HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021.01.25 Council Remote Workshp Packet
AGENDA
City Council Workshop Meeting
7:00 PM - Monday, January 25, 2021
GoToWebinar
Page
1. REMOTE MEETING INSTRUCTIONS - The Pasco City Council Workshops
are broadcast live on PSC-TV Channel 191 on Charter/Spectrum Cable in
Pasco and Richland and streamed at www.pasco-wa.gov/psctvlive and on
the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofPasco.
Call-in information to GoToWebinar for "listen-only" mode is:
(562) 247-8422 and use access code 465-398-545.
2. CALL TO ORDER
3. ROLL CALL
(a) Pledge of Allegiance
4. VERBAL REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
5. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
3 - 11 (a) WSDOT Presentation - SR12 Safety Concerns
12 - 28 (b) DKS Presentation - Road 68/Burden Signage & Striping Project -
Clemente Left Turn Pocket Elimination Proposal
29 - 97 (c) Pasco Fire Department Strategic Plan Update 2021
(d) AskPasco – The City’s New Non-Emergency Community
Engagement System Update
98 - 101 (e) Ordinance - PMC Amendment Title 20 - HPC Staffing (CA-2021-
001)
6. MISCELLANEOUS COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Page 1 of 101
7. EXECUTIVE SESSION
8. ADJOURNMENT
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES
(a) Adopted 2020-2021 Council Goals (Reference Only)
(b) REMINDERS
• Monday, January 25, 4:00 PM: Hanford Area Economic
Investment Fund Advisory Committee Meeting – Virtual
Meeting (COUNCILMEMBER PETE SERRANO, Rep.)
• Thursday, January 28, 4:00 PM: TRIDEC Board Meeting –
Virtual Meeting (COUNCILMEMBER DAVID MILNE, Rep.;
COUNCILMEMBER CRAIG MALONEY. Alt.)
• Thursday, January 28, 5:30 PM: Benton Franklin
Community Action Connections Board Meeting – Virtual
Meeting (COUNCILMEMBER ZAHRA ROACH, Rep.;
MAYOR SAUL MARTINEZ, Alt.)
• Monday, February 1, 1:30 PM: Emergency Medical
Services Board Meeting – Virtual Meeting (MAYOR PRO
TEM BLANCHE BARAJAS, Rep.; COUNCILMEMBER
DAVID MILNE, Alt.)
This meeting is broadcast live on PSC-TV Channel 191 on
Charter/Spectrum Cable in Pasco and Richland and streamed at
www.pasco-wa.gov/psctvlive.
Audio equipment available for the hearing impaired; contact the
Clerk for assistance.
Servicio de intérprete puede estar disponible con aviso. Por
favor avisa la Secretaria Municipal dos días antes para
garantizar la disponibilidad. (Spanish language interpreter
service may be provided upon request. Please provide two
business day's notice to the City Clerk to ensure availability.)
Page 2 of 101
AGENDA REPORT
FOR: City Council January 19, 2021
TO: Dave Zabell, City Manager
Rick White, CED Director
Workshop Meeting: 1/25/21
FROM: Dan Ford, City Engineer
Community & Economic Development
SUBJECT: WSDOT Presentation - SR12 Safety Concerns
I. REFERENCE(S):
Presentation
City of Pasco SR 12 Safety Information Flyer
II. ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL / STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Discussion
III. FISCAL IMPACT:
IV. HISTORY AND FACTS BRIEF:
'A' Street serves as a major east-west corridor from its intersection with SR-12
to Rd. 28. This miles long arterial supports thousands of residences, hundreds
of businesses, transit, schools and freight. At issue is the at-grade intersection
of State Route 12 (SR-12) and 'A' Street which has experienced higher traffic
volumes as the result of growth along the corridor and an increased number of
crashes Transportation of Department State the that such Washington
(WSDOT) is proposing, as a near-term measure, the prohibition of left turns
from 'A' Street onto SR-12. As a limited access State highway, WSDOT
controls access to SR-12.
V. DISCUSSION:
the to speaks that presentation will provide representatives WSDOT a
intersection in terms of volumes, accident experience, current operational
concerns, and a near-term proposal to prohibit left turns from 'A' Street onto
SR-12, and the anticipated impacts of such a change. The presentation
provides the City Council and the public an opportunity to provide input and ask
questions of WSDOT representatives.
Page 3 of 101
The City Council's 2021 legislative agenda includes a request of the legislature
to provide long-term improvements to SR-12 to provide for safe and efficient
access from 'A' Street and Tank Farm Road. A legislative handout highlighting
the issues at both 'A' Street and Tank Farm Road intersections with SR-12 has
been included for reference. This handout was developed to bring attention to
the critical transportation needs at these vital intersections.
Page 4 of 101
LisaRene Schilperoort, P.E.
South Central Region Traffic
November 2020
US 12 and A Street
Proposed Alternative Page 5 of 101
US 12 and A St location
Page 6 of 101
Collision History
3Page 7 of 101
Existing Configuration
4Page 8 of 101
Proposed Alternative
5Page 9 of 101
Rerouting
6Page 10 of 101
SR 12 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
The City is seeking $5 Million as part of a partnership with WSDOT to analyze and
perform a “Practical Solutions” approach to construct improvements, which may in-
clude a roundabout, at this location on SR12 to immediately address the safety con-
cerns at both East A Street and Sacajawea Park Road (Tank Farm Road) intersec-
tions.
There are two critical local access roads, East A Street and Sacajawea Park Road
(Tank Farm Road), that connect to State Route 12 by at-grade-crossing intersec-
tions that is a growing safety concern as the number of trucks and paseenger vehi-
cles utilizing the intersections increases.
State Route 12 is a vital agricultural and industrial connection for Pasco and the
surrounding communities. That combined with the existing and future residential
growth in the area creates a freight/passenger vehicle interaction which has result-
ed in a critical safety issue.
Dave Zabell, City Manager
City of Pasco
509-545-3403
zabelld@pasco-wa.gov
Briahna Murray
Gordon Thomas Honeywell
253-310-5477
bmurray@gth-gov.com
Rick White, CED Director
City of Pasco
509-545-3441
whiter@pasco-wa.gov
WSDOT 2009 Proposed Project
Page 11 of 101
AGENDA REPORT
FOR: City Council January 14, 2021
TO: Dave Zabell, City Manager Workshop Meeting: 1/25/21
FROM: Steve Worley, Director
Public Works
SUBJECT: DKS Presentation - Road 68/Burden Signage & Striping Project -
Clemente Left Turn Pocket Elimination Proposal
I. REFERENCE(S):
Presentation
II. ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL / STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Discussion
III. FISCAL IMPACT:
IV. HISTORY AND FACTS BRIEF:
Over the past several years, the City has implemented several projects and
initiatives to alleviate congestion and increase traffic safety in Rd. 68 and
Burden Boulevard corridors, including signal coordination and upgrades,
restricted turn movements along Road 68, and red light camera enforcement.
More recently, the City launched three (3) federally funded projects for this
area:
• Wrigley Drive Extension: Connects Wrigley Drive between Convention
Drive and Clemente Lane. This extension, allows for a new east-west
through street that will serve residential neighborhoods for trips to and
from Road 68, reducing the number of vehicles on Burden Blvd. This
project bid was awarded for construction and is anticipated to begin
construction in February 2021. Estimated project cost: $492,000
• Road 68 Widening South of I-182: Construction of one (1) additional
southbound lane on Road 68, between the I-182 off-ramp and Chapel
Hill Blvd. This project will increase safety by eliminating weaving and
merging of vehicles as they exit the interstate and travel south on Road
68. This project is 90% designed and anticipated to be awarded in
Page 12 of 101
spring of 2021 for construction. Estimated project cost: $361,000
• Signage and Striping at Road 68 and Burden Blvd: Restriping of
Burden Boulevard between Road 68 and Convention Drive along with
additional freeway access signs. The purpose is to reduce congestion
by extending the turn pockets on Burden Blvd to southbound Road 68
and improving lane utilization via additional signage and striping. This
project bid was awarded and construction is anticipated to begin in
Spring of 2021. Estimated project cost: $265,000
Westbound Burden Boulevard traffic backs up (queues) at the intersection of
Road 68. Vehicle queueing on Burden Boulevard during peak hours typically
blocks or negatively impacts visibility at the eastbound left turn pocket to
Clemente Lane.
Vehicles turning left onto Clemente Lane cross two lanes of traffic. Drivers
typically have limited visibility of oncoming westbound traffic, especially
vehicles in the outside (north) lane. Vehicles queued on the inside westbound
lane block the view of vehicles traveling in the outside lane. Crash history at
this location indicates the current configuration negatively impacts the safety of
this left turn movement.
As part of the Signage and Striping project, the City’s traffic consultant (DKS)
performed modeling and analysis of this section of Burden Boulevard and
identified that the elimination of the left turn movement at Clemente Lane would
increase safety in this corridor.
Due to timelines and budgetary constraints the Signage and Striping project
was not able to include the removal of this left turn pocket prior to going out to
bid. It is also relevant to note that while the elimination of this left turn pocket
increases safety by reducing the potential for crashes, it will have limited effect
in the reduction of congestion on westbound Burden Boulevard during peak
hour.
The presentation will provide further details on the benefits and impacts of the
proposed left turn pocket elimination and the analysis substantiating the
proposal.
V. DISCUSSION:
Brian Chandler, PE National Director for Transportation Safety with DKS will
present the analysis on the potential elimination of the Left Turn Pocket on
Burden Boulevard to Clemente Lane, in the context of the Road 68/Burden
Blvd Signage & Striping Project.
Page 13 of 101
If the proposal for elimination of the left turn pocket on Burden Blvd onto
Clemente Lane is acceptable to Council, City staff would propose to
incorporate it into the Signage and Striping project as a change order.
The estimated cost for this additional work is $45,000.
Page 14 of 101
Pasco City Council Meeting
January 25, 2020
Brian Chandler, PE, PTOE, RSP2IB, PMP
National Director for Transportation Safety
brian.chandler@dksassociates.com
206.276.2668
Burden Blvd & Clemente Ln
Page 15 of 101
AGENDA
1 / Existing Conditions
•Existing Roadway Layout
•Current Challenges
•Safety
•Operations
2 / Proposed Alternative
•Proposed Roadway Layout
•Providing AccessPage 16 of 101
USE ALL CAPS –PRESENTATION NAME • DATE 3
Study
IntersectionPage 17 of 101
4
Existing Roadway Layout
Burden Blvd Clemente LnStudy
Intersection
Raised Curb
Page 18 of 101
5
Existing Roadway Page 19 of 101
6
Current Challenge:
68/Burden WB Left
Burden Blvd Clemente LnWestbound Left Turn
Spillback Exceeds
Capacity
Westbound Left Turn Lane Length (inside) = 350 ft
PM Peak 95th Percentile Queue Length = 3,130 ft
(Table 8, Aug 2020 report)
Raised Curb
Page 20 of 101
7
Why 3,000 ft queue?Page 21 of 101
8
Collision History
Burden Blvd Clemente LnCollision Type
Direction
Entering at
Angle Rear End Fixed
Object Sideswipe Total
Crashes
Eastbound 2 4 0 2 8
Westbound 3 17 0 0 20
Southbound 1 2 2 0 5
Other 1 1 0 0 2
2014-2018
Raised Curb
Page 22 of 101
9
Left Turn Utilization
Signing & Pavement Marking
Page 23 of 101
10
Left Turn Utilization
Signing & Pavement Marking
Revised: PM Peak 95th Percentile Queue Length = 1,685 ft
(Table 8, Aug 2020 report)Page 24 of 101
11
Proposed Changes
Burden Blvd Clemente LnKeep Existing
Median
Remove
Eastbound Left
Turn Curb
Extend
Westbound Curb
to Eliminate Turn
Pocket
Raised Curb
Page 25 of 101
12
Proposed Roadway
Layout
Burden Blvd Clemente LnPrimary Benefit: Safety
Reduce conflicts, collision risk
Secondary Benefit: Off-peak Operations
Some westbound LT queue benefit
Raised Curb
Adds 200 ft to
Inside WB LTPage 26 of 101
13Page 27 of 101
Questions?
Brian Chandler, PE, PTOE, RSP2IB, PMP
National Director for Transportation Safety
brian.chandler@dksassociates.com
206.276.2668Page 28 of 101
AGENDA REPORT
FOR: City Council January 19, 2021
TO: Dave Zabell, City Manager Workshop Meeting: 1/25/21
FROM: Bob Gear, Fire Chief
Fire Department
SUBJECT: Pasco Fire Department Strategic Plan Update 2021
I. REFERENCE(S):
Draft Fire Department Strategic Plan
II. ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL / STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Discussion
III. FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the Pasco Fire Department Strategic Plan (PFD Strategic Plan)
itself does not have a fiscal impact other that the contractor costs, which is in
the Fire/Ambulance regular budget. Some actions recommended in the PFD
Strategic Plan, if implemented, will have a fiscal impact that will be managed
through the regular Fire/Ambulance budget process. Many of the actions
highlighted or changes process are internal Strategic PFD the by Plan
implementations.
IV. HISTORY AND FACTS BRIEF:
The Pasco Fire Department (PFD) implemented formal planning in 2016 with
the development of a Master Plan. One of the action items of the Master Plan
was followto -implementation provide to Plan Strategic up a with PFD
strategies for Master Plan activities. This was completed in 2017. The original
PFD Strategic Plan included action items that ranged from immediate to three
(3) years.
V. DISCUSSION:
The Pasco Fire Department (PFD) has been able to develop and implement a
formal planning process utilizing both Master Planning and Strategic Planning.
Page 29 of 101
The Master Plan process is designed to provide policy makers, decision
makers and the public an clear understanding of where Fire and Ambulance
services are in relation to the risks the community is faced with today,
anticipates community growth, and recommend steps to position the PFD to
address that growth in advance with appropriate resources and infrastructure.
The Strategic Plan is a short term organizational work plan. This plan typically
takes recommendations contained in the Master Plan and programs the work
necessary to implement them over the shorter life of the plan. It also addresses
contemporary issues facing the organization, which is the primary focus of the
2021 PFD Strategic Plan. It focuses the agency and its members on the
essential activities, which must occur in sequence to be achieved efficiently.
During the 2021 PFD Strategic Plan update, it was recognized that staff will
shortly accomplish the work identified in the 2016 Master Plan. Additionally, the
most recent Washington State Ratings Bureau (WSRB) evaluation resulted in a
Class 3 community rating. Council's recently adopted goals were updated to
maintain the Class 3 rating as a long -term goal. With the community rating goal
modified to higher goal, and the work plan of the 2016 Master Plan largely
complete, it is timely to also update the Master Plan.
