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Implementation of Self-Assessment and Accreditation in the U. S. Marine Corps Fire Service"The U. S. Department of Defense (DoD) recently agreed to adopt the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) Self-Assessment & Accreditation Program (CFAI program) as a measure of merit for DoD fire departments. While two of the DoD Components have started implementing the program, the U. S. Marine Corps has not yet evaluated the U. S. Marine Corps Fire Service support for the CFAI program. Therefore, the problem prompting this research was the failure of the U. S. Marine Corps Fire Protection Program Office to assess the organizational support for the CFAI program and to identify any potential destabilizing forces that could affect the implementation of the program. The purpose of this research was to determine the current organizational support for the CFAI program and to identify the potential destabilizing forces that may affect implementation by the U. S. Marine Corps Fire Service. Evaluative research methods were used to answer the following research questions: 1. Does the literature support the CFAI program as an effective method to measure fire and emergency services? 2. What is the experience of other DoD fire departments that have implemented the CFAI program? 3. Will U. S. Marine Corps Fire Service personnel support implementation of the CFAI program? 4. What are the U. S. Marine Corps Fire Service organizational concerns affecting the implementation of the CFAI program? 5. What is the best strategy for implementing the CFAI program within the U. S. Marine Corps Fire Service?"National Fire AcademyKing, T. Kevin2000-11
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Decentralized Training by Using Advanced Distributive Learning Centers"The decentralization of training has been a topic of fire departments and businesses in recent years due to many contributing factors. The problem for Orange County Fire Rescue Department (OCFRD) was that the area protected posed significant challenges for an effective and efficient centralized training program. The training program failed to address the large employee base and the jurisdictional size of OCFRD with its fire and emergency services requirements. The purpose of this research project was to develop a plan for delivering training in a more decentralized fashion. Historical and action research methods were used to answer the following questions: 1. What technology is available to support decentralized training for OCFRD? 2. What were the guidelines used by OCFRD? 3. Are other similarly sized fire/emergency service organizations offering decentralized training using modern technology? The procedures used to complete this research included a review of fire service and business literature, and OCFRD documents and records. Also, interviews were conducted with subject matter experts involved in the implementation of like kind changes in other Fire Departments. The results of the research showed that utilizing personal computers within each fire station helped delivery of training needs without the negatives associated with centralized delivery. Also, the new technology used in this delivery is very expensive and not without the possibility of unforeseen technological glitches. Recommendations included further allocation of funds to support new technology and present programs, teaching staff trainers on software utilization and delivery, continual advancement of Intranet development, and learning what is already being done by others to prevent the same type of mistakes."National Fire AcademyOber, Karl R.2000-12
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Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Peoria Fire Department Fire Apparatus Maintenance Program"This research project investigated the area of vehicle maintenance and the role it plays in providing fire and emergency service. It also explored the concept of how having a mechanic designated solely to the fire department for servicing and maintaining its fleet. More specifically, this research studied the City of Peoria, Arizona Fire Department. An action/descriptive research technique was employed to make recommendations to the fire chief to help produce a department program. An extensive review of literature received from the National Fire Academy's Learning Resource Center was conducted. The four following research questions were developed and evaluated for this project: 1. Does the need exist for the Peoria Fire Department to have more control over it's vehicle maintenance of it's fire apparatus? 2. What is an acceptable amount of down time for fire apparatus? 3. Would hiring a mechanic that specializes in fire apparatus improve the level of fire and emergency medical service provided in the City of Peoria? 4. Would developing a preventive maintenance program for the fire department improve the quality of work provided? A phone and e-mail survey was conducted with ten fire departments and districts within the Phoenix regional area to view how they operate their vehicle maintneance programs. The results of the research indicated that the Peoria Fire Department would benefit from having more control over it's fire apparatus and that hiring a fire mechanic is imperative to reducing the amount of downtime for the department's fire apparatus."National Fire AcademyRooney, Lawrence R.2001-12
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Development of Simple Rapid Damage Assessment Procedures for Prediction of Needed Emergency Response for Disasters that Occur Without Warning"For the past several years, the Board of Fire Commissioners of Hopewell Township Fire District #1 had been commissioning research of their district to determine the hazards they face and had assessed the resources they currently have to protect those hazards. The product of the above research has shown that human resources are very scarce, often at critical times such as during daytime hours, Monday through Friday. The problem that was identified by the Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad which serves Fire District #1 was that no procedures currently in use could assist a fire officer with limited disaster experience in quickly determining the resources needed to stabilize the life threatening situations which would be faced in the immediate aftermath of an unplanned disaster. This will be a critical factor to reduce the deaths and injuries which result when such emergencies occur. The purpose of this research project was to develop a simple procedure to quickly determine the resources needed during any disaster by using action research to answer the following questions: 1. What indicators have been used to predict the number of casualties which could be anticipated during a disaster? 2. What are the key features of an effective, rapid damage assessment tool, the primary purpose of which is to determine immediate life safety resource needs? 3. What simple procedures should be used to determine resource needs utilizing a rapid damage assessment tool?"National Fire AcademyHolcombe, Jon B.2001-12
