Fire Dept Staffing Study - June 2012 MRI

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Obsolete, inadequate, and unsafe fire station headquarters building 4. Ineffective capital equipment planning and acquisition 5. Lack of a formal training program and performance improvement system 6. Inefficient and obsolete EMS patient care reporting system Inadequate Management Oversight Structure Effective management and oversight of the fire department is essential to ensure that the department maintains a strong and progressive vision, attains its goals, and delivers high quality services to the citizens of Lexington. The current management team of the fire department includes the fire chief and one assistant fire chief. The stated role of the assistant fire chief is to oversee fire prevention, inspections, and plan review. Day -to -day operational oversight of the department is left to the individual platoon supervisors (captains). There is a lack of consistency and accountability in the management of the department in areas such as training, performance improvement, and employee accountability. The MR[ study team supports the plan to establish an additional position of assistant fire chief (non- union). The fire chief should delegate significant management responsibility and authority to the two assistant fire chiefs commensurate with their demonstrated skills and abilities. MR[ has identified the following assignments as one possible approach, but it is not our intent to limit the flexibility of the fire chief to develop a management structure that is most appropriate for the needs of the department. From MRI's perspective, the responsibilities of the two assistant fire chiefs could be divided as follows: Assistant Chief for Operations: Second -in- command of the department ( "executive officer ") responsible for the direct supervision of the fire captains, daily operational activities, personnel management, facilities, apparatus, and equipment 2. Assistant Chief for Support Services: Third -in- command, responsible for fire prevention, training (fire & EMS), and safety Incomplete or Inadequate Department Policies, Procedures and Rules The use of rules and regulations, operational procedures and guidelines, and various other forms of written communications are vital parts of a fire department's overall operations. Rules and regulations establish expected levels of conduct and general obligations of department members, identify prohibited activities, and provide for the good order and discipline necessa Town of Lexington, MA: Fire Department Staffing Study Page 4 I ' I Prepared by Municipal Resources, Inc. June 2012 Municipal Resources