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Promises Unfulfilled: The Suboptimization of Homeland Security National Preparedness
"Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the nation has expended billions of dollars and millions of hours of labor focused on ensuring that such events would never happen again. To date, the efforts appear to have been rewarded. But is the nation really safer? The evidence supports an affirmative response, but is the level of national preparedness related to homeland security as high as possible? The answer to that question is a resounding "no." This article highlights the flaws in the current assumptions guiding national preparedness policy and outlines the causes of homeland security national preparedness suboptimization. Homeland security national preparedness is suboptimized because of flawed assumptions, flawed perceptions of the policy environment on the part of the national government, and policy-distorting institutional pathologies. Similarly, ill-conceived policy instrumentalities and implementation have been thrust into the policy arena due to officials at the national level losing track of the original policy goals outlined in founding legislation and presidential directives. These policy failures, taken in totality, have led to missed opportunities, squandered treasure, increased intergovernmental tensions, and a host of disincentives for state and local governments to pursue enhancements to homeland security national preparedness."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Clovis, Samuel H., Jr.
2008-10
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Lessons We Don't Learn: A Study of the Lessons of Disasters, Why We Repeat Them, and How We Can Learn Them
"We report here on an exploratory investigation that targets six research questions. Is it true that lessons recur? What lessons are persistently identified? Why do these lessons continue to be identified as important? Why are these lessons so hard to learn? (That is, why do agencies have difficulty devising and implementing corrective actions once lessons are identified?) How do lessons-learned processes work? How can they be improved? We believe that by explicitly identifying persistent challenges, responders may be better attuned to these challenges and more able to address them in their planning and training processes. Likewise, by better understanding why these challenges remain unresolved, responders may be able to adapt their lessons-learned processes to better support behavioral change and improvement. To these ends, we have conducted a qualitative analysis of response organizations' perspectives on lessons and learning. The next section describes the context of emergency response learning. We then explain our investigative approach. Following that we present and discuss our findings about what lessons responders struggle with most and what learning approaches they use. We conclude with recommendations for improving these processes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Tuohy, Robert V.; Donahue, Amy K.
2006-07
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Social Capital: Dealing with Community Emergencies
"Of course, the central symbol of international terrorism in the United States was the collapse of the World Trade Towers in New York and the perhaps 3,000 deaths that resulted from the collapse. Often overlooked, however, is the fact that at the time of impact there were an estimated 17,400 occupants in those buildings and eighty-seven percent of them evacuated successfully. Most of the deaths were on the floors or above the floors where the planes hit. It is now determined that ninety-nine percent of those below the impact floors successfully evacuated. This successful evacuation was not accomplished by conventional search and rescue groups; it was the result of people on site helping others and themselves to take protective action to get out of the towers and to a safe location. While the loss of property and life occurring on 9/11 is frequently recalled, the protective actions of the other 'victims' in the building are often overlooked. Much of the contemporary discussion about emergency planning assumes that community members 'panic' and that strong authority is necessary. The vocabulary of 'command and control' suggests chaos rather than citizen adaptability and creativity. Such assumptions can be questioned by the research evidence accumulated in recent years. While we calculate damage to physical and human capital, we usually ignore the social capital available within communities to deal with emergencies. Social capital is our most significant resource in responding to damage caused by natural and other hazards, such as terrorism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dynes, Russell Rowe, 1923-
2006-07
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Risk Perception and Terrorism: Applying the Psychometric Paradigm
"While expert risk analyses are based on calculations of probability and damage, public estimates of risk are more often based on qualitative factors. It is important to understand how the public, not just homeland security experts, perceive and react to the threat of terrorism. Risk perception research in general, and the psychometric paradigm in particular, offer a basis for empirically examining attitudes toward potential terrorism. This article discusses the benefits of such an approach and specific research recommendations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Jenkin, Clinton M.