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Necessity and Feasibility of Eureka Volunteer Fire Department Reaching Compliance with NFPA Standard 1720"With the population of the City of Goodyear expected to grow from 22,000 to nearly 80,000 people by the year 2006, the Goodyear Fire Department must begin preparing its workforce to fill future leadership positions (SitesUSA, 2001). Personnel at all levels are provided and supported with many training and educational opportunities that are primarily focused on higher education and meeting state and national standards. This has proven effective for providing certain technical levels of skills and knowledge, but is inadequate for preparing the workforce for becoming future chief officers. The problem is that the department lacks a process to support and sustain its future leadership from within the organization. The purpose of this research is to identify a process that provides effective and realistic professional development opportunities directed at developing the department's leaders in the years ahead. The Goodyear Fire Department strongly believes in the importance of personal and professional development for its employees and the value of promoting those within the department. This belief has been scripted as part of the department's Vision Statement but that concept has not yet been institutionalized. This applied research paper is based on historical and descriptive research aimed at answering the following questions: 1. What are the elements of a good leadership succession program? 2. What is the department currently providing its company officers to become successful chief officers? 3. What leadership development opportunities are needed and how do we provide these opportunities?"National Fire AcademyWilliams, Douglas J.2001-12
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Triaging the Wildland Interface Problem in the Moraga-Orinda Fire District to Maximize Vegetation Management Efforts"This research project evaluated risk factors that impact the ability of fire suppression forces to quickly extinguish a wildland-interface fire before it spreads so that lives can be saved and property protected. The problem was that wildland-interface fires continue to pose a significant threat to human life, property and the environment. The purpose of this applied research paper was to determine to what extent the residential communities protected by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District were threatened by wildland-interface fires and whether the Moraga-Orinda Fire District could mitigate that threat potential. The research employed was both evaluative and action. The research was evaluative through the utilization of a community risk factor survey, the results of which were used to prioritize zone areas within the community from highest risk to lowest risk. The research was action research in that the information gathered was applied in a real-world context through the implementation of a vegetation management program. The research questions to be answered were: 1. What is the potential to the communities served by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District for wildland-interface fires? 2. What changes are required for the communities served by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District to mitigate the wildland-interface fire threat? 3. How should the Moraga-Orinda Fire District implement a fuel reduction program? The principle utilized a neighborhood risk factor survey to classify and prioritize neighborhood areas into zones based on vehicle access, topography, slope vegetation, predominant aspect, predominant fuel types, condition of vegetation relating to fire safety, roof and building construction, distance between structures, active homeowner groups, electrical services and average number of fires per 1,000 acres per ten years."National Fire AcademyJohnston, Jim2001-11
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Customer Expectations for Management Information in Fire and Emergency Service Organizations: Developing a Standardized Product Line for the Infomatics and Quality Improvement Unit at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue"This research paper examined the needs and desires of line fire service supervisors for management information to assist them in carrying out their supervisory duties. The problem was a lack of a standardized and consistent approach to developing and reporting operational performance data within the department, resulting in diminished efficiency and effectiveness of the Infomatics and Quality Improvement Unit. The purpose of the project was to produce a menu of standardized reports which could be programmed, produced and distributed efficiently, and which would be useful to managers and supervisors. The development of this paper involved both historical and action research to identify the needs and wants of fire service supervisors for reports of operational performance parameters, to identify those reports commonly used by supervisors in other fire departments, and to develop a menu of stardard reports which could be readily produced from the department's records management and reporting system. The major procedures were (a) review of the literature concerning fire service information systems planning and development, (b) a survey of internal customers, and (c) a survey of selected fire services conducted to determine their information reporting and utilization practices. The major findings of this paper were that there is consensus among internal customers concerning their needs and desires for standardized reports and on the desired frequency of reporting, that few fire departments regularly distribute performance data to line managers and supervisors, and that the development of a useful menu of standard reports is possible."National Fire AcademyKirkwood, Howard A.2000-12
