On the agenda: Burlington Public Safety Committee Meeting — Public Safety Camera (Oct 22)

City Council - Public Safety Committee
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person in Sharon
Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St
When: Oct 22, 2026 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Public Safety Committee Meeting
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1. Adopt the Agenda
1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
2.1. Motion to adopt draft minutes from September 24, 2026

3. Public Forum
Subject

3.1. Verbal Comments

Page 1 of 57

Meeting

October 22, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 22,
2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st
Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St

Category

3. Public Forum

Department
Type

4. Consent Agenda
Subject

4.1. BCO Ch 21 Trespass Appeal Hearing Ordinance Update

Meeting

October 22, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 22,
2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st
Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St

Category

4. Consent Agenda

Department

Council and Board

Type
Recommended Action

5. Chief's Oral Report
Subject

5.1. Fire

Meeting

October 22, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 22,
2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st
Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St

Category

5. Chief's Oral Report

Department
Type
Recommended Action
Subject

5.2. Police

Meeting

October 22, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 22,
2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st
Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St

Category

5. Chief's Oral Report

Department
Type
Recommended Action

6. Burlington Forward
Subject

6.1. Burlington Forward Discussion

Page 2 of 57

Meeting

October 22, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 22,
2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st
Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St

Category

6. Burlington Forward

Department

Council and Board

Type

7. Adjournment
Subject

7.1. Motion to adjourn

Meeting

October 22, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 22,
2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st
Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St

Category

7. Adjournment

Department

Council and Board

Type
Recommended Action

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
Subject

8.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities who
require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged to
contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
advance so that proper arrangements can be made. The City of Burlington will
not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.

Meeting

October 22, 2026 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 22,
2026, 5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom OR In-person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st
Floor, City Hall, 149 Church St

Category

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements

Department

Council and Board

Type

Page 3 of 57

Public Safety Committee
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Remote via Zoom/In-Person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall,
Burlington, Vermont
DRAFT MINUTES
Members Present: Buddy Singh (Chair), Melo Grant, Laura Sanchez-Parkinson, Evan Litwin
Staff Present: Hayley McClenahan (Assistant City Attorney), Scot Barker (Chief Innovation
Officer), Shawn Burke (BPD Chief), Michael Curtin (BFD Chief)
Public Present:
Meeting called to order at 5:32 PM by Councilor Singh.
1. Adopt the Agenda
1.01 Adopt the Agenda
Motion to adopt the agenda as written.
Motion by Councilor Grant, Seconded by Councilor Litwin
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous
2.

Adopt Minutes
2.01 Motion to adopt draft minutes from September 2, September 8, and September 9,
2026 meetings

Motion to adopt the draft minutes from September, 2 September 8, and September 9, 2026
meetings as written.
Motion by Councilor Grant, Seconded by Councilor Litwin
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous
3. Public Forum
3.01 Verbal Comments
No speakers present.
Public Forum closed at 5:33 PM.
4. Chief’s Oral Report
4.01 Fire

Page 1 of 2

Page 4 of 57

Chief Curtin presented data on the Fire Department’s responses for the month of August. No
action taken.
4.02 Police
Chief Burke presented on incident and response data for the month of August. No action taken.
5. City Camera Usage with CIO Scot Barker
5.01 City Camera Usage with CIO Scot Barker
CIO Scot Barker discussed the City’s camera systems and their use with the Committee. No
action taken.
6. Adjournment
6.01 Motion to Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned with no objection at 7:13 PM.

Page 2 of 2

Page 5 of 57

CITY OF BURLINGTON

In the Year Two Thousand Twenty-Six

An Ordinance in Relation to
BCO CHAPTER 21, OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS, SEC. 21-45A(F) TRESPASS ON CITY
PROPERTY – APPEAL HEARING SCHEDULING TIMELINE

ORDINANCE ___________
Sponsor: Councilor Singh
Public Hearing Dates: ___________
_____________________________
First reading: 9/14/2026
Referred to: Ordinance Committee
Rules suspended and placed in all
stages of passage: ______________
Second reading: ________________
Action: ______________________
Date: ________________________
Signed by Mayor: ______________
Published: ____________________
Effective: _____________________

It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows:
1

That Chapter 21, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of

2

Burlington be and hereby is amended by amending Sec. 21-45A(f), Trespass on City Property, thereof to

3

read as follows:

4
5

21-45A(f). Notice of Trespass on City Property
***

6
7

(f) Appeal.

