Milton Fire Department Celebrates 10th Anniversary

From the City of Milton: The celebration continues for the City of Milton--the Milton Fire-Rescue Department celebrated its 10-year anniversary on April 30, 2017. The department originally deployed with three engines and a battalion, officially taking its first call on May 18, 2007, after an initial two-week training period.

A lot has changed since then but a lot remains the same. The fire department and Milton citizens benefited greatly from the experienced fire personnel that signed on to serve the new city, and almost half of today's staff were there when the department officially launched. Prior to a few retirements this month, 31 Milton firefighters had been with the department since 2007 with 26 of those on board for the initial May 18call.

While staffing has remained consistent, the city added new equipment and enhanced educational programming along the way as the city grew. A ladder truck was added to the Milton fleet along with a reserve truck--the city's original ladder truck, with more than 100,000 miles, was actually replaced in September 2016 during a community push-in ceremony at Station 43. Thanks to a generous donation from Atlanta Gas Light in 2014, the Milton Fire Department acquired a TLAER truck, a Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue truck, which is particularly useful for Milton's more rural and equestrian community.

Additional positions were also added to better meet the needs of the community. A rescue unit was added to Station 42 to ensure residents have access to emergency transport when the regional ambulance provider does not have a nearby unit; an emergency medical services coordinator was added to oversee basic and advanced life support programs; and an assistant fire marshal was added to enhance and expand the department's fire prevention programs. In addition, a robust community risk reduction program was implemented and as result Milton's ISO rating was upgraded in 2015, leading to reduced homeowner insurance premiums for the community.

"We've accomplished a great deal in a short period with some highly trained and motivated staff," said Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar. "But what I am most proud of is the relationships that exist between our fire staff and the community they serve."

The Milton Fire and Rescue Department serves more than 37,000 residents with a total staff of 61 sworn fire personnel and one non-sworn staff member.

Photo courtesy of the City of Milton