READ MEMO FROM SCFA SUPERINTENDENT RAY

REGARDING STRATEGIC PLANNING

FROM THE IAFC

Safety Advisory Notice
 

Fire Chief

Charleston, SC Fire Department

POSITION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 2/17/12

The City of Charleston Fire Department is currently recruiting qualified applicants to fill the Fire Chief position. This position will become vacant on March 1, 2012, due to retirement. The Fire Chief reports to the Mayor. The City operates under a Strong-Mayor form of government. City council is composed of 13 members, over which the Mayor presides.

The City of Charleston, with a population of just over 120,000, (2010 Census), is the second largest and fastest growing city in South Carolina. This beautiful, historic, vibrant city is not only considered one of the top three tourist destinations in the country and one of the United States “Best Places to Live,” it is the largest business, medical and financial center in the southeastern part of the state. Charleston is the fourth busiest container ship destination on the Atlantic seacoast. In addition, the deep-water port allows large vehicle transport vessels and passenger ships to utilize its docks. With over 90 miles of beautiful shoreline, the area is a special place for beachcombers and ocean-lovers to explore.

(For additional information search: www.charleston-sc.gov or www.charlestoncvb.com)

 

The Organization

The Charleston Fire Department, with roots back into the 1700s, enjoys a unique place in history as one of the earliest fire departments to be established in the United States. The department consists of 19 fire companies located throughout the city and the incorporated areas of West Ashley, James Island, John’s Island and Daniel Island. The full array of fire and response services is provided by 319 sworn personnel and 14 support staff members operating out of 19 active fire stations. The Fire Inspections Division is managed by the Fire Marshal, who reports to the Deputy Chief of Administration and supervises a staff of five employees. There are three mechanics on staff who maintain all fire equipment. The projected budget for the 2012 fiscal year is approximately $22.4 million. The CFD enjoys an outstanding working relationship with the other fire departments in the region and recent new policy initiatives have moved the departments into mutual aid and automatic aid coverage. Future initiatives will continue to develop consolidations of service and training programs on a regional basis.

The department is currently preparing to begin the accreditation process through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. This process will strengthen and solidify the department’s policies and procedures and will greatly enhance the ability of the CFD to provide quality, timely and professional services to the community. The goal is to complete this process by 2015.

(Search: City of Charleston, SC, Fire Department) 

The Ideal Candidate

The successful applicant for this position must possess the following minimum qualifications:

Education:

o   A Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Fire Service Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management or a related field. Completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in addition to the bachelor’s degree is highly preferred

o   Or an equivalent level of education, training and experience that would ensure that the applicant meets the above minimum qualification

Experience:

o   A minimum of 15 years of full-time, well rounded experience in the fire service

o   Of the 15 years noted above, a minimum of ten years of full-time progressive fire service supervisory and command experience that clearly demonstrates the experience is indicative of senior executive level management capability necessary for leading the Charleston Fire Department

o   A high level of experience in the management of a fire department through subordinate managers

o   Management in a fire department in an urban environment - preferably with historic buildings, a waterway approach and of the size and complexity of Charleston

o   Development and administration of a multi-million dollar budget

o   Recruiting, training, developing, maintaining accountability and retaining a diverse workforce

o   Developing and implementing strategic plans

o   Organizational development

o   Engaging him/herself and the department in the community

Physical/Background:

o   Must pass the department’s medical/physical examination (after offer of employment) and a comprehensive background investigation

Driver’s License

o   Possess or be able to obtain a South Carolina driver’s license within 30 days of appointment

Attributes

The following is a representative sample of the knowledge, skill and abilities necessary to be successful in this position:

o   The utilization of industry proven practices and operational principles and practices of fire, EMS, rescue, prevention, investigation and suppression activities; current laws, codes, regulations

o   The use of modern technology to enhance the fire service public safety planning and response

o   Response, rescue, prevention, hazardous materials and incident command issues relevant to urban area; planning and response principles from a waterway perspective and delivery of services from multiple stations

o   Disaster preparedness and emergency response

o   Human resource related laws and administration.

