Goals, Critical Success Factors, and Activities

GOAL 1

Provide a quality level of emergency response for the protection of life, property and the environment.

Critical Success Factor:
1-1 Provide an appropriate apparatus and equipment response to all emergency incidents.

Activities
1-1.1 Identify apparatus and equipment needs through completion of a comprehensive risk analysis.
1-1.2 Develop and adopt a standard of cover for apparatus and equipment.
1-1.3 Adopt and implement a plan to achieve standard of cover objectives for apparatus equipment/placement.
Critical Success Factor:
1-2 Provide a timely response to all emergency incidents.

Activities
1-2.1 Develop and adopt a standard of cover response time for the first arriving unit and for an effective response force.
1-2.2 Adopt and implement a plan to achieve standard of cover objectives for response times.
Critical Success Factor:
1-3 Provide an adequate number of trained personnel on all emergency incidents.

Activities
1-3.1 Identify personnel needs through completion of a comprehensive risk analysis.
1-3.2 Develop and adopt a standard of cover for personnel response.
1-3.3 Adopt and implement a plan to achieve standard of cover objectives for personnel response.
1-3.4 Respond with a minimum of two personnel on each initially requested apparatus as deemed appropriate.
1-3.5 Provide at least one supervisor for every seven personnel on scene.
1-3.6 Provide a command level response on all designated incidents.
Critical Success Factor:
1-4 Provide an all-hazards response capability that utilizes available resources and new, non-traditional resources.
Activities
1-4.1 Develop an effective Technical Rescue Team consisting of members of Volusia County Fire Services, County Employees, and private sector personnel.
1-4.2 Implement a Rescue Squad response capability within fifteen minutes of all areas of Volusia County.
1-4.3 Provide an effective Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) response capability within Volusia County.
1-4.4 Develop a comprehensive and effective Mass Casualty response capability within Volusia County.
1-4.5 Establish an effective Area Command capability and establish a functional Field Operations Center.
1-4.6 Develop an up to date personnel skills database to effectively assemble teams with needed capabilities.

GOAL 2

Plan and/or provide for an efficient means of supporting the delivery of emergency services.

Critical Success Factor:
2-1 Utilize alternative methods of funding when appropriate.

Activities
2-1.1 Develop a list of grant fund sources and a corresponding prioritized listing of projects to pursue.
2-1.2 Develop and implement a plan for pursuing grant funding of projects which identifies time frames and personnel responsibilities.
2-1.3 Develop a list of other potential alternative funding sources such as permit fees, fee for service, fines, etc.
2-1.4 Develop and implement a plan for pursuing alternative funds (per 2.1.3) which identifies time frames and personnel responsibilities.

Critical Success Factor:
2-2 Provide a quality member recruitment and retention program.
Activities
2-2.1 Conduct exit interviews and survey of volunteer and career personnel to identify any retention issues.
2-2.2 Assign a committee of volunteer, career, management and labor representatives to assess the current recruitment and retention process and provide a report with appropriate recommendation.
2-2.3 Develop, adopt, and implement a member recruitment retention plan for career and volunteer personnel, both line and staff.

Critical Success Factor:
2-3 Develop and implement a quality candidate assessment process.

Activities
2-3.1 Identify key characteristics and attributes of quality candidates including aptitude, physical fitness, mental and emotional traits.
2-3.2 Develop or identify existing tests that focus on key characteristics of quality candidates.

Critical Success Factor:
2-4 Provide effective means of measuring the effective delivery of emergency services.
Activities
2-4.1 Implement National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) 5.0 and an effective Information Management System software package throughout Volusia County Fire Services.
2-4.2 Identify key benchmarks and develop the ability to measure Volusia County Fire Services capability against those benchmarks.
2-4.3 Develop citizen survey instruments to measure satisfaction with the services provided and an instrument to determine what services our citizens would like provided.
2-4.4 Develop an Internal Survey Instrument to measure member satisfaction with our organization and to determine what changes they would like to see implemented.
2-4.5 Pursue data mining and the development of mapping and other graphic display techniques to produce usable information from available data.

