The Challenges
Outdated and Inadequate Infrastructure
The Hibbing Fire Department primarily operates out of the headquarters building (2320 Brooklyn Drive), which was built in 1964. Despite efforts to maintain this building, it is rapidly deteriorating and needs repairs, renovations and upgrades that exceed available financial resources from the city. The department also utilizes two additional spaces in the city to store equipment, conduct the paid on-call firefighter operations, and train staff. Challenges facing the fire department include:
Significant structural deterioration creating internal and external moisture and water damage.
A lack of appropriate staffing areas and training spaces, including space for paid on-call firefighters.
An inadequately sized fire rig bay that cannot fit a standard ladder truck requiring the city to spend an extra $300,000 to $400,000 to special order a smaller version.
A lack of space for equipment to be properly stored.
Insufficient space to house all fire trucks, ambulances and other vehicles.
Lack of Dedicated Space
Police officers and firefighters often need to collaborate during various situations such as accidents, natural disasters or criminal activities, but there is no centralized location large enough to host all public safety staff and foster inter-agency collaborative efforts. The City of Hibbing currently rents space from St. Louis County for about $70,000 per year to provide space for the Hibbing Police Department. The space does not allow for joint emergency response planning and collaboration or meet the space needs of the police department. Challenges facing the police department include:
Insufficient space for personnel and equipment.
Insufficient space for evidence storage.
Insufficient space for employee training.
Lack of coordinated response planning and training with the fire department.
Inefficiencies and Increased Costs
The City of Hibbing’s public safety departments work together but do not have a centralized, up-to-date location that supports collaboration and resource sharing to improve emergency response and enhance community safety. In addition, maintaining multiple facilities and continually repairing deteriorating buildings can incur higher costs for the city.