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Anticipating both Fire Equipment Operator and Fire Captain promotions to <br />be effective on August 16, 2006. <br /> Open Recruitments include: <br />th <br />34 Firefighter Recruit class: The recruits who were earlier <br />introduced; began on July 3, 2006. <br />thth <br />35 and 36 Firefighter Recruit class: Written exams were held and <br />will be scheduling physical agility tests for September. Thereafter, a <br />candidate pool will be established in order to identify candidates for <br />th <br />both classes. Anticipating the 35 class to begin by the end of the <br />th <br />year and the 36 class to begin in Spring of 2007. <br />Fire Radio Dispatchers: Four new dispatchers started their training <br />on July 17, 2006. At the present time, they are scheduled for a <br />familiarization of the Puna district and are unable to attend today’s <br />meeting. However, arrangements will be made to have the <br />dispatchers introduced to the commission. The dispatchers began <br />their first response training, and will be familiarized with button runs, <br />operations, and geography of the island. Appreciation was offered to <br />Deputy Corporation Counsel Diane Noda who provided her expertise <br />to the dispatchers regarding the legalities involved when offering public <br />assistance. <br />Commissioner Bertsch inquired on the extent of the training program. <br />Assistant Chief Mento replied that it requires a year of training. <br />Commissioner Okabe questioned what the average dispatcher’s length <br />of employment was and whether there was a lack of commitment to <br />the position. <br />Assistant Chief Mento answered that the longest employed <br />dispatcher’s length of years were 25+. The department has within the <br />past four years lost half of its staff for various reasons. Therefore, the <br />HFD has acknowledged some deficiencies and is attempting to <br />address those issues. <br />Commissioner Okabe commented that the Police Department and the <br />Police Commission discussed the same concerns regarding its <br />dispatchers. It is necessary to address the needs of the dispatchers. <br />Chair Maedo stated that it should be communicated at the “front door” <br />on what the job would entail; sometimes individuals may come in with <br />different expectations. <br />5 <br /> <br />