Case Study
A recent analysis performed by the city's human resource department has revealed that the Carney Fire and Emergency Services Department faces a significant staffing issue over the next three years. The career department, which delivers a comprehensive set of fire, emergency medical, and rescue services, has a current staffing allocation of 66 full-time positions, including 16 officer positions. Under the present labor agreement and city regulations, as many as 28 of the fire department personnel, including the fire chief. the two deputy chiefs and ten other officers, will meet the necessary requirements to be eligible for retirement within the next three years. Although some may desire to continue working, it is known that many plan to exercise the option to retire. Both the fire department and the city have always prided themselves on promoting from within, with every thief officer having been promoted from the departmental ranks throughout its history. The human resource department has reviewed the qualifications of those fire department members likely to continue their service in the fire department beyond the next three years and has determined that only a few would presently meet the qualifications that are in place for the various officer positions within the department. The city manager, at the direction of the council president, has asked the fire chief to develop a proposal to ensure continuity of operations with qualified personnel after the exodus of personnel opting for retirement. He has expressed a willingness on the part of the city to provide reasonable funding to support professional development opportunities, Including training, certification, and higher education offerings, in the interest of enhancing the preparedness of fire department personnel for promotions that will become available over the next three years.
Case questions I. What factors may have contributed to the present situation facing the fire department? 2. What professional development opportunities would you include in the requested proposal? 3. What organizations would you use to provide these professional development opportunities?
- Do you believe that knowing that there will likely be numerous opportunities for promotion over the next few years will motivate departmental personnel to pursue available professional development opportunities?
- What would you do to show the fire department's support of personnel who pursue professional development opportunities?