Spruce Grove Protective Services responded to a combined 11,154 calls for service last year, as outlined in the 2023 Annual Report which was presented to City Council during the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on April 14.

The Annual Report showed that Fire Services responded to 6,957 incidents in 2023 (including medical calls for service outside Spruce Grove city limits), while Enforcement Services answered 4,197 complaints. Among the other highlights contained in the report:

• Enforcement Services conducted over 640 patrols and traffic operations in school zones to keep children safe as they come and go from school.
• Peace officers performed more than 1,500 safety patrols in parks and on trails to increase visibility and ensure the safety of residents using these amenities.
• The target fire response time of 320 seconds was achieved in more than 90 per cent of structure fire calls, while the target medical response time of 300 seconds was achieved in 90 per cent of medical calls.
• 131 drivers were ticketed for being distracted behind the wheel and distracted driving enforcement will continue to be a priority in 2024.
• Fire Services held a social media contest to name its new pumper truck. “Ruby” was the winning name and the other top four names (Big Red, Clifford, Pepper, and Sriracha) were given to four other fire trucks.
• Fire and Enforcement staff helped keep thousands of people safe at numerous community events such as Canada Day, Agri Fair, Light Up, and Block Parties and supported community-building initiatives including Scoops with Cops, holiday check stops, and the Kinettes Stuff-a-Cruiser and Christmas Hamper Drive.

“The data shows just how safe and how well-served our community is by our first responders, both Fire Services and Enforcement Services,” said Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker. “It gives us all peace of mind knowing that if you ever need an ambulance, a fire crew, or a peace officer in Spruce Grove, they are ready to respond and they will get to you quickly. We thank all our Protective Services staff for the work they do to keep our community safe.”

Read the complete 2023 Protective Services Annual Report.