8
9

(1) Process. The recipient of a notice of trespass may appeal the notice of trespass by filing an appeal, in

10

writing, within seven (7) calendar days of the issuance of the notice. The written appeal shall include the

11

appellant’s name, address, phone number, and indicate whether a hearing is requested. No fee shall be

12

charged for filing the appeal. The appeal shall be filed at the location designated in the notice of trespass.

13

Except for in exigent circumstances, any such appeal shall stay the operation of the notice of trespass beyond

14

the day the appeal is filed, pending a hearing and/or written decision.

15
16

(2) Exigent circumstances. For purposes of this chapter, "exigent circumstances" means any situation in

17

which the issuing city official/officer determines that a person presents an immediate and substantial threat

18

or danger to the health, safety, or welfare of another person. In such circumstances, an appeal shall not stay

19

the operation of the notice of trespass. The existence of exigent circumstances and the specific factual basis

20

therefore shall be determined by the issuing city official/officer and communicated to the designated hearing

21

panel and appellant in writing within one (1) business day from when the appeal is filed.

22

Page 6 of 57

Page 2
An Ordinance in Relation to

23

BCO CHAPTER 21, OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS, SEC. 21-45A(F)(3) TRESPASS ON CITY
PROPERTY – APPEAL HEARING SCHEDULING TIMELINE

(3) As written.

24
25

(4) Procedure. When an appeal is filed, the designated hearing panel shall meet within ten (10) business days

26

to consider the appeal, unless the Committee determines, either upon its own finding or request of either

27

party, that additional time is warranted given the complexity of the matter at hand. However, in no event

28

shall the hearing shall be scheduled more than thirty (30) days after the appeal is filed. If no hearing is

29

requested, the designated hearing panel may consider any written submissions as part of its decision. If a

30

hearing is requested, the appellant must be provided at least three (3) business days written notice of the date,

31

time, and location of the hearing. The designated hearing panel shall allow oral and/or written testimony and

32

evidence from the appellant and the issuing city official or officer. In reviewing the notice of trespass, the

33

panel will utilize the preponderance of the evidence standard with the burden of proof on the charging

34

official or their representative. The designated hearing panel shall issue a written decision within ten (10)

35

business days of the hearing, which shall include a record of any finding by the issuing official/officer of the

36

existence of exigent circumstances regarding the stay of the notice of trespass while the appeal was pending,

37

if applicable. The designated hearing panel may extend the time period for hearing if the operation of the

38

notice of trespass is stayed or if the appellant consents.

39

(5) — As written.
***

40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

*
**
***

Material stricken out deleted.
Material underlined added.
Material in red text from 1st reading plus Ordinance Committee proposal

PSC/HM/Ordinances 2026/BCO Chapter 21, Sec. 21-45A(f) – Appeal Hearing Scheduling Timeline
10/13/26

Page 7 of 57

CITY OF BURLINGTON
In the Year Two Thousand Twenty-Six

An Ordinance in Relation to
BCO CHAPTER 21, OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS, SEC. 21-45A(F) TRESPASS ON CITY
PROPERTY – APPEAL HEARING SCHEDULING TIMELINE

ORDINANCE ___________
Sponsor: Councilor Singh
Public Hearing Dates: ___________
_____________________________
First reading: 9/14/2026
Referred to: Ordinance Committee
Rules suspended and placed in all
stages of passage: ______________
Second reading: ________________
Action: ______________________
Date: ________________________
Signed by Mayor: ______________
Published: ____________________
Effective: _____________________

It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows:
1

That Chapter 21, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of

2

Burlington be and hereby is amended by amending Sec. 21-45A(f), Trespass on City Property, thereof to

3

read as follows:

4
5

21-45A(f). Notice of Trespass on City Property
***

6
7

(f) Appeal.

8
9

(1)

Process. The recipient of a notice of trespass may appeal the notice of trespass by filing an appeal, in

10

writing, within seven (7) calendar days of the issuance of the notice. The written appeal shall include the

11

appellant’s name, address, phone number, and indicate whether a hearing is requested. No fee shall be

12

charged for filing the appeal. The appeal shall be filed at the location designated in the notice of trespass.

13

Except for in exigent circumstances, any such appeal shall stay the operation of the notice of trespass beyond

14

the day the appeal is filed, pending a hearing and/or written decision.