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Outline for Hartsville Fire Department Personnel to Compete for Chief Officer Positions"When the City of Hartsville changed its method of hiring upper management positions, it opened these positions to all possible candidates, internal and external. It became evident that existing city personnel would need improved levels of training and education to compete with outside candidates. This research paper attempted to determine if Hartsville Fire Department personnel were at a disadvantage when competing with others from outside the department. If Hartsville personnel were at a disadvantage, what would be necessary for them to become competitive? And was there any benefit to the community for personnel being competitive? Descriptive and evaluative research were the methods chosen to complete the research. Literature review and two surveys were used to gather information. Surveys were answered by personnel of all ranks, both inside and outside of the Hartsville Fire Department. Outside departments varied in size and structure. Departments and individuals surveyed included volunteer, combination, and career structures, and served both large and small areas and populations. Disparity was found in level of education and certifications between Hartsville personnel and those surveyed from other fire departments. More potential applicants outside the organization had college degrees and certifications above basic firefighting."National Fire AcademyMorabito, Lawrence M.2000-10
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ISO Classification"This applied research project examined the ISO [Insurance Service Office] classification rating process. The problem that motivated this research was that the ISO classification of the Miramar Fire-Rescue Department was not in compliance with the vision of the organization. The purpose of this applied research project was to explore the organization's need to improve their ISO classification and identify the steps needed to direct a strategic plan to meet the vision of the department. This applied research project used the historical and descriptive research methods. The following research questions were posed: 1) Why is it important to improve the community's ISO classification? 2) What criteria does ISO use to determine a fire department's classification? 3) What strategic process should be adopted to improve the ISO classification? The procedures used to complete this applied research project included a literature review of fire service textbooks, fire service journals, the internet, an interview, and a survey instrument. The results of the research revealed the importance of the ISO classification to the fire service, the criteria that must be addressed to meet the ISO classification standards and the steps required to direct a strategic planning effort. Recommendations were presented to the Miramar Fire-Rescue Department to construct a strategic plan to improve the organization's ISO classification. The improved classification provided the department with a method to meet the vision of the organization and their personnel."National Fire AcademyCaliendo, Salvatore2000-12
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Training Opportunities for the Thermal Imaging Camera"Through a community-supported fundraiser, the Ipswich Fire Department (IFD) will be the recipient of a new thermal imaging camera (TIC) in the near future. The problem was the IFD did not have a training program for the TIC. The purpose of this applied research project was to develop a list of training opportunities for the thermal imaging camera. Action research methodology was used to answer the following three research questions: 1) What types of situations have thermal imaging cameras been used for? 2. What are the disadvantages of thermal imaging cameras that relate to possible training opportunities? 3. What types of training do fire departments require of their personnel to utilize thermal imaging cameras? The procedures that were used for this applied research project included a literature review and a survey. The initial literature review was conducted at the Learning Resource Center at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Applicable information was obtained from trade journals, books, periodicals, and applied research projects. Additional information was gathered from the IFD video library, manufacturer brochures and an exhaustive internet search. The second procedure was a survey sent to fire departments in Massachusetts that have a TIC. The survey was used to find what types of training were required for their personnel to utilize a TIC. The results showed there was a multitude of situations in which a TIC can be used, with successful results. As with any new tool, disadvantages were relevant to a TIC. The leading disadvantage was training, in some cases lack of training on a TIC. The research found a wide range of requirements for firefighters using the TIC."National Fire AcademyTheriault, Andre J.2000-12
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Firefighters to Fire Preventers: A Change for the Waterbury Fire Department"In December 1997, the City of Waterbury appointed a new fire chief. After his appointment, a number of changes occurred that would define how the Waterbury Fire Department would provide services to the community. The Fire Chief established a goal to increase the role of the fire department's fire fighting forces in fire prevention activities throughout the community. The problem was that the Waterbury Fire Department was not effectively using fire department personnel in delivering public fire safety education. Fire companies had been a small part of the public fire safety education program, but soon there would be an increase in their role in delivering these programs to the public. The purpose of this applied research project was to develop a plan to effectively use suppression personnel in the Waterbury Fire Department to provide public fire safety education. This research project used the evaluative methodology to examine what steps would be needed to develop a plan to use suppression personnel by the Waterbury Fire Department to effectively deliver the Waterbury Fire Department's Public Fire Safety Education Program. The research questions to be answered were: 1. What procedures and methods should a fire department use to implement a public fire safety education program? 2. What training will be required for the members of the Waterbury Fire Department Bureau of Emergency Services so that they may effectively deliver a public fire safety education program? 3. What obstacles will the Waterbury Fire Department need to overcome in developing suppression personnel so that they can provide effective public fire safety education?"National Fire AcademyKlauber, George1999-09
