COMMISSIONER’S BUSINESS
Recruitment
I have received a number of letters from Retained Firefighters
who are deeply disappointed at not progressing through the current
recruitment process. I understand their feelings, and honestly wish
that there was something I could do. The fact is however, that recruitment
for the limited number of positions is extremely competitive, and
Retained Firefighters always do better than the general pool of candidates.
For example, in our last recruitment campaign, Retained Firefighters
had a one in six chance of being selected, while general candidates
only had a one in twenty eight chance.
The experience in this campaign is similar. Retained Firefighters
are doing very well compared to other applicants.
The facts are, however, that nearly 5,000 people applied for only
140 positions. I know that probably thousands of those who do not
make it this time, would probably make excellent permanent firefighters.
So if you do miss out, we are not saying that you are not good enough,
it is just a case of not enough positions to offer to the many excellent
candidates. I know this is cold comfort, but be assured that I value
your contributions as dedicated Retained Firefighters, and hope that
if you were unsuccessful this time, you will keep trying.
Industrial issues
This week I have been disappointed by irresponsible comments made
by the FBEU in the media relating to two separate matters where the
Union stated the NSWFB was placing the community at risk.
One of my roles is to place resources where they are most needed
so that the community is properly protected, and I take this responsibility
very seriously
The Union made alarmist comments in the metropolitan and Hunter media
this week over (1) the removal of the Alexandria aerial and (2) the
use of retained firefighters in one station to respond with a crew
from a nearby station. The comments about public safety being jeopardised
were incorrect, and seemed to be aimed at eliciting media interest
in what essentially are non-issues.
You can read about the Alexandria issue on the intranet, and pleasingly,
some progress has been made in discussions this week on the matter.
I have been told that retained firefighters in the Hunter Valley
were understandingly concerned to read in the Maitland Mercury the
Union’s claim that some of their stations face closure. I can
reassure them that there are no such plans.
The FBEU yesterday circulated to the media a draft re-write of In
Order 95/20 with possible solutions to the issue of retained availability
at some stations, again jumping to the incorrect conclusion that the
options would lead to fire station closures. The media comments are
in response to a recommendation from the Industrial Relations Commission
(IRC) that has enabled a trial at Weston and Kurri Kurri. The Union
argued against it, because it would reduce overtime for permanent
firefighters at one station. As recommended by the IRC, the Brigade
is trying to talk through the issues with the Union, rather than argue
the matters out on the pages of newspapers.
Hornsby aerial in place
50 Station’s refurbished Bronto is now in service and answered
its first fire call, a kitchen fire, a few hours after being installed.
Relocating an aerial from the inner city to Hornsby means that the
entire Sydney area now has aerial appliance coverage within acceptable
timeframes, with five aerials still covering the city and inner west.
Hornsby’s aerial will cover a large area extending to Gordon,
Ryde, Epping, and will be available to back up other aerials on the
Central Coast, northern beaches, Chatswood and Parramatta.
Toukley Fire Station renovations
On Monday I joined the Premier and Mayor of Wyong Brenton Pavier at
Toukley Fire Station for the official opening of the newly-renovated
station. Regional Commander North Assistant Commissioner Bob Dobson,
Deputy Regional Commander North Chief Superintendent Roger Bucholz,
N7 Zone Commander Superintendent Keith King, Toukley Captain David
Gearside and the Toukley firefighters also attended. The refurbishments
include an upgraded training and lecture room as well as a new office
for the Captain and new wash and change room facilities. The renovations
will improve the capability of local firefighters, ensuring they are
well resourced to protect life and property in the rapidly-growing
northern part of the Central Coast. Captain Gearside and his crew
are very pleased with the renovations, and I congratulated them on
their significant community safety activities.
Seniors Fire Safety efforts
I am pleased to see so many stations getting behind the Seniors Week
fire safety campaign. Over the past couple of weeks there have been
many stories in both the print and electronic media highlighting fire
safety for seniors and the SABRE program. I thank those stations which
made the effort, and encourage all stations to use the resources in
your media kits to promote community safety messages.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
Ashfield factory fire update
From start to finish, some 900 firefighters were involved in extinguishing
the fire and managing the incident. This fire was one of the largest
Sydney has seen, and showcased the cooperation and team work that
exists between the NSWFB, NSW Ambulance Service, and NSW Police, as
well as other government agencies who assisted, including the Roads
and Traffic Authority and the Department of Community Services. The
local MP, Ms Virginia Judge, the Mayor, and our Minister Tony Kelly
all praised the efforts of firefighters.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that the brigade will add a pipes
and drums band to the marching band? After seeing the Edinburgh Military
Tattoo, it is high time the brigade got its act together and got the
bagpipes out!
Response: The NSWFB has an excellent, award-winning
brass band that was first formed in 1915. In 2000 Commissioner MacDougall
appointed Qualified Firefighter Hugh Strain as Honorary NSWFB Piper
to play at NSWFB funerals and recruit firefighter graduation ceremonies,
where he plays with the band drummers. However, there are no plans
at this stage to create a pipe band. I wonder how many pipers we have
in our ranks?
Rumour: Is it true that all the Varley Commanders
and two-door FirePACs will be replaced by Scanias in the near future?
Response: The tender for the next generation of heavy
pumpers is currently being finalised. The tender documents do not
specify a make or model. It is up to the various companies who tender
for the supply of fire appliances to offer a vehicle which meets the
tender performance requirements. The tender evaluation committee will
determine the most appropriate offer based on compliance with the
performance requirements.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Research into firefighters’ decision-making strategies
Researchers from the University of Sydney are working with the NSWFB
to study decision-making strategies used by firefighters. The research
will advance our understanding of how to develop the ability to adapt
to and make complex decisions in unusual, and at times difficult,
situations. The project is expected to run for the next three years.
Initially, a small team from the university will be interviewing a
broad range of officers about their experiences and asking them to
describe their "war stories". They will also work with the
NSWFB to create case studies and other material for training purposes.
It is hoped that the development of this training package will improve
resourcefulness in emergencies and adaptability to novel situations.
Change your clock, change your smoke alarm battery
As the end of daylight saving approaches on March 27, it is timely
to remind the community to test their smoke alarms and, where necessary,
change the batteries when they are changing their clocks. A smoke
alarm with a flat battery is just as deadly as no smoke alarm at all.
Get this vital message out to your local community by downloading
and using the template media release from the intranet.
UPCOMING EVENTS
National Heart Week
National Heart Week is coming up from May 1 to 7. The National Heart
Foundation raises funds for research and community education aimed
at improving the heart health of Australians and to reduce disability
and death from heart, stroke and blood vessel disease. Now is the
time to think about how you would like to get involved. During Heart
Week funds can be raised by organising a Dress Red for Heart day,
a Heart Week Challenge walkathon or hosting a healthy morning tea
or other meal. Full details of activities can be found at the Heart
Foundation’s website.