White River Township Fire Department

            Senior Staff Meeting

           

            Thursday, June 17, 2004

 

 

                       

Present:       .

Chief Tibbetts

Chief Cassin

Chief Slauter

Chief Brown

Chief Thacker

Chief Young

Kim Clawson
Lt. Smith

 

 

 

  1. Meeting called to order at 8:10 a.m.

 

  1. Nothing new to report on the building construction projects, both of which are currently awaiting plans from the architect.

 

  1. Turnout gear project update.  Chief Cassin received a set of specs from Ryan & Casey and was unsure why.  He thought that Chief Young was overseeing this project.  Chief Young stated that he had not been involved and knew nothing of it.  Chief Slauter gave an update.  They have been working with Morning Pride, Bristol, Janesville, Cairns and Fire Dex.  Chief Cassin gave Casey & Ryan the exact dollar amount for this project in the budget.  Chief Slauter reported that Casey & Ryan traveled to the Morning Pride factory last week to see how the gear is made.  Chief Slauter gave a brief summary of the spec which includes bar codes and tracking software.  Chief Cassin has instructed Ryan & Casey to assemble the bids and present to senior staff for approval.  Once approved, it would continue on to the District Board for their final approval, then be sent out for 3 bids.  Chief Cassin wants to see a definitive list of the number of sets we are proposing to purchase this year and next year, as well as a list of members receiving new gear and when.  No objections heard in this meeting.  Chief Cassin would like this presented at the next District Board meeting.

 

  1. Basketball goals for stations 52 & 53 were requested.  Chief Tibbetts expressed concerns regarding the number of injuries that would occur and whether our insurance would cover those injuries if they occurred on duty.  He is also concerned about injuries to non-department people.  Chief Cassin feels that we need to follow up on this with our insurance company and, should there be no problems, would like to see these installed.  He has stipulated that a higher quality permanent goal be installed and has received printouts of several different types of goals.  Chief Cassin asked that Chief Tibbetts contact our insurance representative (Jeff Stainfield) with these issues and we will re-address this at the next Senior Staff meeting. 

 

  1. Chief Thacker questioned Chief Tibbetts on the SWAT medic situation.  He stated that rumors have been flying once again that the WRTFD SWAT medics can leave whenever, that they can take our pool car, handheld radios etc.  Chief Tibbetts stated the following and that he would address this with those members to make sure they understood:

a.)    The pool car is not to be used for responses.

b.)    Fire department radios are not to be used for responses.

c.)    On duty crews will not be allowed to go.

d.)    Medic team members will NOT be covered under our work comp insurance.

e.)    Chief Tibbetts says that he has made it clear to the members that they are doing this in their own time as a “hobby”.

f.)      We will not be providing EMS supplies for this team.

g.)    Chief Tibbetts stated that we are back to providing SWAT medics because Sheriff McLaughlin asked us to.

h.)    They are operating under the medical direction of Dr. Dallas Peak (Methodist Hospital), who has not affiliation with our fire department.

i.)      After further discussion, all Chiefs agreed that WRTFD should not be involved in this program.  Chief Cassin stated that Chief Tibbetts should talk with the WRTFD personnel involved, specifically Wayne, Tony & Jory, about our stance on this.

j.)      WRTFD firearm policy states that unless you are a sworn deputy that no firearms are to be allowed on department property.  They must be secured in POVs.  The SWAT medics are NOT sworn deputies.

 

  1. Chief Slauter reported that the corporation informed him of the where the new hires were being assigned (shifts & stations).  4 of the 6 have received their gear.  Chief Young is still waiting on the other 2 to schedule time to come in and get fitted.  Chief Tibbetts expressed concern why we didn’t have enough uniform shirts.  Chief Young stated that they have been on backorder since last month from Embroidery Plus.

 

  1. Chief Slauter questioned why Adam Whyde was still on the department.  Chief Tibbetts responded that he has been meeting his hours by voluntarily riding out towards the very end of the month.  Chief Slauter stated that he had been told by the corporation that Adam should have been fired some time ago.  Chief Tibbetts knew nothing about this.  Chief Slauter suggested someone talk with Adam about his future with the department.

 

  1. Career hiring process is still on schedule.  Interviews start next week.  Written score will be combined with the interview score and the final score will be tallied.  Then it will be up to us who we hire.  Scoring turn around time should be approximately two weeks.  Final list will be presented to the District Board at the 8/4 meeting.

 

  1. Health benefits proposal presented by Lieutenant Smith.  Everyone agreed that Jeff should move forward with this and thanked him for the time spent working on this.  Surveys will be distributed.  Chief Tibbetts stated that he wants this handled through the 4252 and not through Senior Staff.

 

  1. Chief Cassin thanked everyone for their patience with the recent computer malfunctions due to the lightning strike.

 

  1. Chief Brown is working with the grant writer for safety trailer, arson equipment and opticom grants.  She feels confident for 2 out of 3 of those.

 

  1. No further new business and meeting adjourned.