FY 2008/2009
General Fund
FY 2008/2009 Approved Service Alternatives
Equipment List
Fire
Department Description
The Boise Fire Department is committed to
ensuring the safety of the community by providing outstanding emergency
response services. The department will focus on improving service delivery
through collaborative agreements and co-location with other emergency
service providers. The department plans and prepares to respond to all
disasters. We are committed to expanding the successful paramedic engine
program, following the Master Siting Plan, and recruiting and retaining a
diverse workforce.
Mission Statement
The primary
mission of the Boise City Fire Department is to protect and enhance the
quality of life of the citizens of Boise through a highly trained and
properly equipped organization.
Strengths
Boise
Fire Department personnel are highly motivated, dedicated to providing great
customer service and are well trained. A solid master plan provides
direction, is incorporated in the Boise City Comp Plan and supports the
mission statement. The Fire Department has strong public support as noted in
the Citizen's Survey. The facilities and equipment are modern and well
maintained. Strong partnerships with other emergency service providers are
contained in automatic and mutual aid agreements.
Weaknesses
The fire department will need a fourth ladder
company when Fire Station #17 (Murgoitio) is opened. A stable funding source
needs to be found to support the current facilities and to provide for new
facilities. Impact fees will address new construction due to growth but will
not address all CIP needs nor maintenance. Reductions in administrative
staff have had a corresponding reduction in our ability to have quality
responses in a timely manner to personnel, contract, and other issues. The
department needs clear policy direction on out of jurisdiction responses.
Opportunities
The Fire Department is preparing an impact fee
ordinance for impact fees for CIP projects related to new growth. If impact
fees are adopted they will support implementation of the Master Siting Plan.
A level of service designation for open space/low density areas (A-2 Open
space) can help the department better align services. Federal Grants (FEMA
and Homeland Security) provide opportunities to leverage current equipment
funds. An emphasis on partnering with the Boise Police Department in
operational areas as well as sharing a headquarters facility will help
improve the safety and well being of the people we serve.
Threats
At the federal level reductions are being made
in grant programs that we use. Demands (call volume) for services continue
to increase.
