SEARCH THE HSDL
Searching for terms: EXACT: "National Fire Academy" in: publisher
Set an Alert to get future results
Results 121 - 150 (of 1,617) sorted by relevance sort by date
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Marketing Strategy for Wildland Fuel Reduction in Palm Coast, Florida"Palm Coast, Florida, is a 42,000-acre planned residential community on the east coast of Florida characterized by large areas of intermix wildland/urban interface. A need for wildland fuel hazard mitigation has been identified; however a marketing strategy does not exist for implementation of wildland fuel reduction measures. The purpose of this research was to develop a marketing strategy that identifies acceptable fuel reduction methods and funding options for mitigating the wildfire hazard. Action research methods were used to answer the following questions: 1. Are Palm Coast residents aware of the wildfire hazard in their development? 2. What fuel reduction methods are available for use in Palm Coast? 3. What fuel reduction measures are acceptable to homeowners and lot owners in Palm Coast? 4. Are homeowners and lot owners willing to pay for acceptable fuel reduction measures? 5. If they are willing to pay for fuel reduction measures, what methods for funding a fuel reduction program are preferred? Surveys of lot owners and homeowners in selected portions of Palm Coast were performed to solicit their responses to questions designed to answer research questions one, three, four, and five. Research question two was answered by a review of the literature."National Fire AcademyKuypers, Mike1995-10
-
Employee Turnover in Chesterfield County's Emergency Communications Center: A Research Study with Recommendations"The Chesterfield County, Virginia, Emergency Communications Center currently experiences a high rate of turnover of Emergency Communications Officers. This turnover rate has an impact on the quality of emergency services provided to the County's citizens and its public safety agencies. Currently, there is little literature discussion regarding the high turnover rates for Emergency Communications Center personnel. The purpose of this research project was to identify the factors that influence Emergency Communications Center's turnover rate and to recommend solutions. This study used the historical, descriptive and evaluative methodologies. The research questions used in this study were: 1. What was the experience base of the Emergency Communications Officers lost during the past seven years? 2. What has been the impact of that lost experience base on the training and experience levels of the incumbent staff? 3. What has been the impact of the high turnover rate on the incumbent staff? 4. What do the incumbent staff members feel are the factors that cause a high turnover rate? 5. What were the reasons given by former staff members for their leaving the Center? This research used a survey to assess the attitudes of the incumbent staff regarding the high turnover rate in the Center. The survey included questions on staff demographics, opinions on work schedules, salary, benefits, sources of workplace stress, and career attitudes. The survey was distributed to forty-four fully functional staff employees and eight employees who were still in training. The study findings revealed that the high turnover rate has significantly reduced the experience level of the incumbent staff. It has also created the need for excessive overtime to provide minimum staffing in the absence of a fully trained staff."National Fire AcademyAvsec, Robert P.1998-02
-
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Juvenile Firesetter Program"Research was prompted to find data that measured the effectiveness of juvenile firesetter programs that was comparable to national statistics. The purpose was to implement a means for using data with an evaluation system to determine measurable results and long-term effectiveness regarding recidivism. This would provide justification for on-going continuance of the program and funding. Action research was used to answer three questions: 1. After a juvenile completes an intervention program, what follow-up is conducted to audit for any reoccurrence of fireplay or firesetting? 2. How long after completion of an intervention program is follow-up conducted and how many follow-ups are done and for how of a period (i.e., months, years) does it continue? 3. What information is compiled to monitor and evaluate the program? Are there any national models for monitoring a program? The procedure to determine the results involved searching for information that referenced setting up a Juvenile Firesetter Program (JFP) or summarized existing programs. Due to limited literature available, a survey was sent to organizations and fire departments that had a JFP. In order to locate programs, the Internet was used as well as JFP's referenced in literature. The results of the literature search established that there was a national model for frequency and length of time to follow-up with juveniles to audit for recidivism. Additionally, a national model was found on data collection that could be used for evaluation purposes related to recidivism. The national models were compared to survey results."National Fire AcademyArnlund, Marilyn1998-02
-
Comparative Analysis of New South Wales Fire Brigades Firefighters' Fire Station and Incident Site Working Environments"The New South Wales Fire Brigades is the largest fire service in Australia. Its 6,000 firefighters deliver services through 325 fire stations across 1.6 million square kilometres. Absenteeism has been a significant problem for many years and is now costing the organisation AUD$8m per annum and is beginning to seriously affect the organisation's overall recurrent budget as well as an extensive reform agenda. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the design of the organisation; the roles and responsibilities of managers at different levels within the organisation, and the type of work being performed in the fire station in particular were contributing towards the high level of absenteeism being experienced and the associated overtime cost. A secondary purpose of the study was to identify what changes, if any, could be made to the design of the organisation that could significantly reduce the high level of absenteeism and therefore the cost of overtime. An evaluative research method was used to conduct this study which asked the question, 'Are there significant differences between the design of firefighters' work environments in terms of both the fire station and emergency incidents and, if so, could these differences be influencing absenteeism.' An extensive literature search was conducted to identify positive and negative attributes of organisation design."National Fire AcademyThompson, Ken1998-10
