From
Robert Fite
Title
Proposed FY 2018 Fire Prevention and Investigations staffing plan includes upgrading a Fire Lieutenant to a Fire Captain position at an estimated cost of $7,060 including one time costs of $0 and adding 2 FireFighter positions at a total cost of $259,400 including one time costs of $75,762.
Presenter
Robert Fite, Fire Chief
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The Fire Prevention Bureau is divided into two divisions, Investigation and Inspections. Each division has a unique function independent of each other. Over the past ten years, this Bureau’s staffing plan has changed depending upon the economy, city development, and department staffing needs. Within the past 12 months, the fire department has moved all of the Inspection staff to the Development Center in order to create a “one stop shop” for our developers and citizens requesting permits. The fire department in conjunction with the GP Firefighter Association, has worked on a staffing plan to enhance the Inspection Division that would prepare our department for the current inflow of projects as well as the future growth of the city. One major new program that will be included in this staffing plan will be to start an inspection/life safety program for all target hazards within the city. In a recent survey of the Dallas County Fire Departments, the Grand Prairie FD was the only major fire department (over 30K population) that does NOT perform annual inspections/life safety reviews of the major target hazards. When compared to other cities in Dallas County, we rank 20 out of 22 in total prevention staffing (chart attached). This proposal adds a total of 2 firefighter positions and upgrades one internal position. The attached organizational chart shows the current and proposed. The department reviewed the possibility of civilianizing this division but under Chapter 143 of the local government code, this is prohibited with Civil Service law.
Financial Consideration
Funding ...
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