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5 <br /> Memorandum <br /> TO: Board of County Commissioners <br /> Laura Blackmon, County Manager <br /> FROM: Gwen Harvey, Assistant County Manager <br /> F. Rojas Montes de Oca, Director, Emergency Services <br /> RE: Re-Engaging "The Sage Report" — Additional Background for <br /> the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) <br /> DATE: February 25, 2009 <br /> Fire protection in the unincorporated areas of Orange County_ is provided in <br /> twelve tax supported fire districts. Coordination of these services is provided by <br /> Orange County Emergency Services. In most districts fire services are provided <br /> under contract with various unincorporated volunteer fire departments. In two <br /> cases service is provided to district residents under agreements with municipal <br /> fire departments. In addition to fire protection many of these departments provide <br /> first responder and early defibrillation to medical emergencies within their district. <br /> Due to the passage of time and degree of controversy attached to the most <br /> recent iteration of a fire/rescue study, we thought it helpful to convey additional <br /> background and perhaps greater context as the BOCC considers this item again <br /> on March 3. Our close review of previous BOCC agenda materials and minutes <br /> (dating back to FY04-05) permit us to provide the following chronology of events <br /> and conclusions we hope will assist the BOCC in its decision-making. <br /> May 2005 <br /> BOCC received a report from Emergency Management Director on "Emergency <br /> Fire and Rescue Services" — the current structure of fire and rescue services; <br /> challenge and opportunities; areas for exploration regarding enhanced County <br /> support; and opportunities for increased efficiencies. (Attachment A is a copy <br /> of the work session agenda item, attachments, and minutes.) <br /> The report stated: "A strategic plan could be developed to identify how the <br /> increased demand for services will be met in the coming years. Any strategic <br /> plan should be developed through a coordinated effort from the volunteer fire <br /> departments and county representatives, but moderated through an independent <br /> agent that has experience and knowledge in transitions of public safety systems. <br /> The plan should address where we have been, where we are and where we <br />