o   Modern office equipment, including computer technology, software programs and communications technology

o   Principles of working in a strong mayor form of city government and the ability to work within the policy guidance and direction of the Mayor 

o   Continue moving the fire department progressively forward utilizing current resources and acceptable practices 

o   Make effective verbal presentations to a wide diversity of audiences: City Council, the media, community groups, civic groups, professional associations, the Mayor and staff etc. 

o   Plan, organize, implement, direct and evaluate department operations and the work of staff organizational outcomes

o   Vision future challenges related to public safety policy for the city and/or department and to present and implement viable plans to mitigate the challenges

o   To assess apparatus and facility needs and develop plans to meet those needs both short term and long term

o   To delegate responsibility and to ensure consistency in accountability

o   Provide fire related services in an urban, yet diverse demographic setting - including vast historic facilities

o   Align the department’s business planning, budget planning, personnel administration and other key elements in developing the organization

o   Move the department towards accreditation to meet the goal of accreditation by 2015

o   To recruit, attract, train, develop, promote and retain a high-quality diverse workforce to meet the vast demographics of the city

o   Provide high-level customer service in meeting the needs of the community

o   Plan and implement a waterway fire service strategy and ensure appropriate personnel are trained to provide this service

o   Display a high-level of leadership, communication, delegation, decision making, motivation and commitment

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000 annually depending on qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package to include an assigned vehicle.

Filing Deadline and General Selection Process

The candidate must by the closing time and date of 4:00PM PST, Friday, February 17, 2012:

Complete all required application documents (employment application, supplemental questions, resume) and mail to:

Charleston Fire Department

C/O Emergency Services Consulting International

25200 SW Parkway Ave. STE 3

Wilsonville, OR 97070

1 800 757 3724

Candidates will be screened based on their qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training they report/document relative to this position, which shows that they possess the knowledge, skills and abilities required to be successful.

Selected candidates will be asked to participate in telephone interviews approximately March 5-9, 2012. Candidates selected to continue in the process will be asked to appear in Charleston approximately April 11-13, 2012 for additional onsite meetings and interviews.

All application materials can be downloaded at www.esci.us

FUNDRAISER

Fellow first responder Captain Thomas Blackwell has been in the fire service for 30 years;  22 years at Pelham Batesville Fire Department (Spartanburg County);  7 Years with the Urban Search and Rescue and recently reinstated his EMT certification.

In July 2011 Tommy was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.  With several trips to the doctors and to Johns Hopkins it was determined that his pancreas needed to be removed.  On December 22, 2011 this surgery was completed and his pancreas removed. 

With the 9.5 hour surgery, hospital stay and diabetes there comes a lot of costs that insurance will not cover.  Not to mention the missed work.  Tommy has a wife Carrie and a 13 year old son Jesse who need our help.  We are trying to raise money to help with what the insurance does not cover and the additional cost of medicine, medical supplies and to help keep the family afloat during this difficult time.

One of the ways that his friends are helping is by having a fundraising event at the Handlebar on Wednesday January 25 from 7pm to 11pm.  Cost is $10 at door with all proceeds going to the Captain Tommy Blackwell fund set up at CPM Federal Credit Union.

The Handlebar

304 East Stone Avenue Greenville, SC

Visit site on Facebook

If you cannot attend and would like to donate we have an account at CPM Federal Credit Union.  Account named: Jodi Gowan C/O Captain Tommy Blackwell Fund. You can go to a local branch or you can mail your donation to Jodi Gowan, C/O Captain Thomas Blackwell, 415 N Pond View Drive, Duncan, SC 29334.

We are also looking for items we can raffle at the fundraiser.  Gift certificates, gloves, tools etc.  Anything that you can donate will be appreciated.  If you have questions or require further information please contact Jodi Gowan at 864-381-3096 or jodigowan@yahoo.com.

Thank you for all your help and prayers the Blackwell Family appreciates it.

Application Procedures

2012 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program

EMMITSBURG, MD — Application procedures have been announced for the 2012 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program. The program is once again sponsored through a partnership between the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), /International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications (IFSTA/FPP), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

USFA Administrator Ernie Mitchell in announcing the 2012 program said, "The U.S. Fire Administration and our funding partners, the IAFC, IFSTA/FPP, and the NFPA are excited and remain committed to sponsor a number of fellowships in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government this summer. Our nation’s fire executives need superior professional development experiences to increase their leadership capacity and the State and Local Program is a premier opportunity. As a former Fire Chief, I know that productive relationships among careerists, elected officials, and appointed authorities can lead to innovative solutions to tough problems and policy decisions which result in positive outcomes. This program provides a world class opportunity to explore and expand these relationships in ways that increase innovative leadership within state and local government settings."