-
Locating, Staffing and Dispatching Quint Apparatus: Integrating Quints into the Arlington Fire Department"By using a descriptive and historical research methodology, this applied research project was conducted to determine the best location, staffing and dispatching procedures to be used when the three quint type fire apparatus arrive in Arlington for service in late 1998. These quints will replace three ladder trucks currently in service. The problem was that Arlington has no experience with quints and no formal plan exists to incorporate their use into the operations of the Arlington Fire Department. No additional staffing will be available to staff the quints. The research questions to be answered are: 1). Of the five taskforce stations with aerial apparatus, which geographic areas would best integrate the multi-purpose role of the quint apparatus? 2). What would be the best utilization of current available staffing for the quint apparatus? 3). How will the current dispatching department integrate the necessary changes to dispatching procedures? Keeping in mind that whenever the quints are out of service the replacement apparatus will be an aerial apparatus without water supply capabilities. A literature review was conducted using the Learning Resource Center of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland and by conducting a Texas Inter-library loan search. Interviews were conducted in person and by telephone with fire department officials and with individuals in other related fields."National Fire AcademyLubke, Kim W.1998-02
-
Strengthening Employee Conduct: The Value of Ethics Training and a Written Code of Ethics for the Fire Service"Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue (PBCFR) recognized that the diversity of its workforce could engender different feelings about ethical conduct. PBCFR also recognized that everyone must be held to the same ethical standards. Evaluative research was used to assess whether ethics training and a written code of ethics would strengthen ethical conduct of employees at PBCFR. The literature review examined what measures have been taken to strengthen ethical conduct of employees in the private sector, the public sector, and in the fire service. Ethics terminology and theory were defined to give the reader a framework to better understand the concepts discussed in the literature review. A survey was conducted to determine PBCFR employee understanding of ethics. The literature review identified a written code of ethics and ethics training as a significant means of stregthening employee ethical conduct in both private and public sector. The literature review revealed that the ethical conduct of employees at fire departments that have adopted ethics training and a code of ethics were also strengthened; however, the review also revealed the fire service has been slow to recognize the benefits of such training. This research suggested PBCFR could strengthen employee ethical conduct if a written code of ethics and ethics training were adopted."National Fire AcademyHowes, Christopher T.
-
Impact of Organizational Changes on Palm Coast Fire Rescue"There have been many organizational changes within Flagler County and Palm Coast Fire/Rescue in the past twenty-five years. We are being faced with rapid growth and an increased call volume. The majority of growth is within the Palm Coast Fire/Rescue response area. There are eight different fire departments representing four different jurisdictions within Flagler County. There are two separate city volunteer departments, five county volunteer departments and one combination career volunteer organization. All of these organizations with the exception of the two cities fall under the organization of Flagler County Emergency Management Department. This has resulted in the delivery of service to be fragmented, inconsistent, created confusion, conflicting operations and wasted time and money. The fire service has an obligation to strive to meet the needs of its customers, both internal and external. In order to accomplish this, an organization must have structure that is well organized, efficient and meets the needs as an effective organization. The purpose of this research project was to determine if Palm Coast Fire/Rescue can operate with improved efficiency and more effectively meet the needs of the Service District, the employees and the public they serve as a separate organization. The research used historical, descriptive and evaluative procedures to analyze the current system as to how it has affected service and through the use of interviews and literature reviews to seek information to answer the following research questions. 1. What are the problems with the current county system? 2. What type of organization category applies? 3. What type of an organizational structure should be selected? 4. What recommendations, based on the findings, should be made for a new organizational structure for Palm Coast Fire/Rescue?"National Fire AcademyHuhn, George E.1998-08
-
Prerequisite Training for Promotion to Fire Lieutenant in the Tacoma Fire Department"The City of Tacoma hired an independent consulting firm, TriData, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Tacoma Fire Department in 1991. In response to this study, the initial action of the department was to form a training task force; the Training Advancement Team (TAT). As this team worked on the overall training plan for the department, a sub-team was to address the consideration and recommendations of a prerequisite to fire lieutenant. The purpose of this research was to make a recommendation to the prerequisite training needs of a firefighter desiring to promote to the position of fire lieutenant. An evaluative research method was used to answer the following questions: 1. What skills and training are needed to be a first line supervisor? 2. What skills or training are needed to be a safe and effective fire lieutenant in the Tacoma Fire Department at the time of promotion to the position? 3. What established standardized prerequisite programs are offered for the first line supervisor? The literature reviewed and results obtained support the need to initiate a prerequisite program for fire lieutenant. The results also identified that the National Fire Protection's NFPA [National Fire Protection Association] 1021: Standards for Fire Officer best meets this need. The Tacoma Fire Department should continue the partnership with Bates Technical College in the plan to implement a program to fulfill the National Fire Protection Association 1021, which provides a transferable college credit curriculum within the Pierce County community. This recommendation supports the need to recognize that the employee is our most valued and underutilized resource in the fire service today."National Fire AcademyLewis, Eileen F.1998-01
