4.1. SR 08-09-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(ICS),. the request fox additional resources and personnel and the tactical direction of first arriving personnel and resources (specifically, the placement of the ladder trucks to ensure the fire did not extend to other buildings, including the fire department). As in the case at this fv:e, it has been shown that decisions made early in an incident have a significant impact on the outcome of the situation. Given the volatility of fires experienced today in newer lightweight building construction, having an officer directing tactical decisions helps improve the safety of not only our firefighters but the general public. For calls that are minor in nature, the duty officer has been able to cancel or "slow down" other responding units which reduces the wear and tear on the fue department's fleet and greatly lowers the risks associated with an emergency response. The duty officer, unless relieved by a higher ranking officer, is also the single point of contact at an incident, serving as the Incident Commander, as required by our Citj='s adoption of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This individual is ultimately responsible for completing the necessary reports and documentation that is later submitted to the State and required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FE1~IA). The program has received positive responses from our public safety partners, including the Elk River Police Department, Sherbw:ne County dispatchers and the Wright CountjT Sheriff's office. Similar programs have also been implemented in many surrounding counties in the metro region with positive results. Current Program Presently, the fire department is ensuring that at least one officer is available to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as a "duty officer." Weekday During normal business hours, the role is filled by full-time staff members that happen to also hold officer positions within the fire department (the Chief, Assistant Chief and a Captain). Until the appointment of a new Chief, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Cliff Anderson was personally taking the responsibly of duty officer fox all after work hours during the week. Since my appointment, Cliff and I have jointly shared much of the week day responsibility, remaining available (i.e. able to respond within a matter of minutes of being dispatched) for what is generally the 6PM - 6AM time period (Monday thru Friday). As you can imagine, this is a significant burden and responsibility to share among two individuals and I fear burnout is a real possibility. During the weekday, the time commitment of being on-call exceeds 48 hours per week (above and beyond that of the normal work week). It is a position Cliff has been assuming voluntarily since before my arrival and is technically outside of his duties as both fire marshal and assistant fire chief. Weekend Presently, the "official" duty officer program runs throughout the weekend -beginning Friday evening at 6PM and continuing to Monday at 6AM (60 hours total). The position rotates among the nine officers and myself. The officers (with the exception of the Chief) are compensated fox 16 hours of pay (pay varies depending on the rank and the hours of