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Implementation of Wildland Certification Standards for Structural Firefighters in Clark County, Washington"This research project looked at wildland fire certifications and how to apply them to structural firefighters in Clark County, Washington. The problem was that there were no wildland certification standards for structural firefighters in Clark County. The purpose of this applied research paper was to implement wildland certification standards for all structural firefighters in Clark County. This research employed both action and evaluative research (a) to identify what wildland certification standards currently exisit, (b) to identify what certification levels are applicable to each level within the organization, (c) to identify what the requirements for each certification level are, and (d) to identify how these certification standards should be implemented. The principle procedures employed were a review of existing certification systems and a review of available literature. Several interviews were also conducted to gauge the willingness of management and labor to participate in this implementation. The results of this project identified the NWCG Widland Fire Qualification certification system as the system to be used for certifying personnel. A table was developed identifying all of the appropriate certification levels for each level within the organization, as well as the requirements for each level. Finally, a plan to implement the change within the organization utilizing the change management model was identified. The recommendations resulting from this research included (a) the adoption of certification standards for all identified personnel to be gradually implemented over a two-year period, (b) adopting hiring standards that require wildland certification for all identified positions, and (d) promoting the adoption of certification standards throughout the region and the state through various means."National Fire AcademyCiraulo, Michael J.1999-04
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Developing a Code of Ethics for the Old Mystic Fire Department"In the past year, Americans and the world have watched the news reports on public officials in all areas of government including the president of the United States being accused of wrong doings. Due to these events the people's trust in public officials are eroding at alarming rates. The public has demanded greater moral and ethical standards be met by the public officials in all levels of government. The problem is the Old Mystic Fie Department was formed in 1836 and has grown 100 fold since. The area we cover is the single most visited area in the state. The dealings we have daily with both the public and government agencies require us to maintain a high level of public trust. The department has no code of ethics in place at this time. The by laws cover some areas of conduct, but very little on ethics. The purpose of this research paper was to develop a code of ethics for the Old Mystic Fire Department. This code will give the leaders and members of our department a guide to maintain a high level of public trust and self pride. The action method of research was used for this study. The following research questions needed to be asked to help guide this researcher to the end product: 1. Do other fire departments in the state have written codes of ethics? 2. Do fire departments in the state without a written code of ethics plan on drafting one? 3. Should our department adopt a written code of ethics?"National Fire AcademyRichards, Kenneth W., Jr.1998-09
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Plant City Fire Department Reserve Firefighter Program: Dissolve or Revitalize"The Plant City Fire Department has operated as a combination department for many years. The career firefighters are augmented by a reserve force. The problem is the reserve program is lackadaisical with the members not adhering to the standard operating guidelines. The program appears to be lethargic with no administrative guidance and members apathetic in their participation while being compensated. The purpose of this research project was to determine if the reserve program should be dissolved or continued with some revitalization or structural change. The research method used for this project was evaluative. Information was acquired through literature review, three survey questionnaires and personal interviews. Research questions used in the evaluative method were: 1. What is the purpose and intent of the Plant City reserve program? 2. Are other fire departments using reserve programs? 3. What are the concerns, if any, of the Plant City Firefighters Union members regarding the existing program? 4. What can be done to revitalize and/or improve the existing reserve program? The principle procedures utilized for this research project were: (a) a literature review of existing material addressing reserve firefighter programs, (b) a survey of 87 random fire departments in Florida for informational data, (c) a survey of the eleven reserves currently in the program, (d) a survey of the 28 union members of the Plant City Fire Department, and (e) two personal interviews with former training officers."National Fire AcademyShiley, George D.1999-08
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Fire Officer Development for the Sparks Fire Department"The problem identified for this research project was that the Sparks Fire Department did not have an up to date 'Fire Officer Development Program' to train and prepare the future officers of the fire department. Fire Apparatus Operators (FAO) are used in an acting capacity when the fire captain is absent. Current training for these personnel and for the current fire captains is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Officer Standard 1021, in the form of an outdated Sparks Fire Department specific format. The purpose of this research paper was to determine the requirements for and recommend a recognized standard to prepare professional fire officers for the Sparks Fire Department. The following questions were used to make this determination: 1. What areas of training are necessary to produce an effective fire officer development program? 2. What are other fire departments using as a tool to prepare fire officers for their responsibilities? 3. What areas of training do the future fire officers of the Sparks Fire Department feel they need the most? The results of the research showed that although the Sparks Fire Department required personnel participating in the promotional process be certified as NFPA Fire Officer I, and have at least thirty (30) college credits in a Fire Science degree program to take the test, most members felt the program was not beneficial to them. There were no continuing education requirements after being promoted and no officer school upon promotion."National Fire AcademyDiPietro, Marv2001-09
