ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, August 16, 1996 TAG: 9608160038
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID CHAPLIN
I HAVE been following the story about the proposed changes at the Roanoke Fire Department, and I find it very intriguing and hopeful. The new fire chief should be lauded and supported by government officials and the citizenry for taking an unpopular stand in attempting to effect positive change within an older, established organization.
The Fire Department staff should give their new boss a chance for many reasons. Most important, by trying to effect change now before there is a dire need, he will secure the department's place at the budgeting table as an agency that is efficient, invaluable and indispensable.
I have no direct connection to either side of the debate over changes, but I do know something of the modern fire service and the changes that are taking place within it in every part of this country. It's underfunded and underappreciated in almost all urban areas. The Roanoke Fire Department may be an exception at present since it seems to be pretty flush as compared to many others, but economic times change swiftly and surely.
Other fire departments are integrating with city services and seeing their citizenry as ``customers,'' and they are trying to develop and deliver better customer service in many ways. Some fire stations are becoming a satellite for city services. Department personnel are performing public-service projects to obtain promotions, and some are even operating homeless programs. The modern fire department is full of talented, caring, civic-minded people who are extremely capable when given an arduous and exasperating task (much like on the fireground).
I defer to the opinion of your editorial (July 22 editorial, ``Fire chief's plan is no cause for alarm''). I feel that it was correct on all accounts. The most important point made wasn't the fact that ``the proposed reorganization could save Roanoke taxpayers $800,000 a year,'' but that the new fire chief proposes to step up fire prevention and public fire-safety education efforts. These things, above all else, can save more lives and lessen property damage better than doubling the size of the fire department. After a fire has begun and the call comes in to the fire department, a life may be lost. Damage has occurred, and fire department personnel are working at a deficit. The time to save lives and property is before a fire begins - with prevention and education.
To the firefighters, officers and staff of the Roanoke Fire Department who are city employees above all else, don't bite the hand that feeds you. Grasp it firmly, get to know it, and ask what you can do to help. By doing this, you help yourselves and the citizens you serve.
David Chaplin of Rural Retreat is a former professional firefighter who now owns a company specializing in fire protection.
LENGTH: Medium: 54 linesby CNB