Elgin Fire Chief requests sixth ambulance and nine new paramedics to address rising emergency calls

Elgin Fire Chief Robb Cagann has requested a sixth ambulance and nine new firefighter/paramedics due to a 40% increase in emergency calls over the past 12 years. The department's call volume rose from 10,700 in 2012 to an expected 16,000 in 2024. The proposed budget for 2025 would increase to $38.2 million, reflecting a $2.2 million rise. The sixth ambulance, previously in service until 2012, would be stationed at Fire Station 3 to help manage the growing demand. Cagann noted that the department frequently relies on mutual aid from neighboring towns, requesting assistance 628 times in 2023. The council will vote on the budget in mid-December.