Page 30 of 101
Pasco, Washington
Fire Department
STRATEGIC
PLAN
Providing Expertise & Guidance that Enhances Community Safety
January 2021
CLIENT REVIEW DRAFT—DO NOT DISTRIBUTE
Page 31 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Process & Acknowledgments ................................................................................................. 1
City Manager Endorsement Letter ...................................................................................................... 3
Fire Chief Endorsement Letter ............................................................................................................ 4
IAFF Local 1433 Endorsement Letter ................................................................................................... 5
Plan Relationships .................................................................................................................... 6
Environment Scan .................................................................................................................... 7
Assisting Agencies Forum Results ....................................................................................................... 7
Citizen Forum Results ......................................................................................................................... 8
Fire Department Staff Survey Results ............................................................................................... 18
Mission, Vision, and Values ................................................................................................... 32
Mission .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Vision ................................................................................................................................................ 32
Values ............................................................................................................................................... 33
SWOT Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 34
Strengths .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Weaknesses ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Opportunities .................................................................................................................................... 35
Threats .............................................................................................................................................. 35
Definition of Terms .................................................................................................................. 36
Strategic Plan ......................................................................................................................... 37
Initiative 1 – Department Cohesion ................................................................................................... 37
Initiative 2 – Community Outreach .................................................................................................... 40
Initiative 3 – Operational Readiness .................................................................................................. 43
Initiative 4 – Professional Development ............................................................................................ 46
Implementation Methodology ............................................................................................. 49
Appendix A: Table of Figures ................................................................................................ 52
Appendix B: Internal SWOT Feedback ................................................................................. 53
Appendix C: Timeline ............................................................................................................ 57
Appendix D: Task Worksheet ................................................................................................ 62
Appendix E: internal Assessment of Planning Effort ............................................................ 63
Page 32 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
1
PROCESS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Pasco Fire Department (PFD) contracted Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) to
facilitate and construct the Department’s strategic plan. A strategic plan is short-term (typically five
years) and is often referred to as an organizational work plan. It will address contemporary issues facing
the organization, focusing the agency and its members on the essential activities whi ch must occur in
sequence to be achieved efficiently.
Three key components of a strategic plan are included within an environmental scan—assisting agency
feedback (neighboring agencies who routinely assist the Pasco Fire Department directly with tactical or
service assistance), citizen feedback, and internal stakeholder assessment (the results of which are each
discussed in detail within this report). The scan is intended to identify structural, cultural, or other
potential obstacles that may impede progress on the work plan. In short, combined, the three elements
provide context by which the Department operates. An environmental scan was thorough and broadly
assessed.
Following the environmental scan, an internal planning team was assembled to review the findings,
identify and prioritize work, and develop the actual strategic plan contained in this report. The strategic
planning process divides the work into smaller components for accountability and to ease
implementation. Once a strategic plan is created and adopted, the elements are divided among smaller
task teams made up of members of the organization, which results in additional buy-in. In fact, strategic
planning helps an organization focus efforts and avoid distractions outside of the goals, objectives, and
priorities identified through the planning process. Budgeting should also align as much as possible with
the implementation of the strategic plan.
ESCI thanks the members of the Pasco Fire Department for their dedication and commitment to the
strategic planning process. The citizens, administration, support staff, and line personnel were all
pleasant, eager to engage in the process, and committed to enhancing the future of the fire department
and the safety of their community.
It is noteworthy that this entire strategic planning process was conducted during the COVID-19
pandemic. Thus, every element was facilitated virtually via GoToMeeting™, an online conferencing
software system. While the technology was easy to use and without any major glitches, the process of
conducting and facilitating a strategic plan and two external forums was challenging as compared to the
usual face-to-face practice. All participants took the virtual process in stride and contributed to quality
feedback. This document reflects that commitment to excellence.
The following page lists various internal and external stakeholders who worked to create this plan. Those
attending the citizen forum participated in an evening session to accommodate the schedules of
attendees who may have been unable to attend during the daytime due to work commitments. The
citizen forum was conducted prior to engaging the internal planning team so that the external
environment could be understood. The internal planning team then met in a two-day workshop to review
internal and external feedback and to develop the strategic plan.
Page 33 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
2
CITIZEN FORUM PARTICIPANTS
Adan Suarez Heath Kohler
Becky Grohs Kedrich Jackson
Chariss Warner Mary Ebbers
Charlie Grigg Matt Watkins
Colin Hastings Mike Miller
Dallas Barnes Nicolas Zavala
Dennis Gisi Pat Kenny
Derek Wiitala Steve Story
Felix Vargas Tom Yazwinski
Gabriel Portugal Troy Hendren
ASSISTING AGENCY PARTICIPANTS
Chief Lonnie Click Chief Mike Harris
Chief Paul Carlyle Chief Mike Wickstrom
Chief Chad Michael Manager Kim Lettrick
Chief Tom Huntington Chief Duane Van Beek (ret.)
INTERNAL PLANNING TEAM
Matt Nelson Ben Shearer
Manny Almanzar Andre Roybal
James McGrath Gilberto Diaz
Mike Maier Chris Mortensen
Jason McGary Pete Loera
Eric Woods Brandon Wertman
Trevor Jones Grant Williams
Justin Lockman Michael Gibbon
Valorie Tomren Ryan Savage
Todd Pyper Raquel McGrath
Ryan Sellick Pat Heeren
Ty Schoenwald
The following are letters of endorsement from the International Association of Firefighters Local 1433,
who represent the firefighters and company officers of the Department; the Fire Chief; and the elected
officials. These letters reflect their commitment to the process, the results, and the work ahead to
implement this Strategic Plan.
Page 34 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
3
City Manager Endorsement Letter
[Placeholder]
Page 35 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
4
Fire Chief Endorsement Letter
[Placeholder]
Page 36 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
5
IAFF Local 1433 Endorsement Letter
[Placeholder]
Page 37 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
6
PLAN RELATIONSHIPS
The Pasco Fire Department has a culture and history of planning for the future and using data to drive
decision-making. To that end, Pasco Battalion Chief Garrett Jenks wrote an excellent analysis of the
previous planning efforts and how they connect with each other and build on the foundation previously
laid by the earlier planning efforts. That analysis is attached to this plan as Appendix E. The following
reflects an overview of the planning efforts to date and their relationships with each other.
2016 PFD Master Plan
In 2016, PFD developed a ten year emergency services master plan to keep, “…the fire department from
lagging behind community growth and development, [and] maintaining or enhancing service as the
community grows.” As the master plan itself goes on to state, “…it is an effective policy-making and
budgeting tool as well. Knowing where and how the community will grow into the future and what the
fire department will need in terms of policy and budget support to address it—well in advance—is a
critical element of city council deliberation.”
2017 PFD Strategic Plan
Among the 2016 master plan recommendations was developing and adopting a strategic plan. The
purpose of a strategic plan is to develop and prioritize a workplan, and can also coordinate
implementation of the master plan, as was the case with PFD. The following year (2017) a strategic plan
was developed and adopted. That five year strategic plan was completed in 2020, a full two years early.
The major elements of the ten year master plan are substantially complete or well under way.
2021 PFD Strategic Plan Update
With this report, the Pasco Fire Department is establishing the 2021 strategic plan update to the 2017
plan, which is essentially all new initiatives. Significantly, this strategic plan also recommends an update
to the PFD master plan due to anticipated changes in the near future.
City of Pasco Comprehensive Land Use Plan
A master plan update is needed to address the enormous growth projections based on the recently
adopted City of Pasco Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The projections therein will further challenge PFD
to meet the service demand that will come with expanded urban growth boundaries, increased
population, new development, and new commercial/gaming sites.
Page 38 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
7
ENVIRONMENT SCAN
The approach taken in this planning process includes an in-depth environmental scan from the agencies
that regularly assist PFD (external), a select group of citizens (external), and finally, the perspectives of
the internal line staff (internal). This section provides a summary of the results of those processes.
Assisting Agencies Forum Results
The Fire Chiefs, Directors, and Managers of PFD’s assisting agencies were collectively assembled on
October 26, 2020, and participated in a virtual forum facilitated by ESCI. The process was an open
discussion on issues of regional collaboration, the Pasco Fire Department as a partner, and other issues
of interest to the participants.
The major topic areas were:
• Pasco Fire Department as a partner
• Opportunities for joint purchasing
• Potential for combined special operations
• Regional training improvements/opportunities
• Regional Incident Management Team staffing
• Current auto aid effectiveness
• Other issues of interest or opportunities
The group expressed their support and appreciation for the level of cooperation and assistance PFD
provides to the region. The group’s consensus was that Pasco is a great partner and regional leader and
was an exceptional player in coordinating extensive resources regionally. An example was offered that
Pasco purchased very large ventilation fans for large area operations, and coordinated with Walla Walla
Fire District #5 and Franklin County Fire District #3 to make the fans a regional asset whereby FCFD#3
provided trailers to tow the fans, and WW#5 mounted the fans, stores, and operates the trailers making
them available to the entire region on an as needed basis. The fans are a seldom required but critically
necessary resource for large area ventilation operations. The region likely does not need to duplicate this
strategic resource but can share in the burden of deployment.
Combined special operations are already well underway, with the region moving toward technician
engines for special and hazardous materials operations, rather than the traditional approach of
developing a stand-alone hazardous materials team, for example.
Regarding regional training improvements and opportunities, the training officers for all of the region’s
agencies currently work together consistently and collaborate well. The agencies in the region have
moved to Subject Matter Expert (SME) instructors to augment training in regional fire academies and
other regional training activities.
Page 39 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
8
This spreads the burden of providing the training across the region and engages the expertise from each
agency, further breaking down barriers that could otherwise be created if each agency had to provide its
own, all-inclusive training program. Kennewick and Pasco both have training centers they share with the
region. Regional recruit academies are conducted and coordinated as often as possible except where
timing is off for a possible participant agency or where an academy must accommodate volunteer
recruits whose schedules are less flexible than their career counterparts. An opportunity also exists to
expand officer development to become the next level regional approach.
Incident Management Team staffing is already in place with the Southeast Washington Interagency
Incident Management Team, which is a Type 3 team. However, there is an effort underway to develop a
Type 4 overhead team with cadres of expertise to come and assist an agency with small overhead team.
Being intentional about the development of this concept would further enhance regional cooperation
and partnerships.
The current effectiveness of automatic aid is high. Automatic aid is defined as responses from
neighboring agencies that are already preprogrammed into the standard response for target hazards or
geographically remote areas. However, the group agreed that it could be more formalized, including
move-ups to backfill empty stations with regional partners during a major incident.
There was concern expressed regarding law enforcement defunding discussions and mental health
response issues in law enforcement within the region. The likelihood of a spillover effect on fire/EMS is
very high, and all agreed that inter-agency conversations need to occur.
In summary, all agreed that the region should continue to improve and standardize operationally but
should leave the operational issues to the Deputy Chiefs. The Fire Chiefs agreed that those attending the
assisting agency forum (along with Chief Gear) should focus on developing a long-range plan for the
region as the first step. The participants stated that the Chiefs should start formalizing some of the
informal collaboration done now and should develop long-range plans for the region, starting with
identifying what regional initiatives should be the focus. The group agreed they should identify the
elements/initiatives of that plan, and their work should flow from that plan. Engaging with the City
Managers adds value to the plan, adds credibility with the elected officials, and increases the credibility
of the fire service as an industry. As stated by one participant regarding the planning and current regional
growth, “…we must ensure the future we want instead of dealing with the future we get.”
Citizen Forum Results
Twenty (20) citizens of Pasco attended the citizen forum conducted virtually on October 27, 2020, to
discuss the Department and provide feedback during a structured, facilitated survey. They represented
area businesses, citizens who have received services from PFD in the past, nongovernmental
organizations, community influencers, and other key external stakeholders, as identified by the Pasco
Fire Department. The attendees were given an orientation of the Department, which equipped them
with a basic understanding of the contemporary issues facing their fire service delivery system.
Page 40 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
9
The results of the citizen forum were presented to internal staff to inform them of the planning and
service priorities the citizens had, as well as their attitudes and opinions about the staffing, response, and
cost components of the Department. The following figures illustrate the attendees’ responses and should
serve to guide the Department as it develops its strategic plan for the next five years.
Figure 1: Citizen Planning Priorities
The planning priorities were presented as a forced ranking of costs, response times, training, equipment
and facilities, and deployment. The respondents compared each planning element against all others and
were forced to rank the order of importance of the given elements. The highest ranking any single
element could receive from an individual was a six. The scores illustrated in the above figure are the
weighted averages given by the group.
The citizen forum participants prefer a well-trained workforce and a greater emphasis on improving
response times. Closely behind improving response times is maintaining existing response times. ESCI
interprets the combination as a balance between improving response times, but at least not letting the
existing response times degrade below current levels. The readiness of equipment and facilities is likely
scored in the middle of the priorities as recognition that facilities are being constructed or have recently
been remodeled, with little known about the actual condition of apparatus. Further, there was concern
expressed by several citizens about the need for greater emphasis on the east side of the City, which is
likely reflected in this score. Of lesser importance (but nonetheless important) was containing costs. The
lowest score of the six planning elements was expanding services currently provided by the PFD.
2.15
2.8
3.35
4
4.2
4.68
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Expand the types of services provided by the Fire
Department.
Contain costs to the taxpayers.
Equipment and facilities are reliable & well
maintained.
Maintain existing response time to emergencies.
Improve Fire Department response time to
emergencies.
Ensure the technical competence of all personnel.
← Low Priority High Priority →
Page 41 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
10
The attending citizens were then asked to identify the most important services the Fire Department
provides based on the list of services currently provided, ranking those services. In this case, the
respondents placed a value of 1, 2, or 3 alongside the services. A three (3) reflects a critical priority, a two
(2) an important priority, and a one (1) a low priority. The following figure illustrates the service priorities
from the perspective of the citizens attending the forum. The participants were also asked to cross out
any service they felt was not appropriate to provide or add a service where they believed a gap existed.
Figure 2: Citizen Service Priorities
The citizens prioritized medical emergency responses above all other services, with hazardous materials
response and fire suppression response as second and third priorities. Community risk reduction and
special/technical rescue responses were rated as important priorities but not critical. Aircraft rescue and
firefighting received the lowest rating but was still listed as important. None of the services were scored
a low priority. No services were crossed out nor added by the respondents; however, there were
comments provided as follows:
• Bilingual community engagement
• Fire prevention education is important
• Mental health and community outreach should be included in the medical services
• As the population ages, medical response will be increasingly stressed. Maintain levels.
