Milton’s 2025 budget expands fire services with focus on community safety

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Milton’s 2025 budget will strengthen its commitment to community safety with investments aligned with the town’s 2021-2031 Fire Master Plan.

Next year’s budget for Milton Fire and Rescue Services (MFRS) includes funding for 12 additional firefighters, one platoon chief, and one fire prevention officer. This builds on the Council’s ongoing support since 2021, which has added 41 full-time positions to MFRS, complementing its part-time staff.

This growth is significant because it has enhanced Milton Fire’s capacity in firefighting, communications, safety, prevention, training, and leadership.

The 2025 budget aims to improve emergency response times across urban and rural areas, increase proactive fire inspections in commercial and multi-residential buildings, and implement next-generation 911 technology to enhance emergency communication.

The Fire Master Plan, which provides a strategic framework for delivering fire services in Milton, includes a Community Risk Assessment to evaluate local needs, populations, and building stock. This data-driven approach ensures resources are aligned with the town’s growth and risk profile.

“I want to thank Town Council and senior leadership for the ongoing commitment to deliver on our Fire Master Plan. As we send multiple vehicles out on every call, this continued support helps us maintain our focus on the safety of our community and fire crews,” said Peter Gatto, Chief of Milton Fire Department.