GLEN HAVEN AREA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT

2005

 

 

            The following presentation summarizes the conclusions reached by the Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department Long Range Planning Committee.  The needs, objectives, rationale, priority, and components necessary to achieve the conclusions reached are presented in this report.

 

 

Firehouse

 

            Objective - Obtain a new location for Firehouse No. 1 and construct a new firehouse.

 

            Rationale - Based on the current demands placed on firefighters, Firehouse No. 1 does not function adequately.  Space for Engine 1-5, storage, and meetings is inadequate; as is the turning radius and obstructions in front of Firehouse No. 1.

 

            Priority - Highest priority

 

            Components To Achieve Objective - Grants, fund raising, donations obtained through the fire board; land purchase; addition to Firehouse No. 2; design work for a new firehouse or addition to Firehouse No. 2; and personnel need to be obtained and/or assigned to accomplish this objective.  It is suggested that the fire department obtain ownership of Firehouse No. 1.  There is a possibility that the ownership of the land at the livery stables in Glen Haven can be obtained through a donation to the fire department.  Contact by a board member to pursue this possibility is recommended.

 

 

Vehicles

 

            Objective - Obtain two new vehicles; a rescue and a tender.  Continue to lease Engine 4-1.  Long range (over five years), replace vehicles as necessary.  The number and function of vehicles should remain the same.

 

            Rationale - The existing rescue vehicle is difficult to operate (unreliable) and is unsafe for firefighters riding in the back of this vehicle.  The tender is also becoming unreliable.  The industry standard is to replace vehicles every 7 to 10 years.

            Priority - Highest priority

 

            Components To Achieve Objective - Grants, fund raising, donations obtained through the fire board; decision on type of vehicle; and personnel needed to be obtained and/or assigned to accomplish this objective.

 

 

Equipment & Supplies

 

            Objective - Upgrade communication system (mountain cellular) and investigate owning our own communication tower, improve tools, acquire additional personal protection equipment (PPE), and replace bunker gear and SCBA's.  Obtain our own SCBA refill equipment.

 

            Rationale - There is a need for cellular and portable communication access prior to and during emergency medical, fire, and vehicular incidents.  Some of the department tools, PPE, and equipment are worn to the point that they are unreliable.  The bunker gear does not fit, is worn out, or not available.  A majority of the SCBA equipment is outdated and does not meet current regulations.  Provide our own source of oxygen so not to be dependent on outside sources.

 

            Priority - High priority

 

            Components To Achieve Objective - Grants, fund raising, donations obtained through the fire board and from the annual operating budget; and it is the fire department member's responsibility to obtain the appropriate equipment and supplies as funds are available.

 

 

Training

 

            Objective - Improve local training opportunities, additional training with surrounding fire departments, facilitate community training and community information as it relates to medical and fire emergencies, and establish baseline training for firefighters.

 

            Rationale - There is a continuing need for trained volunteers and the desire to educate the community as it relates to medical care and medical assistance and to urban wildfire mitigation.  Improve access and communication with available area medical and firefighting resources.  There is a need to improve motor vehicle incident management and response.

 

            Priority - High priority

 

            Components To Achieve Objective - Establish (has been done) a training officer within the fire department.  The cost of training needs to be a high priority in the annual operating budget.  Training programs can be paid through grant applications by the board.

 

 

Fund Raising

 

            Objective - Increase the amount of money for capital improvement projects, for special need objectives, and for annual operating expenses.

 

            Rationale - Additional money is required in order to obtain the goals established by the long range planning committee and to assist in the operation of the fire department on an annual basis due to its operating expenses, equipment, and supplies.

 

            Priority - Highest priority

 

            Components To Achieve Objective - Designate a member of the board or an outside consultant to continually apply for grant money that is available for capital improvements, budget shortfalls, and special projects.  The board member or outside consultant will need to coordinate his (her) effort with the fire chief or his (her) designated firefighter.  Continue with the current fund raising projects, which include the Ducky Derby, the pancake breakfast, and the donation letter to property owners outside the two homeowner's associations within the fire district.

 

 

Other Long Range Goals

 

·        Quarterly newsletter

·        Designate two members, one from the board and one from the fire department to implement the long range goals.

·        Improve communications between the Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department members and boards of The Retreat and the Glen Haven Association.