local government revenue has plummeted. Local governments across North America are

contemplating or proposing decreases in size and/or reductions in the span and depth of

their services. The Fire Service is often caught up in that contraction. We must weather

this storm by having a realistic strategy grounded in the safety and security of

firefighters, paramedics and the public at large.

have several more budget cycles during which we may be dealing with the effects of this

recession. It took years of bad decisions at the federal level to get here and it will likely

take years to get out. Many of the most fundamental elements of our economy have been

dangerously weakened including employment rates, home ownership, property tax

revenue, and federal/state aid to local government in spite of the federal stimulus

package.

A fire company should be able to function as an independent unit at the scene of a fire in

order to permit the Incident Commander to employ the proper tactics and strategies to

safeguard the occupants of the building, as well as the operating force and to protect the

property of the public. Whenever understaffing necessitates the combination of two

companies to accomplish a specific task at the scene of a fire, which normally could be

completed by one effective unit, the standard operating procedures are dramatically and

adversely affected.

Adequate staffing is imperative at the individual fire company level. In order to permit

the effective operation of fire companies at the scene of a structure fire, the minimum

number of personnel on both engine and ladder companies must be 4 members per unit

for low hazard environments and 5 or 6 members per unit for medium and high hazard

(high risk) environments.

our core mission is to ensure safe, efficient and effective operations for firefighters

responding to aid a public call for help. All resource decisions must be viewed in light of

these fundamental requirements. Accordingly, if a decision is made to reduce

departmental resources, it must never be accomplished by reducing company crew size

on apparatus.

range of life safety services, especially integrated fire and emergency medical response,

are likely to enjoy the highest level of resource security during the toughest of times. We

must acknowledge and promote our ‘all hazards’ nature.

at every level that are smarter and wiser. We should take this opportunity to learn as

much as we can because the future is full of challenges. We must share these valuable

lessons with new leaders.