Steady Emergency Response Volume Seen in September

Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR) maintained a consistent volume of emergency responses during September, with personnel answering 572 calls for fire and emergency medical services. This represented only two fewer incidents than in August, suggesting sustained community needs for rapid response and public safety services.

Breakdown of September's Calls and Services

On average, CCFR units responded to about 19 calls each day. Emergency medical services (EMS) and rescues were the largest share of the workload, accounting for 466 incidents—18 more than recorded in August—and representing 81% of total activity. Additional calls included 37 good intent calls, 32 service calls, 27 false alarms, five fire incidents, and five hazardous condition responses.

Deployment Across Major Fire Stations

The majority of September’s responses were coordinated from two key staffed fire stations: Station 1, located downtown, and Station 3, serving the airport area. According to the department, these two stations deliver all-hazards emergency response across Juneau’s extensive and varied area, handling a wide range of incidents from medical emergencies and structure fires to technical and water rescues.

New Emergency Vehicles Expand Fire Department Capabilities

CCFR introduced several new specialized emergency vehicles in September. Notably, a Rosenbauer Panther 4x4 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) truck arrived at the Glacier Fire Station near Juneau International Airport on September 18 and was placed into service during a ceremonial event attended by city, airport, and department officials. Station 3 also received additional ARFF trucks and a wetlands rescue vehicle, enhancing the department’s ability to respond to both airport and environmental emergencies.

Personnel Promotions and Recognition

September was also a month marked by achievements for CCFR personnel. Two veteran firefighters, Jeff Smetzler and John Adams, were promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief, officially stepping into their new leadership positions during a traditional badge pinning ceremony.

Furthermore, three members of the department—firefighter/paramedic Carmen Smith, engineer Connor Hoyt, and firefighter/EMT Sarah Kuhnell—received Unit Commendations for their coordinated water rescue efforts. They were recognized for acting swiftly after a man fell into Gastineau Channel near Marine Park on August 16, quickly establishing and executing a successful rescue operation.

Commitment to Community Emergency Response

Throughout September, CCFR emphasized its ongoing readiness to respond to a broad spectrum of emergencies. As stated by the department, crews are prepared for everything from medical emergencies and hazardous conditions to fires and technical rescues, thanks to the dedication of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and support personnel who serve the community daily.

Source: juneauempire.com.