.
Finally, the forum participants were asked their opinion about the staffing levels, response performance,
and cost of services. The following figures describe the opinions of the forum attendees.
2
2.05
2.11
2.44
2.58
2.74
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
*Special/Technical Rescue
Community Risk Reduction
Fire Suppression (wildland and structural)
Hazardous Materials Response
ALS/BLS (Medical) response & transport
← Low Priority High Priority →
Page 42 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
11
Figure 3: Staffing Level Survey
Additional citizen comments:
• Increase hiring of minority/Spanish speakers
• The calls that we have made for EMS have been well staffed for the job
• It is difficult to answer this question without more data. I like the idea of peak call staffing and
this could address overlapping call volume.
• Need to get union to agree on staffing on high call times
• Provide data to determine if staffed appropriately
• Adding volunteers would positively impact budget and staffing
• In this field, they are always understaffed
• Need more diversity on staff
21.1%
73.7%
5.3%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
Understaffed Appropriately
Staffed
Overstaffed
Page 43 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
12
Figure 4: Response Performance Survey
Additional citizen comments:
• Do not sacrifice response time in the East side.
• It is never fast enough when it is you with the problem. When you are helping the injured
person, the response time seems pretty quick!
• I think there is room for improvement in call response times, given the information shared
tonight. I would like to see more information on what other areas are doing to meet the
standards. What have been the adverse outcomes related to the slow response time to
determine how important it is to improve call time?
• Receiving patients in healthcare from station 81 and 82, the response is appropriate. Rarely do
the stations west of 395 bring patients to the hospital in Franklin County
• Interactions with staff have often been uncomfortable due to the lack of empathy or making a
person feel like they are wasting the time of the Department.
15.8%
73.7%
10.5%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
Too Slow Appropriately
Response
Response Too
Heavy
Page 44 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
13
Figure 5: Cost of Service Survey
Additional citizen comments:
• I drive past the airport and see the equipment, Pasco has some top-notch stuff
• Funding appeared adequate for current needs, but challenging to get the funds ahead of time,
in order to be prepared and meet the needs where expansion is happening. We need to get
some funding in place so we can be prepared for rapid growth and not be behind the eight ball.
• Communication and education will be key for any tax increase requests
The three categories illustrate that most PFD citizens attending the forum view the Department as
appropriately staffed, provides an appropriate response time, and has an appropriate cost for the service.
A significant minority of the respondents felt the PFD was underfunded and, to a lesser extent,
understaffed and too slow in their response. It is important to recognize that these dimensions are not
necessarily representative of a community-wide perspective, nor that these survey results would be an
accurate predictor of similar results of a broader survey.
It reflects the opinions of those in attendance, armed with some background information about PFD’s
service delivery system and the challenges and limitations it faces. This result reinforces ESCI’s assertion
that community outreach provides the opportunity to educate the community about PFD’s service
delivery system and its limitations to the broader community.
31.6%
57.9%
10.5%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
Underfunded
(adopt new fiscal
tools)*
Appropriately
Funded
Too Expensive
Page 45 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
14
When asked to describe the expectations of the PFD, citizen respondents stated the
following:
• I expect my Fire Department to respond quickly in an emergency and to meet state and federal
expectations. I also expect my FD to place a lot of importance in prevention, working with
vulnerable citizens in preventing emergencies/fires. I expect them to stay well educated and
trained. Be aware of new efficiencies and best practices. Be professional.
• To remain competent and well-trained, engage with Latino community.
• When I call, I expect you to come, quickly and equipped to help! And from my experience, PFD
does
• Quick, professional, competent response
• I expect a response to fires in a safe manner in the least time possible
• Professionalism, excellent time response, and effectiveness
• They will be helpful and compassionate to the patient. They will be efficient with procedures
and response.
• I think they are doing a fantastic job given the complexity and would only hope this continues
as our community grows
• Concentrate your efforts where the most people will be helped. Don’t spend critical dollars
where impact is lower.
• Residents of Franklin County should have healthcare provided in the same county. Often
patients are given an option to be transported out of the county and this increases cost to the
city due to out of service time
• Conduct emergency services in a timely manner on budget, and adequately staffed.
• I expect the Pasco Fire Department to serve and protect to the best of its abilities. They should
continue their services the way the Department is currently run. Personnel should be well-
trained, quick, and decisive when responding to emergencies. These men and women are
extremely valuable to the community, and I appreciate what they do.
• If a building catches on fire or a person has a medical emergency, I expect trained personnel and
appropriate resources be dispatched and arrive in a reasonable time.
• Look at the preponderance of the “emergencies”—likely medical emergencies vs. fire
suppression. As such, shift manpower from firefighters to just EMTs (supplemented by
paramedics).
• Emergency medical is critical
• Professionalism and knowledge
• Fast, competent response
When asked to describe concerns regarding the fire department, citizen respondents
stated the following:
• I have no concerns. It's a pleasure working with the Pasco FD and their leadership.
• Do not neglect the East side. Add another station there the soonest.
• I hope that when new facilities are added that we use existing plans from buildings to stretch
our money
Page 46 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
15
• Have coverage meeting the needs of the community
• Is there going to be input by the unions as to what they think the needs are?
• Please, look into building a new fire station East side of Pasco in the near future
• I understood they still need to read plans in order to go right or left on "Oregon"... don't they
have GPS systems? Also should have the best radios... understood bought on Ebay?
• That the capacity of the Fire Dept. can grow at the same rate as the community to meet the
community’s needs.
• People skills. Many seem to lack the ability to understand that they were called because that
person felt it was an emergency. Being shamed or told they will not transport due to COVID
restrictions (they don’t want to have to clean) is hard to watch.
• I understand the need to have extra equipment to arrive at every response, but it is viewed by
some in the community as excessive use of resources.
• Not enough services on the east side of Pasco and in rural areas, especially to the north-east of
Taylor Flats Road.
• My only concern is the rapid growth of the city. Pasco is busting at the seams and that is good
but we need to make sure our departments like police and fire are well funded and properly
staffed. I hope the fire department is able to keep up with the growing number of emergency
calls. I KNOW those calls are ramping up year to year.
• As land is developed external to the city, it becomes the City's problem years later. There has to
be more of a carrot (or stick if necessary) to ensure development is planned cost-effectively.
• New development should pay for capital costs that wouldn't otherwise be needed if that
development didn't occur. (e.g., new stations). Don't be afraid of impact fees.
• Too much focus on fire suppression—limit cost and right-size manpower costs by paying the
cheaper EMTs since they're handling the lions' share of calls.
• We need to fund what is needed, highly important
• Ensuring that funds are allocated correctly
• Inadequate service coverage across Pasco
• Lower tech equipment compared to what's available
When asked to describe any strengths to share regarding the fire department, citizen
respondents stated the following:
• I have seen the Pasco FD implement new innovative programs to meet the needs of its citizens.
It’s easy to communicate with their leadership; they are approachable and listen well. They are
able to make things happen.
• Leadership and capability. Chief Gear is first-rate.
• Very professional and efficient.
• Any reports are usually positive with interaction with fire dept
• Professionalism is displayed in all responses to a low-income home the same as with affluent
homes
• Diverse group
• The quality and complexity of the services provided are outstanding.
Page 47 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
16
• Very strong emphasis on training.
• Love the teamwork. They seem like a brotherhood. They respond quickly.
• A strong, hard-working team of individuals. Always willing to go the extra mile for patients and
the staff at the local hospital
• I think Chief Gear has done an excellent job leading the Department. His requests sometimes
can be in excess, but I think that is a necessary strategy to adequately provide the services for
the community.
• Very personable and are doing a lot with the resources they have.
• I think the fire department is well run and I hope to see it continue that way. Ben Sheerer is a
great PIO. I would like to see him perhaps get a little more help when he is out of town on
wildfires or have a second PIO for calls from media.
• For about 5 years or so, PFD has been very proactive at engaging the community and the
process of tailoring services to growth and implementing new programs that demonstrate they
are cost-effective (i.e., increased inspections for medium and higher risk businesses, hot
spotters, battery changes & smoke detector install for seniors)
• Open to input from the community.
• Response to 911 calls in my area is very good
• Community outreach is outstanding
• Technical competence
When asked how long it should take for help to arrive after calling 9-1-1, citizen
respondents stated the following:
• 2–5 minutes
• 3–6 min.
• 4 min. (2)
• 5 minutes
• 5–8 minutes
• 6–8 minutes
• Depends on the nature of the call. Life-threatening medical calls should be prioritized and not
have the same response time as hazmat response.
• Hopefully around 3 to 5 minutes (2)
• I think the Department is right on target with their responses as presented by Chief Gear.
• Less than 5 minutes
• Less than 5 minutes, if possible. I know that’s not always realistic, but in an emergency, every
second can feel like an eternity.
• Less than 6 minutes
• Not long
• The current standard of 6 minutes is reasonable.
• The minimal time, below national and state times.
• Under 4 min
Page 48 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
17
When asked if the expected length of time for a response should change depending on
how remote you are in the community, citizen respondents stated the following:
• Yes, if you purchase a home far away from the nearest FD, that's a risk you take. Extra
precautions should be in place in that situation. As the city limits expand, I think it's an expected
consequence. I would wonder how other communities address this issue.
• Not if at all possible.
• Yes. A choice is made to live on the outskirts.
• Yes will be longer
• We can prevent time wasted by strategically building fire stations in our city
• Similar time... need to work on road access out of city developments work with County
• Yes, if you are further away from the service you should expect a longer response time.
• Yes (4)
• No.
• I think it is reasonable for additional response time for remoteness to the nearest station.
• Every resident should have the comfort of knowing regardless of where they live the response
time should be equal
• Variance should be minimal.
• I would expect that response time to change depending on how close a person lives to the
center of the city or the closest fire station.
• Yes. Resources should be strategically placed where the majority of the population resides,
which is, therefore, where emergencies are statistically more likely.
• No, should be the same
Final thoughts and comments from attendees:
• Gracias por su tiempo y espero que tomen en cuenta las opiniones de los que no hablan Ingles.
TRANSLATION: Thank you for your time and I hope you take into account the opinions of those
who do not speak English.
• Fire crews are amazing but, it would be nice to see them work on their image. Many perceive
them as mean. Getting involved in community functions and activities.
• Thank you for the opportunity and for giving everyone a voice in the planning
• If the choice has to be made of new taxes or impact fees from new development, the latter
should be pursued and exhausted first.
• Thank you (2)
• West/east service capability must be addressed soon and as the Department grows
• WSRB rating, new stations, and service demand are all connected
• Peak demand units for concurrent incidents must be seriously considered
• Can volunteers offset the costs?
• Community Risk Assessment/Community Risk Reduction Plan needed?
• Continue expanding diversity efforts & increasing bilingual staff
Page 49 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
18
Fire Department Staff Survey Results
Prior to the internal planning sessions, ESCI administered a survey instrument to all members of the
Department. The survey is a standard instrument used by ESCI to gauge the internal dynamics and
environment of the fire department, which helps tailor the process to the organization once the planning
workshop begins. The following are the results of the survey instrument displayed graphically. Data
representing 2% of answers or less appear visually but are not labeled with a percentage to maintain
clarity of the figures.
Figure 6: Respondent Demography, Summary
Demographic Element Percent of Respondents
Total Years of Experience (paid and volunteer) in the Fire Service:
Three to ten years 26%
Ten to twenty years 44%
More than twenty years 29%
Total Years of Service at PFD:
Zero to five years 49%
Six to ten years 19%
Ten to twenty years 15%
More than twenty years 17%
Current Position:
Command Staff 6%
Company Officer 26%
Line Staff 65%
Support Staff 3%
Page 50 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
19
Of the eighty-five (85) employees of the PFD, seventy-two (72) participated in the survey, or an 84.7%
participation rate. This indicates exceptional member engagement, exceeding Pasco’s previous
participation rate of 80% in 2017. Typical participation rates for strategic plan participation hovers near
50%.
The responses also reveal that 73% of the respondents have more than ten years of experience in the fire
service (not necessarily at Pasco). This experience is invaluable to the operation of the organization,
service delivery to the citizens, and firefighter safety. However, some of the 29% who have 20+ years of
experience are likely approaching retirement eligibility, representing a loss of valuable experience.
Succession planning should be in place, ensuring the loss of these highly experienced members does not
also represent a loss of the knowledge they possess.
The number of years of experience within the PFD (as opposed to previous fire agencies) is fairly low,
with 49% of the membership having five years or less with the Pasco Fire Department. This indicates that
PFD has done an effective job of recruiting from other agencies and indicates that PFD is an attractive
agency for relocation.
3-10 years
26%
10-20 years
44%
20+ years
29%
Number of years of experience
in the fire service:
0-5 years
49%
6-10
years
19%
10-20
years
15%
20+ years
17%
Number of years of service at Pasco
Fire Department:
Command Staff
6%
Company
Officer
26%
Line Staff
65%
Support Staff
3%
Respondent's current position:
Page 51 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
20
Figure 7: Training and Professional Development Opportunities
Other Training Topics & Suggestions:
• Officer Development (12)
• EMS training (11)
• New data management changes, report writing, evaluation writing (7)
• Leadership (6)
• Incident management, Incident Command, Command and Control, Strategy and tactics (5)
• Fireground skills, live fire, wildfire, company & multi-company ops, shift training (5)
• Extrication, Haz-Mat, specialty ops training (4)
• More in general
• ARFF training
• Interagency training
• Define and show examples in detail of what our vision statement and core values are
• Firefighter survival, self-rescue
• Personnel issues
• Behavioral emergencies
• How the City works
25%
36%
64%
19%
29%
58%
46%
13%
51%
57%
32%
57%
49%
26%
43%
32%
15%
6%3%15%
15%
7%
8%
19%
7%
8%6%3%32%
8%4%0%20%40%60%80%100%
My department has a clear plan in place for my
professional development.
I have a clear understanding about the goals
and objectives of the department's training
program.
My training prepares me for the types of
emergency incidents that I am likely to
encounter in my job.
Training is consistent throughout the department.
In general, all department personnel are
adequately trained to do their jobs.
The department's training records are accurate
and current.
The training program meets the needs of the
department.
