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Council Meeting Minutes for April 6, 2026 <br />Page 2 of 10 <br />Motor vehicle accidents are tracked separately from medical calls; the Department responded to <br />55 such incidents last year, assisting with scene control, patient care, extrication, and cleanup. <br /> <br />Total calls increased 19% from the previous year, from 411 in 2024 to 488 in 2025, compared to <br />an average 8% increase in prior years. The busiest month in 2025 was July, with the busiest <br />times between 1–3 a.m. and 3–4 p.m. Fifty-seven percent of calls occurred between 8 a.m. and 6 <br />p.m., with Wednesdays being the busiest day. <br /> <br />During 2025, firefighters completed 3,600 hours of combined training, including weekly drills, <br />specialty training, and small-group training. Operational updates included two firefighters <br />completing probation and one resignation, bringing total staff to 28. The station was remodeled <br />to include a “work-from-station” setup, improving response times. A training prop was <br />purchased with donations. Leadership development continued, supported by a leadership coach <br />focused on succession planning. The Department remains active in community events. <br /> <br />Department received $56,773 in donations in 2025. In collaboration with Ducks Unlimited, the <br />Relief Association will host “Bingo for Broomsticks” as its next fundraising event. Chief <br />Compton emphasized the AED initiative, reporting that there are 28 AEDs available—12 carried <br />by firefighters and 3 by chiefs. These AEDs were instrumental in saving two lives in 2025, and a <br />lifesaving award ceremony is being planned. The Department worked to improve its ISO rating <br />to help lower insurance costs for residents in rural areas. Other improvements include the <br />replacement of the SCBA fill station, updates to the apparatus bay, and office remodeling. <br />Lieutenant Bieniek is leading a community risk reduction program, which entails at-home visits <br />for a carbon monoxide awareness campaign. A truck committee is currently evaluating <br />equipment needs, and a fire marshal position will open upon the retirement of the current <br />marshal, with ongoing discussions regarding staffing models. <br /> <br />Petryk asked about lift-assist protocols, noting that some care assistants decline to lift. Compton <br />explained that liability concerns exist and that the Department typically conducts lifts only after <br />an ambulance has arrived since such calls often involve a medical issue. Personnel are trained in <br />proper lifting techniques. <br /> <br />Krull commented on the ability of the firefighters to be able to work from the station, saying it <br />was a great idea and encouraged Compton to share it with other departments. Compton replied <br />that departments differ in opinions on it and that Hugo incorporated the model into the City’s <br />personnel policy as a Council-approved benefit. <br /> <br />Weidt commented on the availability of AEDs in the community and the two lives that were <br />saved. He thanked Compton for the update and encouraged the department to keep up the good <br />work. <br /> <br />M Health Fairview Annual Report – District Chief Kevin Kane <br /> <br />District Chief Kevin Kane presented the MHealth Fairview Annual Report. <br /> <br />Kane reported that it is going on six years that MHealth took over EMS calls for Hugo. He <br />presented data for the northern region that showed there were 5,136 calls in 2025. There were