by Richard Marinucci

A few years ago, Tom Peters and Robert Waterman wrote a business book entitled, In Search of Excellence. The premise was to find companies and corporations that were very successful and try to determine the characteristics that contributed to the success. It was sort of a benchmarking exercise—not just to compare but to look deeper into the contributing factors that elevate an organization to the top of its profession. Someone could probably do the same for the fire service and identify contributing factors.

I am not so inclined to get too far into details about this or do enough research to write a book. What I would like to do is note a couple of opinions I have solidified through some recent travels. I have been to the Fort Worth, Texas, and Hong Kong Fire Departments in the past few months. I have had a chance to visit their training facilities. Both are incredible. I am not sure of the cost of the Fort Worth complex, but the one in Hong Kong cost more than one-half billion dollars!!! First, this tells me that training firefighters in these communities is very important, and the competence of the fire service is valued. This is not just those in the fire service but the policy makers and community must be very supportive to provide not only the initial capital but on going expenses to staff and maintain.

Almost everywhere, people express support for the fire service and their local agencies. But, how many actually put their money where their mouth is? These training centers are testaments to the leadership of the organizations who had to convince their community to spend the money. It also shows that there are politicians who value their fire service enough to make the investment. When there is a demonstrated commitment to excellence by the entire community, there is no doubt that the end product will be much better. I realize there are many other organizations with great training facilities around the country and world. I cannot list them all and only mentioned the two above because of recent visits and how impressed I was by the dedication to training that was obvious. My point is that there are particular signs and symbols that go beyond mere words to express support. Just talking to people doesn’t say it all. Looking at how communities invest in their fire departments says so much more.

Speaking of support, I hope all communities do as much to help firefighter health and wellness, especially in the area of cancer and mental well-being. Research continues to show that firefighters are more susceptible to certain types of cancer. I don’t think the risk of contracting cancer can be eliminated based on what we know, but there are things that can be done to reduce the risk. Again, it comes down to a jurisdiction being committed to helping and showing that commitment with the necessary funding. It can be easily argued that PPE needs to be cleaned after every exposure. This means that departments need washing machines or extractors and a second set of gear for personnel. What does that say if monies are denied for equipment that can improve the prospects for a healthier life? It is one thing to say that firefighters are our most valuable resource. It is another to financially commit.

As I write this, wildfires are raging again in California. Obviously, conditions are just right to allow this devastation. My hats off to all the firefighters putting themselves in harm’s way to help minimize the damage and save as much property as they can. This reemphasizes to me the willingness of firefighters to do whatever it takes to help the community. Recent years have seen some places take shots at firefighters. Here in Michigan, the Sta

A travel trailer was lost in a fire on Deer Park Road early Monday, Clallam County Fire District No. 2 officials said. No one was injured. A wood stove was determined to be the source of the blaze, Assistant Chief Dan Huff said. Crews were dispatched to the fire at 4227 Deer Park Road at about 3:53 a.
- PUB DATE: 12/12/2017 10:33:29 AM - SOURCE: Port Angeles Peninsula Daily News

Authorities say spontaneous combustion is to blame for an early Monday morning fire at a hops warehouse in Yakima. It was the first time in more than a decade that Yakima firefighters were called to a significant hop warehouse fire, said fire department Capt. Jeff Pfaff. The last major Yakima hop warehouse fire was in 2006, Pfaff said.
- PUB DATE: 12/12/2017 9:56:38 AM - SOURCE: Yakima Herald-Republic

By David Cain, Deputy Chief of Operations, Boulder, CO (ret)

The process of preparing a fiscal budget is not on the minds of most firefighters. Their expectation is that pot of money is always there and that the chief will find the funds to maintain and grow operations. However, that is becoming more of a challenge for all jurisdictions.

Mergers are occurring, and new authorities are being put into place. In Colorado, for example, several departments have merged into larger departments, which can have a negative effect on the firefighters who may lose their jobs or must start over getting to know new people, protocols, and policies.

No matter the size, all fire departments must find the funds to operate. This can come from sales tax, property tax, special district funding, and a variety of other sources—depending on the jurisdiction.

Not totally unlike the corporate world of profit/loss statements, advertising, and stockholders, fire departments must deal with their own uncertainties. Catastrophic events can decimate a department’s budget. Wildfires, hurricanes, and civil unrest are just a few of the unpredictable events that can dent or crush a budget.

One good example of this occurred during the 2012 presidential election. Our area had three visits from one candidate that had not been predicted. The United States Secret Service was fantastic to work with, but there was no reimbursement for fire and police out-of-pocket expenses. It was a substantial amount of money, and, to put it mildly, put a crimp in our pocketbook.

In addition, forecasting and planning are needed for funding apparatus replacement, new equipment, outdated PPE including bunker gear, helmets, boots, gloves, hoods, SCBA, and other equipment.

When budgets fall short, the options are never good. Closing stations, brown outs, layoffs, and short staffing are options that increase the risk to firefighters. And, citizens will suffer the consequences. The list is long and safety is the bottom line for those who are willing to risk a lot. The above is only a partial list. Wages, benefits, pension contributions, station improvements, communication, dispatch (911), public education, software, prevention, fleet service, and ongoing equipment maintenance are just a few of the many areas affected by budget constraints or shortfalls.

Routine hose, ladder, and pump testing must also be completed on a regular basis to ensure the safety of the public, firefighters, and properties impacted during calls. The job of keeping a fire department operating is no easy task. However, the fire service can learn some valuable practices from the private sector.
Budgeting is a planning process that requires high levels of expertise of those in charge. The chief or designated representative must know how budgets and fire operations coexist.

A logistics position within the command structure is a good start. This person does not have to be a firefighter but rather someone who knows the system under which the fire department operates. The main components of any budget are the capital expenditures and the operational budget.

Capital budgeting requires forecasting and planning. Optimally, it should project out 18 months to cover a variety of needs and contingencies that may arise. Increasingly, this type of planning needs to incorporate both proactive measures to address terrorism prevention and the like, and to be able to effectively react when a manmade or natural disaster—such as a hurricane—occurs.

Both are on the upswing, and more than ever, police, fire, and other public safety authorities ar

Toledo's fire chief and the president of Firefighters Local 92 are looking toward the new year with a strengthened working relationship. Chief Luis Santiago and Pvt. Jeff Koenigseker recently sat down for a joint interview with The Blade at Toledo Fire and Rescue Department head“I think the thrust of this relationship is that both the chief and I realize that the resolution is more important than the argument,” Private Koenigseker said.
- PUB DATE: 12/12/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Toledo Blade