The Rome-Floyd Fire Department remains in solid financial condition while continuing to respond to hundreds of emergency calls each month, according to updates presented during the recent Rome-Floyd Fire Overview Committee meeting.
Department officials reported that expenses are currently below budget, though spending is approximately $900,000 higher than the same period last year. The department ended 2025 with a cash balance of $3.8 million, including $3.7 million in unrestricted funds. An Emergency Operations Center fund, supported by annual contributions from both the city and county, currently totals just over $59,000 and may be used for building improvements.
Fire officials also shared recent activity numbers, noting the department responded to 618 incidents in March, including 297 calls within the city and 321 in the county. In April, crews handled 536 incidents, with 242 in the city and 294 in the county. The Fire Marshal’s Office conducted 698 inspections over the two-month period and hosted 17 fire and life safety education classes.
Among operational updates, the department announced that a new fire boat is now in service and training is scheduled in June to prepare firefighters for responding to battery storage plant emergencies and lithium battery fires. Officials said lithium-related incidents present unique challenges, often requiring large amounts of water and specialized protective equipment to prevent fires from spreading.
The department also recently completed annual self-contained breathing apparatus servicing, pump testing on fire trucks and pre-construction planning for new fire engines. One aerial truck is currently undergoing refurbishment and is expected to return to service by November.
On the staffing front, officials said the department is just one firefighter short and has recently filled several leadership positions, including promotions to corporal, sergeant and captain. Recruitment efforts continue, with leaders citing the department’s strong reputation and employee referrals as key hiring tools.
Fire officials also highlighted recent training achievements, including pediatric emergency response instruction and hosting a structural collapse training exercise. The department successfully secured several grants, including funding for five portable generators and new gas and carbon monoxide monitoring equipment.
In community outreach efforts, officials pointed to the continued success of educational field trips for local fifth-grade students and emphasized the importance of checking homes for working smoke detectors.
An additional update was provided on stabilization work at the historic courthouse fire site on Fifth Avenue, where crews are expected to complete structural reinforcement soon, paving the way for the roadway to reopen.
