The DC Fire and EMS Department has proposed a gross operating budget of $369.8 million for Fiscal Year 2026.
The plan was presented by Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly on May 29, 2025, during a budget oversight hearing before the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, as reported by the DC Fire and EMS Department.
Chief Donnelly explained that the FY26 budget reflects the administration’s broader Grow DC strategy, which focuses on cost efficiency and investments in key services.
The proposed budget supports 2,265 employees and includes targeted investments in ambulance support, workforce health, safety gear, and station technology.
It also includes cuts and restructured funding, including a shift of positions from federal grants to local funding.
The Department reported a $4.9 million one-time local fund enhancement to cover Basic Life Support transportation and upgrades to ambulance billing systems and Medicaid cost reporting.
It said this funding is designed to align current service costs with budgeted resources.
The budget also provides $1 million to expand services through the Police and Fire Clinic, with an additional $50,000 allocated for candidate hiring exams.
According to the Department, safety-related allocations include $500,000 for increased gear costs, $350,000 for the whole blood transfusion program, and $447,000 for firehouse IT upgrades where equipment has become non-compliant with citywide standards.
The DC Fire and EMS Department stated that the FY26 budget reflects a $4.8 million removal of one-time FY25 funding for structural protective gear.
It has also implemented $867,000 in internal savings and cost control measures.
The Department noted that $897,000 in local funds has been added to cover roles previously funded by federal Medicaid grants, reflecting a transition of personnel to dual-role providers.
It further explained that a one-time citywide savings measure results in a $2 million reduction tied to step increases and fringe benefits, including $72,000 in grant-related reductions.
The FY26 capital budget continues funding for fire engine, ladder truck, and rescue unit replacements.
The Department explained that delayed vehicle replacements pose operational risks and that the Mayor’s ongoing capital investment strategy supports readiness and safety.
The Department also noted that $4.55 million is allocated for station upgrades and deferred maintenance.
An additional $1.5 million is designated for generator replacement.
Facility improvements will focus on kitchens, bunkrooms, HVAC, fitness spaces, and IT systems.
The Department confirmed that the capital budget includes $25.35 million in FY26 and $7 million in FY27 to replace Fire Boat 1, the John Glenn.
It said that the vessel has returned from dry dock and will resume service during the summer season.
Design for the replacement is set to begin in FY25, with construction to follow upon completion of design and engineering.
According to the Department, vessel construction timelines are comparable to engines and trucks, often taking up to four years.
Chief Donnelly said the FY26 budget aims to balance fiscal responsibility with service delivery.
He credited Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration for continued investments in safety and infrastructure.
Donnelly added: “This budget balances fiscal responsibility with strategic investments that strengthen our core mission: delivering exceptional public safety services to the residents of and visitors to our city.”
He welcomed questions from Council members and thanked the Committee for its continued partnership.
The gross operating budget proposed for DC Fire and EMS in FY26 is $369.8 million.
The Department’s plan was presented by Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly on May 29, 2025.
The budget includes $7.3 million in targeted enhancements for EMS support, workforce health, and safety equipment.
Local funding for ambulance services, mental health support, and IT infrastructure is part of the proposed increases.
A total of $4.8 million in FY25 one-time funding is being removed.
Internal cost savings of $867,000 are identified in the plan.
$897,000 is being reallocated to cover dual-role providers from local funds.
A citywide reduction measure cuts $2 million tied to personnel benefits.
The capital budget includes $4.55 million for fire station upgrades and $1.5 million for generator replacement.
$25.35 million is allocated in FY26 to replace Fire Boat 1, with $7 million to follow in FY27.
Design and engineering for the vessel replacement begin in FY25.
Construction timelines for the new boat are expected to be multiple years.
The Department says the FY26 budget supports operational readiness and fiscal control.
