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2 <br />2. Training <br />This item provides the opportunity for discussion between the Fire Chiefs and the BOCC <br />relating to training issues and opportunities. <br />a) collaboration with Durham Technical community college — Fire continuing <br />education through Durham Technical Community college has seen a reduction in <br />funding, and as a result, continuing education courses within Orange County have <br />been reduced. According to Durham Tech representatives, the funding reductions <br />occurred at the state level. <br />b) opportunity for County Training Facility — The need for a local training facility <br />was discussed during the last Chief 7s meeting. The need for a local training facility <br />was considered by the BOCC several years ago, but a final resolution was never <br />determined. This topic will provide an opportunity to re -open those conversations. <br />3. open Discussion <br />This item provides an opportunity to discuss several issues and opportunities relating to <br />Fire Department response. <br />a) VIPER Radio System —The State owned and operated Voice Interoperability <br />Plan for Emergency Response (VIPER) radio system is not meeting the needs of <br />emergency response agencies within Orange County. This topic provides an <br />opportunity for an open discussion between the Fire Chiefs and the BOCC <br />regarding the need for a robust and resilient radio communications system. <br />b) Emergency Medical Services Co- location — On March 19, 2013 the BOCC <br />approved an agreement with the Orange Rural Fire Department to co- locate one <br />(1) EMS unit at the Phelps Road Station. Subsequently the BOCC has approved <br />agreements with Orange Grove, Carrboro, and New Hope Fire Departments to co- <br />locate EMS units at their stations as well. This item provides an opportunity for the <br />BOCC to hear from the Fire Chiefs on how the co- location initiative is working out. <br />c) False Alarm Discussion —Many times the Fire Departments are dispatched to <br />false alarms, often occurring at the same address. The Fire Departments and <br />Orange County Emergency Services (OCES) Fire Marshals Division has limited <br />options to encourage a facility owner to correct an issue with a faulty alarm system <br />(or homeowner /employee error in activating /deactivating the system). This topic <br />provides an opportunity for the BOCC to hear from the Fire Chiefs and OCES Fire <br />Marshal regarding potential solutions. <br />d) Other —This item provides the opportunity for the Board and Chiefs to discuss any <br />other items that may be of interest. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: This is no financial impact anticipated as a result of these discussions on <br />the topics listed above. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board and Chiefs receive <br />updates on the identified issues and opportunities noted above and discuss as necessary. <br />