2006-07
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Social Network Analysis as an Approach to Combat Terrorism: Past, Present, and Future Research
"The greatest security threat facing the United States is not from formal states, but from terrorist organizations that attack informally, using terror at any time and place, with the goal of undermining confidence in U.S. institutions and the American way of life. No longer a structured battle that can be fought with military power, the war against terrorism will be won with superior knowledge. Due to the changing nature of homeland security issues, a new type of intelligence is needed by homeland security: social network analysis (SNA). The basis of social network analysis (also known as network science or network sociology) is that individual nodes (which, depending on the type of network, can be people, events, etc.) are connected by complex yet understandable relationships that form networks. These networks are ubiquitous, with an underlying order and simple laws. Networks form the structural basis of many natural events, organizations, and social processes. Terrorist organizations are well-suited to study using social network analysis, as they consist of networks of individuals that span countries, continents, and economic status, and form around specific ideology. Terrorist organizations are different from hierarchical, state-sponsored appointments in characteristics such as leadership and organizational structure. Social network analysis can provide important information on the unique characteristics of terrorist organizations, ranging from issues of network recruitment, network evolution, and the diffusion of radical ideas."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ressler, Steve
2006-07
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Stafford Act: Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, As Amended, April 2013
From the section 'Title I - Findings, Declarations and Definitions': "(a) The Congress hereby finds and declares that - (1) because disasters often cause loss of life, human suffering, loss of income, and property loss and damage; and (2) because disasters often disrupt the normal functioning of governments and communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great severity; special measures, designed to assist the efforts of the affected States in expediting the rendering of aid, assistance, and emergency services, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of devastated areas, are necessary. (b) It is the intent of the Congress, by this Act, to provide an orderly and continuing means of assistance by the Federal Government to State and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage which result from such disasters by - (1) revising and broadening the scope of existing disaster relief programs; (2) encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster preparedness and assistance plans, programs, capabilities, and organizations by the States and by local governments; (3) achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of disaster preparedness and relief programs; (4) encouraging individuals, States, and local governments to protect themselves by obtaining insurance coverage to supplement or replace governmental assistance; (5) encouraging hazard mitigation measures to reduce losses from disasters, including development of land use and construction regulations; and (6) providing Federal assistance programs for both public and private losses sustained in disasters"
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2013-04
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Fire Service Planning in Montgomery County to Manage the Consequences of Terrorism Involving Chemical Warfare Agents
"The problem identified for this applied research project was that Montgomery County's fire service had not been evaluated to determine its capability to manage the life-threatening consequences of terrorism involving a chemical warfare agent (CWA). It was the purpose of this project to evaluate the state of preparedness of the County's fire service and also to identify and recommend measures to improve the fire services's capability. The historical research method was used for data collection and analysis. The procedures used to collect specific data included literature review and a 35-item survey. References were obtained from the National Fire Academy's Learning Resource Center and from attendance at meetings, conferences, and training seminars (programs). Five research questions were identified: How prepared was Montgomery County's fire service to manage the life-threatening consequences of terrorism involving chemical warfare agents (CWAs)? How did Montgomery County's fire service state of readiness compare with similar fire departments in the United States? What lessons were learned by fire departments that had conducted CWA-related training exercises? What were the views of fire departments on the future threat of terrorism in the United States? What methods were found to remove or neutralize a liquid contamination caused by a CWA contacting the clothes, skin, or both of a victim? The author constructed a 35-item survey that was used to gather information from 94 fire departments that served populations of more than 200,000 people. Forty-nine of these fire departments completed and returned surveys. Although several limitations were identified with the survey, interesting and useful information was obtained."
National Fire Academy
Jarboe, Theodore L.
1996-12
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Public Safety Departments: A Second Evaluation of the Consolidation of the City of Mercer Island's Department of Public Safety
"In the author's previous applied research project (ARP), the literary research indicated a national pattern of neglect concerning the fire service in Public Safety consolidated organizations. The author's applied research project indicated that in several ways Mercer Island's Public Safety Department experienced a similar fate. The problem is that no definitive evaluation of this fire service neglect has been conducted regarding Mercer Island's Department of Public Safety. A recommendation of the author's previous ARP included examining how Mercer Island's Fire Service has been neglected. The intent of this research project was to examine the impact of consolidation on the fire service."
