AboutDominick G. Kasmauskas Expertise Former NFPA Fire Service Section, Director, Executive Board. NJ Certified Firefighter, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Haz Mat Instructor. Volunteer Firefighter since 1974, Capt. Lieut. and President. National Fire Academy Fire Officer II certified. Presently a Regional Manager for the Natl Fire Sprinkler Assn and a certified fire protection specialist and a certified code enforcement official in NY State.
Experience Various awards and citations.
My oddest "call" was at my company picnic, in a remote area, when someone at the picnic had heart failure. While trying to perform CPR I was also giving directions to ALS and BLS to get to the scene.
Every alarm is an accomplishment.
Question Dear Dom, I recently got elected to the local fire board here in CA. My campaign points were 1. Increase info on our website (budgets, audits, minutes, etc) 2.Increase the firefighters fitness levels 3.Decrease our budget. I've been told I'm in for a fight because of the union. What would you suggest as a good approach to getting these things accomplished or do you think these are unattainable goals. Carlos
Answer Carlos~
Sorry in the delay in responding...trying to get some opinions from my network.
A proactive website is good for the community and the department. If anyone has ever said, "they don't tell us anything...they treat us like mushrooms..." this is an answer to that.
Fitness; Possibly work with your insurance carrier for incentives for fitness of employees, possibly city wide, not just firefighters. Work with local gyms and fitness centers for discounts. Sometimes insurance carriers already have programs in place.
Budget; use the fire officers (chief officers). Let them know where you want to be and work to a compromise that is achievable. If cutting personnel, this may be the hardest fight ad should be last resort. (Union may blame injuries at fire scenes on staffing cuts, bring lawsuits, etc).
Nothing earth shattering here, but if you can fill me in on some of the specific problems or nay-sayings as you move forward, I'll be glad to assist as I can.