-
On My Honor, I Pledge the Development of a Pledge of Commitment for the Tulsa Fire Department"Although the Tulsa Fire Department (TFD) had very comprehensive Administrative Operating Procedures (AOP), it did not cover every conceivable situation that might arise within the scope of a member's employment, did not cover off-duty conduct and did not call for conformance to higher standards as public servants. The problem is that there was not a document established that called members of the Tulsa Fire Department (TFD) to a higher standard and guided their conduct in making decisions not covered by law, ordinance, rule or procedure. The purpose of this research was to develop a short, concise, abbreviated document that called members of the TFD to a higher standard and guided their conduct when faced with decisions not covered by law, ordinance, rule or procedure. This study employed action methodology supported by historical, and descriptive methods. The following questions were used to gather the data for this project: 1. What are ethics or values? 2. What factors contribute to the establishment of an individual's ethics or values that are used in decision making? 3. Are codes, creeds, or pledges effective in guiding conduct? 4. Is there historical documentation to support the need for such a document for the TFD? 5. Do members of the TFD feel there is a need for a code of ethics or similar document to guide their decisions not covered by law, ordinance, rule or procedure? 6. Do Fire/Rescue departments in the region currently have established code of ethics or similar to guide their members conduct? 7. Do the Fire Chiefs of the departments in the region feel the need for a code of ethics or similar document for their departments?"National Fire AcademySharp, Roger C.1998-01
-
Proactive Approach to Reducing Fire Fighter Injuries"Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has many employee's who are suffering, or have suffered job related injuries and decreased performance levels on the fire ground and at other emergency incidents. This situation has had detrimental effects on the fire department, its employees, and the recipients of its services. The purpose of this research was to develop a proactive solution to employees suffering job related injuries and a decrease in stamina while performing emergency operations. This condition has had deleterious effects on Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and has become more serious as the average age of the department employee has increased. Through evaluative research, the following questions were researched and addressed: 1. Is there a direct correlation between a firefighter's level of physical fitness and job performance? 2. Is there a direct correlation to job related injuries and poor physical conditioning? 3. Does poor physical conditioning effect firefighter longevity? Each year, the amount of data indicating that firefighting is among the most dangerous occupations increases. In addition, the amount of data indicating that a program of physical fitness can significantly reduce the likelihood of death or injury is also growing. It should be apparent to Executive Fire Officers that through the implementation of an annual physical agility and health screening program, departments can enhance firefighter performance and improve their overall well being, along with providing fiscal efficiency. With each passing day more fire departments are beginning to realize that through a small investment of time and money in a physical fitness program, they will reap a return in the form of stronger and healthier firefighters, with a significant improvement in their performance level and work capacity, along with a reduction in sick leave and line of duty injuries."National Fire AcademySierra, Albert L.1998-02
-
Combined Service Area Alternative for the City of Fort Lauderdale"Since the days of the bucket brigades, the fire service has always been faced with change. Today's fire service agencies face greater change at a faster pace than ever before. The Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue and Building department is no exception to this trend. The department is faced with certain change regarding the current provision of EMS services. The Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) interlocal agreement with Broward County, through which the service is now provided, is scheduled to expire in October 1999. The MSBU agreement requires the parties to notify each other of their intentions to renew or allow the agreement to expire by January 1999. Current service levels of the MSBU are far from adequate. The department must have alternative plans for the provision of this critical service. A major concern is that there has been no assimilation or analysis of data for any alternative service delivery platforms. One possible alternative is a Combined Service Area (CSA). This would consist of an interlocal agreement between Fort Lauderdale and other cities to provide fire and EMS [Emergency Medical Services] service both within their jurisdictional boundaries and in the adjacent unincorporated areas. The purpose of this research was to determine the operational feasibility of such a plan. The two fundamental research questions that were developed for and answered by this project were: 1. Is it feasible for the City of Fort Lauderdale to create a Combined Service Area with adjoining municipalities for the provision of emergency fire and medical services? 2. Could the proposed Combined Service Area service provision methodology provide quantifiable service level improvements over the current service levels found within the same geographical area?"National Fire AcademyEarle, Richard B.1998-08
