Cincinnati Fire Department

Some neighbors are concerned about smoke and noise from the training facility, which is close to a nearby elementary school. Fire officials say the coming expansion won't increase those worries and they're looking for better ways to notify residents about burn days.

The department is trying to fill depleting ranks and increase diversity with its new recruits.

Cincinnati officials broke ground last year on a new training center for the Fire Department. Six months later, the project is over budget and back to the design phase.

The federal lawsuit says the reasons given for firing Michael Washington are a "grab bag" of charges that formed the basis of a "public relations campaign" against him.

Meet Interim Cincinnati Fire Chief Steven Breitfelder.

Nearly $14 million will be invested into the project that will begin construction in the fall of 2023.

The Cincinnati Fire Department alone has nearly one-third of its fire fighters who could retire whenever they want.

The Alternative Transport Program offers people experiencing an overdose to receive targeted addiction treatment instead of racking up medical bills. It also saves the Cincinnati Fire Department money.

The Cincinnati Fire Department will likely get a new fire truck and two new ambulances ahead of schedule. City officials announced a plan Tuesday to spend $1.1 million on the equipment.

"I know it sounds like we're dumping. I realize that," said Assistant Chief Thomas Lakamp. "But our need is critical in the department. It is critical."