16.4 million, with personnel costs making up the largest portion at nearly $13.7 million. Notably, training expenses rose by 86% compared to the previous year, totaling nearly $135,000.
“That’s a significant increase, but it reflects our investment in making sure our firefighters are fully prepared,” Howard said. “With the new training center and upgrades, we wanted to hit the ground running.”
The department recorded 6,700 total calls for service in 2024, including 355 fires and 4,725 rescue and EMS calls. The most frequent medical calls involved difficulty breathing and cardiac-related incidents, Howard said.
He added that OFD members logged more than 22,000 training hours. Three firefighters advanced to paramedic status, three became advanced EMTs, and more than a dozen trained in technical rescues, including confined space and trench rescues.
Howard said the department’s new training facilities and leadership changes contributed to the enhanced programs.
“Around a year and a half ago, we had a personnel change with our training chief,” Howard said. “Corey Gant came in with new ideas, and we’re making great use of the upgraded training tower and classroom facilities.”
The department also conducted an in-house recruit academy, added paramedics at Stations 3 and 5, equipped staff to handle electric vehicle fires, and updated two stations with cancer prevention upgrades.
Public education remained a focus, with 64 events reaching more than 2,100 people and more than 1,200 code enforcement inspections conducted, Howard said.
Looking ahead, OFD’s 2025 goals include officially opening the new training center, launching another joint paramedic program, and training for hazardous materials, water rescues, and drone operations. The department also plans to expand firefighter wellness initiatives and improve public education offerings.
“There are also things you can build into new stations that help with health and safety, mental wellness, and efficiency,” Howard said. “We’re always looking for ways to improve.”
