The Fort Smith Board of Directors will be focused on the city’s first responders Tuesday. City directors at their Tuesday study session will discuss the full annual reports for the Fort Smith police and fire departments. The two departments combined account for 294 uniformed employees who respond to emergency situations within the city. According to the report, the Police Department in 2019 enhanced its hiring practices, approved funding for patrol vehicles, body cameras and salary increases and made more than 15,000 community contacts. Violent crimes within the city were also at a seven-year low, according to Police Department statistics.
The Fire Department in 2018 responded to 11,337 incidents throughout the city. More than $146 million in property value was lost in incidents they responded to, according to records.
The Fire Department in 2018 became recognized as an EMT response department by the Arkansas Department of Health, built two pumper apparatus and certified 12 firefighters with prehospital trauma life support.