Members who are promoted are usually well
prepared by the department's professional
development program for their new duties.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
Page 52 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
21
• Need more training staff, more consistency
The respondents to the series of questions on training and professional development scored professional
development, specifically officer development, low relative to the other dimensions in this section. As
compared to the concerns expressed in the 2017 strategic plan, the percentage of respondents strongly
disagreeing that those promoted are well prepared by the Department went down from 40% in 2017 to
32% in 2020. However, comments supporting this concern were the most prevalent. This is an area that
continues to be a concern and needs to be addressed.
The training program saw a major improvement in the 2020 survey as compared to the 2017 strategic
plan. The rating for the training program meeting the needs of the Department was scored low in 2017
at 57% somewhat or strongly disagreeing; whereas 89% of the respondents either somewhat or strongly
agreed that the training program meets the needs of the organization. In fact, the negative scores
(somewhat or strongly disagreeing) with all elements of training in 2017 were at or above 49%. In 2020,
the positive scores (somewhat or strongly agreeing) with all elements of training in 2020 were at or above
76%. Whatever steps were taken to address the training deficiency between 2017 and 2020, those steps
have been tremendously successful.
Figure 8: Performance Reviews and Evaluations
Evaluation Process Suggested Changes & Feedback:
• Better evaluation forms/process that is more geared to the fire service and match my job
description; less fluff (15)
• Consistency in application from officer to officer, shift to shift (10)
• 360 evolutions so the whole Department can improve together (6)
• Building improvement plans according to feedback for individuals
• Building team mentality rather than individualism
33%
44%
39%
40%
43%
32%
42%
33%
13%
15%
11%
18%
11%
7%
8%
7%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
I receive regular feedback (reviews) from my
supervisor about the quality of my work.
I know what standards will be used to evaluate
my performance.
Performance evaluations include suggestions for
improved performance.
Performance evaluations include recognition for
superior work and accomplishments.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
Page 53 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
22
• Getting the results of our yearly evaluation back to us in that calendar year.
• Goal setting and follow up. Poor evaluations should have some actions tied to them, i.e.,
remedial training
• Teach members to know the job of the person above them, even if they don’t want it.
• Holding people accountable across the board
• Needs to be more like an interview and not just “here, sign this”
• Mentorship on career progression with a plan on moving forward
• Monitoring improvement of individuals
• More detail and more effort in documenting a job well done as well as more in depth
constructive criticism of areas needing improvement.
• More frequent checkups. Managing small evaluation problems before they become bigger.
• Officers could try to observe the quality of each individual’s work closer and/or more often.
Some members often will smoke screen a superior officer with discussion and speculation
while neglecting the quality of their duties, housekeeping, truck checks.
• Taking notes throughout the evaluation year on employee performance. It’s frustrating to be
given a low score but when asked for examples of correctable behavior and characteristics,
none can be brought up. Also, not waiting until the evaluation to confront issues with an
employee. It is frustrating to be marked low on an issue that you, as an employee, never
knew you needed to fix.
The Performance Reviews and Evaluations responses were very consistent between 2017 and 2020.
There is general satisfaction with the performance reviews, but additional training is required for
supervisors to conduct these with constructive feedback.
There was significant feedback expressing concern that the form itself needs to be reviewed and
adjusted. The scale within the form should be expanded, and the dimensions being evaluated need to
better align with the description of the position.
Finally, supervisors should be providing regular, ongoing feedback on performance (positive or
constructive) to their subordinates to avoid “recency tendency;” that is, evaluating a subordinate based
on the most recent observations of the supervisor, disregarding performance earlier in the review period.
This is an area that can be improved rather simply with some supervisory training and updating of the
form itself.
Page 54 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
23
Figure 9: Communication
Best ways to communicate:
• Email (19)
• More direct information from the Chief (continuity of message from the top through
subordinates)
• Chain of command (6)
• Morning briefings (5)
• Face-to-face—respectfully (3)
Other feedback for communication:
• Work-issued smartphone for each member. Could be set-up for ALL and ONLY work-
related communication. Fingerprint access, facial recognition to unlock email,
timesheets, truck assignments, training, immediate link for picture sharing to
maintenance, etc., maps, calls, etc.
• We need to get back to a month TO letter with info for the following month or months,
so we have time to plan our day.
Many fire departments struggle to communicate effectively. PFD continues to buck that trend, with all
areas of Communication rated highly, with respondents somewhat or strongly agreeing that
communication is open and honest (81%), that criticisms are responded to professionally (71%), that
leadership values employee input (84%), that an open flow of communication occurs from the top down
(71%), and that members are well informed (75%). Some room for communication improvement exists
between the Battalion Chiefs and their subordinates. Messaging gets muddled through intermediaries.
19%
24%
38%
28%
46%
56%
47%
46%
43%
35%
19%
21%
11%
21%
14%6%8%4%7%4%0%20%40%60%80%100%
I am well informed about the activities at my
department.
An open flow of communication is maintained to
and from the senior leadership (i.e., Chief, Deputy
Chief, etc.) and the line personnel.
My department's leadership values employee
input in general.
Employee concerns about or criticisms of the
department are responded to in a professional
manner.
The department's senior leadership is open and
honest with the membership.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
Page 55 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
24
Figure 10: Sources of Information
“Other” responses:
• Emails
• Word of mouth
Information sources by respondents are relatively unchanged between 2017 and 2020. The largest source
of information is from direct supervisors, which represents 53% of the respondents’ selections. This was
the single largest source of information in 2017, but the percent relying on this source is higher in 2020.
The rumor mill is a static source between 2017 and 2020 at 10%, which is low. There has been
consternation regarding the Battalion Chiefs’ communication generally and this is one area where
emphasis could be placed.
0%
3%
3%
4%
6%
10%
22%
53%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%
Department newsletter
Elected group meeting minutes
Other (please specify)
Senior leadership (i.e., Chief, Deputy Chief)
Association/Labor representatives
The "rumor mill"
Other members
My immediate supervisor
Page 56 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
25
Figure 11: Work Environment
The work environment appears to be very positive, and it has improved between 2017 and 2020. When
asked to agree with the statement that decisions are made in a timely, impartial, and consistent manner,
33% of the respondents either somewhat disagreed or strongly disagreed, as compared to 51% in 2017.
This is still a relatively high number and the only blemish in an otherwise stellar assessment. Nonetheless,
energy should be expended to get to the bottom of the concerns expressed.
Figure 12: How do you rate morale at PFD?
76%
79%
63%
62%
21%
36%
24%
21%
28%
32%
46%
46%
10%4%19%
17%
13%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
My immediate supervisor is knowledgeable.
I have a clear understanding of my job and
responsibilities.
The department provides me with the resources
necessary to perform my job effectively.
The work habits of officers/supervisors I work with
set a good example.
Decisions at the department are made in a
timely, impartial, and consistent manner.
Morale in my work group is high.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
Excellent
13%
Good
40%
Average
42%
Poor
6%
Page 57 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
26
Department morale is relatively high and improving between 2017 and 2020. The percent of respondents
rating morale as good or excellent is the same between 2017 and 2020, but the percent rating morale as
poor has declined significantly between 2017 (16%) and 2020 (6%, or 4 people). While this is a very small
number, caution should be exercised not to ignore the 4 people who feel morale is poor. A negative
perception in a small but vocal group tends to grow over time and effect other members and other areas
of the Department. Ignoring this small group can be a miscalculation.
Figure 13: Overall, employee morale at PFD is:
Suggestions for improving morale:
• COVID (10) and remodels (8) have hurt this year.
• Communicate better amongst each other and consistency by labor & management (9)
• Accountability for all members will make a big difference (9)
• An off duty gathering during summer months
• Better workout equipment and programs. Like working out in the mornings after truck check
outs with the crew. Better cardio equipment.
• Clean up the rumor mill.
• Clear vision of thing to come.
• Comes from positive and encouraging officers to help set an example to their crews.
• Focus on crew activities and peer support staff.
• For the whole Department, including the Chief, abide by, be held accountable by our Core
Values and Vision statement poster frames that are installed in each fire station.
• Get-togethers between all shifts. Getting the station on the same page.
• Hiring more medics.
• More member involvement in decisions, i.e., rigs, stations, equipment. Something as simple
as surveys of what they would like even if it doesn’t happen.
• Leadership at the BC levels needs to be spot on. Seems like there is “burn out” at these levels
and some poor examples are being set to a mostly young department.
Greater than it
was a year ago.
23%
About the same as it was
a year ago.
46%
Lower than it was
a year ago.
31%
Page 58 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
27
• Less rumor mill activity, cut down spreading misinformation and gossip.
• Need to get back to working together as a shift and build trust, ownership, and team
mentality.
Despite improvement in the number of respondents stating morale is poor between 2017 and 2020, 31%
of the respondents in 2020 indicate morale is lower than it was a year ago. A great deal of time and energy
was spent by many of the respondents to write open-ended responses to suggest areas for improvement
in morale. A common theme emerged that COVID restrictions and the temporary displacement from fire
stations during remodels were major contributors. Given that these are both (hopefully) temporary
situations, the problem may resolve itself. Nonetheless, it is important to keep a pulse on this dimension.
Figure 14: How would you rate your overall personal work environment at PFD?
Interestingly, the percent of respondents rating their personal work environment as excellent went down
10% between 2017 (39%) and 2020 (29%). That 10% dropped to the “good,” with a 10% increase in the
good category between 2017 (46%) and 2020 (56%). Improvement occurred in the number of
respondents stating morale is poor between 2017 (4%) and 2020 (1%), with that 3% improvement moving
to “average” between 2017 (11%) and 2020 (14%). The presumption that COVID and displacement due
to station remodels may explain the 10% drop from 2017 to 2020 in the excellent category but does not
explain the 3% improvement in the poor category between 2017 and 2020.
Excellent
29%
Good
56%
Average
14%
Poor
1%
Page 59 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
28
Figure 15: How proud are you to tell other people that you are a member of the PFD?
All of the respondents stated that they were either somewhat proud (11%) or very proud (89%) to be
members of PFD. That is a 15% improvement between 2017 (74% very proud) and 2020 (89% very proud).
Additionally, the 9% who were not proud to work for their agency in 2017 has been reduced to zero.
Figure 16: On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is poor and 10 is excellent, how would you rate
the following external services and programs provided to the public by the
Department?
Of the external services provided by PFD, EMS stayed relatively unchanged between 2017 (8.60) and
2020 (8.61), while Hazardous Materials declined between 2017 (5.8) and 2020 (5.39). All other dimensions
improved, with Fire Suppression and Community Risk (formerly fire prevention programs and others)
making the greatest strides between 2017 and 2020. The Fire Suppression improvement may be due to
the improvement in training, and Community Risk Reduction is a new philosophy that incorporates fire
prevention programs with public education and risk reduction.
Very Proud
89%
Somewhat
Proud
11%
5.39
7.41
7.73
7.88
8.49
8.61
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Haz Mat
Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
Community Risk Reduction
Technical Rescue (as currently provided)
Fire Suppression
Emergency Medical Services
Page 60 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
29
Figure 17: On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is poor and 10 is excellent, how would you rate
the following internal services and processes provided by the Department?
The order of ranking for internal services is consistent between 2017 and 2020, with the lone exception
that wellness/fitness has improved significantly in rank order in 2020. All of the services have received
higher ratings in 2020 as compared to 2017 without regard to ranking. The lowest scored service in 2020
(Facility Maintenance) at 6.18 would have placed it fourth best in 2017 behind employee benefits,
administrative support, and employee relations.
6.18
6.36
7.08
7.1
7.21
7.42
7.51
7.59
8.24
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Facility Maintenance
Dispatch/Communications
Equipment and Apparatus Maintenance
Wellness/Fitness Program
Employee Relations
Organizational Planning
Administrative Support
Safety Programs
Employee Benefits
Page 61 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
30
Figure 18: Facilities and Apparatus
All of the statements included in facilities and apparatus improved somewhat in 2020 as compared to
2017. These scores may be skewed, however, since the Department is in the midst of a major overhaul of
facilities via remodels and some new facilities are being constructed. Many of the crews are operating
out of temporary quarters that are not ideal, but temporarily necessary. Given that the new facilities will
be worth the wait, many respondents likely did not know how to score this section.
13%
15%
13%
24%
26%
26%
28%
22%
75%
67%
64%
49%
46%
53%
46%
47%
51%
51%
51%
21%
21%
28%
22%
32%
29%
25%
17%
11%
17%
13%
7%3%17%
7%
6%
6%3%4%4%13%
7%
7%4%4%0%20%40%60%80%100%
The existing facilities are adequate to meet the
needs of the department.
The facilities are well maintained.
The facilities are in good repair.
The current fleet of apparatus is adequate to
meet the needs of the department.
The apparatus replacement strikes the right
balance between long term service life and
reduction of future replacement/retrofit costs.
The apparatus replacement plan is appropriately
planned out based on known costs &
requirements.
Apparatus are well maintained.
Apparatus repairs and maintenance are
completed in a timely manner.
Hose testing is completed on a regular basis.
Ladder testing is completed on a regular basis.
Pump testing is completed on a regular basis.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
Page 62 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
31
Figure 19: Community Relations
The rating given to the community relations activities have improved in all three areas, but most
significantly in sufficient community engagement between 2017 (75% somewhat or strongly agree) and
2020 (85% somewhat or strongly agree). It is impressive that so many of the members of PFD recognize
the importance of community engagement and actually seek out those opportunities.
Figure 20: In your opinion, what is the community’s overall image of the PFD?
There was tremendous improvement in the percentage of respondents who scored the image of PFD
with the community as excellent between 2017 (36%) and 2020 (63%). There was also significant
improvement in the percentage of respondents who scored the image of PFD with the community as
average between 2017 (20%) and 2020 (3%). None of the respondents in either 2017 or 2020 scored the
PFD below average.
74%
38%
74%
24%
47%
22%
10%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
The department is respected by the community
that it serves.
The department is sufficiently engaged in the
community.
The department leadership strives to maintain
cooperative working relationships with
neighboring emergency service providers.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
Excellent
63%
Good
35%
Average
3%
Page 63 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
32
MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
Mission
The organization’s mission statement should clearly define the primary purpose of its existence. The
mission statement focuses fire department members on what is truly important to the organization and
community. The mission statement should be understood by all members and posted prominently
throughout the organization’s facilities. Each member should commit the mission to memory. The
internal planning team, through a consensus process and informed by feedback from the citizen forum,
reviewed and discussed the Department’s mission statement. All agreed the mission was a current
reflection of the intent of the agency, and thus retained the existing mission created during the 2017
strategic planning process. The mission statement follows.
Pasco Fire Department Mission Statement
Honorably Protect and Serve our Community.