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Examining the Effects of NFPA Standard 1710 on Longboat Key Fire-Rescue"This research project examined the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments and its possible implications for Longboat Key Fire-Rescue (LKFR). The problem was to determine how much of the standard LKFR would be able to comply with. The purpose of this project was to determine what effect the adoption of NFPA 1710 would have on the operations of LKFR. The project used evaluative research to answer the following questions: 1) What are the advantages/disadvantages of NFPA 1710? 2) How will other fire departments in Florida adopt NFPA 1710? and 3) What are the possible effects of NFPA 1710 on current business practices of LKFR? The procedures used included a literature review of NFPA 1710 in regards to those in support of and those against the standard. In addition, the standard itself was examined for relevant information. A questionnaire was also distributed to all career fire departments in Florida with 172 responding. A majority of respondents indicated meeting NFPA 1710's requirements in regards to response times for engine companies and medical resonse. Fewer were able to meet quint company and truck company response times. Departments in Florida were able to provide: staffing for attack lines, a dedicated incident commander, first responders with automated external defibrillators (AED's), and the ability of having mutual/automatic aid in a majority of incidents."National Fire AcademyAltman, Matthew T.2001-12
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Benchmarking Fireground Performance"Largo Fire is a progressive and proactive organization and has been an innovator of new concepts for almost two decades, most recently having attained CFAI [Commission on Fire Accreditation International] accreditation. Largo Fire Rescue chose to apply benchmarking measurements to fireground tasks. The problem is that Largo Fire Rescue had few standardized performance benchmarks that measure the quality of the fire crews' performance for specific fireground tasks. The purpose of this research was to evaluate specific fireground task benchmarks to determine which are applicable for measuring quality performance in Largo Fire Rescue. The goal was to answer the following three research questions: 1. What benchmarks are considered the standard for fireground task performance? 2. How can benchmarking of specific fireground tasks improve quality of performance? 3. What benchmarks are applicable to Largo Fire Rescue and how will they assist in reducing cycle times of fireground tasks? To accomplish this, evaluative research was used to perform a retrospective analysis of three years of data collected by the Pinellas County 911 Dispatch Center. Largo Fire Rescue has adopted two new intervals as internal benchmarks: on-scene to water on the fire interval (OS-WOF), and on-scene to primary search complete interval (OS-PSC). The analysis of the OS-WOF interval revealed a mean time = 4.13; standard deviation = 3.38 and the OS-PSC interval mean time = 8.23; standard deviation = 7.03. Future training will be focused on reducing cycle times for these fireground tasks. The research demonstrated that few mutually agreed upon, standardized, benchmarks of specific fireground tasks are measured nor reported."National Fire AcademyWallace, Michael J., B.A.2001-11-01
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Developing an Education Characterization Program"The instruction of our children in all aspects of fire and life safety was an imperative function of the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Flower Mound Fire Department (FMFD). The problem was that the FMFD did not have an effective fire prevention education program. The purpose of this research paper was to identify the criteria needed to develop a fire and life safety education program utilizing characterization, clowns and/or puppets. Evaluative research was used in preparing and answering the following questions: 1. Why utilize characterization, clowns or puppets in fire and life safety education? 2. To what level were the FMFD personnel trained in educational methodology? 3. What training programs were available to train personnel in characterization, clowning and/or puppetry? 4. What subject matter was being taught in other fire and life safety programs? The procedures used to complete this research project utilized a review of literature pertaining to why clowns were utilized in fire and life safety programs and what training programs were available in characterization, clowning and/or puppetry; evaluation of FMFD personnel records to determine courses taken in educational methodology; and a feedback instrument given to fire departments throughout north Texas. Finally, an analysis of the data gathered in the feedback instrument was conducted. The results of the research demonstrated that clown programs were effective, that FMFD personnel had adequate training in the basic educational methodology, and that there were several programs that offered specialized training. Finally, it identified general subject matter that should be included in training programs."National Fire AcademyBonner, Jerry2001-10-26
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Pinellas County Fire Service Paramedics in Community Based Health Care Services"Pre-hospital medical care continues to evolve and change. The problem is Pinellas County fire departments that provide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have no plan on how to begin providing community based healthcare services. This research project analyzed the factors affecting the ability of fire service EMS personnel to provide community based healthcare services. The purpose of the project was to create recommendations that Pinellas fire service leaders could follow to implement community based healthcare services. Descriptive and evaluative research methods were used to answer the following research questions: 1. Do any Florida fire service EMS providers currently provide or plan to provide Community Based Healthcare Services? 2. Are current policy makers in local government familiar with Community Based Healthcare Services? 3. Do those current policy makers in local government have opinions on who should provide Community Based Healthcare Services? 4. What laws exist today that would prohibit or allow Pinellas County fire service paramedics to provide Community Based Healthcare Services? Procedures utilized included: review of written material on community based healthcare services; review of Florida Statutes and local agreements; personal interviews; and surveys of local government officials and Florida fire service professionals. The findings of the research indicated that many of Pinellas County's government policy makers were familiar with community based healthcare services and had strong opinions on who should provide service. The Florida fire service EMS providers were also familiar with community based healthcare services and were already providing limited services. Florida statutes failed to provide clear answers on just who could provide services."National Fire AcademyMcGuff, Scott W.1998-03
