Greetings everyone, and like most
married men, I waited until the last
minute to go Christmas shopping which
meant I took today off and was
subsequently trapped in-line at every
store by other like-minded
procrastinator. I hope everyone is doing
well so lets get started with this weeks
review.
- Operations transfer policy---is
the same as Rescue's. I advertise
all open spots for 15 days and fill
according to certifications,
seniority, special circumstances,
and Right of Assignment. The
difference is sometimes when large
amount of movements occur because of
promotions or transfers out of
Rescue, it creates an issue.
Basically, no roving engineers
exist, yet I have to assign them to
Battalions while I wait for the 15
day period. Once those positions
are filled, I have to wait for the
next openings and advertise those
for 15 days. Not operationally
possible at all times, so then I
exercise the right of assignment
and place people in spots. I always
call those individuals and let them
know they are not bound by the 1
year rule. Other positions are
filled because of unexpected
reasons, so I place those folks
where I have openings. If you see
someone TA, then that position is
temporarily filled and will be
advertised shortly. Certifications
will always trump seniority in
certain situations, such as Coast
Guard captains license, HazMat,
Squads, or USAR. As always, if you
have any questions regarding a
certain transfer or opening, there
is nothing prohibiting you from
email me with your question. If a
mistake is made (yes, I'm human),
then it gives me an opportunity to
fix it (it's happened). I hope this
has helped clear up any questions.
- New Rescue Bids---Are on
the street. We have fixed the most
common issues with step heights and
grab rails. A big thank you to
David Johnson and Capt. Kotsis for
making this happen! Bids will be
opened in three weeks. I will
update you once the winner is
announced. It will still be a
Chevrolet chassis and two 4x4 units
for R71 and R40.
- Squads---FDNY has offered
to bring some of our folks up to
their SOC (Special Operations
Command) training center in NY to
train on how they operate their
Squad units. Pretty cool. Details
are still in the beginning stages.
A big thank you to Chief Gerbert for
arranging this opportunity. Crews
for the new units are still being
vetted and operational guidelines
are being developed.
- New Prevention Impalas--6
new cars are in. Anyone in
Prevention will tell you, this is a
much needed addition.
- Engineers Test---clock
starts today. The contract states
we have to call for a test within
four months. Which bring me to
this...
- Provisional Engineers---Rescue
will promote from within as will
Suppression. Simply put, if you are
offered a spot, you will stay in the
division are are currently
assigned. I will send out my list
on Monday so you can see where you
are at on seniority. If something
is wrong, please let me know and I
can correct.
On another note, this week has been a
sad one for the Fire Service as five
firefighters have died in the line of
duty. Most of you have heard about Lt.
Jeff Little of Waycross, GA who died
while overhauling a fire in an abandoned
house. Reports are the roof collapsed
trapping him and his new firefighter.
By the time they were able to free him,
he was in cardiac arrest. He and the
other four firemen woke up those days
the same as we all do...they came to
work. None of them knew it was going to
be their last. For a small department,
it was one of the larger funerals I have
attended. Firefighters from four
states, and multiples counties,
including Clay, Nassau, and Duval were
present to show their respect. This
just reminds us that our job in
inherently dangerous and the term
giving the ultimate sacrifice is not
just a saying on a t-shirt or bumper
sticker; its a reality for all of you
and all of those in the fire service.
Please keep our fellow firefighters in
your thoughts and prayers this week as a
few have lost close family members and
loved ones. I'm very sorry for your
loss.
Well that's it for this weeks
abbreviated version of the
WIR.
If you found any grammar mistakes, give
me a pass as it has been a long day of
shopping..and I hate shopping!
I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing
weekend and you get to spend it with
family and friends.
As always, we thank you for what you do,
why you do it, and for always showing
why you are the greatest Fire Department
in the country.
Very Respectfully,
Kurtis R. Wilson
Chief of
Operations
Jacksonville Fire and
Rescue Department