Flint public safety officials highlight need for new staff, vehicles in budget talks 

FLINT, Mich. – Officials from Flint’s police and fire departments aim to put a big focus on attracting new employees and reaching the community in new ways as budget plans are being developed. 

Flint Police Chief Terence Green and Fire Chief Theron Wiggins spoke before members of the Flint City Council Monday, April 6, 2026 to outline ways their departments are planning to utilize the allocated funding projected in the proposed budget.

Both departments share a goal of increasing their staffing numbers in the coming year, as well as strengthening their ability to reach the communities they serve.

A copy of the proposed fiscal year 2026–2027 budget and the forecasted fiscal year 2027–2028 budget is available on the city’s website or at the City Clerk’s Office.

The Flint Fire Department currently employs 96 firefighters and has the potential to hire up to 106 in the future under the current budget. Wiggins said he hopes to hire more firefighters to fill out the department’s roster by August 2026.

Fire department officials also plan to expand the available fleet of emergency response vehicles in the coming months.

The fire department currently operates two ambulances on a “24/7” basis, Wiggins said. A third ambulance, currently being used as a spare, is nearly ready to be put on the road in the same full-time capacity. The vehicle may be put on the streets by the end of April, Wiggins said.

The department owns a fourth ambulance that is still being outfitted with the proper electronic systems.

“We’re doing good with the ambulances, and the residents love us,” Wiggins said. “Some of our residents send the private ambulances away and wait until we’re available.”

In addition to hiring more officers, Green said the Flint Police Department hopes to strengthen initiatives focused on reducing gun violence and providing event security. Bolstering the department’s community engagement is also a priority, with the introduction of a “Citizen’s Police Academy” pilot program being central to this goal, Green said. 

Designed to give applicants a “bird’s eye view” of the daily life of a Flint police officer, Green intends for the program to be near-identical to a standard police academy, but without the rigorous physical training officers typically go through.

“Of the utmost importance they [residents] will gain knowledge of our policies and procedures, and how we respond to crime,” Green said. “They will be viewing real-life, body-worn camera footage of real crime scenes. That will give them a better understanding of what these officers go through on a day-to-day basis.”

The department is currently developing the academy’s curriculum and schedule in-house, with Green intending to launch the program in July. The initiative will provide volunteers with a week’s worth of training centered around the standard policies and procedures of a Flint police officer, Green said.

After the initial cohort of applicants completes the training, Green intends to offer the trainees opportunities for volunteer work throughout the department. Volunteer positions could include helping to answer department phone calls and assist in other daily office functions.

More budget presentations for other city departments are scheduled for the following dates: 

• Wednesday, April 15 – Planning & Development /  Building Inspections 

• Monday, April 20 – Water and Sewer / Transportation and Sanitation

• Wednesday, April 29 – Legal Department / Ombudsperson’s Office

• Monday, May 4 – Human Resources and Labor Relations / Finance Department

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley submitted his budget to council on March 2. The April 6 meeting was the second of six planned hearings meant to give council members opportunities to ask questions about how future funding could be allocated.