15
16

(2)

Exigent circumstances. For purposes of this chapter, "exigent circumstances" means any situation in

17

which the issuing city official/officer determines that a person presents an immediate and substantial threat

18

or danger to the health, safety, or welfare of another person. In such circumstances, an appeal shall not stay

19

the operation of the notice of trespass. The existence of exigent circumstances and the specific factual basis

20

therefore shall be determined by the issuing city official/officer and communicated to the designated hearing

21

panel and appellant in writing within one (1) business day from when the appeal is filed.

22

Page 8 of 57

Page 2
An Ordinance in Relation to

23

BCO CHAPTER 21, OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS, SEC. 21-45A(F)(3) TRESPASS ON CITY
PROPERTY – APPEAL HEARING SCHEDULING TIMELINE

(3) As written.

24
25

(4) Procedure. When an appeal is filed, the designated hearing panel shall meet within ten (10) business days

26

to consider the appeal, unless within a reasonable period of time the Committee determines, either upon its

27

own finding or request of either party, that additional time is warranted given the complexity of the matter at

28

hand. However, in no event shall the hearing shall be scheduled no more than thirty (30) days after the

29

appeal is filed., which time period may be extended upon a reasonable request by either party, to be granted

30

by the Committee, or on the Committee’s own determination. If no hearing is requested, the designated

31

hearing panel may consider any written submissions as part of its decision. If a hearing is requested, the

32

appellant must be provided at least three (3) business days written notice of the date, time, and location of the

33

hearing. The designated hearing panel shall allow oral and/or written testimony and evidence from the

34

appellant and the issuing city official or officer. In reviewing the notice of trespass, the panel will utilize the

35

preponderance of the evidence standard with the burden of proof on the charging official or their

36

representative. The designated hearing panel shall issue a written decision within 10 business days of the

37

hearing, which shall include a record of any finding by the issuing official/officer of the existence of exigent

38

circumstances regarding the stay of the notice of trespass while the appeal was pending, if applicable . The

39

designated hearing panel may extend the time period for hearing if the operation of the notice of trespass is

40

stayed or if the appellant consents.

41

(5) — As written.

42

***

43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55

*
Material stricken out deleted.
**
Material underlined added.
***
Material in red text from 1st reading.
**** Highlighted material for discussion Ordinance Committee meeting 10/13/2026
***** Red highlighted material as approved by OC in substance on 10/13/2026

PSC/HM/Ordinances 2026/BCO Chapter 21, Sec. 21-45A(f) – Appeal Hearing Scheduling Timeline
10/13/26

Page 9 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

Chief’s Report to the Fire Commission: September Data Points
October 13, 2026
Call Volume & Activity Summary:
Total Incidents for the month of September: 1,081
Total Incidents: (As of 10/1/26) 8,697
During the same period in 2025 we responded to 1029 incidents, a 5% increase from last year.

Significant Incidents:
9/11/26 – 1st Alarm 325 Northgate Rd
9/25/26 – 2nd Alarm 46 linden Terr.

Page 10 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

• Medical Calls – Emergency medical responses, including calls for illness, injury, overdose, and other
medical emergencies.
• No Emergency – Includes false alarms, malfunctioning alarm systems, bomb scares, cancelled calls, and
incidents where no emergency is found.
• Public Service – Includes smoke alarm activations, carbon monoxide alarms, service calls, lift assists, and
other requests for non-emergency assistance.
• Hazardous Situation – Includes gas leaks or odors, carbon monoxide incidents, electrical hazards, and
smoke investigations where no fire is confirmed.
• Fire – Includes outside fires, structure fires, cooking fires, vehicle fires, and other confirmed fires.
• Rescue – Includes technical rescue incidents such as low- and high-angle rope rescues, trench rescues,
confined-space rescues, motor vehicle accidents involving entrapment, and elevator or escalator rescues.
• Law Enforcement Support – Includes incidents where the Burlington Fire Department provides assistance
to the Burlington Police Department at the request of law enforcement.

Page 11 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

September Incidents plotted
from NERIS

Page 12 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

EMS Data Highlights:

Page 13 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

Personnel & Staffing
Total Department Staff: Uniformed Members 90/ Authorized 98
❖ BC Chris Laramie retired after 24 plus years of service to the city. We wish him the best of luck and
will miss him around the firehouse.
❖ Captain Nate Perkins was promoted to Battalion Chief.
❖ BC Marsha McCombie earned her CEMSO Designation.

