White River Township Fire Department

                                               Staff Meeting

           

                                                Thursday, September 28, 2006

 

 

                       

Present:

Mike Tibbetts

Greg Hurrle

Chad Witham

 

 

Eric Brown

Kevin Skipper

Crystal Young

 

 

Cary Slauter

Jeff Smith

 

 

 

Joel Thacker

Eric Wiseman

 

 

 

Casey Arkins

Corey McGaha

 

 

 

Joe Green

Mike Shoemaker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Meeting called 10:10.

 

  1. Chief Tibbetts addressed the rumors and innuendo of possible firings stemming from an investigation that started small and grows bigger every day stating that someone will most likely be loosing their job depending on information coming our of the investigation.   “Too many people have worked hard to get the department where it is today to allow a couple of bad apples to ruin it.”

 

  1. Senior Staff Meeting Update: (Chief Tibbetts)
    1. The department is still working with Greenwood dispatch; we are just waiting for Station 94 to open.  E-911 verbiage and proper use of radio protocol are still under discussion. 
    2. Five individuals are to be interviewed by Chief Tibbetts; all are qualified and would be a great addition to the department.  One guy is even willing to drive 100 miles one way to obtain a position in this department.
    3. Charles Fraker will start Monday the 2nd; he will go through orientation for a couple of days then start on C-shift on Thursday.

 

  1. Does everyone know that no uniform should be worn off duty?  No representation of the department without Chief Tibbetts’ authorization. 
    1. A memo and e-mail will be posted at each station discussing policy for the department pertaining to representation of the department.
    2. Chief Thacker stated that if anyone knows anyone who has anything posted that should not tell them to get if off.  Only post that you are a firefighter in Greenwood or Johnson County and do not relate it to White River Township Fire Department.  No personal adds or postings should refer to White River Township Fire Department specifically without the permission of Chief Tibbetts.
    3. Lt. Hurrle knows of an individual on his shift who has been notified to remove the information and will do so as soon as they get to a computer that will allow him to do so.

 

  1. If anyone would like to bid to plow snow for the department there may be an opportunity to do so depending on decisions yet to be made concerning apparatus that may need to be obtained to tow trailers already in the department possession.  If this becomes a concern there will be specific notification for the bidding.

 

  1. Training: (Chief Thacker)
    1. The leadership training will be 16-18, and 20.

 

  1. Legislative Issue: (Chief Tibbetts)
    1. Chief Tibbetts may put out a request for everyone to write a letter discussing the usage of the user fee collected for the sale of fireworks.
    2. Some lawmakers are looking at this as a cash cow and would like to use this money else where.  It has only been earmarked for usage by the fire service for the first year and is in danger of being confiscated for other purposes not related to the fire service.

 

  1. Employee Performance Appraisals: (Chief Thacker)
    1. There are several employee performance appraisals due to be completed in October.  The original hire date is the date looked at when determining when the appraisal is completed.
    2. The master form address will be communicated or see Chief Thacker.  Remember do not save it in that file because everyone will have access to it.  Save it somewhere else or print it off. 
    3. Five is the Median number.
    4. Chief Thacker does not have to see the evaluation just notify him when they have been completed.
    5. Lt. Hurrle previously had to do an evaluation for someone of whom he had only been supervising for a month.  He did not know the person that well and was uncomfortable about reviewing someone after such a short time.  If the situation comes up again he was curious about how to complete the appraisal?

                                                              i.      Chief Thacker recommended interviewing previous officer or Battalion for information on the firefighter.  Appraisals can be done on a case by case basis and ask Chief Thacker if you have any questions but he believes that this should not be an issue.

    1. Chief Thacker is trying to get time to go to Lawrence for training since the Marsh store is unavailable.  The demo company is trying to get things out and a certain amount is needed.
  1. Lt. Green asked if there is any way for the department to receive diversity or sexual harassment training.
    1. Tricia Leminger is going to do a training class for the department.  This is a problem for many different reasons, some looked the other way, morale is low and officers need to be on their guys right off the bat to keep the situation from growing and ballooning such as it has.
    2. Chief Tibbetts is treating this as a serious matter and if anyone makes fun of the matter, part-time or full-time, they may loose their jobs.

 

  1.  Operation Updates: (Chief Slauter)
    1. Dec. 1 the bridge and road closure should be completed.  Everything has gone smooth to date.
    2. The trench and decon trailers are both currently out of service.

 

  1.  Fire Prevention Week: (Capt. Skipper )
    1. It will be in two weeks.  On Wednesday the 11th there will be an open house from 5-8 with hotdogs etc.  Several PR have been scheduled and Capt. Skipper has been entering them into Firehouse.  Fire Protection Week is good but ends up being a month long event.

 

  1.   Chief Brown stressed that everyone take a good look at their firehouse.  If pornography or anything along those lines exists get rid of it including lockers or areas that you may think are private especially at Station 52 where there are female medics in the building.  Please take care of it before it becomes a bigger problem.

 

  1. Jeff Smith reminded everyone if there is an issue at the station to please contact him. 
    1. Station 51’s water leak is in process of repair.  Someone has come out to look at it several times but as of yet have not found the problem.  They are afraid to dig because of wire but believe it may be under the building.
    2. Workers are supposed to be back at Station 52 today but have not shown up as of the time of the meeting.  The GM sent him a letter describing the arguments between him and the architect.
    3. Insurance forms have still not been turned in by Lt. Scholl, Lt. Slusher and Scott Weigle.  The department is not looking to change the plan but the search process is required.

 

  1.   Cadet Program: (Chief Thacker)
    1. Chief Thacker pointed out that Chad has been doing a good job with the program but that firefighters and officers here are mentors and should behave as such around any cadets.  If anyone sees something occurring that should not be stop it.
    2. The cadets are not allowed to ride-out at night and pornography could be contributing to a minor.
    3. Chad would like it if he was informed if a cadet is doing something they shouldn’t, he is trying to get rid of a couple of them and it would be helpful if everyone would report any wrong doing.  Also the Cadets need to notify officer when they arrive.
    4. If you are in the firehouse and there is inappropriate behavior you need to go to an officer or up if need be.  If you witness the behavior and do not report it you are just as guilty.
    5. Rural Metro is included in the diversity and sexual harassment training as long as they are here.
    6. Chief Tibbetts asked if the e-mail he sent to the officers was received and no one did.  He laid out guidelines as to actions, magazines, and even spoken words.  If you would do it in front of your 10 year old daughter it’s probably okay.
    7. Chief Brown believes that most know right from wrong but you have to use your head.  Officers need to step up and take care of the situation because they will also be affected if it is not taken care of.
    8. Chief Tibbetts “The buck stops here and I’m giving back change” If body parts are exposed in a TV show or movie in mixed company, it is sexual harassment.  It’s our organization, do we want to be walking around with a black eye.  It won’t be one specific person it would be the department.  Everyone needs to keep a look out because you don’t want to hang your head because you are associated with this problem.  Take care of it immediately.
    9. Keep up the good work and make yourself proud.  Our people expect the best and they get the best.

 

  1.  Meeting ended 1100.