HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0001.10 - Response from Chief Rosario - Qualifications for Fire ChiefHarry Kim
Mayor
(ountp of 9aihat`i
HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT
25 Aupuni Street • Suite 2501 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 932-2900 • Fax (808) 932-2928
November 30, 2018
TO : DOUGLAS SHIPMAN ADAMS, CHAIR
HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION
FROM : DARREN J. ROSARIO, FIRE CHIEF
SUBJECT : QUALIFICATIONS FOR FIRE CHIEF
Darren J. Rosario
Fire Chief
Lance S. Uchida
Deputy Fire Chief
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input related to the existing qualifications for a person
to be appointed as Fire Chief Currently, an applicant would need only five (5) years of
firefighting experience inclusive of at least three years in a responsible administrative capacity
among other minimum qualifications.
The ranks below Fire Chief in the Hawai`i Fire Department have more stringent minimum
qualifications. I would like to provide the following input for consideration as minimum
qualifications to better align potential candidates with requirements of subordinate members of
our department.
1. Consider eliminating the residency requirement
a. Current residency requirement may limit the pool size of candidates should
department members not seek the position.
I. Local knowledge of the area and hazards are a great asset that can be
incorporated into the preferred skill sets identified by the Fire Commission.
II. Emergency Medical Services Mobile Intensive Care Technician licensure or
Emergency Medical Technician certification can be incorporated into the
preferred skill sets as well.
III. Preferred skill sets is an approved tool that the Fire Commission can utilize
when screening all applicants without being part of the minimum
qualifications set by the Charter.
2. Shall possess a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license, Class 3 minimum.
a. Minimum requirement for entry into the department
3. A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:
a. Graduation from an accredited college or university, and
b. 12 years of fire service experience of which 10 years must have been
cumulative experience as a Fire Captain or higher in the Hawai`i Fire
Department or a fire service department of equivalent size, or
Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Comm. No. 1.10
Fire Chief Qualifications
November 30, 2018
Page 2
c. In the absence of graduation from an accredited college or university, shall have 14
years of fire service experience of which 12 years must have been cumulative
experience as a Fire Captain or higher in the Hawai`i Fire Department of a fire
service department of equivalent size.
I. This would be in line with the progression of grade experience required in
promotional opportunities in the lower ranks in the department.
II. The Human Resources Department provides that two (2) years of
additional years of service can be used in lieu of a college degree.
These qualifications makes it fair for all department members to work towards meeting the
minimum qualifications to be considered for the position through a normal promotional rank
progression. It will also provide the Fire Commission with a pool of credible eligible candidates
without making the minimum qualifications so stringent that they are provided with a limited
eligible pool. As noted earlier the Fire Commission may elect to develop "Desired Traits" to
further review applications and screen further for the optimum candidates.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input. Do not hesitate to contact me for any further
input or questions.
Best Regards,
DARREN J. ROSARIO
Fire Chief