photo by: Chris Conde/Journal-World

A Douglas County Consolidated Fire District 1 vehicle is pictured in July 2022.

Douglas County is using a consultant to conduct a review of Consolidated Fire District 1 to ensure its long-term effectiveness in serving 228 square miles within the unincorporated parts of the county.

The county has hired international consulting firm Emergency Services Consulting International to review the district’s structure, programs and service delivery. The review, which includes meetings with stakeholders, will lead to a report with recommendations and next steps.

Deputy County Administrator Sean Pederson told the Journal-World via email that the technical review will be driven by public engagement, incorporating input from key stakeholders, including township leadership, personnel and volunteers.

“It will evaluate CFD 1’s alignment with national fire service standards by analyzing response times, staffing, training, resource allocation, alongside financial stewardship,” Pederson said. “The review will also identify challenges affecting service delivery and develop strategic solutions for long-term success.”

The CFD 1 was formed with the consolidation of five rural fire departments along with one EMS first response agency. The CFD 1 operates with its own mill rate with a $2.2 million budget, six full-time employees and approximately 60 volunteers.

In a memo to county commissioners, ESCI will be on site the first week of April to meet with people working at CFD 1. The assessment will be completed through collaboration and a data-driven analysis, Pederson said via email. The goal is to provide actionable recommendations for improving operations, resource management and strategic planning.

In the conclusions of the assessment, ESCI will project future service demand based on population growth within the district as well as findings in operational gaps and areas of improvement.

The final report will be presented to the County Commission to support informed decision making and the district’s continued development, Pederson said. A presentation date has not yet been set.