5 Major New Developments Inside The City Of Columbia Fire Depts (SC, MO, & TN) For 2025-2026

The City of Columbia Fire Department is not a single entity, but rather a collection of highly professional and rapidly evolving emergency services across the United States, including the Columbia-Richland Fire Department in South Carolina, Columbia Fire Department in Missouri, and Columbia Fire & Rescue in Tennessee. As of late 2025, these departments are undergoing significant modernization, marked by major capital projects, prestigious national recognition, and the implementation of advanced community safety platforms. This rapid growth ensures they maintain their mission to save lives and protect property through professional emergency response and proactive community risk reduction.

This article provides an in-depth look at the most recent and critical developments across these key departments, highlighting their commitment to operational excellence, firefighter health, and community safety as they move into 2026. The information is fresh, unique, and compiled from the most current public reports and news releases available.

The Leader: Chief Brian Schaeffer of the Columbia Fire Department (Missouri)

One of the most prominent leaders in the "City of Columbia Fire Dept" network is Chief Brian Schaeffer, who heads the Columbia Fire Department in Missouri. His extensive background and focus on modern fire service practices make him a central figure in the department's strategic direction. The mandatory biography section is as follows:

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• Full Name: Brian Schaeffer
• Current Role: Fire Chief, Columbia Fire Department (Missouri)
• Total Experience: Over 35 years in the fire service profession.
• Previous Roles: Prior to his appointment in Columbia, Chief Schaeffer served in a comprehensive leadership capacity with the Spokane, Washington Fire Department. His tenure in Spokane spanned from 2005 to 2024, where he held the positions of both Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief.
• Leadership Focus: His management philosophy centers on leadership and management, ensuring the department operates efficiently while maintaining a high standard of service to the community.
• Key Initiatives: Chief Schaeffer's leadership has been instrumental in addressing the rising demands on the department, including the significant increase in calls for service.

Major Capital Projects and New Station Construction Updates

Across the various Columbia city departments, significant investment is being made in infrastructure to improve response times and service capacity. This focus on capital improvement is a direct response to growing populations and increasing call volumes.

Columbia-Richland Fire Department (South Carolina)

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) is moving forward with essential facility upgrades. One key project is the replacement of a long-standing facility. The department is planning to replace Fire Station No. 2 with a brand-new fire house. This new facility will be constructed on an adjacent site near the Olympia neighborhood. The new station will ensure CRFD personnel have access to modern facilities and better strategic positioning for emergency services in the area.

Columbia Fire Department (Missouri)

The Columbia, MO Fire Department is also expanding its footprint with two major station projects. Fire Station 10 is currently under development and is expected to become fully operational in the first quarter of 2026. Additionally, construction for the new Fire Station 5 is anticipated to begin in the coming year, further enhancing the department’s ability to serve the city’s evolving needs.

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The need for these new facilities is driven by a massive increase in demand. The Columbia Fire Department responded to 15,652 calls for service in 2023, representing an increase of 4.42% from the previous year. Call volume for 2024 was expected to surpass even this high figure, underscoring the necessity of these strategic construction projects.

Advanced Technology and National Recognition in 2025

Modern fire departments are defined not just by their trucks and stations, but by their adoption of cutting-edge technology and best practices in risk management. Columbia Fire & Rescue in Tennessee, in particular, has received significant accolades for its forward-thinking approach.

Advanced Community Safety Platform Launch

In a major technological leap, Columbia Fire & Rescue (Tennessee) recently launched an Advanced Community Safety Platform (ACSP). This initiative, announced in December 2025, represents a significant advancement in the department's capabilities. The platform is designed to enhance emergency response efficiency, improve data-driven decision-making, and ultimately make the community safer through better resource allocation and real-time information.

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Excellence in Risk Management Award 2025

Further cementing its reputation for operational excellence, Columbia Fire & Rescue (Tennessee) was honored with the 2025 Excellence in Risk Management Award. This prestigious award was presented by Public Entity Partners, recognizing the department's tireless dedication and the ongoing support from City leadership in mitigating operational risks and ensuring the safety of its personnel and the public.

Focus on Firefighter Health and Community Risk Reduction

Beyond emergency response, the modern fire service, exemplified by departments like the Columbia-Richland Fire Department, places a high priority on proactive health and safety measures for its personnel and the community at large. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to long-term wellness and prevention.

Internal Health and Wellness Initiatives

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department (SC) has implemented several critical internal programs focused on firefighter well-being. These include robust firefighter cancer prevention initiatives, recognizing the occupational hazards faced by emergency responders. Additionally, the department has prioritized mental health awareness programs to support personnel dealing with the stress and trauma inherent in their jobs. Access to an employee clinic further supports the overall health of City of Columbia employees.

Proactive Community Outreach and Prevention

Community Risk Reduction is a core mission across all Columbia fire departments. The Fire Prevention Division, which is funded solely by the city, operates inside Columbia and focuses on proactive measures to prevent incidents before they occur. A key annual focus is National Fire Prevention Month, during which the Columbia-Richland Fire Department reiterates crucial fire safety themes to the public, ensuring residents are equipped with the knowledge to protect their homes and families.

The department also regularly recognizes the achievements of its members. For instance, the Columbia-Richland Fire Department began the month of December by recognizing 21 members who earned promotions to new ranks of leadership, ensuring a strong, experienced command structure for the future.

List of Key Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) Entities

To showcase the depth of the CRFD’s operations and services, here is a list of key entities that contribute to its topical authority and operational reach:

• Columbia-Richland Fire Department Headquarters (Station 1)
• Fire Station 2 (Scheduled for replacement)
• Fire Station 3 (2740 The Boulevard)
• Atlas Road Station 8
• Engine 1 "Independent Engine Co." (2023 Pierce Enforcer)
• Rescue 1 (2013 Pierce Velocity)
• Fire Prevention Division
• Community Risk Reduction Programs
• Firefighter Cancer Prevention Initiatives
• Mental Health Awareness Programs
• Public Entity Partners (Awarding body)
• Advanced Community Safety Platform (Columbia, TN)
• Fire Station 10 (Columbia, MO)
• Fire Station 5 (Columbia, MO)
• Chief Brian Schaeffer (Columbia, MO)

The collective efforts of the Columbia Fire Departments in South Carolina, Missouri, and Tennessee demonstrate a unified commitment to modernization, safety, and community service. With new stations, advanced technology, and a focus on firefighter health, these departments are well-positioned to meet the emergency challenges of 2026 and beyond.