2006-04-12 Fire Commission Minutes

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Commissioner Kudlo inquired on whether the pagers were included in the budget designated to the volunteer program. Captain Enriques replied that it was. Commissioner Okabe asked whether the volunteers and paid firefighters received the same training. Captain Enriques replied that the volunteer programs training is a condensed version of the career firefighters. Commissioner Kudlo inquired as to how volunteers receive their gear. Captain Enriques replied that logistically the Fire Department supplies them with their gear and keeps track of their physicals. Commissioner Matsuda asked whether there was sufficient number of applicants for the volunteer program. Captain Enriques answered that it depends on the location. There are some volunteercompaniesthatneedtorecruitmoreindividualsandothersthat require a waitlist. Chief Oliveira previously discussed with him decreasing the voluntary companies maximum members from 15 to 12. At the present time, the minimum per company is six. Commissioner Kudlo mentioned that the Koa Kai Estates Community Association wants to make a monetary donation to the Ocean View Volunteers and asked how this type of donation might be disbursed. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda answered that donations can be offered directly to the Fire Department. However, it would need to be approved by the County Council. Once the monetary donation is accepted and approved, Commissioner Kudlo asked whether purchases would be made for that stations needs. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda replied that the money would go to the HCFD, and the department would purchase the stations needs. Captain Enriques commented that there is a time consuming process involved when receiving donations. Commissioner Kudlo asked when Captain Enriques would be given assistance in the Volunteer Division. Volunteer Fire Chief Brandt stated that the County Council was very firm at the March 29, 2006 meeting that the additional assistance would be funded through the supplemental budget. 4