Vision
In addition to knowing their mission, all successful organizations need to define where they expect to be
in the future, at least to the fruition of the strategic plan. Pasco Fire Department’s vision provides
members with a future view that can be shared, a clear sense of direction, a mobilization of energy, and
gives a sense of being engaged in something important. Vision statements provide a direction of how
things can be and a sense of organizational guidance to get there. The internal planning team created
the following vision statement.
The Pasco Fire Department will…
• Maintain a highly qualified and trained workforce grounded in humility, integrity, and
respect for all cultures.
• Conduct ourselves professionally and compassionately in our community at all times.
• Promote progressive growth and expansion to meet the changing needs of our community.
• Ensure a healthy and safe work environment.
• Be a community partner for safety, education, and information.
• Employ broad media platforms to enhance transparency to our community.
• Work collaboratively with labor and management to meet our community's expectations.
• Integrate the Department into community activities and events.
• Advocate mental health and physical fitness through our Peer Support and Peer Fitness
Programs.
Page 64 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
33
Values
Values define what the people in the organization consider to be appropriate and inappropriate
behaviors. An organization’s fundamental values define the organization’s culture and belief system,
thus providing a foundation in an environment that is always changing. The internal planning team
declared the following as the core values for the Pasco Fire Department.
The core values of the Pasco Fire Department reflect how we will conduct ourselves.
• Demand universal accountability and ownership.
• Promote pride and morale.
• Earn respect and trust daily.
• Honor fire service traditions with our community.
• Respect fire service history while seeking innovation.
• Employ aggressive strategies and tactics to protect our community.
• Provide progressive training and education by highly experienced and trained personnel.
• Engage in active sharing of our knowledge and experience.
• Strengthen collaborative relationships with city departments and neighboring agencies.
With the development of its mission, vision, and core values, PFD has established the organization’s
foundation for strategic planning. ESCI strongly recommends that every member empower themselves
with these elements; they are the basis for accomplishing the organization’s strategic initiatives, goals,
objectives, and day-to-day tasks.
Page 65 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
34
SWOT ANALYSIS
To properly formulate strategic initiatives, the internal planning team had to analyze the organization’s
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), which is the first step in identifying
actionable strategies for the future. Part of the internal survey conducted prior to convening the internal
planning team included asking all members to identify their SWOT issues. There were dozens of
responses for each element of the SWOT. To focus on the most impactful SWOT topics, the internal
planning team condensed and prioritized the top issues from the perspective of the internal planning
team.
Strengths
The identification of organizational strengths is the first step in the SWOT analysis. An organization’s
strengths identify its capability of providing the services requested by its customers. The organization
needs to make certain that its strengths are consistent with the
issues it faces. Programs that do not match organizational
strengths or primary functions should be reviewed to evaluate
the rate of return on precious staff time. The internal planning
team identified these core Department strengths:
The people of PFD EMS/fire skills Being community-focused
Relationship with
City/management Being progressive & proactive Pride of employees and desire
of others who work for PFD Training Administrative vision
Weaknesses
Organizational weaknesses, or lack of performance, are also an important element of the SWOT analysis.
To move forward, the organization must honestly identify the issues that have created barriers to success
in the past. Weak areas needing improvement are not the same as challenges, but rather those day-to-
day issues and concerns that may slow or inhibit progress.
Internal organizational issues, as identified by the
planning team, are typically issues that are at the heart of
an agency’s problems. The internal planning team
identified these core department weaknesses:
Accountability Lack of BC involvement Keeping up with growth
Lack of continuity between shifts Lack of paramedics Communication
Gossip/self-implosion Hiring/promotional process Administrative staffing
Leadership development/succession
To map out a course of action and follow it to
an end requires some of the same courage
that a soldier needs.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
You can't expect to meet the challenges
of today with yesterday's tools and
expect to be in business tomorrow.
—Source Unknown
Page 66 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
35
Opportunities
An organization’s opportunities and threats are generally derived from the external environment.
Opportunities are focused on existing circumstances and
on expanding and developing new possibilities inside and
beyond the traditional service area. The internal planning
team identified these core Department opportunities:
Hiring/firing new employees Promoting CRR program
Seeking training opportunities Officer development
Promoting technology—21st-century tech. Public image and trust
Motivation and willingness to improve Strategic planning
Community involvement Departmental Branding
Enhance recruitment efforts Diversity in hiring
Take advantage of community/city growth
Threats
There are conditions in the external environment that are not under the organization’s control. The
identification of these conditions allows the organization to develop plans to mitigate or respond when
a threat becomes an obstacle. By recognizing these
challenges, an organization can greatly reduce the potential
for loss. The internal planning team identified these core
threats:
WSRB rating Morale, individualism/divisiveness
Not hiring the right people or not letting go of those
we should
Community opinion about how we do our
job—defund politics, ketamine
Paramedic burnout Funding, COVID-19
Losing Chief/upper administrative change/City
Manager/Council Complacency
Shift turmoil Losing generational knowledge
Inability to keep up with rapid growth, services
You can't make up time on the road that
you lost in the Station.
—Unknown
If you don't like change, you're going to like
irrelevance even less.
—General Eric Shinseki (Ret.)
Page 67 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
36
DEFINITION OF TERMS
There are six main components to a strategic plan: Initiatives, Goals, Objectives, Critical Tasks, and
Outcomes or Performance Indicators. For purposes of this strategic plan, they are defined as follows:
• Initiative: The largest overarching element of a strategic plan, an initiative is a broad enterprise
where the Department may have multiple areas of focus.
• Goal: A smaller component of and subordinate to an initiative, a goal is focused on one
particular area but is still general in nature. If all of the goals under an initiative have been
accomplished, the initiative will have been achieved.
• Objective: A smaller component of and subordinate to a goal, an objective is usually defined as
specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time-sensitive. If all objectives under a goal
are accomplished, the goal will have been accomplished.
• Critical task: The smallest component of a strategic plan, critical tasks are the immediate
(within 90 days) action steps needed to meet an objective or a goal. Not all goals or objectives
have critical tasks.
• Outcome Statement: The description of a desired result of a goal or objective once
accomplished.
• Performance Metric: The description of measurable improvement of an objective once
accomplished.
Strategic initiatives, goals, objectives, critical tasks, performance metrics, and outcomes become an
important part of the organization’s efforts. By following these components carefully, the organization
will be guided into the future and should benefit from reduced obstacles and distractions. Each of the
initiatives, goals, and objectives were identified in a two-day planning workshop facilitated by ESCI with
the internal planning team.
The following series of tables list and define each initiative with its subordinate goals and each goal with
its subordinate objectives. Timelines are also listed with each objective as follows: Critical tasks (to be
completed in 90 days), Short-term (more than 90 days but less than one year), Mid-term (greater than
one year but less than three years), and Long-term (greater than three years but not longer than five
years). These timelines are listed after the objectives. The initiative manager is responsible for tracking
that initiative’s progress. Each objective also has a task team responsible for coordinating the effort to
implement that objective.
Page 68 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
37
STRATEGIC PLAN
Initiative 1 – Department Cohesion
The internal planning team felt this subject area was key to address due to the feedback identified in
the internal survey of the membership and based on firsthand experiences of the internal planning
team members. By concentrating on department unity and addressing irritants to cohesiveness, the
Department could focus better on community outreach, operational readiness, and professional
development.
Initiative Managers: Chief Gear
Goal: 1A Promote department solidarity. Objectives 1. Develop a baseline survey on the current state of solidarity in the Department.
Responsible: Solidarity Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. Develop action plans to implement programs to address issues in the solidarity survey.
Responsible: Solidarity Task Team Timeline: Short-term
3. Conduct team-building exercises/workshops.
Responsible: Solidarity Task Team Timeline: Short-term
4. Senior staff ensures consistency between shifts at the Battalion Chief level.
Responsible: Solidarity Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
5. Design, develop, and implement shift-to-shift fitness competitions.
Responsible: Solidarity Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
6. Design, develop, and implement sporting competitions (e.g., corn hole, Frisbee golf, softball)
between agencies (PPD, Richland, Kennewick).
Responsible: Solidarity Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
7. Conduct a post-implementation survey (biannually) to determine whether the goal was met.
Responsible: Solidarity Task Team Timeline: Mid-term, ongoing
Outcomes:
Professional courtesy and consistency at BC level are improved.
Post-implementation surveys demonstrate improvement in FD solidarity.
Inter-shift and interdepartmental competition have enhanced solidarity within PFD.
Page 69 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
38
Goal: 1B Improve the quality of shift change interactions. Objectives 1. Equip every station with a whiteboard for inventory documentation.
Responsible: Shift Change Task Team Timeline: Critical Task
2. Create a standardized list of station chores for shift change.
Responsible: Shift Change Task Team Timeline: Critical Task
3. Develop morning shift apparatus transfer check-off sheet.
Responsible: Shift Change Task Team Timeline: Critical Task
4. Revise daily station duties (apparatus & station chores) to clarify off-going shift responsibilities.
Responsible: Shift Change Task Team Timeline: Critical Task
Outcome:
The oncoming crew is aware of station/apparatus deficiencies and significant events of
the previous 48 hours.
The quality of the exchange of information at shift change is improved.
Accountability is increased for compliance with new off-going shift responsibilities.
Goal: 1C Facilitate a more accurately informed body. Objectives 1. Chief/Deputy Chief attend a shift briefing for each shift once per month to address any questions
or comments on department information.
Responsible: Informed Task Team Timeline: Short-term, ongoing
2. Station officers police unverified information and debunk misinformation.
Responsible: Informed Task Team Timeline: Short-term, ongoing
Outcomes:
Universal ownership and active dismissal of false information are increased.
Individual accountability is increased for sharing unverified information or
misinformation.
Page 70 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
39
Goal: 1D Conduct cross-shift training. Objectives 1. Maintain a high level of quarterly standards for training hours by subject for Fire, EMS, & Special
Ops.
Responsible: Cross-Shift Training Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. Conduct quarterly EMS training to meet PFD training standards.
Responsible: Cross-Shift Training Task Team Timeline: Short-term
3. Specialty teams conduct cross shift quarterly training.
Responsible: Cross-Shift Training Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
4. Conduct Multi-Company Operations (MCO) using cross-shift configuration at least annually.
Responsible: Cross-Shift Training Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
Outcomes:
PFD will maintain a high level of training standards by subject, including minimum
training hours.
Cross-shift training is being conducted at least quarterly.
Page 71 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
40
Initiative 2 – Community Outreach
The feedback from the citizen forum and from the internal survey reflected a strong desire to have a
better connection between the community and the Pasco Fire Department. This is especially true as it
relates to the Hispanic community, but also includes other cultures and groups within the city. These
outreach goals are in addition to the Community Risk Reduction program that PFD operates. Improved
connection with the community helps the PFD better meet the needs of the community and also helps
the community understand the unique challenges PFD faces in serving the community. This shared
understanding directly addresses many of the vision statement elements created by the PFD internal
planning team.
Initiative Managers: Chief Dunbar
Goal: 2A Enhance communications and interactions with our community. Objectives 1. Create a list of current community events.
Responsible: Outreach Task Team Timeline: Mid-term, ongoing
2. Identify the needs of each community event.
Responsible: Outreach Task Team Timeline: Mid-term, ongoing
3. Create educational content based on the audience's needs.
Responsible: Outreach Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
4. Notify, prepare, and schedule personnel to attend community events.
Responsible: Outreach Task Team Timeline: Mid-term, ongoing
5. Identify social media platforms to support the above objectives.
Responsible: Outreach Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
6. Develop and implement social media strategies to further enhance engagement with our
community.
Responsible: Outreach Task Team Timeline: Mid-term, ongoing
Outcomes:
Increased community presence through social media platforms.
Increased number of events physically attended by PFD.
Increased number of events the community physically attends to celebrate with PFD.
Improved feedback on the City of Pasco biennial survey.
Control measures will be established to ensure appropriate material is posted on social
media.
Page 72 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
41
Goal: 2B Celebrate fire service traditions with community involvement. Objectives 1. Identify and memorialize fire department traditions.
Responsible: Traditions Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. Select fire department events which lend themselves to community involvement.
Responsible: Traditions Task Team Timeline: Short-term
3. Notify, prepare, and schedule personnel for these tradition events.
Responsible: Traditions Task Team Timeline: Short-term
4. Promote and inform the community of the tradition events utilizing social media platforms.
Responsible: Traditions Task Team Timeline: Short-term
Outcomes:
Traditions have been established by PFD where community engagement is sought.
Increased community involvement with fire department traditions.
Goal: 2C Increase/enhance communications and interactions with non-English speaking (or English as
Second Language [ESL] groups). Objectives 1. Identify non-English speaking groups within the community.
Responsible: ESL Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
2. Identify and utilize community partners to assist with communication.
Responsible: ESL Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
3. Invite selected community partners to present cultural awareness training to PFD.
Responsible: ESL Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
4. Identify resources for bilingual language training for current employees.
Responsible: ESL Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
5. Identify communication/interpretation tools (pictograph).
Responsible: ESL Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
6. Train department personnel on the proper use of selected tools and resources (objectives 2C2–4).
Responsible: ESL Task Team Timeline: Long-term
Page 73 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
42
7. Encourage labor/management discussion to increase the scope of the bilingual incentive (include
more languages than Spanish).
Responsible: ESL Task Team Timeline: Long-term
8. Actively recruit bilingual candidates through community engagement.
Responsible: ESL Task Team Timeline: Long-term
Outcomes:
Regular (increased) interactions with all non-English speaking groups
Increased number of bilingual employees through training and hiring
Increased cultural competence due to training and greater interaction
Page 74 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
43
Initiative 3 – Operational Readiness
This initiative seeks to address emergency response capabilities and ensure response readiness by the
crews of the Pasco Fire Department. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to greater use of
technology, formalizing standards for personnel certifications and competence, improving response
times, ensuring a response-ready fleet of emergency apparatus, and maintaining or enhancing PFD’s
Washington Surveying & Rating Bureau (WSRB) Public Protection Classification.
Initiative Managers: Chief Dunbar/Chief Reid
Goal: 3A Update the technology of critical infrastructure relied upon by PFD. Objectives 1. Replace portable radios with compliant equipment to meet the Region 8 standard.
Responsible: Technology Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. Schedule periodic meetings with IS/IT to evaluate the technological needs of PFD.
Responsible: Technology Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
3. Research improvements in hardware/software relied upon by PFD.
Responsible: Technology Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
4. Implement findings from technology hardware/software research.
Responsible: Technology Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
Outcome:
Technology [radios, tablets, etc.] are updated and maintained to meet operational
needs.
