Fire Department Operations Overview: Diversity Training, Recruitment, Retention, Hiring Process, and More

Diversity Training Diversity Training Has the department conducted any diversity training? If so, when and what did it entail? The department as of this date has not offered Diversity Training. Our Training Unit has ben tasked with scheduling such training through Human Resources. Most recently all personnel attended Harassment Training offered by Human Resources conducted by external legal firm. The training included elements of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Is there a plan to hire a Diversity & Race Officer? Not at this time.

Recruitment Recruitment Can you provide a written process outlining how recruitment works in the department? Currently the department does not have a dedicated Recruitment Unit. Recruitment team was established several years ago consisting of Administration staff, Fire Prevention staff, and personnel from Suppression that expressed interest in recruitment. Department is recruiting year-round through our independent website wilmingtondefirecareers.com, visiting high schools, colleges, attending community resource fairs, social media, adverting via billboards throughout the City of Wilmington and ride-along in suppression.

Retention Retention Can you provide a written process outlining how the department works to retain employees? Currently no process has been developed. Strategies will likely involve collective bargaining negotiations. Is there a plan to hire a Recruitment & Retention Officer? Not at this time.

Hiring Process Written Examination Testing Hiring Process Written Examination Testing - - Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Have these tests been evaluated for bias and/or appropriateness to the current needs of the Fire Department? Our last four (4) hiring processes written test was administered by Fire & Police Selection Inc. (FPSI) a third-party vendor. FPSI follows federal Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures. The test has been assessed and validated.

Admin Compensation Admin Compensation Why are administrative workers compensated for 96 hours but only required to work 80 hours? This is per the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

CFAI Self CFAI Self- -Assessment Assessment Why hasn t the department conducted a Self-Assessment by the Center for Public Safety Excellence s Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI)? Our department does not have the finances or staff to support an accreditation process. Fire Department is evaluated annually by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) on the way we respond to life safety and property issues. The city in August of 2024 received Class 2 excellent rating as per Fire Suppression Rating Schedule. Rating has direct effect on property/casualty insurance, including both personal and commercial. The evaluation provides objective, countrywide standard that helps fire department in planning and budgeting for equipment, training and fire prevention programs.

Employee Climate Survey Employee Climate Survey Has the department conducted an employee climate survey for firefighters? No, but this is something we can consider.

Distribution Schedule Distribution Schedule Can the department share its schedule in advance with the City Council regarding planned walkthroughs to distribute smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors? We will notify the respective Council person where the event is taking place. Will these efforts cover all eight districts? We make every effort to cover all districts throughout the year. We are presently planning with American Red Cross a Sound The Alarm Event . This partnership was established approximately 5 years ago a total of 4,600 smoke detectors have been installed.

WPD/WFD Youth Academy WPD/WFD Youth Academy How is this program performing? The program has been very successful for both departments allowing us to interact with youth ages 13 17 providing insight into a career as Police Officer or Firefighter. 2025 Public Safety Academy is scheduled for June 16 to June 27, 2025. Applications will open soon.

Fire Explorers Program Fire Explorers Program How is this program performing? Program provides young men and women ages 14 through 20 from the City of Wilmington with up-close, hands-on experience of fire/emergency medical services careers. Currently 10 Explorers are actively involved in the program. Anyone wanting further information about the program can contact Battalion Chief Robert Pryor rpryor@wfd.wilmingtonde.gov.

Diversity Breakdown Diversity Breakdown What is the current diversity breakdown of the department, including leadership? Chief white male Deputy white male Battalion Chiefs 5 white males, 3 black males Captains 8 white males, 1 black male, 1 Afghani male Lieutenants 15 white males, 5 black males, 2 Hispanic males Firefighters 73 white males, 22 black males, 12 Hispanic males, 1 white female, 2 black females, 2 Hispanic females.

Deputy Chief Position Deputy Chief Position Who is currently acting in this position? Currently Chief of Fire assumed responsibilities working closely with Captain and Lieutenant of Fire Prevention Division. What is the tentative date for filling this position? The hiring process for this position was delayed in the Fall of 2024 until the new administration took office. We are now actively working to fill this position.

EMS Update EMS Update St. Francis has given notice they will no longer provide EMS service starting in July 2025. We are considering a plan to bring the service in-house, which will be presented in the WFD budget hearing in April. In the meantime, the service will continue without interruption.