Mayor Bartlett announced the final Operational and Administrative Analysis of the Tulsa Fire Department has been received. Bartlett said each of the 40 recommendations will be individually examined, but Bartlett praised the department on the report’s focus on 10 best practices that have already been implemented by the Fire Department.
“I commend Chief Ray Driskell for implementing best practices that keep the Fire Department operating efficiently and safely,” Bartlett said. “We will now begin the process of evaluating each of the 40 recommendations to determine what it would take to implement.”
Bartlett said he supports staff realignment recommendations, however, staffing changes may require negotiations with the IAFF Local 176 as part of its collective bargaining agreement with the City of Tulsa.
“Implementing any of the 40 recommendations will take additional study, time and could require more funding, but the report does give the Department and the Administration potential strategies for efficiency and smarter management of emergency and non-emergency responsibilities,” Bartlett said.
The report was conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management, which is also affiliated with the International City Managers Association. The reporter evaluated response times, deployment and staffing, organizational structure and managerial oversight, workloads, support functions, facilities and equipment, working relationship with EMSA and future personnel additions and capital investment options that may be funded through the Vision tax.
“The report confirms that many of the things we are doing are right on target,” said Chief Ray Driskell. “The report includes smart recommendations for first response emergency medical service as zeros in on strengthening our public education program for more aggressive fire prevention programs.
Ten of the recommendations are best practices that are already being implemented or are complete. They range from strategic planning to fire station location plans, to injury reduction efforts.