-
Brevard County Emergency Medical Services System Analysis"The problem researched was, 'Is the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners equitably and most cost efficiently providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the constituents of Brevard County, Florida.' The purpose of the project was to provide research, data, and recommendations to the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners and their appointed EMS Strategic Planning committee to assist with planning for the future provision of EMS. The research methods used were evaluative and historical. The null hypothesis was, 'Brevard County is currently providing the most equitable and cost efficient EMS to all persons in Brevard County.' The research questions were; 'Do all recipients receive the same level of EMS service?', 'Do all EMS providers charge the same for services?', 'Is the tax base for EMS services the same throughout the county?', 'Is the current combination of providers and services the most cost efficient management of EMS resources?' The procedures included surveying the Brevard EMS providers, reviewing EMS related tax assessments, rsearching [sic] EMS povider contracts, operating costs, and financial records, gathering historical data by interview and newspaper archive search, and searching literature related to efficiency of EMS systems. The results of the project indicated that EMS tax assessments and user fees vary through the county and are not equitable. The level of EMS service was substantially equitable with minor differences. The three primary EMS providers duplicated some services including three separate dispatch centers, management, billing, and provision of operational facilities."National Fire AcademyWiederhold, Richard1998-08
-
Developing Fire Prevention Inspection Skills Using Computer Based Training: Strategic Management of Change"This research project analyzed the use of fire department developed Computer Based Training (CBT) programs to provide skills learning to company fire inspectors. The purpose of the research was to determine whether a computer based training programs could be delivered cost effectively, efficiently, and be readily accepted by the firefighter students. This research employed evaluative research to (a) determine whether the fire department could develop CBT inspection skills training programs, (b) identify whether CBT can provide skills training at a lower cost that conventional training methods, and (C) determine whether CBT is an accepted method of skills training by company fire inspectors. The primary procedural methods were to research existing materials on delivery of training using computers, develop and evaluate actual CBT titles, and to review and assess their impact on the fire inspection training programs of the department. The research findings were utilized to determine whether the department should continue or expand development and delivery of a computer based training programs. The major findings of the research suggested that multimedia training programs can be developed cost effectively by fire department trainers, the training is easy to use, and learning by computers is viewed as a good method of skills enhancement by students. Additional findings included a perception by students that they learned more using the CBT approach and that they retained more using the computer approach than with traditional classroom training. The recommendations resulting from this research included continuing CBT as a delivery method for fire prevention training and development of additional courseware for other subjects specific to firefighting and emergency medical services."National Fire AcademyNuttall, Steven R.1998-02
-
Evaluating the Organizational Culture of the Union Township Fire Department - Clermont County, Ohio"The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the organizational culture of the Union Township Fire Department. This was done to identify its current climate as well as understand needs, priorities, weaknesses, strengths and at least lay the foundations to which further research could be done at a later date to measure change and make recommendations for change as necessary. An evaluative research procedure was used to analyze the current organizational climate. This was done through surveys of employees of the department. In conjunction with the survey, a literature review was conducted. Following the survey, a baseline of the organization would be developed that would give a snapshot in time reflective of where the organization was at that time. From that baseline, and with information from the literature review, plans could be developed for future organizational change and development."National Fire AcademyDeimling, Stanley G.1998-07
-
Determination of Level of Emergency Medical Service in the Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District"Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District provides emergency medical services in rural Oregon. The fire district provides intermediate life support as a maximum level of emergency medical service (EMS). A contingent of community residents requested that the district consider improving the level of EMS to the advanced life support level. The problem was that the fire district did not know what level of emergency medical service the citizens of the fire district would be willing to support. The purpose of this research was to determine what level of EMS the citizens of the fire district would be willing to support. The following research questions were developed: 1. What is the average number of emergencies experienced in the fire district at the level of basic and intermediate life support and at the level of advanced life support? 2. What options exist that would result in EMS improvements in the Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD? 3. What level of EMS are the residents of the fire district willing to support? 4. What is the general level of satisfaction in the community with the currently available EMS? Descriptive research was conducted to determine the answers to the research questions and produce recommendations for action. An extensive review was conducted of relevant documents. Surveys were developed and sent to local and regional fire districts and to the community. The survey data were collected and analyzed together with information gleaned from literature reviewed. The results of the descriptive research, expressed as 14 findings, were used to develop eight recommendations."National Fire AcademyCrawford, David F.2002-08
