W.Va. Volunteers Make 15-Year Strategic Plan

March 26--LEWISBURG -- With the release earlier this month of a long-range strategic plan, the Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department is attempting to map a course for the next 15 years and beyond, according to Chief Wayne Pennington.

In the plan's introduction, Pennington writes, "An important part of the planning process included evaluating the past and current culture, programs and services of the organization and anticipating the future by evaluating new trends, guidelines and standards that influence emergency services."

The 28-page plan outlines the projected needs and goals of the department in such areas as personnel, facilities, training and vehicles and equipment.

With a fire district comprising a 99-square-mile area, the Lewisburg VFD has 12 active volunteer firefighters and four career personnel, along with a 17-person volunteer support membership that assists with technical operations and administrative duties.

Pennington has long said something has to be done to bolster the company's staffing levels, both in terms of paid personnel and volunteers, and the strategic plan reflects that goal. In the short term -- defined in the plan as encompassing fiscal years 2012-13 through 2016-17 -- the department's goal includes hiring three additional driver/operators and a fire chief aide, as well as continuing to recruit volunteers.

Pennington believes a proposed partnership with the New River Community and Technical College to set up a two-year degree program in fire science would benefit the community, the school and the department. In the model now being discussed, the program would require students to serve internships with an established fire company.

"We would be ecstatic to run their internship program," Pennington says.

He notes there is sentiment in federal circles that favors standardizing firefighter training on a national level to enhance homeland security, a trend that Lewisburg and New River could help lead.

When talk turns to facilities, Pennington firmly states that Fire Station No. 1 must be relocated. The current building on Foster Street has a panoply of well-documented problems, including questionable structural integrity and inadequate facilities.

"We are in the process of selecting a site for a new station, but we haven't spoken with any land owners yet," Pennington says.

Two locations have been identified, and both are north of the city's historical district, he confirms.

Basing the figures on market prices and estimates, the VFD's strategic plan calls for an expenditure in the upcoming year of $200,000 to acquire a site for the new firehouse. The cost of building the 16,000-square-foot station is estimated at $4.8 million.

"It's not a Taj Mahal," Pennington cautions. "It's a pretty basic building."

As with most hoped-for improvements, the price tag presents a major stumbling block for Station No. 1's relocation.

The city funds 93 percent of the VFD's budget, which totaled $441,157 last year. Pennington says additional revenue streams must be tapped in order to continue the level of service the VFD provides.

"It's being discussed nationally, on the state level and soon on the local level," he says of the widespread need for more money for emergency services. "It's evident there's going to have to be more funding."

He says the county's firefighters association is working on proposals to increase funding for all of Greenbrier County's fire companies.

"It's not because we just think we need it; we can prove we need it," Pennington says.

Copies of Lewisburg VFD's strategic plan can be viewed at City Hall and Fire Station No. 1. As soon as the VFD's website is restored to action following a redesign, Pennington says he plans to post the plan online as well.

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Copyright 2012 - The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.