National Fire Academy
Tubbs, Chris
2000-11
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Firefighters' Attitudes Toward Fire Prevention Activities
"The problem was a disproportionate ratio between the number of firefighters who participated in fire prevention activities (FPAct) and the pace of the exploding population. The purpose was to research and measure if negative attitudes contributed to the limited number of firefighters' participation in FPAct. Descriptive research was conducted to answer four questions: 1. What kind of attitudes do paid-on-call firefighters have towards FPAct? 2. When does this attitude about fire prevention emerge? 3. Who or what influences firefighters' attitudes towards fire prevention? 4. How can the fire service get firefighters more involved in FPAct? The procedure involved searching for information about firefighters' attitudes towards FPAct. An interview was conducted to get baseline information. A survey measured the attitudes of firefighters. The results showed attitudes are learned as a result of past experience by observing other people's attitudes and by being openly taught to hold certain attitudes (Schiff, 1970). When people are in a group in which they belong or want to belong, they will be strongly influenced by the group (Abelson, 1959)."
National Fire Academy
Arnlund, Marilyn
1999-11
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Problems and Success Factors Inherent in Fire Service Retirement
"Retirement from a life-long career can be a stressful event, regardless of the field. Research conducted in the military and law enforcement fields indicated that retirement from a career in public safety can be more stressful than retirement from the general work force. Currently, there is little literature that is dedicated to the issue of retirement from the related public-safety field of the fire service. The purpose of this research was to determine what problems a person may face, as well as how to successfully deal with those problems, when retiring from a career in the fire service. This study used an evaluative research methodology. The research questions that were answered were: 1. What are the problems associated with retirement in general, and the fire service in particular? 2. How do retirees deal with those problems? 3. What factors contribute to a successful retirement from the fire service?"
National Fire Academy
Bates, Gerald M.
1996-10
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Initiating a Marketing Planning Process in the Norfolk Department of Fire and Paramedical Services
"Today's fire departments are increasingly threatened by intergovernmental competition, consolidation, and privatization. If a municipal fire department is to survive during uncertain political and economic times, a comprehensive marketing plan must be employed to improve public image and build community support. The problem was the Norfolk Department of Fire and Paramedical Services (NFPS) did not have a comprehensive marketing plan. The purpose of this research project was to explore the meaning and benefits of fire department marketing, and identify the steps that should be taken by the NFPS to develop and implement a marketing plan."
National Fire Academy
Senter, Edward L.
1997-10
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Fireground Radio Communications and Firefighter Safety
"Concerns over radio channel overloading prompted the Providence Fire Department to obtain additional radio channels to supplement the existing single channel. The problem prompting this research was that the dispatch office was not staffed to monitor the use of additional channels. As a result, concerns were raised about the safety of operational personnel if the additional channels were not monitored by dispatchers. The purpose of this research was to develop a plan to implement the additional channels. The evaluative research method was used. The research questions were: 1. Is the existing single radio channel used by the Providence Fire Department adequate given the volume of radio traffic that the system is expected to handle? 2. Are there documented cases of firefighters being killed or injured where the fact that radio channels were too busy with other traffic was found to be a contributing factor? 3. Are there documented cases of firefighters being killed or injured where the lack of monitoring of the radio channel by dispatch personnel was found to be a contributing factor? 4. Do most fire departments that use multiple radio channels have dispatchers monitor all channels being used? 5. What procedures do fire departments that use unmonitored fireground channels use so that critical messages are properly transmitted, received, acknowledged and acted upon?"
National Fire Academy
Varone, J. Curtis
1996-03
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Value Statements: A Bedrock Foundation for an Organizational Constitution
"The United States Constitution provided a framework that enabled Americans to face a depression and several World Wars. Value statements provide a similar organizational constitutional framework (Amuso and Giblin, 1997). What an organization stands for, what it believes in, and what guides its behavior and decision-making are concisely articulated in its value statements (Walter, 1995). Value statements delineate an organization's view point on issues by driving a stake in the ground (Strickland and Thompson, 1996), stipulating how it will handle its business affairs (Welch, 1997). The problem this research project addressed was the fact that the Glendale Fire Department (GFD), in its 87-year history, has never developed written value statements to concisely expound on the actual values of the organization. The purpose of this research was to develop value statements for each of the 13 actual values that were determined by an organizational values audit conducted in 1998."
