Fire department reviewed - (PENTICTON)

 Friday, 22 February 2013 02:00 John Moorhouse Penticton Herald
An external review of the Penticton Fire Department has the city looking to implement many of its 24 recommendations - but none of them involve the extensive staff cuts included in a previous review of other core city services.  City manager Annette Antoniak emphasized the review is not aimed at cost reductions, but rather the efficiencies of the fire department. The recommendations also do not include major new expenses.   "The intention was to look at were we operating efficiently and were there areas that we needed to look at internally?" she said. "We haven't had a master plan or strategic plan for years."  Fire Chief Wayne Williams acknowledged that many firefighters were nervous about the report's findings.  "After what had happened with the core services review to the city, they didn't know what to expect," he said.   However, Williams said firefighters' union leaders, who had an opportunity to look over the report earlier this week, are quite happy with its recommendations.  The 101-page report by Calgary-based Behr Energy Services stems from a review of fire department services conducted in the fall.   Now a committee will be struck to develop a strategic plan based on the report's recommendations. It's hoped the plan will be completed within the next few months.  The fire department has a $4.2-million annual budget. Its staff includes a chief and deputy chief, 32 full-time firefighters, up to 40 auxiliary members, two fire inspectors, and an operations assistant.  Williams said the department is eager to help implement the review's recommendations.  "This is not uncommon for a fire department to get an outside agency to come in and have a look at the department, have a look at the operations, and provide some input," he said.  He noted Behr has been involved in several other reviews of fire departments across the country. The report cost the city $49,500. One of the key recommendations involves the first responder program which sees firefighters respond to medical emergencies, often arriving at the scene prior to an ambulance. About two-thirds of the 3,000 calls the fire department receives annually are first responders - mainly for heart attacks and breathing problems. However, the cost to the fire department is relatively minimal at $10,000 for supplies, oxygen, training and depreciation on heart defibrillators. (more)