Investigating the feasibility of a live fire training facility in town, development of a leadership program for firefighters and programs to promote health and wellness and training in new technology are among the objectives of a new Master Fire Plan presented to council on Oct. 17.
A report from Minto Fire administrative assistant Callise Foerter and Fire Chief Chris Harrow explained the plan is designed to move the department forward over a three-to-five year period.
The department was able to complete 29 of 35 recommendations contained in a previous five-year master plan.
“It guided us to creating a water rescue and confined space team, both of which are operational now,” the report states. “It also helped to strengthen our fire prevention program by hiring a part-time fire inspector. The previous plan was an excellent document used to shape the way Minto Fire is today.”
The plan was drafted without the use of consultants by a committee consisting of firefighters, officers, senior management and Ron Faulkner, chair of the fire and emergency services committee.
Under the heading of increased training opportunities, the report lists:
– investigating the feasibility of building a live fire training facility in Minto;
– development of a leadership program for firefighters that want to move into senior level positions; and
– regular goal setting sessions with firefighters to ensure they are taking courses to accomplish corresponding goals.
Under health and wellness programing the report recommends:
– investigating the concept of a fitness cooperative for firefighters and their spouses;
– hosting mental health awareness training at regular intervals;
– increasing social activities for firefighter families; and
– increased awareness about the resources available for mental health.
The report also recommends regular training and communication on the “IamResponding” application and radio systems.
Enhanced communication between firefighters and management team members is also recommended in the report, including regular updates on the inner workings of the department and daily operations and increased opportunity for firefighter feedback.
Mayor George Bridge asked if the live fire training centre is something that could be accessible to other fire departments in Wellington County.
“We’d definitely look at sharing it,” said Harrow.
However, he noted the intent would be to create a facility similar to one in Grand Valley, primarily to provide local firefighters with a realistic training experience, rather than a more comprehensive training program offering classes to other departments like the Emergency Services Training Centre in Blyth.
“The idea is not revenue generation at this point,” Harrow noted.
CAO Bill White commended the department for creating the plan “in house” and noted a large percentage of the recommendations in the last plan were implemented thanks to the efforts of Minto Fire personnel.
“A lot of that plan has been implemented and a lot of things have changed including bringing the department to one of the best in Ontario in terms of social media presence, communication …” said White.
“We’ve had six mini-disasters here: two tornadoes, two ice storms and two floods … where they go to is Minto Fire and that’s what the public want to hear from.”
Harrow commended council for providing the department “the freedom to break new ground that way.”
Council approved the plan as presented.
