Hamilton Township Fire Chief Kelly Serson is asking for input from citizens regarding the future of the fire service.
A Fire Services Master Plan for the Township is being developed that will help shape the future of the fire department and community risk assessment associated with it.
“The Community Risk Assessment component is a legislated requirement that needs to be done by every municipality in the Province by 2024,” said Serson on Monday, February 7, 2022.
The Fire Services Master Plan and Community Risk Assessment are link together because data from the Risk Assessment, “helps identify risks within the community to help build fire prevention programs and public education programs around risks and reduce the chance of fire loss.”
Serson said risks could include something as simple as an overused extension cord, improperly discarded cigarette or Christmas tree safety.
“It’s aimed at fire safety around the fire code more than anything.”
The Master Fire Plan is a first for the Township, but is something that will map the future of the fire service going forward for the next 10 – 15 years.
The Township has a steering committee, which includes citizens, councillors and firefighters.
Serson is asking the public for their input to help shape the Fire Services Master Plan by participating in a survey that asks fire related questions involving Hamilton Township Fire Department.
It’s hoped that 30% of the residents would participate in the survey.
“It would be phenomenal.”
“I’d really like to Hamilton Township residents to pitch-in and would like to see a much higher response.”
Survey results will be included in a presentation to Hamilton Township Council to shape the future of the Department.
“The more people that take part in the survey, the better it will be.”
“If I had a magic wand and a wish I would get all 10,700 people in the Township to fill out the survey or have input into the Master Fire Plan.”
“This is not my fire department, this is not any of the firefighters fire department. We work for the Municipality and the rate payers. Our goal is to get the best input on how to build the programs want and need.”
Serson said the goal is about optimizing services with the fire department.
“What that really means to me is to provide the best services as possible for the least amount of money so we have really good services, for really good value.”
In 2012 a Fire Services Review was completed which included combining the three separate fire departments in the Township into one.
The last of the recommendations from that review was completed in 2018.
Serson said when the Fire Services Master Plan is completed there will be immediate recommendations, short term recommendations (1 to 5 years) and five years and beyond.
The survey is currently on the site at https://www.hamiltontownship.ca/en/news/community-risk-assessment-and-fire-master-plan-survey.aspx and will be up till the end of February.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