Critical Success Factor:
2-5 Develop and implement a communication technology plan.

Activities
2-5.1 Establish an effective wide area computer network linking all Volusia County Fire Services sites, the Emergency Operations Center, the Field Operations Center, and Dispatch.
2-5.2 Assign a technology group to research and develop a technology "vision" for Volusia County Fire Services, focusing on progressive use of technology to enhance real-time information sharing during emergency operations.
2-5.3 Develop a five-year plan, which identifies capability goals with respect to computer, radio, paging and personal accountability technology.
2-5.4 Develop and implement successive two-year action plans for achieving the goals of the five-year plan (2.4.1)

Critical Success Factor:
2-6 Provide prompt and efficient supply services to support operational service delivery objectives.

Activities
2-6.1 Identify types and quantity of products to stock for immediate disbursement.
2-6.2 Identify and define operational service delivery objectives/expectations including delivery time, and location, description of ordered items, cost, budgeted items, and possible vendors.
2-6.3 Provide a central location that meets present and future needs for storage, collection, and distribution of products.
2-6.4 Establish a computerized inventory and database scanning system to track all inventories.
2-6.5 Establish a computerized ordering network to log and update all requests.
2-6.6 Improve the process for proper recovery, return, and/or disposal of department property.

GOAL 3

Provide progressive and challenging training opportunities that enhance personnel and operational capabilities within Volusia County.

Critical Success Factor:
3-1 Commit resources to research the trends that affect the emergency response industry, enabling us to anticipate and prepare for future changes in service delivery.

Activities
3-1.1 Identify specific technologies, practices, and/or services that are successfully being utilized by other recognized fire/emergency service providers that are not presently used by VCFS.
3-1.2 Develop a prioritized list of those technologies, practices, and/or services that will add value for the citizens and communities served by VCFS.
3-1.3 Identify and acquire the resources necessary to successfully train VCFS personnel to implement the technologies, practices, and/or services determined to be of value.
3-1.4 Investigate the use of resources from other agencies and/or educational institutions to assist in providing the resources and/or training needed to implement the technologies, practices, and services.
3-1.5 Implement a training process to introduce the technologies, practices, and services into the operational functions of the Department.

Critical Success Factor:
3-2 Improve accessibility to standardized training and education.

Activities
3-2.1 Identify the specific training and educational needs of all levels of VCFS personnel.
3-2.2 Develop a process to provide high quality training and education programs to both volunteer and career personnel in a timely, cost effective, and efficient manner that is as convenient/user-friendly as possible for our members.
3-2.3 Identify alternative means of program delivery which are effective and assure competency, yet improve convenience, accessibility, and attendance. Consideration shall be given to computer-based delivery systems, quadrant, and/or station delivery, with modular training components for more lengthy programs.
3-2.4 Develop and implement a skills/competency based monthly training calendar covering 24 months, enabling all personnel to participate.
3-2.5 Recruit and/or train quality instructors from within the ranks of VCFS to assist in the delivery of training and education programs. Assure the use of certified instructors to achieve compliance with mandated or regulated training curriculums/programs.
3-2.6 Utilize Daytona Beach Community College, Flagler County Vocational School, or other partners to assist in program development and/or delivery where appropriate to reduce costs and/or improve efficiency.

Critical Success Factor:
3-3 Improve fundamental knowledge and skill level of all Volusia County Fire Services' personnel.

Activities
3-3.1 Identify the basic skills/knowledge requirements needed for each VCFS job classification.
3-3.2 Develop performance objectives for each skill/knowledge competency.
3-3.3 Develop and implement a skills/knowledge assessment process for regularly evaluating members in the basic skills and competencies for each member classification.
3-3.4 Develop and implement a process for providing remedial or refresher training for those personnel who cannot successfully complete the evaluation process.
3-3.5 Establish a documentation system which will support the process and aid in outside audits/reviews of training programs and records.

