City of Batavia Fire Chief Joshua Graham makes a case for the need to hire a Deputy Chief during Monday evening’s City Council Conference meeting Budget hearing.
Statement from Chief Graham/Ensuring Sustainable Leadership and Public Safety
I appreciate the opportunity for members of the public to share their views during the recent budget hearing. Public input is an important part of the process, and I respect that residents care deeply about how the City allocates its resources.
I would like to provide additional context regarding the proposed Deputy Chief position.
Below: video of the City Council Conference meeting on Monday evening, February 23, 2026
Over the past ten years, our department’s call volume has doubled. Fire prevention activity has also doubled, and we are currently implementing a new inspection program designed to improve consistency, documentation, and community risk reduction. In addition to emergency response and prevention efforts, the department must meet extensive state and federal compliance requirements, maintain mandated training standards, manage reporting obligations, oversee equipment and facilities, and ensure operational readiness at all times.
While it has been reported that this position is being requested primarily for inspections, inspections represent only a small part of a much broader organizational need that was discussed during our budget workshops. The Deputy Chief role is intended to strengthen overall operational capacity — including training oversight, compliance management, strategic planning, continuity of command, and long-term sustainability.
Our company officers perform their operational responsibilities exceptionally well, and their primary focus must remain emergency response and direct supervision of crews. This proposal is not about an inability to delegate. It is about structuring leadership appropriately as the scope and complexity of the department’s responsibilities continue to grow.
We also take fiscal responsibility very seriously. The budget proposal includes measures to offset the cost of this position, and the request was made with careful planning and consideration of long-term financial impact. Our goal is to strengthen the department in a way that is both operationally sound and financially responsible.
Finally, I am confident that my professional experience and record of service demonstrate a commitment to effective leadership, accountability, and stewardship of public resources. Every recommendation brought forward is done with the best interests of the community and the organization in mind.
I remain committed to transparency and continued dialogue. Our shared objective is to ensure the Fire Department is structured to meet today’s demands while preparing responsibly for the future.