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2 <br /> The suggested strategy divides an overall comprehensive study of the fire/rescue service <br /> system in Orange County into three separate, sequential phases designed to provide <br /> clear and defensible answers to three basic questions: (1) Where are we now? (2) Where <br /> do we want to go? (3) How do we get there? A successful study will adhere to the <br /> principles and priorities articulated by the BOCC and the Fire Chiefs Council. It will: <br /> • Initiate an actionable strategic plan <br /> • Involve critical stakeholders <br /> • Include Northern Chatham and Southern Orange <br /> • Employ recognized industry standards <br /> • Factor six-mile districts <br /> • Address fire insurance ratings <br /> • Critique economies of scale and/or shared use — staffing; facilities, equipment <br /> • Examine efficiencies and services enhancements <br /> • Calculate long term sustainability and fire district financing <br /> • Strengthen support and connections; i.e., fire inspections and prevention. <br /> County staff believes the suggested strategy would enable all stakeholders to coalesce <br /> around the following set of commitments: <br /> • Commitment to a clear purpose <br /> • Commitment to established priorities <br /> • Commitment to a factual study tied to industry norms and professional standards <br /> • Commitment to openness and objectivity in choosing a highly qualified consultant <br /> • Commitment to continuous communication and collaboration between the consultant and <br /> County/Fire Chiefs <br /> • Commitment to instilling and maintaining trust and transparency throughout all phases <br /> and through public participation <br /> Phase One: "Where are we now?" <br /> Phase One is a thorough review of the current status of fire/rescue services in Orange County, <br /> examining organizational structures, staffing, resources, operating and capital budgets, and <br /> current service delivery profiles. <br /> The resulting data would be analyzed compared to Federal and state laws and regulations that <br /> apply to fire and rescue operations, such as: <br /> • Fire Prevention and Protection Act, 1997 <br /> • State Public Fire Safety Guidelines <br /> • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 and 1720 pertinent to the organization <br /> and deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical operations, and <br /> special operations to the public by career and volunteer fire and EMS departments <br /> Data collected will parallel to the greatest extent practicable that necessary for any fire/rescue <br /> organization choosing to work towards achieving national accreditation. The approved final work <br /> product from Phase One would become the baseline for determining Phases Two and Three. <br /> 2 <br />