MOUNT VERNON — An organizational assessment by the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association applauded the Mount Vernon Fire Department for its efforts to provide quality service to those it serves.
“MVFD is clearly an advanced and respected organization with a solid leadership team and workforce,” the report states. “The assessment team observed a highly functional fire and EMS organization that strives to provide an exceptional level of service to the City of Mount Vernon and the communities served by means of contractual agreement.”
The assessment also states, “the public can feel confident that the department’s firefighters and paramedics can effectively perform their duties.”
The report evaluated staff training, policies and procedures, and personnel. It also analyzed growth, risk reduction, and fire station location.
The MVFD faces challenges, including recruitment and retention, increasing technical expectations, and economic pressures. The report identifies areas for improvement to respond to these challenges and remain compliant with state and federal laws.
Assistant fire chief
In his quarterly update to city council on Monday, Fire Chief Chad Christopher said the assessment was a year and a half in the making.
“Within that year and a half, a lot of those recommendations are already in place, or are happening, or we know how to implement them,” he told council.
The fire chief said six recommendations will receive attention right away. They involve personnel, planning for a second fire station, and establishing registration, inspection and/or permit fees to offset the costs of providing risk reduction services.
Mayor Matt Starr said the recommendation to reactivate the assistant fire chief position is a priority because of the number of people added to the department. The job has been inactive since 2012.
Christopher agreed, especially since it is time to consider next year’s budget.
“We’ve always had an assistant fire chief, except for the last 10 years when I became chief. I understand the economy we went through and everything else, but as busy as we’re getting, it’s time that position needs to be established.”
The assessment states that re-establishing the assistant chief position helps by reducing the span of control for the fire chief. It clearly identifies a second in command and reduces the risk of losing critical management expertise should the chief leave.
The report also recommends creating a fire marshal position to lead the fire prevention bureau. This administrative-level position deals with inspection, development, and planning situations.
It also provides an individual who has the necessary certifications for plan review and provides a career path for those interested in fire prevention vs. fire suppression.
Miscellaneous
Christopher also provided an overview of department activities over the past three months:
•The run volume stands at 4,340 as of noon on Sept. 25. EMS accounts for 87 percent and fire 13 percent. This time last year, the volume was 4,473.
•Three new part-time firefighters came on board; the current count is 12.
•Two full-time firefighters left the department, one for higher wages elsewhere, and the other took a position in his hometown department. A third will retire early next year. An entrance exam for replacements is scheduled for Oct. 11.
•The bedrooms in Gambier Station 492 are nearing completion.
•Hydrant testing will be complete by the end of the month.
•The department hosted a HAZMAT IQ course given by personnel from Miami-Dade County in Florida.
•The MVFD will hold an open house on Oct. 12 from 5-7 p.m. for Fire Prevention Week.
