The Ever Changing Fire Service.. Will it really happen to us?

Transcription

1 The Ever Changing Fire Service.. Will it really happen to us? A presentation for the Volunteer Combination Officer Section IAFC Friday November 19, 2004

2 A Journey of Change (How do you lead a combination department?) Chief James M. Grady III, CFOD, MPA An overview of change in the Fire Service, and the Frankfort Fire Protection District, based on the last 30 years

3 History of Frankfort FD. Been there, done that 1885 Founded by Community Volunteers 1962 District formed by Referendum 1985 First Full Time Fire/Medics under contract 1989 First Full Time Fire Marshall 1990 First Full Time Fire Chief and Deputy Chief 2000 Full Time Chief Inspector 2000 Full Time Chief of Training/Safety 2002 First Full Time District Fire/Medics 2004 First Contract Negotiations

4 Frankfort Statistics Area of Coverage- 50 Sq/Miles 3 Fire Engines 1 Truck Heavy Rescue Squad 1 Tanker 3000 gallons 1 Brush Truck 7 Support Units 1 Boat 2 Snow Mobiles

5 Frankfort Statistics Call Volume Projected:

6 Frankfort Statistics Budget Year Budget Levy Tax Rate 1974 $68,000 $58, $400,000 $280, $1,700,000 $1,200, $3,600,000 $3,200, $4,700,000 $4,000,

7 Frankfort Statistics Assessed Value $26,000, $130,000, $376,800, $711,700, $816,969,874

8 Frankfort Statistics Staffing Volunteers Volunteers Paid on Call/Part time 11 Career Paid on Call/Part Time 24 Career Paid on Call/Part Time 30 Career * Career is a combination of District Employees and Contracted

9 If I had a Magic Wand Go back to the old days when life was easier? What would we change What could we change

10 The patch changes but does the department change too? Shows the History of Change Foundation Volunteer to Career- Chief and Firefighters

11 The Days of the Volunteer Helping the Community - Working family person - Truly Volunteer (no pay) - Little or No Training? - Come from all walks of life (Mayor, City worker, farmer, etc )

12 Joining the Fellowship Fire Department as a Social Club It s meeting night..got to go. Helping fellow firefighters repair the house, plow the field, etc Department fund raisers.

13 The Training of Yesterday Here is a hose..there is the fire Little or no training? - once a month? - once a quarter? - make up for missed trainings?

14 Training for Today and Beyond More Training - 20 hrs/month min. More Calls More Demands EMS Specialty Teams Officer Programs Associates, Bachelors, Masters

15 Call Volumes calls per year -Where does your department fit in?

16 Who are these firefighters? Career Contract Part Time Paid on call Volunteer

17 Can Everything Be Balanced More Department Demands More Family Demands Kids Growing up - sports - school activities to attend Job Changes or Enhancements

18 Harmony and Balance within the Department Created through - Discussion - Recognition - Involvement at all levels - Newsletters (internal)

19 Ensuring Participation Stipends based on points vs. calls and training Pride

20 Feeder Programs Cadet/Explorer Post Local Junior College

21 Leadership- Fire Chief & The Membership Progressive Training Active in Local/County/State Associations Setting the Pace Able to Talk with Employees

22 Leadership- Trustees and the Chief Trust, Honesty, Real Life Expectations Understanding of the Job Assignments & Responsibilities Willingness to Expand Horizons Willingness to Support the Chief

23 Leadership- Trustees & The Membership The Membership Understands Trustees Function Trustee = Administrator Respect for Each Others Level Not involved in day to day activities w/ general membership Don t go behind Chief s Back

24 Which Road is the Right One? Stay Volunteer Career Contract Part Time All of the Above

25 Indicators for Change Day Time response Recruitment/Retention Training Performance Standards/Mandates

26 Indicators for Change Political Changes Demographic Changes Keeping up with the Jones (Surrounding Dept.)

27 Look at yourself and ask... Are you a full service organization? Do you provide a rang of services? Are you committed to change?

28 Look at yourself and ask... Are you ready and willing to give up your job for change? What is best for the community

29 Looking into the Crystal Ball Should we have...? Could we have...? IF is the middle word in LIFE

30 Open Forum- Entering the Confessional

31 Questions??

32 A special thank you to my PowerPoint roadie Wally Curtin

33 Thank You and Never Forget