Commentary by Jule Cavanaugh
Adapted from a 4/29 Facebook post
I had the opportunity to meet with Sun Prairie Fire and EMS Chief Garrison yesterday.
He mentioned that he occasionally reads Facebook comments and posts and recognized my name. I reached out to speak with him about staffing needs, potential funding requests, and the role of TIF in supporting public safety.
Chief Garrison shared that he feels he may not have fully communicated the importance of the requested positions in police, fire, and EMS. I told him I believe the recent referendum failed in spite of those needs, not because of them. Survey results indicated that police, fire, and EMS remain the highest priorities for residents.
We also discussed public perception, including comments about the department’s Tahoe vehicle. Chief Garrison clarified that while it is a Tahoe, it also functions as a specialized incident command vehicle. I had the opportunity to see it firsthand and can confirm it is equipped with extensive command technology. It served as a good reminder to ask questions and seek full context before forming conclusions.
During my visit, I toured the station and saw firsthand how efficiently the department operates. Resources are well-maintained and organized, and the team appears prepared for rapid response.
We also discussed the ongoing challenges of staffing and retention, as well as the need for additional full-time personnel.
Chief Garrison expressed strong pride in his team, and I had the chance to meet several members of the department. He walked me through the equipment and apparatus, noting the significant costs associated with maintaining readiness. For example, gear for a single firefighter can cost around $4,000.
In my view, the community strongly supports emergency services, and survey data reflects that. While the referendum may have failed for a variety of reasons, I do not believe public safety funding was one of them.
As a resident, I plan to contact my council members and alders to advocate for funding the requested police, fire, and EMS positions. If budget decisions require trade-offs, I believe core services like public safety should come first. These services play a critical role in community stability, quality of life, and property values.
I welcome thoughtful discussion from others in the community. Differing perspectives are valuable, and respectful dialogue helps move us forward.
More information about Sun Prairie Fire & EMS services is available on the city’s website
Sun Prairie public safety and a visit with the Fire Chief
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