Readiness and fiscal responsibility starts at the ground level for GFD.

There are many moving parts to any fire department and Graafschap FD is no different. Our first responsibility is to respond to our residents (and visitors) in their time of need. To ensure our equipment is ready to serve, firefighters inspect, clean, and repair tools on a daily basis.

There are weekly checks of all the emergency medical equipment on the trucks. Every weekend, the part-time duty crew will inventory specific fire trucks on a rotating basis. Once per month all trucks get a detailed check including fluid levels, performance testing, safety inspection, and operational readiness.

Monthly, every self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gets a detailed inspection. Every ground ladder get inspected for damage and operability each month. The station also gets an monthly safety inspection based on NFPA and MIOSHA standards for fire stations.

These inspections are routinely done in every fire station across the country. What separates Graafschap FD from many other departments are the repairs and work done that could be done by private contractors. Most truck repairs, lighting repairs, building maintenance, plumbing, and tool repairs are just a few of the things handled by the full-time day staff, instead of hiring out a more expensive contractor.

Some items are out of our scope, but we will do what we can to keep costs down. Recently, some concrete blocks on the exterior were crumbling and a mason was called in to repair the issue. Our deputy chief took it upon himself to prime and paint the repair instead of hiring it out.

Next time you see us out in your shiny trucks, just know that there are many hours behind the scenes to keep that truck or SUV on the road in a constant state of readiness. If you feel like helping your community and have what it takes, check out our application on this page or just stop by!