Strategic Priorities and Activities

Based upon the Mission, Vision, Values, and the SWOT Analysis, the following list breaks down functional areas within the organization, such as committee and representative assignments. Each functional area below is provided a description and multiple achievable targets for the MCAFD to aim for during the life of this plan.

Communications Committee

This committee’s objective is to monitor, review and report on the fire service communications system, act as a liaison between the Dispatch service provider and the MCFCA, and advocate for changes to the contract as needed to the County. Each county fire zone shall have a voting member. Participation from other stakeholder agencies in the county such as law enforcement, ECC, EMS, the county radio technician, etc. should be considered mutually beneficial.

Strategic Planning Committee

This committee’s objective is to Create and monitor MCFCA’s Bylaws and Strategic Plan. Regularly analyzes the effectiveness of the strategic plan, and advocate as necessary to support the plan. Incorporates relevant information from the Legislative Representative into the plan.

Legislative Representative

The Representative’s objective is to monitor and report on upcoming legislation, both State and local, that could use support or will affect our fire agencies. The representative regularly participates in Strategic Planning Committee meetings and reports on legislative items at regular Association meetings.

EMCC Representative

This representative’s objective is to represent and support fire agencies on the EMS front. With the Exclusive Operating Area (EOA) impacting the county as a whole, first responders delivering EMS on scene prior to transport arriving, and new protocols coming from our LEMSA, we will need a constant and knowledgeable advocate attending EMS meetings.

Training Committee

This committee’s objective is to assist departments find training where requirements are difficult, hard to access and ultimately difficult to fulfill and advocate for regionalized resources to benefit the County Fire Agencies. County-wide training opportunities are needed in multiple areas; i.e. basic FF, engineer, officer, communications, ST/taskforce leader, engine boss, prevention, PIO, etc.

Mutual Aid / OES Coordinator

The coordinator’s objectives are to establish and maintain a qualified response force and coordinated system that can be deployed both for in-county and out-of-county assignments.

Prevention/ Code Enforcement Committee

This committee’s objective is to advocate and coordinate with the County to promote and establish systems to assist fire agencies who are the recognized authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) over California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24 part 9 and Title 19 division 1.

MCAFD Representative

This representative’s objective is to attend and participate in Mendocino County Association of Fire Districts (MCAFC) meetings to represent and provide operational insight and assist in MCAFD’s efforts in advocating for funding and other political goals. This association is made up of a single director from participating districts to support the fire agencies as a body comprised of elected officials.

Fire Warden

This position’s objective is a political advocate and representative for the needs and goals of the MCFCA and committees. The Fire Warden is a County ratified position that is not currently filled.

“Gang of Five” Representatives

The gang of five committee participates in an annual Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant process for Mendocino County emergency services. Consolidation of two law enforcement chiefs and two fire chiefs (one city and one county) and a county public health representative serve on this committee. The County maintains ownership of material acquired through the grant but is allocated to agencies as intended in the grant. DHS stipulations state that 25% must go to law enforcement

Strengths

▪ Strong public support

▪ MCAFD provides an existing organizational system and committees

▪ New department Chiefs bringing new ideas

▪ Strong local commitment (because this is our home)

▪ Respected organization by the County

▪ Local emergency response experience

▪ Framework for networking between local agencies

▪ Progress is being made to fund and represent fire agencies

Opportunity

▪ Continue to review and engage our strategic plan to consolidate and unify MCFCA’s mission

▪ Establish healthy committees to break down issues, expose problems and find solutions

▪ Increase strength in county legislation and assist the agencies with limited resources ▪ Formalize our common goals and establish historical reference through the strategic plan

▪ Establish a cooperative and supportive structure amongst the 21 fire agencies

▪ To create an online resource network for sharing information, resources and ideas.

▪ New beginnings and lots of room to improve

▪ Coordinate with the Mendocino County Association of Fire Districts (MCAFD) to achieve our mission

▪ Gain support with the BOS through improved and defined channels of communication and representation

▪ Defining our weaknesses provides the opportunity to take corrective actions