Summary
Kentwood firefighters handled 5,507 runs in 2025 — most of them medical calls — while keeping average response times at 4:34, beating the 5:20 promised to residents. The department also installed nearly 1,000 free smoke alarms and logged over 3,200 inspections.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
The fire operating budget runs about $9.5 million, roughly 84% of it in staffing.
All Kentwood residents, especially those served by the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm programs.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Commission — October 20, 2026
Fires are up 19% but with zero injuries; calls for service are rising, and Flock cameras plus drones helped clear two homicides and net a kilo of cocaine. Fraud and internet-based crime keep climbing, and smoke/CO alarm costs have tripled as state funding dries up.
City Commission — July 7, 2026
A quiet quarter: 45 fires, no civilian or firefighter injuries, 832 inspections, and 166 free smoke detector installs. The department also hosted a regional live-fire training class using its own training center.
City Commission — June 16, 2026
Nearly 18,000 calls in 2025, new tech like live translation and drones, a second K-9, and 95-98% approval from resident surveys — but staffing is at 74 of a millage-funded 86.
City Commission — April 13, 2026
Kentwood firefighters handled 5,507 runs in 2025 — most of them medical calls — while keeping average response times at 4:34, beating the 5:20 promised to residents. The department also installed nearly 1,000 free smoke alarms and logged over 3,200 inspections.
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