Agenda - 10-03-2013 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Chief's Association 12012 Broad demographic trends have made recruiting and retaining volunteers more challenging for some departments, as fewer residents have the time to dedicate to increased training and response requirements. Even so, the volunteer force remains the core of the fire and rescue service for most of Orange County, and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. This arrangement has always been extremely beneficial for taxpayers in Orange County. Especially in the current times of greater financial constraints, volunteer services provide a significant value to the county. To replace volunteer services in Orange County with paid staff at current staffing levels would cost taxpayers at least $17 million per year.' This figure jumps to at least $27 million within the next few years once seven anticipated station sz are completed.' The needs of the emergency services system have recently come to the forefront in Orange County. The OCCA supports the creation and continued work of the Emergency Services Work Group, which is beginning to address many of the concerns outlined in this report. A HISTORY OF PROGRESS The OCCA is proud of its accomplishments in service to the residents of Orange County. Thirteen independent departments work together to form the core of fire and rescue services for Orange County. Together, the OCCA has worked tirelessly to promote best practices, accountability, and cost savings. Group Gear Purchases & Equipment Standardization: Departments have banded together for group purchases on many occasions, saving money for taxpayers as well ensuring interoperability of equipment. a. Standardized hose connections: (all departments) b. Radios C. Breathing apparatus d. Protective clothing4 e. Tanker trucks: five departments purchased tankers together in 2009 f. Reflective vests: 2006 and 2008 (all departments) g. Velcro helmet tags: 2002 -2011 (all departments) • Active Pursuit of Grants: Grant funding allows fire and rescue departments in Orange County to save taxpayer money. The OCCA serves as a forum for sharing successful strategies in this often lengthy and complicated process. Many of these grants required at least a partial match of additional departmental funds, and all applications were strengthened by the cooperative spirit and diligent work efforts resulting from the Orange County Chief's Association. 1 Base salary of entry level firefighter (plus benefits) times 15 per truck; NFPA 1710 recommends a staff of 15 firefighters per fire truck to keep it fully operational 24 hours per day, year- round. The Department of Insurance requires two trucks, an engine and a tanker, for a station to be certified in rural areas. Times 13 stations (MMA Consulting Group, 2011, p. 13) minus existing paid staff working at volunteer fire departments. 26 full -time personnel work for volunteer fire departments and 15 part -time paid employees; the latter were calculated at half a position (MMA Consulting Group, 2011, p. 12). Z Future stations: Caldwell (1), Efland (2), Orange Grove (2), Orange Rural (1), White Cross (1) 3 Current local salaries range from a base firefighter salary of $31,500 ($48,000 with benefits) in Mebane to $34,736 ($49,325 with benefits) in Cary. These conservative calculations assume only 2 trucks per station and every firefighter earning an entry-level salary. ° NFPA 1851 recommends replacing protective clothing (turnout gear) every 10 years, or sooner if contaminated. 3