VCOS Radio: Creating A Successful Combination Fire Department

Oct. 2, 2008

Volunteer fire departments are seeing a decrease in personnel and some agencies are going in the direction of combination operations. This podcast, hosted by IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers' Section (VCOS) Director Tim Wall looks at creating a successful combination fire service.

This round table discussion includes Executive Director Ted Aroesty, of the Brighton, NY, Fire Department; Fire Chief John M. Buckman from German Township, IN and Chief Tom Maloney, of Snohomish County, WA, Fire Department.

All three are veteran members of combination departments and offer insight into the needs of a department when it's going to tranisition to a combination agency. From including the members of the fire department and the communitry in the planning process, to ensuring a positive work environment, this ideas are sure to help departments in similar situations.

They also discuss the need to plan out the long term goals of the department and making sure all of the tasks are covered, but keeping every roll in the department filled by qualified and interested personnel.

This edition of VCOS Radio wraps up with a preview of the VCOS Symposium in the Sun that takes place Oct. 30 - Nov. 2 in Clearwater Beach, FL.

Send any comments, questions of feedback to: [email protected].

Related Links

VCOS Website

• Register Now: VCOS Symposium in the Sun

The Transition from Volunteer to Combination (PDF)

VCOS Blue Ribbon Report (PDF)

VCOS Red Ribbon Report (PDF)

VCOS White Ribbon Report (PDF)

IPOD Compatible:

• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here

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