Editor’s Note: The standard for excellence in public safety is changing. Lexipol is your partner in understanding how your agency measures up and setting a course to achieve performance excellence. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn about our holistic approach built on Gordon Graham’s 5 Pillars of Organizational Success.
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for my friends in the fire service. Today, I’m talking about purchasing decisions when the budget is tight.
The fire service is made up of haves and have-nots. Some departments have robust budgets that allow them to replace equipment regularly and keep up with changing technologies. But many departments struggle with simply keeping the lights on and fuel in the trucks.
Fire service “have-nots” often struggle with their communities’ financial conditions, which can force difficult choices when acquiring tools and equipment. If your department falls into this category, it’s essential to follow a few guidelines when making budget decisions.
First, you can’t afford to make mistakes with frivolous spending. When considering purchases, make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. Then compare your current inventory to that list to help prioritize: Is this something your department absolutely needs?
Second, get input from your members. While final purchasing decisions ultimately fall on the chief and the board, failing to get adequate input can mean you’ll purchase equipment that will go unused or that doesn’t address the most immediate needs.
Third, consider your mutual aid agreements when making purchases. If your budget is tight, you likely rely on neighboring departments for response to larger incidents. Obtaining equipment that’s compatible with your mutual aid companies is essential.
Consider hose couplings. Every U.S. fire department uses National Standard Thread, right? Wrong. There are lots of variations when it comes to fire hoses, hydrant connections, and stand-pipe connections. And that should be factored into your purchasing decisions.
If your fire department budget is stretched thin, every dollar matters. Make sure you have a process in place to get the most impact out of every purchase.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.