National Fire Academy
Austerman, Carl Ray
1999-12
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Aides for Command Level Officers
"In the spring of 1995, the City of Providence, Rhode Island, was facing a $41.1 million budget deficit, and was seeking to close fire companies to reduce personnel costs. The problem which prompted this research was that during collective bargaining negotiations for the 1995- 1996, and 1996-1997 contract years, the elimination of chief's aides was being seriously considered as an alternative to closing fire companies, with little or no consideration of the operational or safety ramifications of such a move. The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether or not chief's aides serve a necessary function in a modern, urban fire department, and to make recommendations for the Providence Fire Department in regards to the need to maintain or eliminate the chief's aide positions. The evaluative research method was used."
National Fire Academy
Varone, J. Curtis
1997-04
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New Medical/Physical Standards for Frederick County Firefighters
"Frederick County Department of Fire/Rescue Services did not have medical/physical standards for its firefighters beyond the most basic medical examination required of all county employees. The purpose of this paper was to investigate medical/physical standards for firefighters and to evaluate new medical/physical standards for Frederick County firefighters. The methodology used included a literature review of the relevant literature in the National Fire Academy's (NFA) Learning Resource Center ((LRC) and in the library of the Frederick County Department of Fire/Rescue Services. Current national and jurisdictional medical/physical standards were also reviewed. Subsequently, the new medical/physical standards for Frederick County were evaluated."
National Fire Academy
Marsh, Andrew D.
1997-09
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Quality Control Program for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal
"The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Division of Fire Prevention (DFP) conducts thousands of annual code enforcement inspections. The DFP's enforcement program suffered from what was perceived by OSFM management to be a high number of errors in the application of adopted codes. The problem was that benefits of a formalized quality control program (QCP) had never been investigated by the agency. Therefore, the OSFM may have been missing an opportunity to increase code enforcement effectiveness as the result of unfamiliarity with QCPs. The purpose of this research was to identify whether recognized methods of quality control used in private business environments or other public agencies were applicable or adaptable to the OSFM as a method of enhancing code enforcement effectiveness. The research questions asked were 1. How can a QCP benefit the OSFM's DFP? 2. What factors are important to the establishment and operation of a QCP? 3. Are QCPs developed for the private sector applicable to public agencies, and fire service code enforcement agencies in particular? 4. How are QCPs used in other fire service code enforcement agencies? 5. How can a QCP be implemented in the OSFM's DFP?"
National Fire Academy
Wood, Kenneth E.
2001-09
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Protective Ensembles for Firefighting Challenge the Balance and Stability of Firefighters
"King's Point Volunteer Fire District is a rural, residential community that has recently experienced tremendous growth, as well as an increase in both emergent and non-emergent incidents. With the increase of incidents, King's Point has experienced a number of firefighters, with no apparent sensory deficits, experience slips and falls while wearing protective clothing ensembles. The purpose of this research project was to investigate the affects on a firefighter's center of gravity (COG) and balancing ability when wearing a station uniform as compared to wearing protective clothing ensembles, coupled with a self contain breathing apparatus. This project employed evaluative and historical research methods to (a) determine what deficiencies are encountered while wearing protective ensembles in order to position one's center of gravity (COG) over the base of support (BOS) in a given sensory environment, (b) determine the physiological impairments associated with the firefighter's age as it affects one's center of gravity (COG) over the base of support (BOS) in a given sensory environment, (c) determine the advantages of computer-based assessment to learn firefighters' strategies in maintaining balance, (d) determine some of the limitations and deficiencies of computer-based assessment to learn firefighters' strategies in maintaining balance, (e) determine if computer-based assessment replicates the reality of firefighters' strategies in maintaining balance, and (f) determine if computer-based assessment has an influence on firefighters learning their strategies to maintain balance. The procedure used involved a review of academic and trade journal publications, interviews, questionnaires, and a clinical study."
National Fire Academy
Adams, Donald R., Sr.
