Columbia City Council to vote on putting fire department in charge of emergency response

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia City Council will consider changes to how the city responds to emergencies at Monday night’s meeting.

The proposed changes would make the Columbia Fire Department chief the city’s emergency operations manager. It would also make the Columbia Fire Department the lead agency in responding to disasters.

Every city department would have to designate one person to participate in the City’s emergency plans if this proposed plan goes into effect. Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said this change clarifies which is the lead agency in emergencies.

Boone County would remain in command of the response to countywide emergencies and oversee countywide training.

The item is listed on the council’s consent agenda and is expected to receive a vote.