Fire Dept Staffing Study - June 2012 MRI

Browse Search

and analyzed numerous documents and records; and collected and evaluated data from comparable communities. MRI has identified a number of areas that require improvement within the Lexington Fire Department. Although many practices do meet contemporary standards for municipal fire and EMS agencies, there are areas that need improvement. Many of the issues in the fire department are the result of long- standing conflict between labor and management, as evidenced by the frequency of grievance and arbitration activity and the inability to agree on several critical issues that would clearly benefit the citizens of Lexington. The line between management rights and union authority has become blurred over the years. As a result, the fire chief must consult or negotiate with the collective bargaining unit before making operational changes that benefit the department and the community. On a positive note, the level of communications and cooperation between fire department employees and the department's leadership team has improved dramatically in recent months and morale appears to be on the upswing. The department prides itself on the delivery of high quality emergency medical services and is well recognized in the community for its accomplishments in this area. The role of MRI is to identify immediate and /or potential problem areas and make recommendations for improvement. The complete report contains a great deal of information and numerous recommendations for the future. Our purpose is not to embarrass the department or any individuals, but rather to point the way for progress to be made. The hope and expectations that come with the delivery of a report of this nature is that with time and direction, many of the recommendations will be adopted and result in a much better functioning organization. The mission performed by the fire department is one of the fundamental functions of government: to ensure the safety and protection of its residents and visitors. The expectations for the quality and quantity of fire and EMS services must come from its residents and other taxpayers. There is no "right" amount of fire protection and EMS delivery. It is a constantly changing level based on the expressed needs of the community. It is the responsibility of elected officials to translate community needs into reality through direction, oversight, and the budgetary process. It is their unenviable task to maximize fire, EMS, and other services within the reality of the community's ability and willingness to pay, particularly in today's economic environment. KEY AREAS OF CONCERN MRI has identified six (6) areas of major concern: 1. Inadequate management oversight structure 2. Incomplete or inadequate department policies, procedures, and rules Town of Lexington, MA: Fire Department Staffing Study Page 3 Prepared by Municipal Resources, Inc. June 2012 ( Municipal Resources