After an extensive interview process, the fire Commissioners for Poulsbo Fire Department and North Kitsap
Fire & Rescue have selected Emergency Services Consulting International to conduct an in-depth analysis of the two agencies and the feasibility of new cooperative approaches that serve to ensure that citizens are getting the best possible service within the available regional resources.
The two departments have a long history of working closely together. NKF&R serves the communities of Hansville, Kingston, Indianola and Suquamish while Poulsbo Fire serves Port Gamble, Lofall, Poulsbo and Keyport. Efforts to find ways to share resources have accelerated as fire service leaders are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain levels of service in the current economy.
While NKF&R and Poulsbo Fire officials have been meeting regularly toward that end, but felt that more could be done.
Last fall, commissioners from both agencies solicited proposals for an objective and externally-driven study. Of the five proposals submitted, ESCI’s stood out above the others. The firm, established in 1976, is nationally known as the leader in cooperative service and fire agency reviews.Commissioners were especially impressed with the firm’s knowledge of the districts and communities served.
In a joint meeting on Feb. 10, commissioners from both departments met with ESCI to finalize the study’s planned scope and to authorize the company to begin work. ESCI will first conduct assessments of each organization to ensure that current resources, assets and capabilities are being maximized.
A project team will gather data and conduct interviews with internal as well as external stakeholders. Using this information, ESCI will the highlight each agency’s best practices as well as identify opportunities to improve through innovation, added cooperation or increased efficiency.
Each district will pay $24,500 for the project. Given ESCI’s depth of experience and objective approach, commissioners are confident that the study will unearth opportunities for efficiency that far outweigh the investment. Work will begin immediately, with a final report expected in June.
NKF&R welcomes Fuller
Thanks to a cooperative arrangement between North Kitsap Fire & Rescue and two other fire departments, we’re pleased to introduce our newest employee: Facilities Technician Dan Fuller.
This 48 year-old Tacoma native comes to us with broad experience in facilities maintenance gained in both public and private industry. Under a cost-sharing agreement, the three agencies — NKF&R, Poulsbo Fire Department and Bainbridge Island Fire Department — will benefit from Fuller’s expertise.
Fuller, who spends his spare time in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, lives in Port Orchard but looking forward to moving to the north end in the near future.
Please join us in welcoming Dan to the community.
First Aid and CPR classes
To provide an opportunity for adults as well as teens to learn useful life-saving skills, we’re hosting a First Aid and CPR Class during spring break on March 29.
The class runs 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the district’s Paul T. Nichol Headquarters fire station (26642 Miler Bay Road NE near Kingston). Cost is $40 per student. Tuition must be paid in advance to ensure space in the class. For more information, call (360) 297-3619.
Child car seat checks
Free child car seat checks are held at our headquarters fire station on the second Saturday of every month. Join us on March 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
