Fire officials, county bosses finally working together

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, May 22, 2002 | 9:52 a.m.

When more than 300 New York firefighters perished in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, a new sensitivity toward the risks of firefighting was felt nationwide.

Even at the County Government Center.

After years of battling over staffing, equipment and training, union representatives and fire administrators are working together to resolve age-old disputes.

Chief Earl Greene and Union President Harold Wyatt gave a joint presentation to Clark County commissioners Tuesday explaining how they are addressing concerns outlined in an audit performed by Deloitte and Touche.

Wyatt said firefighters have already witnessed positive changes. His statement is a far cry from comments made last year by union members who were initially skeptical that meetings with administrators would make a difference.

"I think there is a sincere appreciation for what we do," Wyatt said, referring to a post-attack change in sentiments. "Any occupation can be taken for granted until you see a large loss."

Deloitte and Touche was hired last year after union representatives complained the Fire Department was not adequately keeping up with growth.

The audit showed that compared to eight fire departments of similar size, Clark County handles more calls with less personnel and less equipment. Clark County also requires the highest number of training hours per month with the lowest ratio of trainers to firefighters.

The audit also says the department has less stringent prerequisites for applicants than other jurisdictions.

Greene said beginning in 2004 the department will require all applicants to have an emergency medical technician certificate. He will also provide incentives for current firefighters to become paramedics.

In the county's budget passed Monday, 36 new fire positions were funded for a total of about $3 million. The positions will staff two new fire stations, which are expected to keep response times near the goal of five minutes.

Sept. 11 might not only have brought more sensitivity toward firefighters, but also triggered more concerns related to public safety. The report said the county should increase personnel and units responding to technical rescue calls.

Wyatt emphasized the need to implement technical rescue dispatching procedures in the fire alarm office.

"We have no idea when it's coming, but we know its coming," Wyatt said of a second terrorist attack. "One of our biggest threats is we don't know when it's coming."

Wyatt said union members understand that some problems will take money to resolve, and believe administrators are sincere in their efforts. The level of trust, he said, has increased ten-fold.

"We don't go in with shields and daggers; no one is putting up their guard anymore," he said. "We're able to sit down and verbally discuss the issues."

Clark County Manager Thom Reilly, who participates in the meetings between Greene and Wyatt, said the difference between recent discussions and talks in the past is both sides are equally committed to improving services.

"They believe if we don't agree the first time, we come back," Reilly said. "There has been an attitudinal change in management and the union."