District Statistics

• 92 Sq. Miles (63,542 Acres)
• Population of 7,065 with 2,364 Households
• 483 Medical calls for service in 2022 - 80% increase from 2016
• 4 Advanced Life Support Ambulances (2022, 2018, 2012, 2008) 
• 8 Paramedics, 14 EMT's and 5 Volunteer Firefighters (10 Full-Time, 24 Part-Time)
• Average of 150 Fire calls for service per year
• 3 Fire Engines (2004, 1997, 1979)
• 3 Brush Trucks (2013, 2009, 1991)
• 1 Tender 1993 water truck

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​The Olathe Fire Protection District was created in 1947. Historically a volunteer department, the switch to a combination career department in 2021 brought 9 full-time and more than a dozen part-time jobs to Olathe.

Volunteers who are business owners, farmers, school bus drivers and other everyday workers still leave their jobs to train and assist crews responding to emergencies.

In 2001, OFPD elected to add the EMS service to the community after it was found to be needed locally rather than in Montrose or by a private company not affiliated with the community.

In 2003, voters approved a 1.0 mill levy to provide revenue to support the ambulance services basic operating and transportation costs (fuel, oil, medical equipment, supplies, and medicines).

In 2016, voters again approved a 3.0 mill levy to sustain the fire suppression and medical emergency services the District provides. With the additional revenue, OFPD provides advanced level care in the ambulance and professional fire suppression services.

Beginning in 2018, OFPD started the Inter-Facility Transfer program at the request of local hospitals to supply a much needed service for the Western Slope, and provides over 700 transports annually.  IFT’s generate over $500,000 in income for the District. This amount combined with all ambulance billings supply the needed funds for payroll and has made the transition to a paid combination department possible.

To conserve tax dollars, the District has obtained almost $1 million dollars in grants for: ambulances, medical equipment, firefighter gear, wildland gear, and other equipment necessary.  ​

Their Mission

The mission of the Olathe Fire Protection District is to serve and protect our community, to improve the quality of life for our citizens by providing prompt, safe, and effective response to emergencies with highly trained professional personnel whom perform Firefighting plus Emergency Medical duties. The Vision of the Olathe Fire Protection District is a picture of the future we want to create. As we go toward our vision, we will learn, gain new insights, and adapt to an ever-changing environment.

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