•
•
•
•
•

Minimum Daily Staffing: 22
Vacancies: 8
Injuries/LOA/FMLA: 5
Staff Training Hours: 1400
Company Level Inspections: 3
Overtime Type

2025 Hours

2026 Hours

Minimum Staffing
Mandatory
CRT
Emergency

831
123.75
279.25
16

1361
223
74
12

Extra Duty Events

132

215.25

Page 14 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

Community Engagement
•
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•
•
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•
•

9/7/ Station 2 firehouse tour
9/7/ Ladder 2 truck tour
9/16 UVM Fire Drills
9/17 UVM Fire Drills
9/19 Touch a truck Kamp ta Kumta event
9/19 Ladder 4 / Ambulance 4 Staniford Rd. Block Party
9/28 Dispatcher Ride Along Ladder 2
9/30 Medic ride along Ambulance 1

Division Updates
Deputy of Operations Report:
· IAFC Fire-Rescue International (FRI) — Kansas City, MO (August): Attended leadership seminars,
networked with national fire service colleagues, and engaged with key industry leaders regarding operational
trends.
· New England Division IAFC Seminar — Connecticut (August): Participated in regional leadership
development sessions and strengthened coordination with neighboring New England department leaders.
· Support for SBFD: Attended the final official duty day for Fire Chief Steve Locke of the South Burlington
Fire Department.
· Capital & Fleet Planning: Actively participated in capital replacement budget meetings alongside ongoing
fleet replacement planning sessions to ensure long-term apparatus and equipment readiness. Forecasting for FY
28 capital needs.
· Battalion Vehicle Project: BC Aumand has officially stepped in as project coordinator for the new Battalion
vehicle, taking over the assignment from BC Laramie. Hoping to finalize order soon.
· Marine 1 / Boat Training: Marine operations and boat training have been progressing exceptionally well.
Department members are highly engaged, showing tremendous enthusiasm for bringing this much-overdue
level of specialized response capability online.
· Participated in the BC promotional process during the month of September.
· Apparatus & Equipment Maintenance: Ladder 2 retested an passed pump test, Aerial/Grd Ladder testing going
on this month. Annual hose testing later this month.
· Leary Foundation: Unfortunately, our application with the Leary Firefighters Foundation was unsuccessful
this cycle.
· AFG & SS4A Grants: Awaiting final notification on pending Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Safe
Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant applications, where we maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook.
· Burlington High School: Participated in an initial walk-through of the new Burlington High School facility
and are actively coordinating a collaborative tabletop exercise in the very near future.Met with leadership from
South Hero Fire Department to provide guidance, mentorship, and operational insights regarding fire service
development.
· Maintained regular coordination meetings with Dispatch and DPW Fleet Management to address ongoing
maintenance schedules and radio communications.

Page 15 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

Attended ongoing city interagency meetings targeting code compliance and life safety issues in problematic
structures.
· Conducted operational briefings with the Fire Marshal’s Office, EMS Division, and Training Division to align
monthly priorities.
EMS Division Update
•

•

•

•

•

Red Bird Full-Scale Exercise – September 12, 2026:
The Burlington Fire Department participated in the Leahy BTV 2026 full-scale airport exercise, a
simulated mass-casualty incident. These exercises help ensure the City’s emergency response system
remains coordinated, effective, and ready for large-scale events. By testing real-world conditions, BFD
gains insight into strengths and areas for improvement, allowing us to enhance community safety and
regional preparedness.
Transition to First Due ePCR – Effective October 1, 2026:
BFD officially transitioned to the First Due ePCR system, centralizing all EMS documentation in one
modern platform. This strategic upgrade improves the accuracy of medical records, streamlines
reporting to the State, and enhances the department’s ability to analyze data trends. A unified
documentation system also strengthens transparency and supports long-term planning efforts for both
the department and the City.
Cardiac Data Platform Modernization:
The EMS Division is implementing a new web-based platform that replaces the aging CODE-STAT 12
system. This advanced technology allows detailed review of cardiac monitor data, supports ongoing
training for crews, and enhances our quality assurance processes. This modernization contributes to
better patient care and ensures the department continues to adopt evidence-based tools that elevate
clinical performance.
IV Pump Modernization and Standardization:
The Division has transitioned to new Eitan Medical Sapphire IV pumps, replacing older units that are no
longer supported. These pumps allow in-house programming and updates, reduce downtime, and will be
serviced locally through UVMMC for greater reliability. Their compact size and modern design expand
our capability to administer infusion-based medications safely outside the ambulance when clinically
necessary. Additional integrated features will be explored in the future as part of ongoing efforts to
enhance EMS clinical capability.
Monthly EMS Data Report Development:
Behind the scenes, the EMS Division is refining a monthly report that will provide leadership and
policymakers with clear, actionable insights into EMS activity, system performance, and community
health indicators. This initiative supports a broader effort to use data proactively—guiding strategic
decision-making, resource planning, and public transparency.