2000-02
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Distress Alert Signals from Personal Alert Safety Systems Devices Do Not Trigger Physiological Responses
"Osceola County Emergency Services Department is in an urban and rural county with a diverse community that has experienced tremendous growth during the last 5 years, as well as an increase in both emergency and non-emergency incidents. The problem noted with the increase of incidents Osceola County has experienced, is that a number of firefighters, with no apparent sensory deficits do not respond immediately to the distress signal of the Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) device when engaged in heavy fire suppression activities, search and rescue activities, or both. The purpose of this research project was to investigate internal conditions and their relationships, as well as the external forces and their impact on firefighter's immediate response to the activation of PASS device's distress alert signals. This project employed evaluative and historical research methods to (a) determine if firefighters are able to distinguish the numerous distinct events and sounds as a human listener from busy fire ground ambience, (b) determine if firefighters' responses are becoming conditioned or are we shaping their behavior regarding the auditory stimuli of the distress alert tone from Personal Alert Safety Systems devices, (c) determine if physiological impairments associated with the firefighter's age affect stimuli reaching the auditory system, (d) determine some of the limitations and deficiencies of the Personal Alert Safety Systems devices, (e) determine what are some of the advantages of the Personal Alert Safety Systems devices, and (f) determine if polygraph apparatus that evaluates physiological biofeedback are useful for data acquisition of firefighters' responses to the distress tone of Personal Alert Safety Systems devices."
National Fire Academy
Adams, Donald R., Sr.
2001-08
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Evaluating the Results of a Modified Bunker Gear Policy
"In August 2000, Boston Fire Department (BFD) modified its mandatory bunker gear policy to permit less than full bunker gear. The problem was that no evaluation of the policy change was performed to determine whether or not firefighter safety was enhanced. The purpose of this research was to determine if modifying the BFD bunker gear policy enhanced firefighter safety. An historical and evaluative research methodology was used to answer the following questions: 1. Prior to the modification of the bunker gear policy, what was the injury rate for heat stress injuries on the fireground? 2. Did the rate of heat stress injuries go down after the modification of the policy? 3. Did any other category of injuries increase after the policy change? 4. What must BFD do to ensure optimum safety for its firefighters? The procedures involved an examination of injury statistics before and after the change. This data was used to answer questions 1, 2, and 3. An extensive literature review and interviews with bunker gear experts provided answers to question 4."
National Fire Academy
Mager, David
2002-09
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Identifying and Evaluating Training Criteria for the Development of a Company Officer Training Program
"The problem was that the City of Coronado Fire Department had no company officer development program available for department personnel aspiring to be a Fire Captain. For company officers to effectively and efficiently provide the diverse services demanded in today's fire service, he or she must be proficient in many disciplines. Yet quite often personnel aspiring to fill this key position receive little or no specific training to meet these diverse responsibilities. The purpose of this applied research project was to develop professionally recognized fire service training criteria to assist in the development of a company officer training program for department personnel aspiring to be a company officer. In conducting this research the author utilized descriptive and action research methodologies to answer these research questions: 1. What are the professionally recognized fire service minimum training standards for company officer? 2. What are the critical tasks and responsibilities of company officers in the fire service and the Coronado Fire Department? 3. What minimum training standards are like-sized and larger fire departments in San Diego County using to develop company officer level training?"
National Fire Academy
Ott, David
2000-02
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Identifying the Core Values of the City of Markham Fire Department
"The strategic plan has become the road map for an organization's day-to-day operation. Most organizations perform some sort of strategic or executive planning. The critical starting point in any planning process is an audit of the core values of the organization's stakeholders. A values audit is both the key to an organization's identity and the first practical step in the planning process. The problem this project examined was the lack of a workable strategic plan in the City of Markham Fire Department. The project would answer one question: What are the core values of the City of Markham Fire Department? This project was the first step in the department's upcoming strategic planning process. It involved conducting a core values audit of the members of the City of Markham Fire Department. The results would be the formal starting point for the strategic plan. The project used the descriptive method to identify the City of Markham Fire Department's values through survey instruments. The literature review and shift interviews augmented the surveys. Three different survey tools were used as part of the research procedures: (a) The Rokeach Values Survey, (b) The Mitchell Value Instrument, and (c) a values scan. Surveys were used because they were the appropriate instruments for assessing the firefighters' thoughts and feelings on values. The core values of the City of Markham Fire Department were defined as honesty and compassion."