Goal: 3B Ensure the technical competence of all personnel. Objectives 1. Maintain a high level of PFD standards for personnel training and certification.
Responsible: Training Task Team Timeline: Short-term, ongoing
2. Conduct quarterly training between technical and non-technical team members.
Responsible: Training Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
Outcomes:
PFD training and certification standards are maintained, clearly defined, and
understood by all personnel.
All personnel continue to be trained to the PFD standards, which reflect industry best
practices.
Goal: 3C Improve response times in PFD. Objectives 1. Adopt a 60-second turnout time, 90% of the time for EMS responses.
Page 75 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
44
Responsible: Response Time Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
2. Adopt an 80-second turnout time, 90% of the time for fire responses.
Responsible: Response Time Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
3. Conduct a GIS study to see what options are available to decrease travel time (station locations,
fastest route of travel).
Responsible: Response Time Task Team Timeline: Long-term
Outcome:
Meet City Council’s travel time goal of 6 minutes (improve from the current 6.7
minutes).
Goal: 3D Maintain an appropriate fleet for fire and EMS responses. Objectives 1. Create an Apparatus Committee for purchasing to include 3–6 members who are current
apparatus operators (1–2 members per shift).
Responsible: Apparatus Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. Purchase apparatus as determined by the Apparatus Committee .
Responsible: Apparatus Task Team Timeline: Long-term
Outcome:
PFD has well-maintained, service-ready apparatus designed and built with significant
input from equipment operators.
Goal: 3E Maintain PFDs Public Protection Class 3 (PPC-3) rating from the Washington Surveying and
Rating Bureau. Objectives 1. Work with SECOMM to fulfill recommendations of the WSRB PPC-3 maintenance plan.
Responsible: PPC-3 Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. Work with Public Works to continually review the recommendation of the WSRB PPC-3
maintenance plan.
Responsible: PPC-3 Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
3. Work with Code Enforcement/Planning Department to implement the recommendations of the
WSRB PPC-3 maintenance plan.
Responsible: PPC-3 Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
4. Ensure City Shops staff who work on PFD apparatus are qualified Emergency Vehicle
Technicians.
Responsible: PPC-3 Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
Page 76 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
45
5. Educate all PFD fire personnel to understand the components of the WSRB rating system .
Responsible: PPC-3 Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
Outcome:
The WSRB PPC-3 maintenance plan has been updated.
Goal: 3F Update the 2016 PFD Master Plan to address growth identified in the Pasco Comprehensive
Land Use Plan (Comp Plan). Objectives 1. Identify elements within the Comp Plan that have impacts to emergency service delivery.
Responsible: Master Plan Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. Quantify Comp Plan impacts to the WSRB PPC-3.
Responsible Master Plan Task Team Timeline: Short-term
3. Acquire authorization and funding to develop a master plan update in 2021.
Responsible: Master Plan Task Team Timeline: Short-term
4. Develop master plan update.
Responsible: Master Plan Task Team Timeline: Short-term
Outcome:
The PFD master plan has been updated to reflect changes identified in the Comp Plan.
Page 77 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
46
Initiative 4 – Professional Development
The purpose of this initiative is to clearly identify the paths to follow for those aspiring to greater levels
of responsibility and leadership positions in PFD. It also focuses on the performance evaluation process
for all personnel as a key component of the promotional process. Finally, it seeks to address paramedic
retention and job satisfaction.
Initiative Managers: Chief Reid
Goal: 4A Create a succession plan. Objectives 1. Continue and enhance the Lieutenant Academy.
Responsible: Succession Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. Deliver the Lieutenant Academy to all members on LT Eligibility List.
Responsible: Succession Task Team Timeline: Short-term
3. Offer the Lieutenant Academy to those eligible for upgrade.
Responsible: Succession Task Team Timeline: Short-term
4. Develop an Acting Battalion Chief Academy.
Responsible: Succession Task Team Timeline: Short-term
5. Deliver Battalion Chief Academy to all members on BC Eligibility List.
Responsible: Succession Task Team Timeline: Short-term
6. Offer Battalion Chief Academy to those eligible for upgrade.
Responsible: Succession Task Team Timeline: Short-term
7. Identify and distribute testing resources when preparing for a promotional exam.
Responsible: Succession Task Team Timeline: Short-term
8. Identify and create career development road maps for all positions and specialties .
Responsible: Succession Task Team Timeline: Short-term
9. Create position- and specialty-specific exit strategies.
Responsible: Succession Task Team Timeline: Short-term
Outcomes:
All members are adequately prepared for career advancement.
All acting officers have completed on-the-job training prior to assuming an upgrade.
All personnel aspiring to or holding a position of leadership are fully prepared for a
smooth transition to the next level of leadership.
Page 78 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
47
Goal: 4B Develop continuing education requirements for all officers. Objectives 1. Set a minimum amount of officer meetings/trainings attended.
Responsible: Officer CE Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. Identify and standardize annual officer training (continuing education) by rank.
Responsible: Officer CE Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
3. Seek and obtain outside sources of continuing education.
Responsible: Officer CE Task Team Timeline: Long-term
Outcomes:
Minimum standards for continuing education have been established for each officer
level in PFD.
Compliance with minimum standards for officer continuing education is enforced.
Goal: 4C Improve the PFD personnel evaluation process. Objectives 1. Provide officer training on writing objective personnel performance evaluations.
Responsible: Evaluation Task Team Timeline: Short-term
2. PFD Administration, the Union, and HR collaborate to align the evaluation criteria with PFD
position descriptions and adjust the grading scale.
Responsible: Evaluation Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
3. Adjust the evaluation process to facilitate 360-degree feedback for those being evaluated.
Responsible: Evaluation Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
Outcomes:
An evaluation process and criteria have been adopted that best reflects personnel
performance.
Supervisors conducting personnel evaluations are first obtaining 360 -degree feedback
pertaining to the member being evaluated and considering that feedback in
completing the annual performance evaluation.
Page 79 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
48
Goal: 4D Improve paramedic retention and job satisfaction. Objectives 1. Interview/survey paramedics and former paramedics to determine their job satisfaction and
their motivation for pursuing this career.
Responsible: Medic Task Team Timeline: Critical Task
2. Identify patterns and themes from the survey/interview results that are obstacles to job
satisfaction.
Responsible: Medic Task Team Timeline: Short-term
3. Create a Paramedic Committee (2 per shift) to work with administration to implement changes
identified.
Responsible: Medic Task Team Timeline: Short-term
4. Modify recruitment efforts to entice qualified individuals to pursue paramedic certification.
Responsible: Medic Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
5. Re-evaluate recruitment strategies for new hire paramedics, to include a potential partnership
with Columbia Basin CC.
Responsible: Medic Task Team Timeline: Mid-term
6. Create an exit strategy for incumbents to request dropping their paramedic certification.
Responsible: Medic Task Team Timeline: Long-term
7. Conduct surveys of incumbent paramedics (post-implementation surveys) to determine the
effectiveness of measures taken in objectives 4D1-6.
Responsible: Medic Task Team Timeline: Long-term
8. Re-evaluate and adjust as necessary to respond to the results of the post-implementation
surveys.
Responsible: Medic Task Team Timeline: Long-term
Outcomes:
Columbia Basin CC is a partner with PFD to create well-qualified paramedics for
potential recruitment at PFD.
Paramedic retention and job satisfaction have increased.
Page 80 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
49
IMPLEMENTATION METHODOLOGY
As stated by Chris Ahoy, Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning & Management, Iowa State
University, “The three major keys to successful strategic planning and implementation are commitment,
credibility, and communication [emphasis added].” These three critical elements are best addressed by
appropriate prioritization and completion of objectives, consistently seeking and utilizing input from PFD
members, keeping the strategic plan and its status front and center of the organization continuously, and
measuring compliance for the established timelines. Where circumstances cause timelines to be
jeopardized, clear articulation of the reasons for the delay is key to credibility for the plan’s long-term
success.
The city management and elected officials are asked to review and adopt the strategic plan, endorsing
the plan with an open letter to all readers of the plan (contained within this report). The fire chief and the
IAFF Local president have also been asked to endorse this strategic plan. The importance of these three
letters cannot be overemphasized. The legislative, executive/administrative, and labor branches of the
organization have essentially signed on and are committed to seeing this strategic plan through to its
ultimate achievement.
To the extent possible, the budget should align with strategic plan elements. The fire chief and city
management must strive to allocate funding for the strategic plan elements to keep funding from being
the roadblock to successful implementation.
Role of Task Teams
Each objective is assigned a name for a task team. The task teams currently exist in name only. They
must be populated by capable members with an emphasis on those having a desire to achieve the
objective or who have expertise or job assignments that align with the objective. Each task team should
convene for an initial meeting to select a chairperson, become familiar with the objective as a team, seek
clarification from the initiative manager where there are questions, identify the need for funding
appropriations, and begin the process of outlining a work plan. This will help the task team achieve the
objective within the assigned timeline(s).
Once a work plan has been created, the task team chair should coordinate the setting of a meeting
schedule that works for the team and minimizes organizational conflicts (e.g., training, vacations, etc.).
Significant actions of the task teams and issues they face should be recorded for status updates to the
initiative managers.
Role of Initiative Managers
The initiative managers must be clear on their roles and responsibilities; identify and assign inclusive and
capable task teams for each of the objectives within the initiative; identify funding needs in order to
effectively and efficiently accomplish their assignments; maintain constant awareness of the status and
progress of each task team under their charge; troubleshoot and help remove obstacles or barriers to the
task teams as they perform their work; and regularly report on initiative status, progress, barriers,
strategies to address barriers, successes, and achievements. They are a crucial part of communicating
the status of their plan element to the organization.
Page 81 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
50
Role of Internal Planning Team & Fire Chief
The Internal Planning Team and the Fire Chief are owners of the plan, establishing how often people
meet, what they produce, and how they should report it. They are responsible for compiling the status
of the individual initiatives, providing adequate funding for initiatives, reporting the status on a regular
basis to the organization, and working with initiative managers and potentially task teams where
obstacles have been identified that interfere with or jeopardize the accomplishment of an objective or
delays its achievement beyond the timeline set within this plan.
The Internal Planning Team and Fire Chief should focus on communicating the plan to the organization
using as many effective mechanisms and approaches as possible. No single method of communicating is
likely to reach the four corners of the organization and keep the plan top-of-mind for every member. As
charter members of this strategic plan, the Internal Planning Team is the natural champion of it.
However, for the strategic plan to be truly successful, every member of the organization must own it,
embrace it, and help hold the organization accountable to it.
Role of Department Members
Every member of PFD is responsible for understanding the strategic plan; internalize the mission, vision,
values, goals, and objectives of it; and help the organization achieve it, whether a part of the various
teams or not. By being aware of the various efforts being expended to make the organization more
successful, members can be on the look-out for opportunities the various task teams may be able to take
advantage of to achieve its objectives. Members must also help by holding the organization accountable
to its stated timelines and outcomes. While there should be room for unforeseen circumstances arising
that require adjustment of timelines or unexpected opportunities arising that may necessitate a shift in
a specific approach, they should not be a routine excuse for not achieving what was committed to in the
beginning.
It is also important to be reasonable in the expectations by the organization of the strategic plan. In some
cases, it has taken years for some of the challenges the Department faces to manifest themselves in their
current form. They will not be reversed overnight. It is important that each member sees themselves as
part of the solution. Sometimes, despite the strongest desires and best efforts of all involved, the
resolution of some thorny issues requires more effort than is available to the Department in the near
term. Therefore, every effort should be made to manage this effort with a focus on efficiency and
effectiveness.
Communication Strategies and Mechanisms
The Strategic Plan must be communicated often and through many mechanisms. Numerous
communication strategies must be discussed by the internal planning team. They include:
• Chief officers meeting with all crews over the course of time to review the strategic plan.
• Incorporation of mission, vision, and values discussions within training sessions.
• Highlight a single element of the plan during training sessions (e.g., six minutes for strategic
planning).
• Upload the strategic plan electronically to make it accessible to all personnel and post a hard
copy of the plan at each station.
Page 82 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
51
• Communicate status updates quarterly, celebrating successes, and identifying struggles
transparently.
• Internal planning team meets with initiative managers at least semi-annually to share lessons
learned, brainstorm resolutions to barriers, and provide status updates.
• Convene the internal planning team annually to update the plan and ensure accountability.
• Fire Chief reports to the appointing authority on status updates quarterly as a standing agenda
item for the life of the plan (five years).
These strategies and mechanisms each have their advantages and disadvantages, but the primary theme
is to use what works and communicate regularly and transparently to the organization. By keeping the
plan front and center in the organization, the plan is alive in the minds and hearts of its members. By
celebrating successes as they occur, it increases the level of anticipation by the members for the other
elements to be accomplished.
The Task Worksheet (Appendix D in this report) can be used for each task team to keep track of their
work performance and can also be used to provide regular updates to the initiative managers. This helps
keep the process standardized and on track and can be the basis of communicating progress to the
Department. Whether this task sheet, an internally developed spreadsheet, or other tracking device
created by the Department is used, the important take away is maintaining granular tracking at the task
team level and the big picture Department-wide.
Page 83 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
52
APPENDIX A: TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Citizen Planning Priorities ......................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2: Citizen Service Priorities ......................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3: Staffing Level Survey .............................................................................................................. 11
Figure 4: Response Performance Survey ............................................................................................... 12
Figure 5: Cost of Service Survey ............................................................................................................ 13
Figure 6: Respondent Demography, Summary ..................................................................................... 18
Figure 7: Training and Professional Development Opportunities .......................................................... 20
Figure 8: Performance Reviews and Evaluations ................................................................................... 21
Figure 9: Communication ...................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 10: Sources of Information ......................................................................................................... 24
Figure 11: Work Environment ................................................................................................................ 25
Figure 12: How do you rate morale at PFD?........................................................................................... 25
Figure 13: Overall, employee morale at PFD is: ..................................................................................... 26
Figure 14: How would you rate your overall personal work environment at PFD? ................................. 27
Figure 15: How proud are you to tell other people that you are a member of the PFD? ......................... 28
Figure 16: On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is poor and 10 is excellent, how would you rate the following
external services and programs provided to the public by the Department? ......................................... 28
Figure 17: On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is poor and 10 is excellent, how would you rate the following
internal services and processes provided by the Department? .............................................................. 29
Figure 18: Facilities and Apparatus ........................................................................................................ 30
Figure 19: Community Relations ........................................................................................................... 31
Figure 20: In your opinion, what is the community’s overall image of the PFD? .................................... 31
Page 84 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
53
APPENDIX B: INTERNAL SWOT FEEDBACK
In your opinion, what is the Department’s single greatest strength?