Critical Success Factor:
3-4 Utilize technology and equipment in the training process that is commensurate with the goals and needs of our organization.

Activities
3-4.1 Identify and obtain the technology and equipment needed to provide state-of-the-art training programs. Incorporate into the process, a means to re-assess the needs and priorities on an annual basis at a minimum.
3-4.2 Procure the necessary resources and equipment and incorporate them into the training process. Identify alternative funding sources including donations, grants, and sponsorships where possible. Remove from service any resources or equipment that are no longer safe, serviceable, or applicable.
3-4.3 Evaluate the effectiveness of the new technology and/or equipment.

Critical Success Factor:
3-5 Identify and implement a financial structure to enhance the Training Team's budget, beyond what is allocated through local tax revenues that will enable training to make capital improvements and provide future growth for the Fire Science Institute.

Activities
3-5.1 Identify a process by which the Fire Services Training Team can market itself and charge for certain products and/or services.
3-5.2 Develop and implement a business plan for marketing products and services provided by the Training Division.
3-5.3 Evaluate the various components of the plan for effectiveness on a regular basis to confirm continuous improvement.
3-5.4 Identify opportunities to further reduce or potentially eliminate the reliance upon local tax revenues to support the Training Division's budget.

GOAL 4

Provide for public safety through Community Risk Reduction Programs.

Critical Success Factor:
4-1 Develop a comprehensive strategy for the design and implementation of public education and training programs.

Activities
4-1.1 Identify training needs of the community to prepare for dealing with identified future risks within the community.
4-1.2 Develop and implement public education programs that train the community for projected risks.
4-1.3 Evaluate the effectiveness of public education and training programs.

Critical Success Factor:
4-2 Enhance life safety and fire protection through state-of-the-art technology.

Activities
4-2.1 Identify technologies that will enhance life safety and fire protection.
4-2.2 Develop alliances with stakeholders for exploring acceptable ways to adopt the use of available technology.
4-2.3 Develop proposed changes to local life safety and fire protection codes.
4-2.4 Adopt and implement a realistic plan to enact changes in local life safety and fire protection codes.

Critical Success Factor:
4-3 Utilize sound engineering and environmental practices to address fire and life safety issues countywide.

Activities
4-3.1 Identify engineering and environmental needs/requirements through proactive interaction with federal, state and local agencies, developers and community leaders.
4-3.2 Develop and adopt standard engineering and environmental practices that meet the objectives of protecting the citizens and the environment.
4-3.3 Adopt and implement a plan that includes appropriate changes to land development codes to meet engineering and environmental objectives.

Critical Success Factor:
4-4 Pursue community risk reduction through the use of strategic alliances.

Activities
4-4.1 Identify risks within the county and groups that are able and willing to assist in mitigating of those risks.
4-4.2 Develop a program to meet the risk challenges in the community by effectively utilizing all available resources (public and private, county and municipal).
4-4.3 Adopt and implement a plan which utilizes these resources and maintains alliances through communication and training.

Critical Success Factor:
4-5 Maintain the appropriate balance between lowest Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating possible and the costs required for achieving that goal.

Activities
4-5.1 Identify opportunities for improving community protection and the rating for our county.
4-5.2 Review past rating reviews and identify opportunities for improvement.
4-5.3 Conduct self review process six (6) months prior to scheduled evaluation.
4-5.4 Develop a program for monitoring and documenting all areas in the ISO program.
4-5.5 Adopt and implement a program to enhance community protection and improve ISO rating.

GOAL 5

Provide a safe and healthy work environment that encourages physical, mental and emotional health.

Critical Success Factor:
5-1 Establish and maintain a comprehensive physical health and wellness program that encompasses health and wellness criteria in National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA) 1500 (1997 Edition).