Page 16 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

Admin Updates:
Stations
•
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•

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•

All stations – HVAC & Boiler PM Service contract has been established with High Performance
Mechanical. Boiler service expected to be completed throughout October.
All stations – Contracts have been awarded for will be scheduling fire alarm and sprinkler system
inspections.
Station 1 – Window renovation project is in progress. A portion of the windows are being renovated
now and will be installed before Christmas. The remaining windows will be addressed later, with the
entire project completion expected late Spring/Summer 2027.
Station 1 – waiting on update regarding kitchen renovation timeline.
Station 1 – waiting to hear back from city engineer and SD Ireland regarding options for securing the
opening in retaining wall near C/D corner.
Station 1 – waiting on estimates for front ramp repair.
Station 3 – will be replacing existing unit heater in basement shortly.
Station 3 – will be making repairs to hot water heater and expansion tank.
Station 3 – Confirmed funding for and am advocating for engineering consult related to apparatus floor
condition
Station 4 – Secured capital funding for security enhancements (cameras & lighting). Waiting on
contract.
Stations 4 & 5 – Meeting with facilities 10/15/26 to conduct site visits related to the condition of parking
lots and front ramps.
CAD – recent upgrade to the test environment. Planned upgrade to the production environment on
October 22nd, 2026. This will result in an expected period of downtime for CAD services. Continuing to
work with City IT and Tyler Technologies to make system improvements in preparation for a potential
CAD shared services model.

Policies & Personnel
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•

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Annual Evaluations – in varying stages of progress. Working with HR & UKG to make some
adjustments. Please report any issues.
Promotional Processes – Recent completion of the BC Promotional Process. Collaborating with DC
Ruggles regarding the upcoming Lieutenant and Captain promotional processes.
Intend to host an SOG planning workshop in January 2027. Will be issuing an updated SOG regarding
SOG revision/review process. Stay tuned for department-wide communication.
Recruitment – In progress of accepting applications and conducting phone interviews. Application
period closes on October 12th, 2026. Currently we have received 45 applications from qualified
applicants. Anticipated start date of next recruit academy is January 28th, 2027.
Job Descriptions – Job descriptions have been updated to reflect a performance-based model.
Issued updated SOG 00.05 Ride Along Program and associated documentation.

Page 17 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

FMO:
The FMO held another Fire Safety Day at the Burlington Farmers Market on Oct. 3rd. In August we had an
elderly gentleman exit his house to call 911 to report that his house was on fire. He then re-entered his house
for unknown reasons. Crews were able to rescue the gentleman who unfortunately died from his injuries after
transport to the Boston burn unit. This is our second fire death this year. The last two fire deaths where in
2020. It has been discovered that during the 1980’s the housing review board made some poor decisions when
allowing apartments that did not meet the fire safety code to continue to be used. The FMO is working with DPI
to find these apartments and remedy the situations.
Training Division Notes August / September
· Three members completed a week-long Fundamentals of Fire Investigation Course offered through the
International Association of Arson Investigators. Thank you to FM Stone for helping our department secure the
seats for this class.
· Cpt Blake is attending The First Responder Wellness POWER Program. This program is a nationally certified,
intensive curriculum for First Responders that trains mindfulness practices, compassion-based communication
exercises, and Wellness-related skills for health, stress management, deescalation, and resilience. The program
includes a 2-day initial training workshop, 2-days of advanced training, weekly online assignments, guidance
for self-facilitated weekly council huddles, and ongoing consultation and coaching.
The Training Division worked with BC McCombie to complete an After Action Review on the recent Red Bird
exercise. The training was a success and BFD crews performed well. As with any major training exercise, there
are always areas improvements can be made. This AAR will ensure we as a department tailor our training
directly to lessons learned from the exercise and track our progress.
· Recruit Class 26-01 is complete. All five Recruits successfully completed the Academy and our three entry
level recruits passed their FF1 challenge. A special thank you to FF McKinnon who volunteered to stay on as
the lead instructor when FF McCormick was not able to return. Staff at the Vermont Fire Academy, including
custodial staff who cleaned their rooms after our stay, all asked me to share their appreciation for the Recruits
professionalism and conduct during our time at the VFA. This is not only a testament to our Recruits but to the
hard work of the Recruit Academy Cadre and especially lead instructor McKinnon.
· Lt Kirtlink completed our first round of department training on the new boat. Members got quite an
introduction since we were blessed with some rough waters that week.
· Department training for Roof Rope Rescue has begun. Thank you to Cpt Blake, Lt Critchlow, and SFF Shaw
who prepared and are delivering the training.

