Fire Department COMMISSION INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
VOL. 19, NO. 36 November 21, 1997
ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEF FROM TOM GIRARD
Applicant Testing--The Salina Fire Department (SFD) is in the process of testing 39
applicants to form a pool from which future vacancies will be filled. In addition to
Kansas, applicants have come from as far away as Oklahoma and Oregon. Written
testing was completed on November 12 and the practical exam will be administered on
December 5. Applicants who pass these tests will participate in personal interviews
which will be conducted December 11 and 12.
Customer Service Questionnaire--The Fire Department recently began soliciting the
opinions of citizens/customers who have received services from an engine company
following a fire incident. Evaluations of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have
been conducted for several years by enclosing a form with customer bills which can be
returned along with payment. This procedure provided an easy vehicle for distributing
and receiving the evaluation forms. Since this has been a useful tool for EMS, it was
decided that it would also be beneficial to have a response from those who had
experienced a fire emergency.
The process for accomplishing a fire evaluation was not quite as easy as EMS, but a
system has been devised whereby responses will be solicited via a card mailed to the
customer. The customer will answer a few questions related to the professionalism of
the response crew as well as the promptness of response, expertise of the firefighters,
and concern for property and customer. The self-addressed card can then be mailed
back to the department. If a customer has questions or concerns, further contact can
be made to clear up any problems.
Winter Fire School--The SFD will host the Winter Fire School again this year on
February 6, 7 and 8 at the Bicentennial Center. This statewide school is conducted in
cooperation with Kansas University Fire Service Training. Last year's school recorded
the largest attendance ever for this event. Approximately 400 members of the fire
service from across the state were registered. A comparable attendance is expected
for the up-coming event.
Career Opportunity Tours--The Fire Department has been participating in the career
development program being integrated into the U.S.D. #305 high school curriculum
which provides students the opportunity to get a first-hand look at various businesses
and industries in the community. Seven high school classes have toured Station #1 to
research career opportunities in the field of fire and emergency medical services.
Students learned about the variety of positions which are available, the duties and
responsibilities for each position, the qualifications and training requirements for
applicants and the salary range and benefits for these positions.
MONDAY'S MEETING
1. Enclosed are other items on the agenda. If any Commissioner has any questions or
cannot attend the meeting, please contact me.
2. Let's begin the study session at 2:30 p.m. An agenda is enclosed.
Dennis Kissinger
City Manager