• Its people (18)
• Progressive as an organization (6)
• Growth (5)
• A majority of the members are striving to do the right thing, a good group of energetic
firefighters concerned about the service we are providing; professional. (4)
• Chief (3)
• It sounds like Chief and our union have drastically improved the Department in the last 5ish or
more years. City and Union get along very well. (3)
• Great relationship with City officials (3)
• A wanted place to work. Word is out and people want to work for us.
• Adapting to change, leading change; progressive.
• Administration is strong with vision and planning.
• Line personnel is full of enthusiastic good people who strive to improve.
• Diversity as far emergency response (TRT, Water Rescue, ARFF, EMS, etc.)
• Aggressive and open to new ideas and proven techniques
• Being pro-active
• Camaraderie
• Continuously being in front of the community.
• Customer service.
• CRR interaction with the public and the programs provided to them.
• Desire to make the Department better, eager attitudes, a low amount of negativity.
• Diversity
• Emergency Service Delivery
• EMS—showing care and compassion to patients
• Enthusiasm and passion of the personnel doing the everyday work
• Everyone's ideas are listened to and evaluated. Command and line staff are willing to listen to
new ideas that could benefit our community or Department.
• Fire Suppression
• For the most part people care about doing their job well.
• Improvement with the training division.
• Leadership and majority of members who are extremely proud to serve the City of Pasco
• Line staff commitment to community
• Momentum
• Open minded to change; passion to be better
• Our fire and EMS skills
• Our image
• Positive impacts with citizens on calls
• Service delivery
• That as a line firefighter we have great support from our administration in all aspects of what it
takes to do our job.
• Those who believe in and abide by the Vision statements and Core values.
• The pride its members have to be working for the City of Pasco Fire Department.
• Working as a team
Page 85 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
54
In your opinion, what is the Department’s single greatest weakness?
• Accountability (7)
• Administration is very disconnected with how line personnel think and feel about day to day
issues. New FF and Paramedics have come in enthusiastic and motivated to only be discouraged
routinely after their thoughts and opinions have been disregarded or ignored entirely by the
administration.
• ARFF training
• Avoiding dealing with the uncomfortable conversations with personnel issues.
• Being influenced by a young crowd who want change because it's trending.
• The City has been growing and struggling to keep up with new hires, stations, equipment.
• Communication throughout the Department in a timely manner (8)
• Consistency in management
• Current morale, which is a double edge sword, it needs to be updated but no one likes to be
displaced.
• Different shifts working at different levels, not consistent with operations; lacking continuity (15)
• Engaging all members to strive to be better in certain subjects
• Gossip (4)
• Growing too fast. Hard to get projects complete when the next great idea is coming along.
• Its people (2)
• Keeping up with all the changes
• Lack of activity from some of the older members
• Lack of overall prevention education in all aspects.
• Lack of Paramedics to be actual paramedics, not officer medics.
• Lack of Spanish speakers. Maybe offer classes for medical Spanish.
• More focus on systems than the people
• More than ever I believe we need to hire the right people as we are hiring entry-level the good
and bad hires with being here an entire career
• Not holding high ranking officers to the same standards as line workers
• Rapidly growing quicker than experience can be gained
• Sound consistent leadership. At times it seems we are more about words than actions.
• Spread too thin, too few people doing too much of the workload
• Stagnation and involvement at the BC level.
• The climate of construction and COVID, the world is currently depressing. It’s hard to escape.
• The current stage of transition between old school and new school
• The probation period and process
• There could be more company training
• Those that do not follow/value the Vision statements and Core values.
• Treating the Department as a true job instead of a calling to serve
• Trying to be proactive without the proper infrastructure, it feels like sometimes the Department
has too many irons in the fire
• Unrealistic expectations of the line staff
Page 86 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
55
In your opinion, what single greatest opportunity should the Department take
advantage of in the future?
• A rapidly growing city; planning for PFD growth to keep pace (21)
• We are hiring at a rate that can make or break our culture. We should hire employees that fit our
mission, vision, and values. It is important that we "fill seats" but not at the cost of our healthy
culture. (12)
• Community outreach (3)
• Building up the people
• Continuing to build relationships between other cities and counties
• Creating intuitive leaders to guide personnel as they grow professionally and personally.
• Introducing CRR to new members and changing the culture within the Department to be more
proactive with CRR.
• Manage the personnel to guide the passion and enthusiasm of personnel without leaning too
heavily on them resulting in burnout.
• More community outreach and involvement after COVID passes.
• More grants
• More in state and out of state mobilization opportunities for wildfires. It can be a great money
maker for the Department and fantastic training and experience opportunities for the individuals
who go on them.
• Preparing for the “what if” scenarios that seem to be more of the norm as of late. Pandemics, line
staff wellbeing, community education.
• Public image, trust
• Regional Fire Authority
• Seeking more training opportunities
• Technological advancements, without hampering the crews such as clean cabs. Looks good on
paper but not best for citizens.
• The airport
• The current funding we have now to deeply engrained in so many new fire employees, of what
and how the purpose of the Pasco Fire Department has been and still is; provide selfless service to
our community.
• The motivation and willingness to improve and become the best we can be.
• The opportunity to continue a great working relationship with the City as the Department
continues to grow and expand the number of stations
• Truck academy.
• Try to bring people closer together while expanding into multiple new stations/growth
• We have the opportunity to lead the tri-cities in all training, both for line personnel and officers.
There is an open-door to groom young officers, and improve current officers by taking the
initiative to providing a program of consistent training.
• We have the support of our community. We need to talk the City into raising funds (taxes) for
programs that will set us up for the continued growth of the city. We are barely keeping up. It
would be nice to be ahead of the growth.
Page 87 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
56
In your opinion, what is the single most significant threat that the Department faces in
the future?
• Not hiring the right people is huge; plan for our future. There are a lot of good people out there
testing but we must look at who the person will be beyond probation. Not hiring locally. (23)
• Change of top leadership (Chief) with an array of changes that may not be taken well with more
senior employees (12)
• A City Manager, Fire Chief, Mayor, or City Council that has differing opinions than those
currently filling those roles have. (7)
• An economic downturn locally (5)
• City growth (4)
• Morale. If we continue to take each other out at the knees, we will self-implode. COVID has
definitely not helped with the tension and stress. (3)
• Individualism, egos (2)
• Complacency of its members
• Continued rapid growth.
• Division
• Fulfilling the needs of the community
• Losing ambulance funding
• Losing paramedics or having a paramedic shortage
• Members not trusting each other.
• New requirements and practices because of COVID.
• Paramedic Burnout
• People not being held accountable for conduct outside of work.
• Public opinion on how to do our job
• Rapid growth without proper training or maintaining hiring standards
• Shift /company crew divisiveness
• Single-minded opinions driving the direction of the body itself
• Strong leaders retiring and not teaching the younger crews valuable skills that are necessary to
be successful
• Members making poor decisions the reflect on PFD
• The disconnect between admin and line personnel, especially the Paramedics.
Page 88 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
57
APPENDIX C: TIMELINE
Objectives Task Team Critical
90 Days
Short
< 1 year
Mid
1 to 3
years
Long
3 to 5
years
1B1: Equip every station with a whiteboard for
inventory documentation. Shift Change
1B2: Create a standardized list of station chores
for shift change. Shift Change
1B3: Develop morning shift apparatus transfer
check-off sheet. Shift Change
1B4: Revise daily station duties (apparatus &
station chores) to clarify off-going shift
responsibilities.
Shift Change
4D1: Interview/survey paramedics and former
paramedics to determine their job satisfaction
and their motivation for pursuing this career.
Medic
1A1: Develop a baseline survey on the current
state of solidarity in the Department. Solidarity
1A2: Develop action plans to implement
programs to address issues in the solidarity
survey.
Solidarity
1A3: Conduct team-building
exercises/workshops. Solidarity
1C1: Chief/Deputy Chief attend a shift briefing for
each shift once per month to address any
questions or comments on Department
information.
Informed ongoing
1C2: Station officers police unverified
information and debunk misinformation. Informed ongoing
1D1: Maintain a high level of quarterly standards
for training hours by subject for Fire, EMS, &
Special Ops.
Cross-Shift
Training
1D2: Conduct quarterly EMS training to meet
PFD training standards.
Cross-Shift
Training
2B1: Identify and memorialize fire department
traditions. Traditions
2B2: Select fire department events which lend
themselves to community involvement. Traditions
2B3: Notify, prepare, and schedule personnel for
these tradition events. Traditions
2B4: Promote and inform the community of the
tradition events utilizing social media platforms. Traditions
Page 89 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
58
Objectives Task Team
Critical
90 Days
Short
< 1 year
Mid
1 to 3
years
Long
3 to 5
years
3A1: Replace portable radios with compliant
equipment to meet the Region 8 standard. Technology
3B1: Maintain a high level of standards for
personnel training and certification. Training ongoing
3D1: Create an Apparatus Committee for
purchasing to include 3–6 members who are
current apparatus operators (1–2 members per
shift).
Apparatus
3E1: Work with SECOMM to fulfill
recommendations of the WSRB PPC-3
maintenance plan.
PPC-3
3F1: Identify elements within the Comp Plan that
have impacts to emergency service delivery. Master Plan
3F2: Quantify Comp Plan impacts to the WSRB
PPC-3. Master Plan
3F3: Acquire authorization and funding to
develop a master plan update in 2021. Master Plan
3F4: Develop master plan update. Master Plan
4A1: Continue and enhance the Lieutenant
Academy. Succession
4A2: Deliver the Lieutenant Academy to all
members on LT Eligibility List. Succession
4A3: Offer the Lieutenant Academy to those
eligible for upgrade. Succession
4A4: Develop an Acting Battalion Chief Academy. Succession
4A5: Deliver Battalion Chief Academy to all
members on BC Eligibility List. Succession
4A6: Offer Battalion Chief Academy to those
eligible for upgrade. Succession
4A7: Identify and distribute testing resources
when preparing for a promotional exam. Succession
4A8: Identify and create career development
road maps for all positions and specialties. Succession
4A9: Create position- and specialty-specific exit
strategies. Succession
4B1: Provide officer training on writing objective
personnel performance evaluations. Officer CE
4C1: Provide officer training on writing objective
personnel performance evaluations. Evaluation
4D2: Identify patterns/themes from survey
results that are obstacles to job satisfaction. Medic
Page 90 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
59
4D3: Create a Paramedic Committee (2 per shift)
to work with administration to implement
changes identified.
Medic
Objectives Task Team
Critical
90 Days
Short
< 1 year
Mid
1 to 3
years
Long
3 to 5
years
4D4: Modify recruitment efforts to entice
qualified individuals to pursue paramedic cert. Medic
4D5: Re-evaluate recruitment strategies for new
hire paramedics, to include a potential
partnership with Columbia Basin CC.
Medic
1A4: Senior staff ensures consistency between
shifts at the Battalion Chief level. Solidarity
1A5: Design, develop, and implement shift to
shift fitness competitions. Solidarity
1A6: Design, develop, and implement sporting
competitions (e.g., i.e., corn hole, Frisbee golf,
softball) between agencies (PPD, Richland,
Kennewick).
Solidarity
1A7: Conduct a post-implementation survey
(biannually) to determine whether the goal was
met.
Solidarity ongoing
1D3: Specialty teams conduct cross shift
quarterly training.
Cross-Shift
Training
1D4: Conduct Multi-Company Operations (MCO)
using cross-shift configuration at least annually.
Cross-Shift
Training
2A1: Create a list of current community events. Outreach ongoing
2A2: Identify the needs of each community
event. Outreach ongoing
2A3: Create educational content based on the
audience's needs. Outreach
2A4: Notify, prepare, and schedule personnel to
attend community events. Outreach ongoing
2A5: Identify social media platforms to support
the above objectives. Outreach
2A6: Develop and implement social media
strategies to further enhance engagement with
our community.
Outreach ongoing
Page 91 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
60
2C1: Identify non-English speaking groups within
the community. ESL
2C2: Identify and utilize community partners to
assist with communication. ESL
2C3: Invite selected community partners to
present cultural awareness training to PFD. ESL
2C4: Identify resources for bilingual language
training for current employees. ESL
Objectives Task Team Critical
90 Days
Short
< 1 year
Mid
1 to 3
years
Long
3 to 5
years
2C5: Identify communication/interpretation tools
(pictograph). ESL
3A2: Schedule periodic meetings with IS/IT to
evaluate the technological needs of PFD. Technology
3A3: Research improvements in
hardware/software relied upon by PFD. Technology
3A4: Implement findings from technology
hardware/software research. Technology
3B2: Conduct quarterly training between
technical and non-technical team members. Training
3C1: Adopt a 60-second turnout time, 90% of the
time for EMS responses.
Response
Time
3C2: Adopt an 80-second turnout time, 90% of
the time for fire responses.
Response
Time
3E2: Work with Public Works to continually
review the recommendation of the WSRB PPC-3
maintenance plan.
PPC-3
3E3: Work with Code Enforcement/Planning
Department to implement the recommendations
of the WSRB PPC-3 maintenance plan.
PPC-3
3E4: Ensure City Shops staff who work on PFD
apparatus are qualified Emergency Vehicle
Technicians.
PPC-3
3E5: Educate all PFD fire personnel to understand
the components of the WSRB rating system. PPC-3
4B2: Identify and standardize annual officer
training (continuing education) by rank. Officer CE
4C2: PFD Administration, Union, & HR
collaborate to align evaluation criteria with PFD
position descriptions & adjust the grading scale.
Evaluation
4C3: Adjust the evaluation process to facilitate
360-degree feedback for those being evaluated. Evaluation
Page 92 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
61
2C6: Train department personnel on the proper
use of selected tools and resources
(objectives 2C2–4).
ESL
2C7: Encourage labor/management discussion on
increasing the scope of the bilingual incentive
(include more languages than Spanish).
ESL
2C8: Actively recruit bilingual candidates through
community engagement. ESL
Objectives Task Team Critical
90 Days
Short
< 1 year
Mid
1 to 3
years
Long
3 to 5
years
3C3: Conduct a GIS study to see what options are
available to decrease travel time (station
locations, fastest route of travel).
Response
Time
3D2: Purchase apparatus as determined by the
Apparatus Committee. Apparatus
4B3: Seek and obtain outside sources of
continuing education. Officer CE
4D6: Create an exit strategy for incumbents to
request dropping their paramedic certification. Medic
4D7: Conduct surveys of incumbent paramedics
(post-implementation surveys) to determine the
effectiveness of measures taken in objs 4D1–6.