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Feasibility Study of Public Fire Service Consolidation for the Southwest Council of Governments"Due to the steady increase in population and commercial/industrial development in the Southwest region of Cuyahoga County, the fire service needed to consider regional consolidation as the means to achieve the most efficient operations and the greatest cost effectiveness. The purpose of this paper was to determine the feasibility of consolidating the 18 municipal fire departments belonging to the Cuyahoga County Southwest Council of Governments into one regional department. Among the factors evaluated were the actual financial effects of consolidation, the political ramifications, and the overall benefits to customer service that would be derived from consolidation. I have used descriptive and evaluative research in answering the research questions. Two surveys were sent, one directed to the fire chiefs, and the other to the mayors of the cities in the region. An extensive literature review was performed to explore the various ramifications of consolidation for the cities involved. Interviews were conducted with fire service personnel employed by fire districts that have experienced consolidation. There were three questions this paper attempted to answer: 1. How will fire chiefs and mayors of the municipalities in the Southwest Council of Governments respond to the concept of consolidation? 2. What will the effects of consolidation be on the provision of services to the communities involved? 3. Will any benefits be derived by the fire department personnel as a result of consolidation?"National Fire AcademyHaney, Paul1998-10
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Fire Protection and Emergency Services in the Urban Transition Area"Urban growth management legislation in the state of Oregon provides both benefits and challenges to the urban service providers around the state. Areas on the fringes of growing cities present special challenges to the providers of fire and rescue services. Annexation practices, particularly noncontiguous annexations, can make it difficult to provide efficient and effective service to these areas. This study used a descriptive research methodology to explore the following questions: 1. How are incorporated cities in Oregon currently providing fire protection services to the urban transition areas within their urban growth boundaries? 2. What are the primary issues and how are they addressed in intergovernmental agreements for the provision of these services? A survey was conducted of fire departments in Oregon to determine annexation practices in their cities, as well as methods used to provide service to newly annexed properties in the urban transition area. In addition, intergovernmental agreements from these cities were studied to identify the common elements and issues addressed. It was found that many cities in Oregon provide service to outlying areas through intergovernmental agreements, that very few cities frequently approve noncontiguous annexations, and those that do are likely to have consolidated the city fire department and rural district to respond to the problem. Eugene was found to be unusual in its approval of noncontiguous annexations and contracting with rural districts to provide service in those areas."National Fire AcademyObadal, Ruth1998-08
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Expanding the Incident Command System in the Lubbock Fire Department"The Lubbock Fire Department (LFD) has operated under a modified Incident Command System (ICS) for the last 10 years. The problem was the system had never been expanded beyond the basic functions of Incident Command and Operations. The purpose of this applied research project was to evaluate the current ICS and develop a strategy for expanding the current system. The current system was compared with Incident Command Systems of fire departments that had successfully expanded their system at catastrophic events. Evaluation methodology was used to answer the following questions: 1. What are some of the problems with the current Lubbock Fire Department Incident Command System? 2. What are the current types of Incident Command Systems utilized by fire departments that have successfully dealt with catastrophic incidents? 3. What are the critical components needed to expand an ICS when major disasters strike? 4. How can the Lubbock Fire Department effectively expand its ICS at high-risk, low frequency disasters? The literature review examined books, journals and technical reports relating to Incident Management Systems. The incident command systems of five fire departments, which had experienced catastrophic emergencies, were compared with the Lubbock Fire Department's ICS. Procedures included listing the strengths and weaknesses of all six departments and developing a strategy to overcome the weaknesses in the current systems. The results of the literature review identified seven critical components of an effective incident command system. Strategies were developed to address the weak components of the LFD ICS."National Fire AcademyCooper, Rhea2001-12
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Developing a Company Inspection Program for the D/FW International Airport Department of Public Safety"This research project analyzed the issue of developing a company inspection program for the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport's Department of Public Safety (DFW/DPS). The problem was that the current and projected growth for the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) has necessitated additional inspections for the airport community. The department's Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) cannot continue to conduct the number of required inspections with the current staff. The purpose of this research project was to develop a company inspection program for the DFW/DPS Fire Service. This research employed both historical, descriptive and action research methodology (a) to identify a company inspection program, (b) to determine the need for a company inspection program, (c) to identify the advantages of having a company inspection program, and (d) to develop guidelines for implementation of a company inspection program. The principal procedure employed was to review company inspection programs used by area agencies (August, 2001). Additional information was gathered from literary sources as a basis of developing the company inspection program. The major result of this research was the development of a company inspection program for the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport's Department of Public Safety. The recommendations resulting from this research included (a) to develop and implement a company inspection program for the D/FW Airport Fire Service, (b) to provide the proper training for members of the department's fire service on the use of this program, and (c) to implement the program in a fair and consistent manner."National Fire AcademyDeLane, Joseph A.2001-10