National Fire Academy
Drumm, H. Michael
2000-03
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Gender Issues and Fire Stations Facilities: Strategic Management of Change
"The problem is the St. Johns County Department of Emergency Services (SJCDES) does not have a standardized policy for the provision and use of bunkrooms and restrooms for firefighters of different genders. The purpose of this research was to create a policy for the provision and use of bunkroom and restroom facilities by firefighters of differing genders. This project was conducted using the action research method. The following research questions were posed: 1) What state or federal regulations exist relevant to the provision and use of facilities by differing genders? 2) What are the current facilities (restrooms and bunkrooms) available to male and female firefighters at fire stations in SJCDES, and how are they being used? 3) What concerns or opinions do female firefighters and station officers have regarding provision and use of fire station facilities? An inspection of existing fire stations was conducted to determine the current bunkroom and restroom facilities available, and their current usage. A survey of female firefighters in the SJCDES was conducted to determine their preferences for the provision and use of facilities. A similar survey was conducted of SJCDES officers to determine their preference and to obtain their opinion of what female firefighters would prefer. The surveys were then tabulated and the results either expressed as a percentage or shown in a table format. A policy was created that addresses the designation and use of bunkrooms and restrooms in SJCDES fire stations. The policy included guidelines for future fire station renovations or new construction."
National Fire Academy
McElroy, Frank
2001-02
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Attrition Rate as it Relates to Employee Loyalty and Retention
"When the rate of attrition impacts negatively on an organization's budget and on the experience base of the personnel, measures should be taken to solve the problem. The purpose of this research was to discover why personnel leave a career or organization early, which departments are so impacted and how executive leaders influenced employee loyalty and retention. An evaluative research method was used to answer the following questions: 1. What departments have an attrition or employee retention problem? 2. What are the causes of personnel leaving in early or mid career with a department? 3. What actions/programs result in employee loyalty? 4. What impact does the executive officer have on attrition and employee retention?"
National Fire Academy
Rivera, Roberto
1999-03
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Learning Organizations and Leadership Style
"This research project analyzed seven operating departments in the City of Lynchburg to determine the leadership style of the department head and whether leadership style is conducive to establishing and maintaining a learning organization. The problem was that the City of Lynchburg leadership did not understand the components of a learning organization and whether the leadership style of department heads had any relationship to the success or failure of the departments in cultivating a teaming organization. The purpose of this research project was to determine the components of a successful learning organization and to establish if the leadership style of a department head influences the ability of that department to successfully cultivate a learning organization. The Descriptive Research Method was used to analyze existing conditions in selected operating departments in the City of Lynchburg. The following questions were researched: 1. What was a learning organization? 2. Which departments in the City of Lynchburg had employees who consider that they worked in a learning organization? 3. Was there a relationship between the leadership style of the department head and their success at promoting and maintaining a teaming organization?"
National Fire Academy
Martinette, C. V., Jr.
2002-09
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Fire Service Employee Recognition Program
"It is observed that businesses have created a system to encourage employees to go 'above and beyond' the normal job demands in the area of customer service and safety. This has led to a review of the Hudson, NH Fire Department's award program. This program awards employees for acts of heroism and outstanding voluntary service in the community. Lacking is a method to reward extra effort in the areas of public education, in-house changes to safety, and community relations. The purpose of this research was to use the business models, from both service and manufacturing corporations, to discover what programs could be adapted to public service. It was also important to survey other regional Fire Departments concerning what programs they might have in place. An action research methodology was utilized. Research questions were developed to answer the following questions of a sample of regional departments: 1. Does your organization have a program in place to reward for exceptional performance? 2. How are the employees recognized? Are rewards tangible items, written commendations, verbal recognition or some other method? 3. Do you have a mentoring program to encourage employees to perform better in a job function? 4. What would you say are significant impacts of your recognition program? How long has the program been in place? 5. What would you consider essential components that should be included in any departments award program? These questions were used to develop a program for recognition. Literature reviews focused on the businesses that have shown success with employee programs. Results indicated that most business programs were adaptable to the Hudson Fire Department."