Page 18 of 57

BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387

Page 19 of 57

October EMS Report

Page 20 of 57

Total Monthly Incidents
September had the lowest incident count since April 2026.

Data through 9/30/2026

Note: EMS began switching to First Due for data
collection in September 2026. Some data irregularities
may occur as the systems integrate.

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 21 of 57

Monthly Transports

Note: EMS began
switching to First Due
for data collection in
September 2026.
Some data
irregularities may
occur as the systems
integrate.

Data through 9/30/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 22 of 57

Transport Rates September + YTD
EMS is transporting at a slightly higher rate in 2026 than they were at this point in 2025.

Note: EMS began
switching to First Due for
data collection in
September 2026. Some
data irregularities may
occur as the systems
integrate.

Data through 9/30/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 23 of 57

Call Categories September 2026
Injury / Trauma was the top call category, followed by patients refusing evaluation/care and no patient calls.

Note: 25 patient refusals
(35%) were dispatched
as Motor Vehicle
Crashes, Falls, or Lift
Assists
Note: EMS began switching to
First Due for data collection in
September 2026. Some data
irregularities may occur as the
systems integrate.

Data through 9/30/2026

Categories derived using the crews on-scene diagnosis.

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 24 of 57

Call Categories, YTD 2026
For the year, Injury / Trauma is the top category, followed by neurologic calls and patient refusals.

Note: 191 patient refusals
(31%) were dispatched
as Motor Vehicle
Crashes, Falls, or Lift
Assists

Note: EMS began switching to
First Due for data collection in
September 2026. Some data
irregularities may occur as the
systems integrate.

Data through 9/30/2026

Categories derived using the crews on-scene diagnosis.

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 25 of 57

Categories of Note September + YTD
2026 rates look very similar to 2025 rates.

Note: EMS began switching to
First Due for data collection in
September 2026. Some data
irregularities may occur as the
systems integrate.

Data through 9/30/2026

Categories derived using the crews on-scene diagnosis.

25 patient refusals in September 2026 were dispatched as
Motor Vehicle Crashes, Falls, or Lift Assists.
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Substance Use Events
Incidents where
‘substance use / overdose
/ opioid’ is in the crew’s
diagnosis and/or Narcan
was administered.

September had the lowest total since April 2026.

Note: EMS began switching to
First Due for data collection in
September 2026. Some data
irregularities may occur as the
systems integrate.

Does not include all
calls dispatched as
overdoses that may
or may not have been
reversed by the time
the crew is on scene.

Data through 9/30/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 27 of 57

Calls Dispatched as ‘Overdose / Poisoning / Ingestion’, September 2026
11% of this months calls dispatched as overdoses were categorized as alcohol or substance use events*

Note: EMS began
switching to First
Due for data
collection in
September 2026.
Some data
irregularities may
occur as the
systems integrate.

Data through 9/30/2026

Note: not all
alcohol /
substance
use events
are
dispatched
as alcohol /
substance
use events
Top ‘other call
categories’:
General Unwell
/ Malaise,
Psychiatric /
Behavioral
Problem

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 28 of 57

Patient Age September + YTD

Data through 9/30/2026

Does not include ages of patients for whom information was not recorded.
These are largely patient refusals / no patient incidents.

Note: EMS began
switching to First
Due for data
collection in
September 2026.
Some data
irregularities may
occur as the
systems integrate.