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Residential Fire Alarm Systems: The Verification and Response Dilemma"Over the past decade, the Vineland, New Jersey, Fire Department, like most fire departments, has experienced a significant increase in the number of responses to automatic fire alarm systems, especially systems located in one and two family dwellings. Responses to residential alarm systems increased dramatically in late 1998, when the city council approved local amendments to the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, one of which prohibited verification of residential fire alarms prior to notification of the fire department. The practical effect of this action was to eliminate the exception to immediate notification of the fire department from household fire warning equipment, found in chapter 2-4.9.2 of NFPA [National Fire Protection Association] 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 1996 edition. Being a combination fire department, this increase in responses eventually began to take a toll on the department's volunteers, some of whose companies were responding to more than 400 incidents per year. As a result, the city administration began to reconsider the prohibition on alarm verification. They also began to explore other solutions to the problem, such as implementing some type of fines and/or penalties for repeat false and/or nuisance alarms. The senior staff of the fire department acknowledged that the growing number of alarm responses was a problem; however, they were opposed to allowing verification, since they felt that this may compromise public safety. It was their belief that all other avenues should be explored, and options exhausted, prior to permitting any verification of residential fire alarm systems."National Fire AcademyFinley, Peter J., Jr.2001-11
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Evaluating the Need for a Fire Training Facility for the Peoria Fire Department and the West ValleyThis paper is a product of the United States Fire Administration's Executive Fire Officer Program. "This research project investigated the need of a fire training facility and the role it played in providing quality fire and emergency service instruction to firefighters. It also explored the concept of obtaining a fire training facility designated to the Peoria Fire Department and nine other west valley fire agencies. More specifically, this research studied the benefits the City of Peoria, Arizona Fire Department would have by combining efforts to form a consortium to acquire a fire training facility. A descriptive/evaluative research technique was employed to make recommendations to the Peoria Fire Chief to help facilitate the process of acquiring a training facility for the fire department. An extensive review of literature received from the National Fire Academy's Learning Resource Center was conducted. The four following research questions were developed and evaluated for this project: 1. Does the need exist for Peoria and the other west valley fire agencies to have a fire training facility? 2. Would developing a west valley training consortium help in Peoria's ability to obtain a facility? 3. Would teaming up with either the local community college or with the police agencies help Peoria obtain a fire training facility? 4. Would a west valley fire training facility be used enough to justify the expense for building and maintaining such a facility?"National Fire AcademyRooney, Lawrence R.2002-12
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Conducting an Effective Citizen Survey"The problem was that the district desired to solicit public input into a comprehensive plan review process. The purpose of this research project was to develop an effective citizen survey which could collect the opinions of a randomly selected group on specific topics. This study used a descriptive research methodology. The research questions were: 1. Can the district effectively utilize a customer service survey to validate customer satisfaction? 2. Can a survey be developed which will demonstrate the public's willingness to support potential future capital improvement issues? 3. Can a customer service survey be utilized to inform the public about selected services offered through the fire district? The procedure involved the creation of a citizen survey with subsequent analysis of the data. Surveys were developed and sent to 500 randomly selected registered voters. One hundred sixty-seven responses were received within a two-week time frame. Surveys were tallied and entered into a database. A Chi Square analysis was performed to determine if the responses on certain questions may have been affected by demographic makeup. The results of the survey indicated 72% of the respondents rated the overall quality of service as excellent, with an additional 21% rating the quality as good. Seventy-one percent of the respondents indicated they were willing to pay for decreased response times in the form of apparatus purchases and facilities upgrades through a capital improvement issue."National Fire AcademyLewis, Edward A.1998-03
