The Owensboro Fire Department is inviting the public to take part in a community event called “Your Fire Department, Your Voice” this evening. Captain James Howard said the forum is designed to give residents a chance to share their thoughts on the department’s services and priorities.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Walter Freeman Fire Training Center, located at 1323 Daviess Street.
“It’s just an opportunity for us to meet some members of the public face to face who are interested in what we do,” Howard said. “We want to open up the floor, really, to just listen to how people feel about the fire department, and if there are things that they think that we need to be thinking about.”
Howard said past online surveys in 2021 and 2023 provided useful feedback, but turnout was limited. This year, the department wanted to move beyond surveys and hold an in-person conversation.
He said the event will begin with a short presentation on the department’s programs, budget, and services before shifting into open discussion.
“I don’t plan to spend more than 10 or 12 minutes doing the presentation, because I’ll be there to listen more than to talk,” Howard said. “I want to make sure that avenue is open to them, and then be able to incorporate some of the feedback into planning for the future of the department.”
Howard added that the event will also be an opportunity for the public to see the new fire training center, which opened earlier this year.
“We really want to make sure we’re listening to their voice,” Howard said. “We would appreciate their feedback, whether it is through social media, a phone call, or showing up at this meeting, so that they can have their voice heard, because we’re there for them.”
