Fiscal Year 2004 Proposed Budget

FIRE DEPARTMENT
TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION

PROGRAM MISSION: To support the overall mission of the Fire Department so that principal emergency response, life safety and fire protection functions can be provided in a timely, efficient and effective manner.

The Technical Services Division (TSD) is composed of the following technical functions:

• Apparatus and Equipment (A&E) mission is to manage the Department's fleet of vehicles. A&E works with the Office of Support Services (OSS) Equipment Division in the specification and procurement process for all Departmental vehicles. Additionally, this function coordinates with the OSS Equipment Division for repairs and maintenance for the fleet. Lastly, A&E procures and maintains all small tools and equipment needed by the Department including repair and maintenance of all self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used by personnel.

New units to support the Technical Rescue Team and the Hazardous Materials Team were designed and ordered during the first quarter of FY 2003. Delivery is expected in the third quarter of FY 2003. Funding for these units came from a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, a mobile command post unit has been specified and will be ordered during the second quarter of FY 2003. Delivery is expected during the third quarter of FY 2004. Funding for this unit came from a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

• Fire Training Academy mission is to train the next generation of Arlington County Firefighter/EMTs. The FTA staff administers the Comprehensive Physical Ability Test and mandatory practice sessions for Firefighter/EMT candidates, and provides all training for newly hired Firefighter/EMT Trainees. This training includes certifications in Firefighter I and II, Apparatus Operator, EMT-Basic, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations. Additionally, the staff coordinates and conducts all testing for the FF/EMT Trainees at the end of their trainee period and at the end of their probationary period.

Two recruit schools will be conducted during FY 2003 with an estimated total of 30 new trained firefighters.

• Logistics outfits the Department. This functional area procures and distributes all firefighter personal protective equipment (turnout gear, helmets, etc.), uniforms, some EMS supplies for all uniformed members and volunteer personnel, equips all units with essential small tools and equipment, and supports extended operations. Additionally, this function manages and coordinates the periodic cleaning of all firefighter protective clothing with the Health, Wellness and Safety Officer. Lastly, this function manages and distributes all intradepartmental mail.

• Facilities Management manages the Department's facilities (eight County owned Fire Stations, the Fire Training Academy; Fire Prevention Division, Property Section, and alternate Emergency Operations Center facility on North Hudson Street). This function coordinates with OSS Facilities Maintenance Division for all needed repairs to assure safe and livable work locations, and OSS Facilities Planning Section during major facility related projects, such as the Fire Station renovation project at Fire Stations 2 and 9. Additionally, this function coordinates with the City of Falls Church Department of Public Works for needed repairs and maintenance of Fire Station 6 (a joint facility between the City of Falls Church and Arlington County).

• Telecommunications and Technology manages the telephone and data networks for the Department and acts as the Departmental telephone and data coordinator for the Department of Technology Services. This function was previously part of the Administrative Services Division.

• Health, Wellness and Safety's mission is to assure a safe work environment for all members. This unit coordinates all health related issues for uniformed members of the Department, including: all pre-employment, periodic and annual physicals; special physicals for members of the Hazardous Materials Response Team, coordination with the Department of Human Services (DHS) Occupational Health Unit for other health related services; and, coordination with DHS and the Human Resources Department, and other contractors to assist members returning to duty from occupational injuries or illnesses. Additionally, the safety function monitors the Department's compliance with National Fire Protection Association Standard 1500 – Firefighter Health and Safety Standards; serves as staff to the Health and Wellness Committee that conducts the accident review and injury prevention program, and responds to emergency incidents as the Incident Safety Officer.

SIGNIFICANT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: The Technical Services Program budget reflects the following changes:

• The decrease in personnel expenses reflects the reallocation of a Fire/EMS Captain/HazMat Coordinator (1.0 FTE) to the Emergency Preparedness Program which is partially offset by normal salary increases.

• The increase in non-personnel is due mainly to the increase in rental of County owned vehicles ($153,257) which is partially offset by the decrease in wearing apparel ($66,000) and operating equipment ($64,652) which were provided on a one time basis for the initial outfitting of the new 22.0 FTEs added in the FY 2003 adopted budget. In addition, $135,346 was reprogrammed from operating equipment to building repairs ($29,958) and equipment repairs ($105,388).

• The decrease in revenues is due to budgeting Falls Church billings in the Code Enforcement, Investigations and Education Program ($16,491), the elimination of National Airport billings for the County's Hazmat Coordinator Local Emergency Planning Committee services ($4,584) which are no longer needed, and now budgeting the Federal Emergency Management Act grant in the Administrative Services Program ($21,600).

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PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

• Continue to monitor apparatus accidents and firefighter injuries with the institution of Health, Wellness and Safety initiatives.

• The FY 2003 decline in the number of FF/EMT I trainees passing the trainee examination is due to one class taking the examination versus two in FY 2002 and FY 2004.

Objective: To support the operational objectives of the Fire Department through the efficient administration and management of the Department's fleet, equipment, and facilities; providing trained and equipped Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Trainees for assignment; and establishing and maintaining safety and wellness standards for all members.

• Member fit tests decline in FY 2002 due to Ft. Myer Fire Department purchasing their own fit testing equipment. Estimates are based on full compliance with annual fit test requirement by all uniformed employees, active volunteers and members of other agencies we support (including Arlington County Sheriff's Office, Department of Defense, etc.).

FUTURE BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) may increase training and operational requirements for Firefighters and Fire Departments through their various standards setting processes.

• Fire Station 5 replacement (opening summer 2004) and other projects identified in 2002 Public Safety Facility Bond issue

• Addition of Shift Wellness-Safety-Training Officers for enhanced compliance with the Virginia and Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations (29 CFR 1910.134)

• Training additional Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Trainees to meet operational and staffing requirements may require additional personnel resources at the Fire Training Academy.

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