When Seconds Count: Why Fire Rescue Depends on LOST Funding
A Q&A with Chief Harrison of Escambia County Fire Rescue
Four new fire stations. Replacement fire engines. Upgraded radios and alerting systems. Escambia County Fire Rescue has put the Local Option Sales Tax to work across the county. With the renewal on the November ballot, we asked Escambia County Fire Chief Adam Harrison what's been built, what's next, and what's at stake.
How would you describe the overall impact Local Option Sales Tax revenues have had on Escambia County Fire Rescue operations?
Local Option Sales Tax revenues have had a significant and lasting impact on the operational readiness, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability of Escambia County Fire Rescue. LOST funding has allowed the department to modernize aging infrastructure, replace frontline apparatus, improve firefighter safety, and expand service capabilities to meet the growing public safety needs of our community.
Without relying solely on MSBU or the General Fund, LOST revenues have provided ECFR with the ability to make strategic capital investments that directly improve emergency response, disaster preparedness, and service delivery across Escambia County. These revenues have helped ensure that firefighters have reliable equipment, updated technology, and facilities capable of supporting modern fire-rescue operations.
Additionally, LOST funding has enabled ECFR to proactively plan for future growth rather than simply reacting to critical failures or outdated infrastructure. This has strengthened the department’s ability to protect lives, conserve property, and maintain operational continuity during emergencies and major disasters.
Would you highlight some of the most recent equipment purchases or building projects that have been funded by LOST?
LOST revenues have supported numerous critical projects and purchases throughout Escambia County Fire Rescue in recent years, including:
The purchase of multiple frontline fire apparatus and emergency response vehicles to replace aging units with high maintenance costs.
Funding toward the development and construction of 4 new fire stations in underserved and rapidly growing areas of Escambia County.
Facility improvements and renovations to existing stations to improve firefighter safety, living conditions, and operational efficiency.
Investments in specialized response equipment for technical rescue operations, and disaster response capabilities.
Upgrades to communications and emergency response infrastructure, including radio and alerting systems.
Expansion and enhancement of training capabilities and firefighter development resources.
These projects have directly improved ECFR’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies while ensuring personnel have safe and reliable equipment to serve the public.
Do you have any LOST-funded projects underway at the present?
Yes. Escambia County Fire Rescue currently has several LOST-supported projects either underway or in active planning phases. These include:
Continued planning, design, and development of new fire stations to improve countywide coverage and reduce response times.
Replacement planning for aging frontline apparatus and specialty response vehicles.
Ongoing infrastructure improvements at existing fire stations and operational facilities.
Communications and technology upgrades designed to improve interoperability, dispatch reliability, and emergency coordination.
These projects are part of ECFR’s long-term strategic effort to ensure the department remains operationally prepared as Escambia County continues to grow.
“The loss of LOST revenues would have substantial near-term and long-term impacts on Escambia County Fire Rescue operations and capital improvement efforts.”
Do you have any projects or equipment purchases planned for 2026 and 2027 that will need funding from LOST revenues?
Yes. ECFR has several major capital projects and equipment needs planned for 2026 and 2027 that are expected to rely heavily on LOST funding support. Please see the response to the previous question for additional information.
Many of these projects are large-scale capital investments that cannot realistically be funded through annual operating budgets alone. LOST revenues provide a critical mechanism for addressing these needs while minimizing impacts to daily operations.
What would be the near-term and long-term impact on Escambia County Fire Rescue if LOST revenues were to end?
The loss of LOST revenues would have substantial near-term and long-term impacts on Escambia County Fire Rescue operations and capital improvement efforts.
Near-term impacts would likely include:
Delays or cancellations of apparatus replacement schedules.
Postponement of planned fire station construction and facility improvements.
Increased maintenance costs associated with keeping aging vehicles and infrastructure in service longer.
Reduced ability to purchase specialized emergency response equipment.
Slower modernization of communications and operational technology systems.
Long-term impacts would be even more significant and could include:
Degradation of emergency response capabilities due to aging apparatus and facilities.
Increased risk of equipment failures and service interruptions.
Longer response times in growing areas without additional station construction.
Reduced firefighter safety due to outdated facilities and equipment.
Difficulty maintaining regional specialty response capabilities such as hazardous materials and technical rescue operations.
Greater financial strain on the County’s general fund and taxpayers if alternative funding sources are not identified.
Ultimately, LOST revenues have become an essential component of ECFR’s ability to maintain a modern, effective, and sustainable fire-rescue system. The continuation of these revenues is critical to ensuring the department can continue meeting the community’s expectations and emergency service needs both now and in the future.
