Virginia Beach Fire Training Center                                                                                        July 8 , 2008

Attendees: Chief Wayne Richardson, Captain Steven Kennedy, Tracy McNamara, David Burket, Eric Paul, Christopher Smith, Kelli Barnhart, Justin Doyle, Matthew Daner, Ross Guins, David Hubert, Harold Gaskill, Franklin Basham, Tommy Harrell, Michele Bock, Joseph Grendisen, Keith Williams, Jimmy Karnes, Wayne Nicoles

Meeting came to order at 7:06pm

Review of Previous Meeting Minutes

A review of last monthly meeting minutes held and approved by the members present.

Operations, Administration and Training

Chief Wayne Richardson – Fund Drive – Comments from a number of citizens have indicated that “Oceana” Volunteer Fire Dept does not “register” with them as being an organization they should be concerned about donating to. We may need to re think our marketing strategy as to the primary reference to “Oceana”. The crew participating in the July 4th Broad Bay Pt. Greens parade received a $60 donation. To date we have taken in just under $27,000.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Proficiency Drills – A review of the “Support 8 Training/Check off Sheet indicates that only 23 individuals are certified as crewmembers and 19 as drivers for Support 8. A proficiency drill will be conducted on Saturday July 19 beginning at 0800 and another one in August to upgrade individuals as qualified crewmembers on the Support Truck. NOTE Individuals NOT qualified, as crewmembers by 01 Sept. will be prohibited from participating on the unit. Individuals wishing to be certified as drivers will be tested at a date to be determined in August. They must have demonstrated their ability to “handle” the truck prior to that date.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Bunkroom Cleanliness continues to be an issue that requires some attention by the daily support duty crews. Some light dusting, vacuuming, and a general “straightening up” needs to be done routinely to ensure a relatively clean environment for duty crews to sleep in. Old TV requires disposition, behind bunk beds (window “coves”) needs cleaning, trash discarded etc.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Volunteer Standards, time sheet, training etc. – A significant number of individuals have not turned in Time Sheets, some on a regular basis. A few individuals never attend routine training sessions, or often miss their assigned duty night without crew notification. A review of those members not in compliance with the stated Volunteer Standards will shortly be accomplished, and determination made as to their status in the system. The volunteer system of the VBFD will not be used as a reference for those persons applying to various fire departments if they are not meeting the current standards.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Interested Individuals – A number of individuals have expressed an interest in joining our volunteer system. Unfortunately, a fall class is NOT going to occur. Then anticipated loss of folks interested in the volunteer system appears imminent. Our position has been referred to the “Senior Staff” some time ago. With, until just this week, no response. A negative response has been received concerning the holding of a fall class, and the incorporation of the National Junior Volunteer Firefighter Program into our system. B30 will be meeting with the DC’s to discuss these recent decisions and review the negative impact on our system as whole.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Enhanced Support Tech – there has been no movement on the ability of the volunteer staff to get agreement on the type of PPR that an Enhanced Support Tech will be issued to use while performing engine and ladder functions. As these items are “unbudgeted”, they appear to be a non-issue at this time. An alternative means of procuring these items may be required.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Demos, events, etc - OVFD members need to be involved in as many school demonstrations, community events, and areas of visibility as possible in order to let folks know we’re out there to serve them. Much of our inability to draw in donations and members comes from the fact that most citizens’ no longer know we even exist as a volunteer organization, regardless of how we are “announced” on line. Members should bring upcoming events to our notice.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Door Mat - Drawing presented of possible Company 8 Door Mat, indicating VBFD and OVFD.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Support Tech Classes – energy conservation – Review temporary OVFD SOP regarding the conservation of energy and fuel. Energy Conservation memo will be placed on the wall for review by all. Until further notice, all lights are to be turned off while no one is in the office or bunk room. When Support 8 is signed on, is when the other stations air bottles are to be filled.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Support 30 being returning and an inventory of tools needs to be done.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Pictures of Support 8 to be scanned and placed on the WEB SITE. Training Bulletin sent to everyone via email. Link for Support 8 on the Web Site.

Chief Wayne Richardson – EVOC – There should not be anyone who is not qualified with the exception of inspectors.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Training Center is trying to get everyone at least one badge at this time.

Chief Wayne Richardson – Replacement of the Letters for sign at the station. We will have to do it at our expense. Captain Steven Kennedy to handle.

Captain Steven Kennedy – Advised that an updated check off list has been provided and a copy is in the file. Old check off list is to be placed in the blue book and new one to be kept on clipboard.

Captain Steven Kennedy – Provided an updated Treasurers report with a review of current numbers.

Captain Steven Kennedy – Advised the slide out shelf is now fixed. Now works on a spring. The whole draw needs to come out. Called Hackney and will follow up. It is only a temporary fix.

Eric Paul – Suggested that members take pictures of the compartments on Support 8 showing how and what is in one for review.

David Burket – Many Techs did not get complete uniforms. Chief Wayne Richardson advised to be provided a list of missing items and he will follow up and advise.

David Burket – Advised that no additional issues or information on drills or the cleanliness of the truck.

Ross Guins – Speaker on outside – light from Weldon is $28, 12 volt. We have a plug at control panel and will use headset or speaker. Captain Steven Kennedy will have all installed at the control panel if someone wants to use one or both.

Captain Steven Kennedy – Motion to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.

NEXT MEETING TO BE HELD TUES, AUG 12TH, 7PM, AT FIRE TRAINING CENTER. ALL WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!