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Meeting Minutes 9/25/08

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!
 
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Activity:                                  Quarterly Fire Chiefs’ and Rescue Captains’ Meeting
 
Date:                                       September 25, 2008
 
Organizations Represented:             Public Safety Administration
Company 3/Ferrum Fire
Company 4/Glade Hill Fire
Company 5/Callaway Fire
Company 6/Snow Creek Fire
Company 7/Boones Mill Fire
Company 8/Fork Mountain Fire
Company 9/Burnt Chimney Fire
Company 10/Scruggs Fire
Company 11/Smith Mountain Lake Fire
Squad 2/Franklin County Rescue
Squad 3/Ferrum Rescue
Squad 4/Glade Hill Rescue
                                                            Squad 5/Callaway Rescue
                                                            Squad 6/Snow Creek Rescue
Squad 8/Fork Mountain Rescue
Squad 9/Red Valley Rescue
Squad 10/Scruggs Rescue
Squad 11/Dive Team
Squad 13/Cool Branch Rescue
 
 
Organizations Not Represented:      Department 1/Rocky Mount Fire
Company 12/Hardy Fire
Company 13/Cool Branch Fire
                                                            Company 14/Henry Fire
 
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: Please find below a summary of the topics that were discussed and relevant information regarding those topics. If you have any questions, please contact your Rescue Captain or Fire Chief for details.
 
  • The meeting was moderated by Public Safety Director, Daryl Hatcher. Mr. Hatcher opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and thanking them for their attendance.
 
  • A copy of a job description for Volunteer Fire Chief and Volunteer Rescue Captain and a draft proposal of a Standard Operating Guideline #6: Recruitment, Retention and Recognition were distributed to those in attendance. (A copy is also attached and made a part of these minutes.) There was much discussion about this SOG surrounding the appointment of Fire Chiefs and Rescue Captains and a $250.00 monthly stipend for these positions. Some of the concerns were lack of trust for Public Safety administration, taking control from the volunteers, placement of other line officers and working within each department’s existing by-laws. It was decided that the Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Rescue Captains would hold special meetings without representation from Public Safety and come to a group resolution which would be presented at a later date. This matter was tabled until such time. For more information regarding this topic, contact Daryl Hatcher.
 
  • It is under review to change the process for the public obtaining a “burn permit”. Presently, any individual wanting to burn would contact the Sheriff’s Office and let them know the location and time of the control burn. As indicated this process is being reviewed and more information will be given as it becomes available.
 
  • Mr. Hatcher advised that in light of the increase of personal injuries within the Public Safety departments, a committee will be set up to review on a case by case basis each of these injury claims and what steps can be taken to prevent future injuries. Mr. Hatcher is looking for 1 fire chief and 1 rescue captain to serve on this committee. If you are interested or have more questions, contact Daryl Hatcher.
 
  • Mr. Hatcher also advised that each County department had been asked to reduce their budget by 15%. At this time, the reductions for the Public Safety department are being taken in administration and will not affect volunteer operations.
 
  • Billy Ferguson gave an update on the website and encouraged all departments to provide information that would enhance the website. Billy also emphasized the importance of checking the department’s e-mail on the County e-mail system. If you have never gotten or forgotten the password associated with this e-mail address, contact Billy for the information.
 
  • Mr. Ferguson also provided the attendees with a copy of the Fire/EMS Special Event Stand-By Guidelines form. (A copy of which is attached and made a part of these minutes.) This form is being used to help pre-plan these large event stand-bys. For more information about the form, contact Billy.
 
Questions and Comments: The next meeting will be the annual Chiefs and Captains Christmas Dinner on December 2, 2008, at the Franklin Center.
 
Meeting adjourned.