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 29 of 57

Top Call Categories by Age, 2026 YTD

Does not include ages of
patients for whom
information was not
recorded.
These are largely patient
refusals / no patient
incidents.

Data through 9/30/2026

Note: EMS began
switching to First
Due for data
collection in
September 2026.
Some data
irregularities may
occur as the
systems integrate.

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 30 of 57

Patient Housing Status

Data through 9/30/2026

Does not include housing status of patients for whom information was not recorded.
These are largely patient refusals / no patient incidents.

Note: EMS began
switching to First
Due for data
collection in
September 2026.
Some data
irregularities may
occur as the
systems integrate.

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 31 of 57

Impact Cohort
Impact Cohort members are people who have had at least 3 EMS responses in a given month.

Note: EMS
began
switching to
First Due for
data collection
in September
2026. Some
data
irregularities
may occur as
the systems
integrate.

Data through 9/30/2026

Percentages calculated by removing patients with no recorded name from the denominator.
These are largely patient refusals / no patient incidents.

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 32 of 57

Community Response Team
76% of CRT responses in 2026 have been no patient incidents or patient refusals.

Data through 9/30/2026

Note: EMS began switching to First Due
for data collection in September 2026.
Some data irregularities may occur as
the systems integrate.

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 33 of 57

Situation Table
BFD has brought more Situations than any other agency in 2026

Data through 9/30/2026

Note: EMS began switching to First
Due for data collection in September
2026. Some data irregularities may
occur as the systems integrate.

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 34 of 57

Strategic Questions
• As EMS data increasingly identifies needs that intersect with multiple City
departments and community partners, what opportunities exist to strengthen
coordination and develop a more integrated City response?

Data through 8/31/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 35 of 57

Appendix: Working Diagnosis Categories

Data through 8/31/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 36 of 57

Appendix: Working Diagnosis Categories

Data through 8/31/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 37 of 57

Appendix: Working Diagnosis Categories

Data through 8/31/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 38 of 57

Appendix: Working Diagnosis Categories

Data through 8/31/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 39 of 57

Appendix: Working Diagnosis Categories

Data through 8/31/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 40 of 57

Appendix: Working Diagnosis Categories

Data through 8/31/2026

Analysis preliminary and subject to change.
Page 41 of 57

Page 42 of 57

October 2026 Burlington Police Commission – Public Safety Committee Report
Incidents

Staff Levels
Position
Administration - Professional Staff
Community Service Officers - Manager
Community Support Liaison - Manager
Domestic Violence Advocate
Emergency Communications Staff Manager
Identification Unit
Records Staff
Sworn Staff - ALL

Staffed
5
5
6
1

Vacant
3
4
1
0

%
Vacant
37%
44%
14%
0

13
2
4

2
0
0

13%
0
0

54

19

26%

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Community Service Officer Incidents

Community Support Liaison Incidents

Page 44 of 57

Sworn Officer Incidents

Page 45 of 57

Patrols

Violent Incidents

Page 46 of 57

City Hall Park

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Arrests

Drug Arrests

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Tickets / Warnings

Page 49 of 57

Distribution of Incidents

Housing Status of Top 72

Page 50 of 57

Incidents of Top 72

Page 51 of 57

Page 52 of 57

Officer Workload

Page 53 of 57

Officer Response Time

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MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:

City Council
Ranjit Buddy Singh, City Councilor South District Chair Public Safety Committee
October 17, 2026
Summary of Burlington Forward Committee Meetings

The committee held two extra work sessions in addition to regular meetings, on 8/27, 8/31/2026
9/9/2026, & 9/24/206 covering items in Burlington Forward and included presentations on the
City’s camera systems, CJC’s City Circle, and Fletcher Free Library safety and security initiatives.
Minutes, media, agendas, and attachments for the meetings can be found here:
•

8/27/2026

•

8/31/2026

•

9/9/2026

•

9/24/2026

At the Chair's request, the Committee’s review of the Burlington Forward resolution focused on
Sections 2 and 3. As noted in a previous memo (City Council 9/14/2026), the committee had
significant disagreement over the language and therefore intent of certain resolution provisions,
which in some instances the committee could not find resolution.
Much of the language has been edited from the original resolution to better clarify intent and has
incorporated input from the public, service partners, administration, and council.
Using the deliberations and presentations as the guidepost the resolution has been updated to
reflect the information provided and the various opinions reflected by the public and committee
members.

