2003-07-09 Fire Commission Minutes

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Commissioner Hart stated that the HFC should listen to the Corporation Counsel and no further action is needed. Commissioner Wallace stated that it is an unfortunate situation and the Corporation Counsel handled this matter appropriately. A letter was sent to the complainant. There are no guilty feelings. It may feel uncomfortable for Ms. Ward After discussion, the motion approving written communication NoÓs. 03-41 through 03- 51 was unanimously carried. Nothing further regarding Ms. KawananakoaÓs letter. CHIEFÓS REPORT Chief Oliveira introduced volunteer student helper Isaiah Nakano. Isaiah was recruited to volunteer for the summer. Isaiah puts in 20 hours a week totaling 120 hours for the summer. This opportunity gives him exposure to the Fire Service. Activities that Isaiah participated in include: filing, waxing of the fire truck, water drill, hangs out with recruits, etc. Budget: status quo budget was approved. There is funding for three (3) HOVE Driver positions and two (2) Fire Prevention Inspector I positio filled this summer. No supplemental budgets were approved for any departments. Grants: A USFA grant match was included in the budget. Over $42 equipment and resources with a 30% match from the County. Chief Oliveira demonstrated a piece of equipment called the Ðthermal imagerÑ. The imager picks up any temperature differential in the room. As it is pointed at a different object; it will give an image of what the object is. It can identify corridors, victims, etc. Will be used in the field. The range is from 3 feet to infinity. It can also track imprints on the wall where heat was left on the wall from body temperature. Trying to get this unit that costs about $8,000 per unit. Problems that may be encountered are how quickly the items are refreshed and keeping up with image searching. The imager has limitless uses. Through a radio transmitter it can be hooke searching in the building, people can see from outside of the building. All resources are made available to agencies; i.e. police, etc. Item will be maintained in the AC vehicles and HAZMAT. CIP: Deputy Wery and the Accountant are attending a grant management meeting. Promotions & hiring: Second group of firefighter recruits will start on August 1. Would like to have a class of at least 12 student recruits. On-going recruitment is in the works. An agility exam to be issued in the fall. There are 41 vacancies in the HFD, 33 at the firefighter level. Four (4) retirements coming up this year will increase staffing shortage. Training conducted is based on national standards and fundamental needs. More time is being spent Ðhands onÑ. The a 3