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14 <br /> 1 Slide #2 <br /> The Need <br /> Our communities are served by people for an entire lifetime but <br /> when those folks retire,only those closest to them are aware. <br /> — Chief McCauley,Orange Grove Fire Deparhaeni.41 years <br /> Lt.Wilson,Orange Rural Fire Depaamert,48 years <br /> Many others <br /> • Thew!I I!rigness to place oneseff in harms way as a volunteer is <br /> becoming a thi ng of the past.It's even becomi ng more difficult to find <br /> people you can pay to befirefighters,EMT'sand resc ue tech nicia ns <br /> • Length of Service Awards Programs are one way to help recruitand <br /> keep personnel in their communities. <br /> • There is currently nocountywide recognition program for the <br /> dedication,efforts and longevity of our emergency services <br /> personnel. <br /> 30 <br /> 2 <br /> 3 <br /> 4 Slide #3 <br /> Future Opportunities <br /> That the DOCC would develop a system that recognizes members <br /> of the fire and rescue departments that give most of their lives to the <br /> betterment of their communities. <br /> • 5imilartosepmea ward s given tocountyemployeesinrecognition <br /> for thei r time with cou my government. <br /> • Fire and RescueDepartmentscan provide the names and service <br /> dates based on whatever criteria the BOCC chooses. <br /> 3, <br /> 5 <br /> 6 <br /> 7 Chair Price said she would be more than happy to participate in a recognition program <br /> 8 that includes county staff and volunteers. <br /> 9 Chair Price said Chapel Hill has a program that honors first responders. She asked if <br /> 10 the fire districts can participate in that. <br /> 11 Chief Cabe said this program traditionally included only Chapel Hill, Carrboro, SORS, <br /> 12 and Emergency Services; and outside of those areas, there is no recognition. He said the <br /> 13 Exchange Club in Hillsborough wants to nominate a firefighter of the year, but that does not <br /> 14 reflect years of service. He said it is becoming hard to find people to hire as responders, in <br /> 15 addition to volunteers. He said it is important to show recognition and appreciation. <br /> 16 Bonnie Hammersley said the county has a recognition program and she could work with <br /> 17 the fire districts to include them. She said the county is looking at a quarterly recognition of <br /> 18 retirees. <br /> 19 Commissioner Hamilton thanked the Chiefs and the Fire Districts for their service. She <br /> 20 asked if the financial compensation for fire and rescue service could be identified, and <br /> 21 wondered if this impacts the ability to recruit new staff. She said she would like to know about <br /> 22 calls per population or calls per geographic area, as she would like to put the numbers in <br /> 23 context. <br />