FIRE CONTROL PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DISTRICT
About the District
The Fire Control Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District (FCPEMSD) is authorized by Section 344 of the Texas Local Government Code and is created and renewed by a vote of Jersey Village citizens. The citizens of Jersey Village first voted to establish the FCPEMSD in 2021 for a five-year period.
Board of Directors
FCPEMSD activities are monitored and evaluated by seven board members. These board members include six Council Members and the City Manager. Any requested expenditure must be presented to the Board for approval at public meetings prior to the use of FCPEMSD funds.
Strategies to Be Supported By the District
The Jersey Village Fire Department (the “Department”) responds to emergencies related to fire, emergency medical, rescue, and hazardous material incidents. In addition, they have an active fire prevention program which provides public education to area day cares, private and public schools. The Fire Marshal’s office provides plan review and daily fire code inspections to local businesses. The Jersey Village Fire Control, Prevention, and Emergency Medical Services District (the “District”) will provide a dedicated funding source for the Department so it can not only continue to provide excellent service but also help bring the Department to a higher level of services. It will do so by incorporating the following strategies:
Personnel. The District will provide funding to recruit and retain the highest caliber employees to the department. The Department will be able to maintain the safety requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as it relates to personnel requirements.
Turnout Gear/Safety Equipment. The District will provide funding for safety equipment to ensure all members of the Department are able to respond to calls while donning the necessary equipment to keep them safe.
Technology and Communications Equipment. To assist in keeping members of the Department safe, the District will provide funding to maintain and improve technology and radio communications throughout the department. Examples of such items may include CAD systems, emergency radios, tracking incidents, and other information management needs.
Equipment. The District will provide funding for response equipment to include fire engines, rescue trucks, ambulances and other equipment that may be necessary. Providing funding to replace these vehicles on a scheduled and regular basis will ensure response reliability, and decrease down time in repairs.
Training. The District will provide funding for personnel to attend training classes, seminars, and schools to keep up to date with the latest technologies and methods available.
Evaluation of Strategies
The following evaluation criteria will be used to ensure all funds are being utilized productively:
Personnel. The funding will allow for the current staffing levels to be maintained. As the City and District grows additional revenue will be generated to provide for the additional hiring of fire-fighting personnel.
Turnout Gear/Safety Equipment. The purchase of turn out gear for new personnel. Purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) gear to stay at least within 2 cycles of the NFPA standards.
Technology and Communications Equipment. The implementation of a CAD system that allows for the Department tracking of incidents. The implementation of technology to assist the department in being able to access real time schematics of commercial buildings they may be entering for emergency response purposes.
Equipment. Measurements of this strategy will include monitoring the fleet on a yearly basis. The Department will continue the strategy of setting aside an appropriate amount of funding each year to ensure there is enough funding to replace equipment when it reaches the end of its useful life cycle.
Training. The Department’s personnel will receive training on a regular basis. Such personnel will be given the opportunity to attend training opportunities and conferences to assure new technologies and procedures are being used for the safety of City residents. This will also allow for all volunteers to obtain their basic fire certification with the Texas State Fire and Fire Marshalls Association as new volunteers are brought on board.
FCPEMSD Budget
Each year, revenue and necessary expenses are thoroughly evaluated and a proposed budget is created for the District. Since FCPEMSD funds are needed in so many areas of fire operations, a thorough evaluation is necessary to ensure funds are allocated where most needed. Once created, the proposed budget is presented to the public via a public hearing before it is finally adopted. The adopted budget is then presented to the City Council where another public hearing is conducted before the budget for any given year is finally approved and adopted.