By Jay Lowry
During lean budget years, choices are very limited as to what a department can afford to provide. Basic coverage must include adequate engine companies and ladder trucks because these basic services provide the bulk of work.
Thus, when cuts are forced, and they should have to be forced because no chief with a backbone should submit to them, a look at special operations is needed.
Important component
Special operations is an important component of the fire service. Yet, when the decision is forced, this is the first line company to look at for cuts. The reason is simple. An engine or ladder can perform extrication, search and rescue and special tasks and still provide suppression. A rescue cannot.
Look at the FDNY. The squad concept is excellent because those units can still respond to the bulk of a regular company’s calls because they are on an engine.
This is dual purpose, thus obviating the need for a special rig during lean budget times. This is not the “optimal” setup but reflects the reality of the budget crunch.
Any department with a rescue can multiply the capability by putting their personnel on an engine. This should only happen if engines are being shut down or if special operations are being threatened.
Wiggle room
Approaching it from this perspective gives the department some wiggle room and most importantly offers the services to the community.
It is easy to determine if your “rescue” is merely a manpower unit. Take the total number of calls it responds to and determine how many of those calls required the specialized training of a rescue technician. (If the rescue is populated with people with no advanced training, it isn’t a rescue.)
If the total number is less than 30 percent, move them to an engine. If it is less than 20 percent, buy a pickup truck and send them in as “Mobile Manpower Units.”
I personally don’t like this setup but budgets are under fire. The economy won’t get better due to deficit spending and grants will be a pipe dream after four years. Plan now.