-
Recommended Training Programs for Oakland County Fire Departments to Prepare for Response to Terrorist Attacks"Not unlike every other government agency, the fire service has been affected by the events of September 11, 2001. It has become obvious that fire departments are the first responder to terrorist incidents. The problem statement of this research is to identify the training necessary for fire departments, within Oakland County, Michigan, to be prepared to deal with the terrorist threat. The purpose of this research project is to develop a training curriculum that will protect the firefighters and the communities they serve, while addressing the challenges of a terrorist threat. This training recommendation will be added to the County's preparedness plan in the Oakland County Emergency Operations plan, addressing the terrorist threat. Action research method will be used in developing the training plan. The following questions will be asked and answered in developing the action plan: 1. What are the recognized potential types of terrorist attacks likely to occur within Oakland County, Michigan? 2. What training is currently in place to meet an anticipated terrorist threat? 3. What additional special training should be provided to firefighter departments? 4. What training is necessary at the County level? The research procedures followed a review of current literature, conducting interviews of experts in the field, attending a conference on mass-casualty incidents, and distributing two questionnaires to all fire agencies through Oakland County, Michigan. The results of the research indicated that a terrorist attack, while not probable, is possible. While weapons of mass destruction should be planned and trained for, the terrorist most probable method would be the use of conventional weapons."National Fire AcademyDeadman, Ronald R.2002-12
-
Evaluating the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Employee Appraisal System"The purpose of this applied research project was to develop a performance appraisal for California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) Fire Captains that was position specific, reflective of performance expectations, and related to their Position Duties Statement. The problem driving the study was that the existing employee performance appraisal system for the Fire Captain position had not been evaluated, and therefore may not have been reflective of actual performance expectations. The action research method was used, and resulted in a draft performance appraisal for CDF Fire Captains (Appendix A). The study examined the following questions: 1. Why should fire service employee performance appraisals be position specific? 2. Based upon the CDF Fire Captain's position duty statement, what job functions (essential and non-essential) should be evaluated by the supervisor? 3. What are the potential benefits of a revised performance appraisal to the employee, the supervisor, and the department? Procedures included literature review, Internet and Intranet searches, personal interviews, and review of performance appraisals from other departments and agencies across the state and nation. The research found that fire service employee performance appraisals should be position specific, and based upon both essential and marginal job functions. The results of the study also showed that there are many potential benefits to the employee, the supervisor, and the department by developing a revised performance appraisal that is position specific, reflective of performance expectations, and related to the Position Essential Functions Duties Statement for CDF Fire Captains."National Fire AcademyTodd, Suzanne2002-12
-
Fire Department Hazard Mitigation Planning"Fire departments are impacted by the same disasters that affect their community. Floods, earthquakes, hazardous materials spills, terrorist attacks, and others can have a devastating effect on departments. The impacts are reduced or eliminated through a process called hazard mitigation planning. The problem was that the Federal Way Fire Department didn't have a hazard mitigation plan. Development and implementation of a hazard mitigation plan will reduce or eliminate potential damage to the department. Federal Way didn't know what risks it is facing, and hasn't done anything to reduce the impacts of those risks. The purpose of this research was to identify the benefits and components of a hazard mitigation plan. It was anticipated that the Federal Way Fire Department would develop a plan, improving the department's ability to survive the next major incident. Other fire departments may utilize this format to develop their own hazard mitigation plans. Action research methods were used to answer the following questions: 1. What is a hazard mitigation plan? 2. What are the benefits of having a hazard mitigation plan? 3. How are the appropriate hazards identified for inclusion into a plan? 4. What elements should be included in a hazard mitigation plan? Procedures used in this research included a literature review, fire department survey, and study of applicable standards, laws and other guidelines. The results of this research included confirmation that mitigation planning has many benefits to fire departments. Mitigation planning reduces the impacts from natural, and man made disasters, and ensures fire departments are eligible for federal reimbursement for response and recovery. It is recommended the Federal Way Fire Department develop a hazard mitigation plan for its facilities, properties and personnel. The department should follow the requirements outlined in Appendix A as it develops the hazard mitigation plan."National Fire AcademyThorson, Jerry E.2002-10
-