Senior fire executives who are selected will be awarded fellowships to attend Harvard's annual Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.  The 3-week program is conducted on the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Selected Fellows will be assigned one of the two session dates: June 4-22, 2012 or July 9-27, 2012. Applications seeking a fellowship must be available to attend either session.

The following criteria and guidelines have been established for the 2012 program:

• Application is open to senior fire executives who have demonstrated significant career accomplishments and have the potential to impact and initiate change.  Attainment of a senior position is less important than demonstrated experience in facilitating significant change within a public sector setting.

• Preference may be given to applicants who are graduates of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, although program completion is not a prerequisite. Preference may also be given to applicants who have completed graduate-level degree programs or course work.

• Individuals whose organizations have been represented in the Harvard Fellowship Program during 2009, 2010, or 2011 will not be considered. The program is available to international participants.

• Finalists for the Harvard Fellowships will be asked to develop and present a five-year plan during their interview session, describing how they will use the opportunity if awarded a fellowship to enhance Fire-EMS services at the local, regional, tribal, state/province/territory, and at a national or international level. If selected as a finalist, more details will be provided. As in the past, selected Fellows can expect to be contacted in the future by any of the sponsors to assist and support ongoing projects to utilize their specialized knowledge and skills.

Application Instructions

Please follow these three steps carefully as the application procedures have changed from prior years.

Please do not submit your application package directly to the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.  Mail the application package (traceable mail with receipt is recommended) no later than February 21, 2012 (postmark) to the following address:

Harvard Fellowship Program
International Association of Fire Chiefs
c/o Ms. Cynthia Cox
4025 Fair Ridge Drive - Suite 300
Fairfax, Virginia  22033-2868

RECALLS/RECALLS/RECALLS/RECALLS/RECALLS/RECALLS/RECALLS

SLED CHIEF RESTRUCTURES

STATE HOMELAND SECURITY STRUCTURE

Mark Keel, Chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has notified Emergency Response organizations that he intends to revitalize the State Homeland Security Advisory Council and reestablishing the four regional Homeland Security Advisory Councils in the SLED Piedmont, Midlands, Pee Dee and Low Country Regions.

In line with this, President Alan Sims of the SC State Association of Fire Chiefs and President Ken Kerber of the SC Firefighters Association have made appointments to the four regional Advisory Councils. 

These appointments include, in the Piedmont Council Region: Alan Sims, Belton FD and Ken Kerber, Fort mill FD and,  in the Midlands Council Region: Jamie Helms, Columbia FD and Paul Caldwell, Chester FD. In the Low Country Council Region: Karl Ristow, St Johns FD and John Tippett, Charleston FD and, in the Pee Dee Council Region: John Melton, Cheraw FD and Doug Elliman, Midway Fire and & Rescue.

In a letter to the State's Fire Service organizations, Keel noted that, "My role as the State Homeland Security Advisor is one that I consider of equal importance to that as Chief and I have been working closely with our Homeland security team to reduce the backlog of homeland security grants and establish a revised framework to support our state's homeland security policy and operational functions.  While the state has accomplished a great deal in increasing our overall preparedness since September 11, 2011, we cannot afford to reduce efforts to prepare and protect our state from the threat of terrorism and the many other hazards we face."

NFPA RELEASES STATE NEEDS ASSESSMENT

OF THE US FIRE SERVICE

IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Click Her to see Report: NFPA REPORT

IAFC Foundation Establishes

the Chief Chet Henry Memorial Scholarship Award

Fairfax, VA - The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFC Foundation) is proud to announce the creation of the Chief Charles A. "Chet" Henry Memorial Scholarship Award. This annual scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from VFIS, a Division of Glatfelter Insurance Group and is established in memory of Chief Henry who died on June 25, 2011 after a long period of declining health.