Q&A With Our Fire Department

Recently, I had the privilege of chatting with Fire Captain Brian Tanner. Our conversation shed light on the countless hours, immense dedication, and unwavering commitment our fire department pours into keeping our city safe.

1. Our Emergency Response in Numbers

• I was curious about the volume of calls our department responded to in 2022. Captain Tanner informed me that they answered just shy of 7,300 calls, including both fire and medical emergencies.

2. Nature of the Calls

• When asked about the most common type of call, Captain Tanner revealed that a significant 85% of calls are medical in nature. It’s heartening to know we have both a paramedic agency and fire department serving us.

3. Our Prompt Response Times

• Understanding the importance of timely responses, I learned that our dispatch usually initiates a response within 90 seconds. Thanks to our strategically placed fire stations, our firefighters typically reach the scene within three to five minutes.

4. Manpower and Strategic Stationing

• Captain Tanner shared the logistics: Provo boasts five fire stations placed thoughtfully across the city. This means about 19 dedicated personnel are always ready to spring into action. Their 48/96 hour work schedule ensures they're both productive at their jobs and present with their families.

5. What Sets Provo Apart

• I wanted to understand how our fire department differentiates itself from others in Utah. Captain Tanner beamed with pride as he spoke about Provo being named the most productive city in America for three years running. The top-notch equipment, unwavering support from our city administration, and the trust instilled in our team make us stand out.

6. The Multifaceted Value Our Fire Department Offers

• Captain Tanner painted a vivid picture of Provo's beautiful but challenging terrains - from majestic mountains to the heartwarming river that courses through our city. Our fire department boasts specialized teams trained for every conceivable scenario: swift water teams for river rescues, mountain rescue teams, hazardous materials teams, and a specialized response team, ensuring our safety in every situation.

7. Provo's Unmatched Safety Record

• It’s a matter of immense pride for us to be recognized as the safest city in the nation. This accolade speaks volumes about the expertise, dedication, and hard work our fire department pours into their roles every day.

8. An Invitation to Our Future Firefighters

• If you've ever considered joining the Provo Fire Department, Captain Tanner paints a picture of a family-oriented department where everyone is valued, opportunities for growth abound, and the city’s expansion promises even more prospects.

In wrapping up, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our fire department for their tireless efforts. Your dedication ensures that Provo continues to shine as a beacon of safety and productivity. Thank you for making our city a place we're proud to call home.

A Steady Hand at the Helm of Provo Fire and Rescue

One of Provo’s guiding pillars is keeping our residents safe and sound. Provo’s new Fire Chief, Jeremy Headman, is the perfect model of that concept. His steady hand is now at the helm of the Provo City Fire Department, and his qualifications for the role come from a very long and impressive list of years of service to Provo.

Chief Jeremy Headman served as Deputy Chief for six years and most recently as Interim Chief just before his appointment to Fire Chief this year. But his career as a firefighter and EMT began almost thirty years ago, in 1995. Jeremy has held just about every position a firefighter can: paramedic, engineer, Station Captain, and Battalion Chief. Jeremy clearly brings a strong sense of understanding, loyalty, and dedication to his new city role.

Jeremy is a uniquely qualified leader in his ability to know personally the 81 full-time firefighters in Provo’s five stations, as well as his understanding of their demanding job. As Chief, Jeremy knows what makes the job of a firefighter so challenging and fulfilling–that they see people in their most difficult moments, offering in moments of tragedy the best that a firefighter can offer them.

As Chief Headman stresses, “It’s not so much about what firefighters do daily, but what they’re willing to do for someone experiencing their worst day.” Though they witness a lot of devastation, firefighters are in a role that can genuinely impact many lives. His appreciation, understanding, and ability to guide, train, teach, and relate to the firefighter’s role is unmatched.

Chief Headman is open about his love for the Fire Department, for Provo, and his strong commitment to leave Provo even better through his service than it is today. We’re so grateful to have him as a leader in our community. He most certainly makes Provo a safer—and better—place.

Fall Cleanup 2023

Ready to clear the garage of unwanted and never–used items? Need to dispose of the cut grass and tree trimmings that weigh down the black garbage cans? Take advantage of Provo’s annual Fall Cleanup!

Separate yard waste and metals and dispose of the material in dumpsters at six locations throughout the city from September 25 – November 4, Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Dumpsters at the Compost Yard are available during the fall cleanup from Monday - Saturday from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Please do not dump after hours. Dumpsters will be closed nightly. It is unlawful to leave items on the ground. Illegal dumping costs thousands of dollars at the expense of Provo taxpayers and possible discontinuance of the program.

Larger loads, double-axle trailers, and loose green waste loads may be redirected to the Transfer Station or Provo City Compost Yard at the discretion of the cleanup attendant.

Locations:

➤ September 25 – September 30 2027 W 820 N — Pole Yard 1625 S Industrial Parkway — compost yard

➤ October 2 – October 7 2027 W 820 N — Pole Yard

1625 S Industrial Parkway — compost yard

➤ October 9 - October 14 2620 N 1200 E — Rock Canyon Park 1625 S Industrial Parkway — compost yard

➤ October 16 – October 21 2620 N 1200 E — Rock Canyon Park 1625 S Industrial Parkway — compost yard

➤ October 23 – October 28 100 N Seven Peaks Blvd — Peaks Arena 1625 S Industrial Parkway — compost yard

➤ October 30 – November 4 1150 S 1350 W — Footprinter Park 1625 S Industrial Parkway — compost yard

Items that may NOT be placed in the Clean-Up Dumpsters:

Concrete, Blocks, Bricks, Dirt, Rocks, and Sod Paints, Solvents, Household Chemicals, Pesticides, Used Oil and Bulk Liquids Auto Parts, Tires, and Batteries Refrigerators, Freezers, AC Units, and items containing refrigerants.

For information on how to dispose of these items and others, visit SUVSWD.org/what-to-do-with

Transfer Station

Provo residents may take trash directly to the South Utah Valley Solid Waste District transfer station (2450 W 400 South, Springville) free of charge (using the coupon in the City Newsletter) September 25 – November 4 during normal business hours, Monday – Saturday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Cover loads to avoid a $4 tarp fee.

City Compost Yard

Depending on availability, organic compost will be on hand for purchase to residents at $5 per yard and to nonresidents at $10 per yard. Located at 1625 S Industrial Parkway in Provo and open Monday - Saturday from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm during Fall Cleanup. (After cleanup only open Friday-Saturday weather dependent.)

Green waste drop-off is available for residents free of charge during City Cleanups, and for a $5 fee per pickup truck or trailer up to 16’ for each drop-off after the City Cleanup.

No lumber, building materials, rocks, dirt, sod, stumps, treated wood, logs over 10” in diameter or trash is accepted at the compost yard. Logs over 4" in diameter to be cut to 8' lengths or shorter. No loads from commercial haulers or landscapers will be accepted.

Leaf Bags

You can also find a Leaf Bag Coupon in the City Newsletter good for five free leaf bags that can be picked up at the Public Works Dept., 1377 S 350 E. Leaf bags are collected curbside November through December.