The problem was the Greensboro Fire Department was not meeting response time goals set by the department. The purpose of this research project was to analyze response times and determine methods of improvement for the Greensboro Fire Department. The project used historical and action research to answer the following questions: (1) Are there nationally recognized standards for fire department response times? (2) How are response times calculated? (3) What are the influencing factors affecting response times? (4) What methods are available to improve response times? The procedures used to complete the research project consisted of a literature review beginning at the National Fire Academy and included research locally. Personal interviews were also conducted with city personnel and members of national fire organizations.Information was compiled and an outline was developed to establish key points that related to the four research questions. The results of this research project identified significant research previously conducted by the fire service community. Three national organizations already had guidelines relating to response. Greensboro was recording response time information inconsistently with national data. Emergency response is affected by numerous influencing factors on any given day. Several ways were identified to improve the time it takes to get the companies on the scene and working. Unforeseen was the fact that there were opposing views to the need for improvement of response times. Some views indicated that response times and property loss or survival rates do not have a clear-cut relationship.This researcher recommended a company relocation policy be written to establish methods of providing standby coverage in stations where companies are involved in outside activities. Guidelines for calculating response times will also need to be developed in order to improve the level of service to the community.