Activities
5-1.1 Identify and evaluate health and wellness programs that are available for Public Safety personnel.
5-1.2 Analyze, develop and implement system wide programs, including medical evaluation, physical fitness and injury prevention for both career and volunteer personnel.
5-1.3 Evaluate programs on a semi-annual basis and make adjustments as needed.

Critical Success Factor:
5-2 Improve existing capabilities to promote the mental and emotional well being of our members.
Activities
5-2.1 Evaluate and improve existing programs.
5-2.2 Identify and evaluate other programs for possible adoption.
5-2.3 Develop and implement educational programs that increase awareness by our personnel of available services.

Critical Success Factor:
5-3 Reduce injuries, property loss and liability through sound risk management and safety practices.
Activities
5-3.1 Develop and publish a comprehensive risk management plan.
5-3.2 Ensure the Department's Safety Committee, comprised of career, volunteer, and support personnel, meets monthly.
5-3.3 Safety Committee will review each accident/incident report and provide recommendations.
5-3.4 Adopt and implement, as appropriate, the Safety Committee's recommendations through training, SOG modifications, etc.
5-3.5 Expand effective use of Personnel Accountability System Technology, Rapid Intervention Teams, on-scene safety officers and similar programs intended to enhance safety on emergency scenes.

GOAL 6

Develop an increasingly diverse workforce.

Critical Success Factor:
6-1 Enhance the diversity of our workforce with an effective recruitment program.

Activities
6-1.1 Develop a recruitment plan that specifically focuses on the black and Hispanic members of our community. Improve our efforts in attracting female applicants through specific focused recruitment efforts.
6-1.2 Consider providing financial assistance to economically challenged individuals for training in firefighter minimum standards, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or other entry-level requirements as deemed appropriate.

Critical Success Factor:
6-2 Ensure fair and equal opportunity for educational advancement and promotion.
6-2.1 Develop regular reports that summarize personnel use of and access to training and education, etc. Address any disparities by proactively contacting/encouraging the use of training or educational opportunities.
6-2.2 Investigate the merits of a volunteer tuition assistance program and, if feasible, implement same.

Critical Success Factor:
6-3 Continually evaluate the level of diversity awareness within our organization and provide necessary training and education.
6-3.1 Formalize diversity training as part of entry level (probationary) training for career and volunteer personnel.
6-3.2 Implement diversity training at least once each year as mandatory drill subject for career and volunteer personnel.

GOAL 7

Promote public support and community development.

Critical Success Factor:
7-1 Heighten community awareness of our organization through promotional efforts.
7-1.1 Establish a schedule for speaking engagements at community organization meetings, such as Rotary, VFW, Elks, Black Achievers, etc.
7-1.2 Increase interaction with Community Information regarding publicity for events and award ceremonies within VCFS.
7-1.3 Advertise and conduct community-training programs (CPR and Fire Safety) throughout the county.
7-1.4 Develop and adopt a program to regularly conduct door to door recruitment in neighborhoods.
7-1.5 Place recruitment posters in stores, office buildings, government offices, restaurants, schools, mobile home parks, etc.
7-1.6 Reserve spots in local events, such as fairs, carnivals, and parades to display VCFS literature.
7-1-7 Issue Annual Reports and other documents that help familiarize our citizens with the scope of services offered by VCFS. Provide these in English and Spanish.

Critical Success Factor:
7-2 Expand citizen involvement in appropriate strategic programs. (Community Emergency Response Team, Planning, Emergency Management)

Activities
7-2.1 Establish funding and the organization needed to support the existing Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and its projected growth.
7-2.2 Develop procedures to ensure effective activation of and coordination with CERT members during emergencies.
7-2.3 Provide CERT members with specialized training, when appropriate, such as Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) training in Spruce Creek Fly-In.
7-2.4 Develop Citizen Teams to assist with public education, emergency communications, planning, and also incident command support for Area Command and Field Operations Center.