Turnout Gear Centralization System

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

The Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) Turnout Gear Centralization System was initiated to resolve the safety, efficiency, and financial pressures being exerted on ACFR by its turnout gear repair system. Prior to June 2015, each of the fourteen fire stations in Albemarle County processed turnout gear independently, making orders and sending gear out for repairs with little to no coordination between stations. While this independent system of maintaining gear was in place for years, there were several issues preventing this method from being the most effective manner to maintain a high quality equipment system. The primary deterrents from maximum effectiveness were costs, efficiency, and safety-related. The program was started in June of 2015. It established a central location for the storage and repair of turnout gear, as well as for the administrative functions of maintaining a management system for the hundreds of pieces of gear and individuals within the Fire Rescue system. It also provided for localized repairs by recruiting local volunteers along with trained career staff to make the gear repairs so that trained firefighters can focus on the work of keeping our community safe. This has saved Albemarle County thousands of dollars over the past year and a half, while also promoting community engagement, and contributing to the overall safety of the ACFR firefighters.