Community Relations

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ESOs have not been particularly successful in developing an effective partnership with their communities. Many ESOs do not provide regular information to the community about the ESO's needs, abilities, and type and levels of service.

Without clear, comprehensive and consistent two-way communication between the ESO and the community misunderstandings can develop, the public will not be fully aware of the needs of the ESO, nor can the public fully appreciate the limitations on the service delivery capabilities of the ESO. Without an understanding of the delivery system, the public is not able to make informed choices about cost of service versus benefits received.

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Building Sturdy Relationships with Elected Officials

Webinar: Tips for building solid relationships with your elected officials to benefit your department and your future as a leader.
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Cost Savings Calculator

A tool used to calculate the amount of money your department saves the community & resources provided for presenting to funding municipalities,

False Alarms: A Community Problem

City of Wichita document for the public giving tips for false alarm prevention.
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IAFC KnowledgeNet

Discuss issues and solutions with other IAFC members online, share SOPs and other resources

IAFC Position: Consistency of Message to Federal Government

Policy on Consistency of Message to Federal Government To ensure the consistency of the IAFC message to both the administration ...
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IAFC Position: Individuals` Rights to Serve Their Communities in Multiple Capacities

IAFC's statement supporting Individuals` Rights to Serve Their Communities in Multiple Capacities.
  • IAFC Position Statement

IAFC Position: National Drug Shortage

Fire departments and EMS agencies throughout the United States are experiencing critical shortages of drugs that are used to save ...
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Impressing the Community and Rallying Key Support

Webinar: In addition to optimizing organizational effectiveness, departments must communicate the value they provide the community.

Misuse and Abuse of 911

A guide from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing. Background

Misuse of the 911 or Emergency Call System

City code from Edmonds, WA.

Officer-Discretion Response Mode (EFOP, US)

An applied research project submitted to the National Fire Academy as part of the Executive Fire Officer Program.

Prioritizing Emergency Calls (EFOP, US)

Prioritizing Emergency Medical Calls in Yakima County (WA) Fire District 12.

Reduce Unnecessary Emergency Room Use with Enhanced Primary Care Access

Policies/program example from the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services.

Reducing Accidents While Responding (EFOP, US)

An applied research project submitted to the National Fire Academy as part of the Executive Fire Officer Program.

Reducing False Alarms

Fire Industry Association Alarm recommendations.

Reducing Risks from False Fire Alarms (EFOP, US)

Reducing risk from false fire alarms in Appleton, WI.

Reducing Risks While Responding (EFOP, US)

Reducing the risk from red lights and siren response in Watertown, South Dakota.

Reducing Unwanted Fire Signals (False Alarms) (UK)

Policies/program example from Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue (UK).

The Total Cost of Fire in the United States

An NFPA report from 2014 written by John R. Hall, Jr. Page 28 discusses the value of donated time of volunteer firefighters.

Unwanted Fire Signals (UK)

Policies/program example from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue (UK).
  • VISION The VCOS International Strategic Initiative Online Network

VISION: The VCOS International Strategic Initiative Online Network

Resources that focus on specific areas of challenges relating to creating and sustaining viable emergency response programs
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Wicked Problems: Political Acumen

Webinar focused on developing a political mindset and working with elected officials.