Need for Continuous EMS Supervision"This research project was conducted to analyze Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) increasing demand on the current Emergency Medical Services (EMS) delivery system provided to the citizens of Palm Beach County. The problem was PBCFR had no continuous paramedic supervision while operating on the average EMS call. The enhancements had to be accomplished while working within the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and paramedic shortfall. The purpose of this research project was to identify a method to enhance the paramedic supervision within PBCFR, utilizing the current personnel. The research was conducted using historical research methodology to answer; (a) what is the current paramedic supervision within PBCFR EMS delivery system, (b) what are the factors that have contributed to the increasing demand for continuous paramedic supervision, (c) what are other departments doing for continuous paramedic supervision, (d) what are the options available to PBCFR to enhance the current paramedic supervision. Historical research was conducted by utilizing the statistical data from PBCFR review of PBCFR EMS delivery system over the past three years, review of statistical data from PBCFR annual reports, industry journals, Internet, and PBCFR Tridata report. The research identified possible enhancements PBCFR can implement to bring their EMS delivery system up to today's levels and projected expansion. The information will provide PBCFR with a method to enhance their paramedic supervision. There are several recommendations that are to be made from this research. They involve areas such as; current staffing, EMS delivery system enhancements, and future needs."National Fire AcademyLupo, Charles2002-08
-
Where are All the Fire Hydrants? A Street Signs System to Locate Fire Hydrants in Puerto Rico"The fire hydrants (FH), "those ubiquitous red, orange, or yellow water sources are an integral part of any community's infrastructure (Underwriters Laboratories {UL}), Code Authority Newsletter)". The problem was that the Puerto Rico Fire Department (PRFD) didn't have an effective system to locate the FH (a water resource). The purpose was to develop a practical FH location system for the use of firefighters (FF) in the fire response (FR). Descriptive and action methods were utilized to (a) find the problems that the FF confront to locate the FH, (b) describe how this system will minimize the FR time, (c) mention the benefits that this system brings to the fire safety, and (d) number the steps used to develop this fire hydrant street signs system (FHSSS). The procedures involved data collection, interviews, and a survey. The information revealed that the FHS are available for sale. But, no complete FHSSS was found. Five experts on Fire Department (FD), Police Department (PD), Aqueduct Authority (AA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) were interviewed. Participants from 0 to 10 years of service (YS) represented 72% of the FF on the survey. After analyzing the data, we saw that 75% of the FF in the PRFD does not use a special system to locate a FH. Therefore, they do inventory and field inspections more than anything to find the FH (Figure 1). Fire hydrants hidden by grass or trash, parked cars, and fences represent the three major obstructions that FF found (Figure 2). Suburbs and rural zones, represent the most difficult places to find the FH. It is recommended that a governmental team be created to discuss, evaluate, and put into effect solutions to minimize the FH location problems in PR (NFA ED, SM-11)."National Fire AcademyRodriguez, Carmen G.2002-12
-
Evaluating the Need to Add a Water Based Fire Retardant Polymer Gel to Orange County Fire Rescue Department's Arsenal for Fire Protection"Orange County Fire Rescue Department [OCFRD] provides fire protection for unincorporated Orange County, Florida. A large percentage of this area is considered urban/wildland interface. In periods of drought, brush fires severely tax local firefighting resources. Currently, water based fire retardant polymer gels are available which can be applied to a structure and provide a temporary fireproof coating. These protective coatings can provide fire protection for structures using a minimal amount of water in the event that firefighters must evacuate. The problem is whether OCFRD should purchase a water based fire retardant polymer gel and the necessary delivery equipment for fire protection use. Descriptive and evaluative research techniques were used to answer the following research questions: 1. What are water based fire retardant polymer gels and how are they used? 2. What are the characteristics of the different types of gels manufactured? 3. Do other eastern central Florida fire departments have water based fire retardant polymer gels available for use? 4. Have purchasers of fire retardant polymer gels found the decrease in fire loss to structures and vegetation to be justified by the cost? The procedures used to complete this research included a literature review, personal interviews, an Internet search, a survey of fire departments using fire retardant gels in eastern central Florida, and a survey of purchasers of water based fire retardant polymer gels.National Fire AcademyBurke, Ken2002-12
-
Examination of the 360-Degree Employee Appraisal System and its Potential Use in the Denver Fire Department"The problem was that the Denver Fire Department (DFD) did not have an employee appraisal system (EAS) currently in place. The DFD had been dissatisfied with the subjectivity associated with the traditional sole-source supervisor to employee EAS utilized on the department in the past. The purpose of this research project was to examine the benefits, risks, and limitations associated with the use of a 360-degree EAS in the DFD and to assess its potential acceptance by DFD personnel. This was a descriptive research project. The research questions were: 1. What was 360-degree EAS and how did it differ from the traditional EAS? 2. What were the potential benefits associated with the use of a 360-degree EAS? 3. What were the potential risks associated with the use of a 360-degree EAS? 4. What were the limitations to the use of a 360-degree EAS? 5. How did the DFD personnel feel about participating in a potentially new type of EAS? The procedures used in this research project began with a literary review of the available relevant information available in the Learning Resource Center at the National Fire Academy, located in Emmitsburg, Maryland and The Denver Public Library, located in Denver, Colorado. This information was gathered, read and analyzed to answer the first four research questions. A survey form was developed to gather the information related to the final research question."National Fire AcademyNeiman, Terry2002-12
-
