A plan is coming together to improve emergency response times and safety in Pueblo West. A ballot initiative in the works asks voters to approve better funding for Pueblo West Fire Department. The ballot initiative is newly possible because of changes to Colorado law signed by Governor Jared Polis earlier this year. The new law specifically makes way for fire departments in special districts, like Pueblo West, to ask voters for money.
"This is all driven by our demand for services. Call volumes have increased," said Pueblo West Fire Chief, Brian Caserta. Pueblo West Fire Department call-outs are at around 3,000 a year. It is a large increase from 700-- 20 years ago. The community continues growing.
Fire leaders also want to lower eight to 15-minute response times. The goal is two to eight minutes. To make it happen a ballot initiative is in the works.