1. Drug Trafficking / Drug Enforcement (Draft 1 Section 2.05/now
2.04)
Discussion of drug enforcement arose in the context of expanding public safety personnel and
public-space response capacity. The Committee's discussion reflected general, though
preliminary, support for the following:
• Leaning on existing federal and state drug enforcement resources rather than building new

capacity from scratch.

• Any expansion of enforcement or public safety capacity should be developed in direct

consultation with the Police and Fire Chiefs.

• Using existing Sheriff’s Office contracts to support these efforts, including a mention of

potentially reallocating resources from current law-enforcement contracts.

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2. Public Safety Cameras and Public Notification ( Draft Section
2.06/Now 2.05)
There was general agreement among Committee members to move forward with, at minimum, a
full inventory assessment of the City's existing public safety cameras. This was viewed as a
legitimate area for future investment, using tools the City already has in place and leveraging this
system.
• Support for an inventory assessment as a starting point.
• Caution raised regarding security protocols for camera locations and associated data.
• Consensus that further, more detailed Committee-level oversight/discussion is needed given

the privacy implications and the number of City departments that would need to be involved.

The Committee subsequently received a presentation from the City’s Chief Innovation Officer on
the camera systems at its September 24 meeting (see Section 4).

3. Embedded Social Services / Fletcher Free Library Model (Draft
Section 2.04/Now within 2.03)
The Committee reached some consensus that Section 2.04, as currently drafted, should be
separated into two distinct concepts:
• Organized events and activities in City Hall Park; and
• Embedded social services and street outreach in a downtown hub, modeled on the approach

used at the Fletcher Free Library.

Discussion of the embedded services / mutual aid concept was extensive but unresolved:
• Proposed regulation of food distribution and other mutual aid activity in City Hall Park drew

opposition from some members, who viewed it as effectively targeting mutual aid
organizations.

• Latest version strikes the regulation of food distribution to be addressed in Burlington Forward

4. September 24 Regular Meeting: City Camera Usage (Section
2.06)
Committee received a presentation on the City’s camera systems from Chief Innovation Officer
Scot Barker. No action was taken on any item. Points noted from the camera discussion:
• Scale: roughly 100–125 cameras are in the Cognify system, about 100 more have been

purchased, and about 25 are currently broken. Dispatch has access to the downtown
cameras (an estimated 275–300) and can pull up footage when a call comes in.

• Members asked how visible the cameras are and whether they should be more visible in some

locations, and what other cities do for camera deployment. Camera locations were suggested
as a topic for executive session.

This builds on the August 31 consensus to begin with an inventory assessment and to continue the
discussion at the Committee level given the privacy and security implications.

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4. Accountability and Enforcement (Draft Section 3.06/Now 3.05)
Based on conversation in committee with City Attorney, CJC, Howard Center Street Outreach and
Chief of Police:
• The City recognizes that drug trafficking is currently a misdemeanor under state law.
• That classification limits the tools available to BPD and other law enforcement in the ability to
disrupt open drug dealing in the downtown
Local ordinance review
•

The Public Safety Committee and Ordinance Committee, with the City Attorney's Office,
will review local ordinances under Chapter 21, Articles I and III

•

The review will assess their effectiveness and recommend changes to increase
accountability for offenses and related harm.

•

The committees will examine why City Circle violations that rise to criminal penalties have
not yet been referred to the judicial system

State-level engagement
•

The goal is to examine how Vermont law treats repeat offenses involving the sale and
distribution of regulated drugs, including lower-level offenses that fall below the thresholds
for more serious charges.

•

They will also consider whether statutory changes are warranted to better equip
municipalities, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts to address persistent openair dealing in shared public spaces.

7. Recommended Next Steps
• In the event that City Council adopts the latest version of the Burlington Forward Resolution

the Public Safety Committee remains committed to its existing work, and any other tasks set
forth in the resolution that requires more committee process.

• A sincere thank you those in the public that have spent the hours with committee remaining in

engaged in the process.

• Thank you to both Chiefs and staff of BPD, BFD, Fletcher Free Library staff and leadership,

CJC staff and leadership, Howard Center Street Outreach, CIO Office staff and leadership,
City Attorney and City staff for the continued commitment and extended hours they have
provide for public and committee.

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