Speed Bumps Which Do Not Slow Responding Fire Apparatus"This research project analyzed issues surrounding communities that have been installing speed bumps which slow responding fire apparatus. The problem was that communities in Oregon were installing speed bumps to slow passenger traffic, which also slowed responding fire apparatus. The purpose of the project was to design a speed control device that slowed passenger traffic in Oregon but did not slow responding fire apparatus. This research project employed the action research methodology to identify a) what national designs or standards existed for speed bumps which do not slow responding fire apparatus, b) what state designs or standards existed for speed bumps which did not slow responding fire apparatus, and c) what departments of similar size utilized speed-bump designs which did not slow responding fire apparatus. To affect the action research methodology, a review of the current status was conducted which considered causal and contributing factors supplemented with interviews of key figures. The results reflected that a) there are no nationally adopted design standards for speed bumps that do not slow responding fire apparatus, b) the State of Oregon has not adopted speed bump standards which do not slow responding fire apparatus, and c) communities locally have adopted speed bump designs that don't slow responding fire apparatus."National Fire AcademyJohnson, Jeffrey D.2002-12-31
-
Standard of Cover Objective Deployment AssessmentThis paper is a product of the United States Fire Administration's Executive Fire Officer Program. "This research project produced a document that establishes a standard of cover for the distribution, concentration, and deployment of emergency resources. The problem was that Fire District 3 (FD3) did not have a standard of cover (SOC) by which it could objectively measure emergency service delivery effectiveness. The purpose of this applied research project was to develop a baseline SOC document for the District, short of obtaining required input, leading to official adoption. The action research methodology was utilized to answer three research questions: 1. What standards should be considered in the development of an SOC? 2. What guides or aids are available to assist in the development of an SOC? 3. How should FD3 expect to benefit from establishing an SOC? Procedures used to conduct research included (a) researching past deployment; (b) accessing what had been written by others regarding SOC's; (c) researching and obtaining software; (d) obtaining sample and actual SOC's; (e) searching out local GIS options; and (f) developing some baseline deployment reports, graphs and maps for developing an SOC. Results revealed that in order to create an SOC, national and local standards did exist."National Fire AcademyMattern, Donavon2002-12
-
Developing a Physical Fitness Program for the City of Portage Fire Department"The problem was the Portage Fire Department did not have an established wellness/fitness program in place for its employees. The purpose of this study was to identify the benefits of a fire department wellness/fitness program. This was a combination of a descriptive and evaluative research project. The research questions were: 1. Would a formal fitness/wellness program benefit the firefighters and citizens of Portage by assuring the most physically capable personnel respond to emergencies within the city? 2. Due to the aging workforce of the City of Portage Fire Department, would a formal physical fitness/wellness program help to keep an adequate number of firefighters ready to meet the physical demands of their jobs? 3. Could a formalized physical fitness/wellness program in the City of Portage Fire Department help reduce the number of job related injuries and therefore reduce the number of lost workdays due to injury and subsequently reduce the workmen's compensation costs to the city? 4. If a formalized physical fitness/wellness program were instituted in the City of Portage Fire Department, would this help meet state and federal occupational health and safety standards as well as NFPA guidelines? The author utilized literature review of past Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Applied Research Papers (ARP), as well as fire service and fitness periodicals, texts, journals, and Internet resources for information pertinent to the four research questions. Additionally, interviews were conducted to obtain local baseline data on the problem."National Fire AcademyHudson, Robert M.2002-12
-
Evaluation of a Fire Training Services Enterprise Fund for the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department"The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department faced a complex issue regarding its Training and Education Division. The problem was that the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department had limited staff available for the training of fire personnel in order to meet minimum standards as set forth in the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Firefighter Voluntary Certification Program. The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department requires all fire personnel to maintain certification in accordance with the Voluntary Certification Program. The purpose of this Applied Research Project (ARP) was to evaluate whether or not a Fire Training Services Enterprise Fund implemented by the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department could fund a full-time training officer (training lieutenant/volunteer coordinator) in FY2003 in order for fire personnel to meet the minimum standards as set forth in the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Firefighter Voluntary Certification Program. Evaluative research methods were used to answer the following questions: 1. What is an enterprise fund? 2. What other types of training could be offered to generate revenue for the Fire Services Training Enterprise Fund? 3. What fees could the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department charge for those services? 4. Can the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department fund a full-time training officer through the use of a Fire Training Services Enterprise Fund in FY2003? The research procedure for this project included a literature review of an Executive Fire Officer Applied Project (ARP), trade journal articles, and non-periodicals."National Fire AcademyMorgenthaler, Eric W.2001-08
-
