City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department
The City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department is a 64 man career staffed department that protects 31,000 people living in a area of 4.78 square miles; providing around the clock fire protection. We operate three fire stations that protect a mix of residential, industrial and commercial usage. The department responds to almost 5,000 calls for assistance per year. The City’s apparatus includes four engines, two ladder trucks, one rescue vehicle and a fire/rescue boat.
Fire Department Divisions
Administration is currently led by the Fire Chief and assisted by the Deputy Chief. The primary responsibility is the administration, formulation, coordination and delivery of fire department services. The duties include supervision and direction of subordinate divisions, long term and strategic planning as well formulating an annual fire department budget.
Training and Development
Training and Development is overseen by a Captain; this division provides ongoing in-service and field training to all firefighters and officers to insure they are kept up-to-date on the latest in firefighting methods and safety. This division is directly responsible for all academy recruits until completion of field training as well as providing and co-sponsoring training with adjacent departments and civic groups.
Suppression and Protection
On-duty firefighter shifts are headed by a Captain and assisted by Lieutenants and 10 Firefighters. They respond to all requests for emergency assistance when dispatched by the City of Poughkeepsie E-911 Center.
Fire Prevention
Fire prevention is handled by on-duty personnel throughout the year. They conduct on-site visits to local schools, churches and on-site inspections for fire safety. In addition, tours are scheduled at each of the fire houses throughout the year.
Investigation
This division investigates the cause and origin of fires or explosions to determine whether it is suspicious, accidental or intentional in nature. When necessary, this division works jointly with the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department.
Inspections
This division is now handled by the City of Poughkeepsie Building Department. All inquiries regarding the issuance of permits, licenses for places of public assembly and fire inspections should be directed to the Building Department. They are located on the second floor of City Hall, 62 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, New York-(845) 451-4007.
Administration
Mark W. Johnson, Fire Chief – mjohnson@cityofpoughkeepsie.com
Edward Decker, Deputy Fire Chief- edecker@cityofpoughkeepsie.com
505 Main Street, Second Floor, Poughkeepsie, New York
Phone: (845) 451-4079 Fax: (845) 451-4191
Administrative Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
