Benton County Fire District #4 (BCFD4) CHANGE PRESENTATION

Typical Question and Statement about Change by Firefighters “Why” do we have to change? The answer to this question should be “Why Not” instead of “Why”. We have always done it this way. Here is where the word “why” does apply. Why do we always have to do things the way we have always done them? What is a definition of insanity? Doing things exactly the same and expecting a different result!!! If you have heard either the question or the statement, it should raise a RED FLAG to everyone!!!! I am sure we all know what a Red Flag Day during fire season means to us. The above question or statement should mean the same thing. Impending disaster!!!

Famous Statements About Change Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) Thirty-fifth President of the USA It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin (1809-1882) English Naturalist You can't expect to meet the challenges of today with yesterday's tools and expect to be in business tomorrow. Unknown Source To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. Winston Churchill (1874-1965) British politician. When you're finished changing, you're finished. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist and philosopher.

Not So Famous Statements About Change Without change you are willing to stay status quo. Unknown Source If you are not moving forward you are truly moving backwards because everything else is moving forward. Clell West (1985-1996) Fire Chief Three I’s of Change. If it is not one of the following bullet points, why not try it. Illegal Immoral Insane William Whealan (2011-????)Fire Chief

Without Change Without change the fire service as a whole would not have seen the following things: Fewer Firefighter Deaths Fewer civilians fatalities Custom Fire Engines with shiny chrome wheels Air Packs Safer Turnout Gear Thermal Imaging Cameras Computer technology Just to mention a few!!!

Changes to Come for BCFD4 Team Members Annual Physical for All BCFD4 Team Members NFPA 1582 (2013 standard) Three weeks prior to or after your birthday Beginning sometime around May of 2013 through Anovaworks Annual Wildland Work Capacity Test NWCG Pack Test; 45 lbs, 3 miles, 45 minutes April-May 2013 Annual Firefighter Evaluations Think CPAT (Certified Physical Abilities Test) or firefighter mile (similar to the CPAT) September-November 2013

BCFD4 Change Impacts All BCFD4 team members will be required to have an annual physical and meet the NFPA 1582 (2013) standard. If for some reason they are not meeting the NFPA 1582 standard, they will be referred to their primary care physician for follow up evaluations. If for some reason they are unable to meet the standard in 3 months, they will be given a different assignment. If unable to meet the standard within 9 additional months, they will then meet with the Fire Chief to discuss the member’s options. During the 9 month period the Team Member must have a performance improvement plan in place that is agreed to by the Fire Chief and Team Member.

BCFD4 Change Impacts Continued All BCFD4 Team Members will be required to meet the NWCG Work Capacity Tests (Pack Test, Field Test, Walk Test ) in accordance with their assignments. If for some reason they are unable to meet the standard, they will be given 3 months to reach the standard. If unable to meet the standard within 3 months, they will be given a different assignment. If unable to meet the standard within 9 additional months, the member will then meet with the Fire Chief to discuss the member’s options. The Team Member must be able to show a measurable improvement during the 9 months.

BCFD4 Change Impacts Continued All BCFD4 Team Members will be required to do an annual Firefighter Evaluation consistent with their assignments. If for some reason they are unable to meet the standard, they will be given 3 months to reach the standard. If unable to meet the standard within 3 months, they will be given a different assignment. If unable to meet the standard within 9 additional months, the member will then meet with the Fire Chief to discuss the member’s options. The Team Member must be able to show a measurable improvement during the 9 months.

BCFD4 Change Motto EVERYONE GOES HOME ALIVE!!! BCFD4 Team Members Safety is paramount BCFD4 Team Members will strive to be the best that they can be BCFD4 Team Members will lead the way for change Anything else is unacceptable

BCFD4 Closing Remarks The most important thing to remember is all of the changes that have been discussed here are not an attempt to get rid of anyone. The changes are necessary for our safety. EVERYONE GOES HOME ALIVE!!!