HISTORY OF DEPARTMENT & SYSTEM STAFFING
1987 Department of Public Works personnel began training and responding to fire department calls due to daytime shortage of personnel. 532 total requests for EMS and fire service
1989 The total number of paid on call personnel (POC) was increased from 28 to the current number of 43 that could be hired by the fire department. 593 total requests for EMS and fire service, 11% increase from 1987.
1997 The minimum 20% response for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire calls requirements were established for all POC personnel to improve response from personnel. 594 total requests for EMS and fire service, negligible increase.
1999 Two (2) full-time Lieutenants were hired to primarily staff an ambulance from 0800-1600. Full-time staffing was only increased by one, as the Deputy Chief position was not filled. 682 total requests for EMS and fire service, 15% increase from 1997.
2004 Staffing levels between the hours of 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM were problematic and the two Lieutenants were placed on a split shift one working from 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM and one from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. One full-time Lieutenant began responding in the pick up truck to ensure fire department response during the day. During the 4 hour block that both Lieutenants were in quarters together, the ambulance was taken and Paid-on-Call (POC) personnel would respond with the pick-up and switch out personnel. 757 total requests for EMS and fire service, 11% increase from 1999.
2005 The first responder program utilizing current personnel was initiated to assure fire department response from 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM. One POC personnel was scheduled to cover weeknights and one officer covered the weekends. 878 total requests for EMS and fire service, 16% increase from 2004.
2008 Due to the consistent high call volume during the weekday time hours of 0600 – 1800 and the low availability of POC personnel during these hours, the station was staffed with one paid on premise person and one Lieutenant Monday – Friday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. This assures our ambulance response and in a timely fashion. DPW personnel, no longer respond to any EMS calls. 970 total requests for EMS and fire service, 10% increase from 2005.
2010 Due to long EMS response times and or the inability to have an ambulance respond in the evening hours, two POC personnel would staff the station from 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM. The first responder person has the ability to staff the station or respond from home.
2011 Began to practice at the EMT-Advanced level July 1
2012 Since 1987 the fire department has seen an increase in call volume of 65% for EMS and fire responses.
2013 The fire department has extensively recruited to maintain our full Paid-on-Call (POC) compliment of firefighter/EMTs for the last two years. We thank those who responded and serve. But, the cumulative response has been insufficient to recruit and retain for the future. As a result, The Village Board has approved the part-time staffing initiative for the fire department. This staffing initiative starting July 1, 2013 will provide additional part-time staff to have four (4) firefighter/EMTs in the station twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, allowing the department to respond immediately to multiple ambulance requests or an immediate response to a fire call. Utilizing part-time firefighter/EMTs will provide the Village staffing in the station while keeping costs to a minimum.
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