I Didn't Know the Fire Department Did that: Developing a Citizen's Fire Academy for the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department"The problem is that the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department does not have an effective public information, education, and relations (PIER) program regarding the fire department operations to reach the adult population within the Castle Rock community. The purpose of this Applied Research Project (ARP) is to develop a formal Citizen's Fire Academy to improve PIER effectiveness for adults within the Town of Castle Rock. Action research methods were used to answer the following questions: 1. How long should the Citizen's Fire Academy be in terms of number of weeks? 2. What is the size of class that should be allowed (number of citizens in each class)? 3. What subjects should be covered in the Citizen's Fire Academy? The research for this project included a survey to members of the Metro Denver Fire Chiefs Association, a review of EFOP [Executive Fire Officer Program] ARPs on the subject of Citizen's Fire Academies, a review of recent publications/manuals on public fire education/services, and a review of Citizen Fire Academy programs currently in-service as a result of an Internet search 'Citizen's Fire Academies.' The goal of the procedures of this ARP was to obtain data to answer the research questions and develop a quality program. Curriculum/program development was reviewed in IFSTA's [International Fire Service Training Association] Fire and Life Safety Education, 2nd Edition to assist in the actual development. The results of this project are that a Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department Citizen's Fire Academy be conducted over an 8 week period, meeting once a week for three hours in the evening."National Fire AcademyMorgenthaler, Eric W.1999-09
-
Providing Public Notification of Tornadic Events in the Town of Castle Rock"The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department, as the emergency management agency for the Town of Castle Rock, had not implemented a formal system or process of public notification for tornadic events, other using National Weather Service (NWS) alerts. Based on tornadic events over the past several years, residents of the community as well as town leadership expressed their concern and requested more information on this issue. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine what type of system the department and town should implement to improve public warning and notification. [...] A combination of personal interviews, survey studies, and Internet searches provided the necessary results. These results indicated that there were other systems and programs available, the costs associated with any of the systems ranged from inexpensive to very expensive, and that the advantages did not outweigh the disadvantages, but that the preferred method is through a multi-system approach. The recommendations included evaluating the effectiveness of the current program, engaging the stakeholders to gather input and potentially support, determine what the financial feasibility would be for any new program or system, implement a severe weather public education program, and remain focused on the mission and vision of both the department and town, and emphasize the importance of research to fire and EMS [Emergency Medical Services]."National Fire AcademyCroom. Norris W., III2009-08
-
Implementing a Homeland Security Intelligence and Information Sharing Program in the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department"The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department had not implemented a formal homeland security intelligence and information sharing program, even though previous events within the Town of Castle Rock indicated a potential need for some type of program. Based on past events and the lack of a formal program, firefighter safety and situational awareness may have been compromised. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine what type of program should be implemented within the Department to improve firefighter safety and situational awareness. The department was able to address the problem through the following research questions: 1) What types of intelligence and information sharing programs currently exist for fire service personnel? 2) How can line personnel participate in an intelligence and information sharing program? 3) What are the costs associated with the implementation if a program is selected? 4) What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing a program? Using the Descriptive Research Method, standard ARP procedures were followed. A combination of personal interviews of people involved in homeland security along with a survey of department personnel provided the necessary results. These results indicated that there were programs available, there are only minimal costs associated with any of the programs, and that the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. The recommendations included implementing a program, further assessing line personnel needs as it relates to homeland security, determining what level of participation is appropriate for personnel who want to be a part of the program, developing a standard operating guideline to direct the program, and remaining current with trends and needs as they relate to the fire service."National Fire AcademyCroom. Norris W., III2008-10
-
Assessment on Cross Staffing Reserve Medic Units in the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department"The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department had never analyzed the practice of cross reserve medic units. Line personnel had raised the question of efficiency, so the research purpose was to determine if this was a worthwhile practice. The department was able to address the question posed by staff by answering the following research questions: 1) Why did the department begin cross-staffing reserve medic units? 2) What is the volume of calls for the cross-staffed reserve medic units? 3) How much revenue is derived from the cross-staffed medic units? 4) What other units are cross-staffed, and how do the call volumes of each compare? Using the Descriptive Research Method, standard ARP [Applied Research Project] procedures were followed. The results indicated the department was functioning within accepted fire service practice. The recommendations included further research on this topic, monitoring of call volumes and revenues, and to continue to emphasize research in fire and EMS [Emergency Medical Services]."National Fire AcademyCroom. Norris W., III2006-07