08/13/2024
From our neighbors to the west. Some good information about the potential extensive OSHA regulations that will affect volunteer fire departments nationwide.
We are reaching out to you today in response to a news story by WHEC TV, 13 WHAM ABC, and News 8 WROC Rochester regarding a critical issue that directly affects the future of all volunteer fire departments and, ultimately, the safety and well-being of our community. The proposed changes to OSHA fire safety regulations, while presented as enhancements for safety, pose a significant threat to the sustainability of our volunteer force.
🚨Understanding Our Commitment🚨
Our department may be volunteer-based, but the dedication of our members rivals that of any career fire department. On average, each of our volunteers commits over 72 hours per year to in-house training alone. We adhere to the same stringent national standards as career firefighters, including:
• Annual Physicals to ensure we are fit for duty.
• Quarterly SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) Training to maintain proficiency.
• OSHA-Mandated Training covering critical safety protocols.
• Hurst Tool (Jaws of Life) Training for vehicle extrication.
• Driver Training, Water Supply Training, EMS Training, and much more.
Moreso, to become an officer (Chief, Captain, Lieutenant) within our department, volunteers must undergo hundreds of additional training hours to ensure they’re ready to lead. We take our responsibilities seriously because we understand the importance of being prepared for any emergency that may arise.
🚨The Impact of Proposed Changes🚨
Currently, aside from training, each of our volunteers spends around 30-40 hours annually responding to alarms. That means being an active member already requires a commitment of over 100 hours per year, per member. While this may not seem like a significant amount at first glance, it’s important to remember that our volunteers also juggle full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities outside the firehouse. Their dedication is nothing short of remarkable.
However, the new regulations would nearly double the required training hours, impose stringent, unnecessary equipment replacement timelines, and increase operational costs. For instance, our apparatus, driven only about 25,000 miles over 20 years, would need to be replaced more frequently despite being well-maintained and fully functional. Additionally, new mandates would require that only personnel with specific Department of Transportation training could perform truck checks, adding another layer of complexity and cost.
The new regulations also introduce more stringent health and safety requirements, such as mandatory biennial NFPA 1982 medical exams. These medical exams are costly and add further strain on our department's resources.
🚨What This Means for Bergen🚨
Our department has maintained a stellar safety record, and we are proud of our role in protecting our community. We take firefighter safety more seriously than anything else. However, these proposed changes could force many of our members to step down. The result? The need to replace our volunteer force with career staff, a move that would be funded entirely by taxpayer dollars.
As it stands, our fire tax is one of the lowest in the area, and we are committed to keeping it that way. However, with these changes, not only will taxes rise dramatically, but you may also end up with a reduced level of service. The loss of our experienced volunteers would mean fewer hands on deck, potentially slowing response times and reducing the effectiveness of our emergency services.
🚨What Can You Do?🚨
We are doing everything in our power to prepare for these changes, but we need your help. We urge you to contact your local representatives and voice your concerns. Let them know how much you value our volunteer fire department and the dedicated individuals who serve our community without expectation of compensation. Your voice can make a difference in preserving the quality of emergency services in Bergen and the immediate surrounding areas, all of which rely on volunteer organizations.
Together, we can protect our community and ensure that Bergen continues to be a safe place to live and work.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
The Bergen Fire Department
News Story: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/vmB3YwHcafK6U5Xz/?mibextid=qi2Omg