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Measuring and Improving Organizational Change Readiness in the Libertyville Fire Department"The Libertyville Fire Department was encountering problems of instability and change resistance because a number of changes that occurred within the last three years. Leadership succession coupled with the privatization of a new station threatened organizational paralysis. The purpose of this resarch project was to measure and improve the change-readiness of the organization. The research used both historic and evaluative methodologies, including survey and research. Analysis of the literature concerning organizational change was also undertaken. The following research questions were considered: (1) What information can organizational change literature or research offer regarding the changes occurring within the Libertyville Fire Department? (2) What is the level of change-readiness or change-acceptance of the active members of the Libertyville Fire Department at the onset of this study? (3) What is the level of change-readiness or change-acceptance of these members following an intervention designed to enhance these characteristics? The procedures included an extensive literature review, initial surveys of the department's members, a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) analysis of the department, and a final application of the surveys. The results found that the department was already change-ready with the strongest measure of this trait exhibited by the chief officers and the lowest measure by the lieutenants. The intervention of the SWOT analysis did not appear to have any significant impact. The study recommended that organizational change-readiness was preferred to change management; visionary leadership and a stong supportive coalition were critical to success; and succession strategies and lieutenant change-traits needed to be developed."National Fire AcademyZamor, Robert L.1998-11
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Roadway Incident Management and Safety"Several firefighters and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers are killed and many are injured each year by vehicles striking them while performing emergency functions at roadway incidents. The main problem is that in some departments, formal training and procedures do not exist for establishing warning devices and managing vehicle traffic as it approaches the incident scene. The purpose of this research is to review literature available on roadway safety, survey fire departments for current procedures, and develop a training lesson plan. This research project used both evaluative and action research to answer the following questions: Is there a universal way to establish a roadway incident scene? What safety procedures by members must be reinforced? What are the guidelines for setting out cones and flares? What other warning devices are being used by fire departments? The procedures to collect data included a literature review and a survey instrument. The survey was used to determine if the departments were (1) following a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or had developed lesson plans on roadway safety, (2) what type of training was conducted, and (3) what types of warning devices are used. The results of the research produced a method to develop a Traffic Control Zone, that may be used on any type roadway incident and safe crew activities that should be reinforced with training and exercises. The recommendations are that all fire service organizations should develop a training lesson on roadway safety and establish a SOP. Departments that do not have enhanced warning devices or equipment such as reflective florescent vests, lighted arrow boards vests, light-wand flashlights, or apparatus reflective stripping should evaluate this equipment for inclusion in their apparatus inventory."National Fire AcademyPrice, Michael W.1998-11
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Customer Service: Planning to Survive"A clear, concise and uniform definition of customer service did not exist for the Hill AFB [Air Force Base] Fire & Emergency Service Organization. The purpose of this research was to develop a definition of customer service as it applies to the fire service and to provide other fire executive officers with an insight on improving their level of customer service satisfaction. This study employed a descriptive research methodology. The research questions to be answered are: (1) What is customer service? (2) How does the literature define customer service? (3) Can a fire and emergency services organization employ what has been proven to be effective customer service from the private sector? (4) What is the significance of acknowledging, understanding, maintaining and improving customer service? A survey of fire and emergency services personnel was administered to gauge their perceptions of customer service. A similar survey was administered to gauge their perceptions of customer service. A similar survey was also administered to an equal number of external customers in an attempt to measure their perceptions and opinions, and to determine if there were any major differences between the two groups polled. The results compiled displayed a disparity between what our external customers thought of our level of customer service and what our employees thought of the level service we provided. The recommendation, based upon the literature review, survey, findings, and discussions, were that the organization and the fire service in general, must focus their attention, resources, and action toward a more service oriented delivery."National Fire AcademySchultz, Robert M.1998-12
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Alternate Work Schedules for Chief Officers at the City of Two Rivers Fire Department"Operations have changed significantly for the City of Two Rivers Fire Department. The problem is that the administrative responsibilities to manage these operations have changed dramatically. In operating under the California Plan of 24 hour shifts for assistant chiefs, the department has been experiencing communications and coordination problems. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the feasibility of instituting alternative work schedules for the three assistant chiefs to manage more effectively these duties. An evaluative research procedure was conducted. The following research questions were answered. 1. What historical data is relevant to the issue of alternative work schedules for assistant chiefs at the City of Two Rivers Fire Department? 2. What conditions exist that warrant a change in duty hours for the assistant chiefs' positions? 3. What perceptions exist by assistant chiefs on the effectiveness of the work schedules currently utilized for assistant chiefs in the City of Two Rivers? 4. What perceptions exist by assistant chiefs on utilizing an alternative work schedule for their positions in the City of Two Rivers Fire Department? 5. What perceptions exist by lieutenants on the effectiveness of the work schedules currently utilized for assistant chiefs in the City of Two Rivers. 6. What perceptions exist by the current lieutenants on utilizing an alternate work schedule for assistant chiefs at the City of Two Rivers Fire Department? 7. What relevant issues exist in other departments concerning the implementation of alternative work schedules for assistant chiefs?"National Fire AcademyPohlman, Michael J.1998-07