JFRD Week in Review
Ok, this has been a busy week for all involved. I hope everyone is doing well and I can’t believe the new year is already upon us. I know there is a lot of questions about the upcoming changes, so let’s begin with Fire 8.
· Fire-8---for any organization, span of control is essential in managing day to day operations. Collectively we have two airports that are staffed by JFRD with Crash-truck capabilities. Each has unique training and staffing requirements. Both have contracts that outline services provided and require annual training funds that need to be budgeted. Currently the two Crash stations are managed by six different chiefs.
The marine units have the same issues as each has varying degrees of training required to operate different size boats. Want to know what the most expensive two motor pool numbers in the city are? Marine 138 and Marine 140 valued at $2.5 and $5 million respectively. Again they were managed by six different chiefs. The idea of moving those stations under one roof makes organizational sense. ARFF indexes and Coast Guard captains certifications are federally regulated and when events occur, are federally investigated. These two disciplines deserve the focus and attention of one consolidated district chief.
But why move 34 to Fire 7? Because Fire 8 has the largest district next to Fire 6. I couldn’t add three additional stations to them without reassigning some to others. Which brings me to the Squads.
· Squads---think of this….We spend years of training on individuals and when they finally promote, they have to go to other stations because there are only so many engineers, lieutenants and captains at 4, 7, 13, and 21. Large events require drop-off/pick-up to get certified people on scene. Many times we call people in from home to help out. Why not concentrate all that knowledge and skill into three locations? The paper I attached to the last email (and this one) outlines how many other departments in the country deal with specialized training and responses… they’re called Squads.
The underlying theme for most Squads across the nation is Rapid Intervention Teams. My idea is to have the three Squads training monthly with all of our ladders to bring departmental and national best practices to light. Imagine a conduit for finding out what all the tricks-of-the-trade are and sharing that with all of you. That’s a Squad. How many times do we call for a third truck company during bigger fires? If a competent Squad company is on scene, with all the latest and greatest RIT equipment, they could free-up the second ladder on-scene to be assigned to other functions. Need additional HazMat or USAR trained folks on scene now and not when they can show up from home? Call for a Squad or call for three.
In order for the Squad to work efficiently , they all have to fall under the supervision of one chief. Again, span of control. But why 5, 12, and 37? Geographical locations and run load. Stations 5 and 12 already fall under the Special Op’s chief; adding 37 helps the Fire 8 issue and keeps all three under one command. If I chose busier units, training would be an issue. All of you at busy companies know what I’m talking about…it’s difficult. As for the additional responsibilities…that will come with time. It’s just what I foresee in the future. Nobody expects anyone to become a foam expert overnight. That will require years of training and schooling. Same with the radiation cache at 21. How many of you knew it was even there? These will be gradual changes in responsibility once it’s time. First and foremost, it’s about setting up the roles and responsibilities of a JFRD Squad Company, placing the right people in the right positions and setting the pace for these specialized units for years to come.
Many of you remember when 21 was first formed as a second HazMat station. It took a couple of years to get them as a stand-alone HazMat station worthy of the title, but we got there. Many of you weren’t on the job then and don’t remember when station 7 was the only team. Same with USAR and Station 13. My point is a few years from now, a quarter of this department will be gone through the DROP. Many of those people (new hires) won’t know of a JFRD without Squad units. All they will know is that Special Op’s consist of a USAR Team at 4 and 13, a HazMat Team at 7 and 21, and three additional, unique stations with cross-trained crews that are part of the Team. I hope this helps explain where I’m going with this and if it doesn’t, take the time to read the attached paper….pretty interesting.
The folks assigned to those stations that are being displaced by the move will get first shot at all the available openings. I will begin reaching out to each one individually next week to lay out transfer options.
· New ALS Engines---Engine 1 and Engine 4 will become ALS January 1st. Think of the amount of foot traffic downtown during weekdays and special events. Allowing them, or any engine for that matter, to become ALS is an enhancement to the community they serve. Which brings me to the decals. Almost all fire departments denote their ALS companies with a decal or lettering. It simply lets the public know, the truck that pulls up to their house or next to them at a light is special. They have special equipment, paramedics, and the capability to deliver a higher level of service if needed. We are in the process of ordering the lettering now. It will correspond with the font used on Pierce engines and will read: Advanced Life Support Company
· New illegal burning procedure--is forthcoming. Until it comes out you can still request Prevention to come out and write a citation or warning. During normal business hours call 630-0445, or after hours, call FRCC and they will page the on-duty Prevention personnel. Under ordinance Chapter 420, we can fine and cost recover for illegal burning. I would suggest this isn’t for your ordinary yard debris fire but something larger and longer in duration.
· Outstanding Reports--are going back up. Reports are going out weekly to the chiefs on the outstanding runs. Please help on this.
· 30 New Recruits---Start January 21st. I know the drop-off/pick-up has a ruffled a few feathers, but it will be over before you know it. As for new assignments, expect a new recruit if you didn’t get one this time. Our goal is to place new recruits with officers who will take the time to develop our new members into great firefighters.
· Station 62—Grand opening is January 30th at 10:30 am. We expected to be operational by the second week in January. That gives us two weeks to get the place organized before the media, residents, and dignitaries show up for a walk-through.
· Hose Tenders---Preliminary results are back from our ISO consultant regarding improving our ISO rating for 8b areas of town. 8b simply means the locations are within 5 road miles of a manned fire station but not within 1000 foot of a hydrant. The quickest way to solve those issues is called a temporary water main or Hose Tenders. Each tender can deliver 6000’ of LDH at 35 mph. You must then flow 250 gallons of water within 6 minutes. Easily done. We are exploring those options now.
· New Engines & Hurst Cutters-- made it past Awards yesterday. 15 sets of new cutters that can cut at 200,000 psi instead of 80, 0000 will be coming shortly. All ladders and the 3 busiest heavies will get the sets. Engine 7 and Engine 9 have been selected for the refurb’s, and the PO for the new engines should be out in about 30 days.
Well that’s it for this WIR. I know change in any large organization is tough but anything that protects our members, enhances are response to unique calls, and reduces the span-of-control on specialized stations will only make our fire department better and move us forward.
I hope everyone has a good weekend and please keep our folks in your prayers as many people are going through some tough times. I hope you get to spend some time for yourself this weekend and I hope it’s with family and friends.
Just want to end by saying thank you for what you do, why you do it, and for once again showing why you are the best fire department in the country!
Very Respectfully,
Kurtis R. Wilson
Chief of
Operations
Jacksonville
Fire and Rescue Department