About the Yuma Fire Department

Author:

Mike Erfert Public Information Officer Community Risk Reduction

Summary:

The Fire Department has four divisions that work together to fulfill its mission

Last Updated:

11/3/2010

The Fire Department has four divisions that work together to fulfill its mission.

Fire Department Administration

The Administration division is responsible for meeting funding needs of the department within budgetary guidelines and facilitating changes in personnel status and payroll. In addition, this division compiles and analyzes statistics from the department's operating divisions that include productivity, response times, and other quality measurement factors. Heavy involvement in short and long term planning is needed to achieve the highest level of effectiveness and efficiency in order to meet the goals of the Council and needs of the citizens.  A major objective of Administration is to facilitate partnerships with other agencies that share similar interests or goals in specific areas. Together, reduction of costs is realized by each entity while still achieving the goals. The Fire Department’s Public Information, Public Education, and Emergency Management functions are also coordinated through this division.

Photographs of firefighters in action.

Emergency Services

The Emergency Services division provides the point of service for all risks in the community.  These risks include: fire, emergency medical services, technical rescue, and hazardous materials releases.  The division is comprised of three rotating shifts, each led by a battalion chief, along with fleet management for our emergency vehicles. There are currently 6 stations with 6 companies staffed with 7 emergency apparatus.  In addition to emergency responses, this group of professionals is highly visible at block parties, Midnight at the Oasis, baseball games, schools, county fair, and a host of other events out in the community. 

Photos of firefighters training.

Professional Services

The Professional Services division is responsible for department training, internal affairs, safety, succession planning, and accreditation.  Training is provided in the areas of fire suppression and operational techniques, emergency medical re-certification and related continuing education for basic and paramedic delivery, training specific to the various special operations teams and providing mandated training.  Internal affairs are the investigative portion of the department tasked with the review of accidents, injuries, personnel actions, and customer complaints.  Succession planning includes recruitment, testing of entry level candidates, and internal promotional testing to meet the needs of the organization.  The organization was originally accredited in August of 2003 and certified again as an accredited agency in 2008. Annual submittals are required to maintain this prestigious rating.  Professional Services is responsible for the annual update and submittal for the reaccredidation.

Photos related to fire detectors and home fire safety.

Community Risk Reduction

The Community Risk Reduction division is responsible for fire inspections, investigations, plans checks, and public education curriculum. The mission is to increase safety education and fire code compliance while reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by fire. The division achieves this mission through distributing smoke detectors, providing car seat classes, and other risk reduction campaigns. This division is also actively involved in pre-development issues, to ensure public safety is incorporated before problems occur in construction phases.  The Juvenile Fire Setter Program is nationally recognized, and provides training and education to juveniles that are petitioned by Juvenile Court.

For More Information

If you have questions or require more information, please contact the Yuma Fire Department.

Photos related to emergency preparedness.

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