National Fire Academy
Chalk, Charles
2001-07
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Evaluation of a Mitigation Procedure for Small Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Spills
"The problem was the current procedure for mitigating small spills of liquid oxygen (LOX) inside a hospital building had not been tested to determine the procedure's effectiveness. The hypothesis being, if LOX on asphalt has been shown to be impact sensitive, then LOX on a floor tile surface will contact the tile's underlying petroleum-based adhesive through the seams or cracks of adjoining floor tiles, creating an impact-sensitive condition until mitigated. The absence in literature of a mitigation procedure for small LOX spills that could occur with portable LOX respiratory therapy equipment prompted the Kent County Memorial Hospital to develop a spill procedure. The purpose of the research was to develop and conduct a controlled LOX spill test experiment to determine the procedure's effectiveness."
National Fire Academy
Kampmier, Craig H.
1995-03
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Defining the Organizational Culture of the Fairborn Fire Department
"In an effort to begin a teambuilding and organizational development program, organizational culture, an important but often overlooked component of the Fairborn Fire Department, was identified for study. This research project will provide insight into the organizational culture of the Fairborn Fire Department, and provide methodology for organizational development and change. The problem that this research project will address is that attempts at organizational development and teambuilding have not been successful due to a failure to thoroughly understand the needs, beliefs, values, and perceptions of the members of the fire department. The overall purpose is to identify the organizational culture, define the strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations for methodology of organizational change, teambuilding, and resolution of cultural conflict. The research required the use of both historical and descriptive methodologies. The research questions were 1. What are the strengths and weaknesses within the Fairborn Fire Department that have the greatest impact on its present organizational culture? 2. What are the elements of the organizational culture within the Fairborn Fire Department? 3. How can the organizational culture be defined?"
National Fire Academy
Harlow, T. David
1994-07
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Development of a Strategy for Conflict Management During Fire/EMS Department Amalgamation
"The purpose of this research was to develop a strategy for the management of conflict between Fire and EMS personnel in the Edmonton Emergency Response Department. The research was undertaken employing both an historical research methodology and an action research methodology. Document analysis and interviews were used to gain an understanding of the premerger motives. Management literature on amalgamation (mergers and acquisitions) and on theories of conflict management was examined in order to develop an organizational strategy to provide direction in the development of a specific set of guidelines or tools that may be used by managers to resolve or diffuse situations where conflict negatively affected organizational performance."
National Fire Academy
Williams, Bernard E.
1995-05
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Study of Standby Water Fees/User Fees for Fire Sprinkler System Connections to Water Mains
"Standby water fees/user fees for fire sprinkler system connections to water mains, levied by water utility agencies, were being challenged as excessive and unwarranted by fire protection organizations. Most water utility agencies claimed a right to charge standby water fees/user fees and believed they were reasonable and justified. The purpose of the research was to identify and evaluate the issues on both sides of the debate and to formulate recommendations. Historical and descriptive research methodology was use to answer these questions: 1. Which states have proposed or enacted legislation or rules regulating standby water fees/user fees? 2. What is a reasonable standby water fee/user fee? 3. What services do water utility agencies provide to justify their standby water fees/user fees? 4. What alternatives are available to water utility agencies that depend on the revenue generated by standby water fees/user fees?"
National Fire Academy
Wood, Thomas R.
1995-07
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Providence Fire Department Staffing Study Revisited
"The Providence Fire Department conducted a staffing study in 1990-1991 to determine the effect of increased staffing on injury-related costs. Staffing on the six busiest companies was increased from three members to four. An actuary concluded that a substantial savings was achieved, resulting in permanent staffing increases. The results of the staffing study were subject to criticism on the basis of participant bias and the Hawthorne Effect, because participating firefighters knew of the study, and of the possibility for permanent staffing increases. The problem prompting this research was that increased staffing remained highly controversial due to budgetary problems facing Providence. Politicians and the media regularly referred to the department as 'bloated.' The purpose of this research was to determine if injury reductions observed during the original staffing study continued during subsequent years. The historical method was used."
National Fire Academy
Varone, J. Curtis
1995-08