Medic
4D8: Re-evaluate and adjust as necessary to
respond to the results of the post-
implementation surveys.
Medic
Page 93 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
62
APPENDIX D: TASK WORKSHEET
Initiative: Person(s) Responsible: Desired Outcome(s):
Goal:
Objective: Timeline:
# Task Assigned/Delegated Start
Date
Completion
Date
Cost
Estimate Comments
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 94 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
63
APPENDIX E: INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF PLANNING EFFORT
Progress Review of the 2016 Master Plan and 2017 Strategic Plan
by Battalion Chief Garrett Jenks, Pasco Fire Dept.
As we look to 2021 with eagerness to start anew, and hope filled hearts that a resemblance of normalcy will indeed
return, it is important to have a detailed plan in place to navigate the unforeseen. The last few years at the PFD have
been filled with extreme growth and development at an accelerated pace. Much to the credit of an aggressive and
proactive administration and the dedication and commitment of labor, the PFD has remained focused and steadfast. The
labor pool has grown from 57 to 81 personnel, accounting for a 42% growth rate. A new station was opened, as was a
new training center to serve the PFD and its consortium partners. Station alerting was updated with new technology and
communications were moved to a new dispatch center, and apparatus continue to be updated. Through these efforts
and the collaborative effort of other city departments, the health and safety of the citizens of Pasco have improved. As a
result the PFD received a class 3 rating from the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau, surpassing the previous goal
set by council to receive a class 4 rating.
The guiding priorities and path laid out to follow have been set by the 2016 Emergency Services Master Plan, and the
2017 Strategic Plan. The PFD is currently putting the finishing touches on the updated 2021 Strategic Plan, which will
continue to be a guide for the next few years. As we transition from the 2017 strategic plan to the 2021 plan it is
important not to abandon the progress made in the previous initiatives and goals, and continue to make progress on
those that are not yet complete. As I compare and contrast the two plans the following are areas that have allowed for
progression and/or continuation of efforts moving forward.
A significant amount of the 2017 strategic plan was focused on improving the areas of the fire department that are used
by the WSRB for its rating. These areas include water supply, fire department, emergency communications, and fire
safety control. The following are initiatives and/or goals that were put in place in the 2017 plan that helped improve the
PFD WSRB rating.
2017 Initiative 1 Service Delivery and Infrastructure
Items that were completed and/or are in progress include the opening of station 84 which is fully staffed and
operational. The relocation of station 83 near RD 76 and Sandifur, to provide better coverage and protection to the
north and north west part of the city. This newly constructed and relocated station will open January 2021. The training
tower is fully operational and serves the PFD and region as the main training location for recruit academies. The
consolidation of the dispatch centers is complete. SECOMM is serving as the regional dispatch center. This improved
dispatching times and reduced the duplication of efforts in many cases.
The Pasco City Council has set the goal of maintaining the class 3 rating, thus in the 2021 plan the goal was set to reflect
the council’s goal. To make this happen the WSRB maintenance plan will be updated in early 2021. Many of the items
already spoken of will also help meet the council’s goal of a 6 minute travel time to emergency scenes. The 2021 plan
sets objectives of having a 60 second turnout time for EMS calls and an 80 second turnout time for fire calls 90% of the
time, which matches the NFPA 1710 standard.
Items mentioned in the 2016 Master Plan that are ongoing, and will have a positive impact on the WSRB rating involve
improving the hydrant and maintenance program, pre-fire planning, and plans review process. Specifically building
inspection services should be merged with the fire department. This can be done by hiring a full time fire marshal within
the PFD. The fire marshal would coordinate with code enforcement to provide collaborative efforts to provide consistent
plans across multiple jurisdictions. Efforts could then be placed on the PFD training division to get crews involved in
annual inspections, with the dual purpose of providing site familiarity to the crews. Priority would be placed upon
Page 95 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
64
occupancies that are deemed “high risk” through the plans review process. A continual strong partnership with public
works is needed to ensure hydrant maintenance and record keeping. The color coding of the hydrants has been
discussed but progress is yet to be made.
Progress made in initiative 1 has allowed for the progression and the setting of goals within the 2021 plan. The new
training tower has allowed the PFD to set a higher standard for training and competence. A new goal has been set to
maintain a high level of training standards, including minimum training hours. Also cross-shift training to be conducted
at least quarterly, thus ensuring the technical competence of all personnel.
2017 Initiative 2 Succession Planning
In preparing the 2017 strategic plan the need for career development was identified. A great amount time and effort has
occurred during the last few years putting processes in place to allow for career development. It starts on day one as the
new recruit enters the fire academy. Each academy has improved upon the successes of the previous one. The last
academy held in February 2020 consisted of 13 recruits (6 PFD & 7 RFD), attending 16 weeks, totaling 784 academy
hours, of which 520 were hands on training hours. This rigorous academy gives each new recruit a strong foundation to
build upon. Once the recruit completes probation there are numerous avenues to pursue. One might have interest in
specializing and become a member of one of the many teams; i.e. technical rescue team, water rescue team, vehicle and
machinery extrication team, and hazardous materials team. If one wants to become a paramedic, there is an avenue in
place for that as well. Efforts to develop a common training manual for the Tri-City fire departments and districts should
be continued.
Progress was also made preparing future officers for the positions they would fill, and the added responsibilities that
would be placed upon them. Recently PFD held its first Lieutenant academy, giving the newly promoted Lieutenants an
overview of their position. In 2019 the department also brought in Janice Corbin with Sound Employment Solutions to
facilitate monthly officer training, benefiting all officers who attended.
The 2021 plan builds off progress already made. The Lieutenant academy had a lot of positive feedback, to the point
that the goal was set to enhance the academy, and offer it to all who are on the eligibility list and/or to members who
could find themselves in that role. There was also a strong desire to develop an acting Battalion Chief academy. Through
surveys and discussion it was determined that the department should seek opportunities to better prepare future
officers and educate the current officers through outside resources. An objective to set a minimum amount of
continuing education hours for all officers, and improve the employee evaluation process is of high priority.
2017 Initiative 3 Health and Safety
It may seem amiss to talk about station alerting under the heading of health and safety but studies show that sleep and
the way we come out of sleep play a big part of an individual health profile. For the last several years the PFD has been
fully invested in improving the station alerting systems. Station 82 is the first to come online with the new Locution
system, new station 83 and 84 will follow in 2021 and 81 is currently being retrofitted. The Locution system will also
have positive impacts on response times. Locution will simultaneously dispatch multiple stations instead of the current
tiered dispatching that causes delays in the crews turnout times. This will also help PFD maintain the class 3 WSRB rating
as well as addressing the overall response time goals.
The Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program has gained a lot of traction throughout the city. Much of this can be
attributed to Ben Shearer, the manager of the program. Many relationships have been forged with community partners,
benefiting citizens who are failing to thrive or who are suffering from mental health. Community Risk Reduction also has
worked with schools providing fire safety education. A partnership with the Red Cross has allowed hundreds of smoke
alarms to be installed, and batteries replaced in the smoke detectors in homes of those who may not have the capacity
or means to do so otherwise. Frequent users off the 911 system have received specialized attention and care from our
partnership with Consistent Cares via the Pasco Resource Navigator (PRN) program. The PFD and Consistent Cares share
Page 96 of 101
Pasco Fire Department, WA Strategic Plan, 2020
65
an employee that makes this possible. In 2021 this employee will work full time for the PFD. Priorities of the program
continue to be set using Vision 20/20 as a resource.
This work continues to be emphasized in the 2021 strategic plan. Many aspects of Community Risk Reduction program
and community outreach are aspects of WSRB rating. The 2021 plan has an entire initiative entitled “Community
Outreach”. The goals of this initiative focus on increasing the physical presence of the PFD members in the community,
focusing on involvement in community events and sharing the fire department traditions and culture with the
community. It was identified that amid the 2020 Covid Pandemic, the department should focus on growing its presence
on social media; reaching audiences that otherwise would not be possible at this time.
Other items that are noteworthy include the progress that has been made revising the Airport Emergency Plan to reflect
the remodels and additions that have occurred at the Pasco Airport. Daily and/or weekly interactions between PFD
personnel and airport staff have strengthened the partnering relationship between the two agencies.
The 2016 Master Plan identified the need to have plan to assure that all administrative functions have a backup
provider. During the last year additional positions have been created and filled to make this happen. i.e. a 2nd Deputy
Chief and the medical/training officer assistant. The one position that needs to be created and filled is the 2nd
administrative assistant. The current plan is to add that position when the Administration Staff moves into the new
Station 84. With the updated 2021 Strategic Plan it will fulfill nearly all the goals and priorities of the 2016 Master Plan;
making it important to revise the master plan in the very near future.
This brief overview of the two plans highlights areas of focus within the plans. It is not a complete comparison but rather
an attempt to show how the 2021 strategic plan continues to build off of the progress made with the 2017 plan and how
work continues to achieve the goals of the 2016 Master Plan.
Page 97 of 101
AGENDA REPORT
FOR: City Council January 21, 2021
TO: Dave Zabell, City Manager Workshop Meeting: 1/25/21
FROM: Rick White, Director
Community & Economic Development
SUBJECT: Ordinance - PMC Amendment Title 20 - HPC Staffing (CA-2021-001)
I. REFERENCE(S):
Proposed Ordinance
II. ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL / STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Discussion
III. FISCAL IMPACT:
IV. HISTORY AND FACTS BRIEF:
The City Council approved the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC) Title 27, "Historic
Preservation" (Ordinance No. 3785) in August 2006 to facilitate Special Tax
Valuation for State and National Historic Register properties within the City
(PMC Title 27 has since been re-codified as PMC Title 20).
Section 101(c) of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 16 USC 470
(Historic Preservation Act), provides that local governments may facilitate
Special Tax Valuation for State and National Historic Register properties if
certified to do so by the State Historic Preservation Officer. In that regard -
Pasco is a "Certified Local Government" and is eligible to offer this incentive for
preservation of historic structures.
The Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) specifies the
desired in experience “hav[ing] as qualifications local of professionals
identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic resources and are selected from
among the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning,
prehistoric and historic archaeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation,
conservation, and landscape architecture, or related disciplines.”
While Preservation the DAHP also specifies that a Historic Commission
Page 98 of 101
“should include at least one professional that meets the Secretary of the
Interior's Qualification Standards” - Pasco Municipal Code Section
least “at include requires the that 20.10.020(2) Commission two (2)
professionals who have experience in identifying, evaluating, and protecting
historic resources and are selected from among the disciplines of architecture,
history, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic archaeology,
folklore, conservation, curatorship, landscape cultural anthropology,
architecture, or related disciplines.”
V. DISCUSSION:
Given the difficulty of finding and retaining commissioners and committee
members architects, as such historians, and generally, professionals
archaeologists, or historic preservationists specifically, staff suggests that it is
necessary to amend PMC Section 20.10.020(2) to allow for more discretion to
City Council in selecting volunteers to fill vacancies in the Historic Preservation
Commission.
Staff recruitment, proposes to amend the PMC, with regards to HPC
requirements by requiring one less "qualified professional," as per the attached
draft ordinance.
Staff welcome City Council discussion of the proposed minor code
amendment.
Page 99 of 101
Ordinance - Amending Composition of HPC - 1
ORDINANCE NO. _______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO,
WASHINGTON, RELATING TO COMPOSITION OF THE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION, AMENDING PMC SECTIONS 20.10.020(1)
AND (2) “COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION.”
WHEREAS, Section 101(c) of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 16 USC
470 (Historic Preservation Act), as amended, provides that local governments may facilitate
Special Tax Valuation for State and National Historic Register properties if certified to do so by
the State Historic Preservation Officer; and,
WHEREAS, RCW 27.34 provides that the Director of the Department of Archaeology &
Historic Preservation (DAHP) is the State Historic Preservation Officer in Washington State
responsible for certifying local governments under the Historic Preservation Act, along with
providing technical assistance and education related to historic preservation; and,
WHEREAS, The City Council approved Title 27 Historic Preservation (Ordinance 3785)
in August 2006 to facilitate Special Tax Valuation for State and National Historic Register
properties within the City; and
WHEREAS, Title 27 has since been re-codified as Title 20; and,
WHEREAS, the DAHP website specifies that a Historic Preservation Commission
“should include at least one professional that meets the Secretary of the Interior's Qualification
Standards;” and,
WHEREAS, the DAHP website’s model local ordinance specifies the desired
qualifications of local professionals as “hav[ing] experience in identifying, evaluating, and
protecting historic resources and are selected from among the disciplines of architecture, history,
architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic archaeology, folklore, cultural
anthropology, curation, conservation, and landscape architecture, or related disciplines;” and,
WHEREAS, Section 20.10.020(2) “Composition of the Commission,” requires that the
Commission include “at least two (2) professionals who have experience in identifying, evaluating,
and protecting historic resources and are selected from among the disciplines of architecture,
history, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic archaeology, folklore, cultural
anthropology, curatorship, conservation, landscape architecture, or related disciplines;” and,
WHEREAS, given the difficulty of finding and retaining commissioners and committee
members generally, and professionals such as architects, historians, archaeologists, or historic
preservationists specifically, the City deems it necessary to amend PMC Section 20.10.020(2) to
allow for more discretion to the City Council in selecting volunteers to fill vacancies in the Historic
Preservation Commission; and,
Page 100 of 101
Ordinance - Amending Composition of HPC - 2
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO,
WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That PMC 20.10.020(1) and (2) “Composition of the Commission,” of the
Pasco Municipal Code shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
PMC 20.10.020 Composition of the Commission
(1) All members of the Commission must have a demonstrated interest and competence in historic
preservation and possess qualities of impartiality and broad judgment.
(2) The Commission shall always include at least two one professionals who have has experience
in identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic resources and are selected from among the
disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic
archaeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curatorship, conservation, landscape architecture, or
related disciplines. The Commission action that would otherwise be valid shall not be rendered
invalid by the temporary vacancy of one or all of the professional positions. Furthermore,
exception to the residency requirement of Commission members may be granted by the Mayor
and City Council in order to obtain representatives from these disciplines.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take full force and effect five (5) days after its approval,
passage and publication as required by law.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, this ______ day of
__________ 2021.
Saul Martinez
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ____________________________
Debra Barham, CMC Kerr Ferguson Law, PLLC
City Clerk City Attorney
Published: _____________________
Page 101 of 101