HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-08-029 - Firefighter Exchange Programdevelopment &
Technical Services
Report To: Chair Christina Weylie; Members of the Development and
Technical Services Committee
Date of Meeting: February 11, 2008
Submitted By: Tim Beckett, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Gary Mann, Deputy Fire Chief
Wards}Involved: all
Date of Report: January 30, 2008
Report No.: DTS-08-029
Subject: FIREFIGHTER EXCHANGE PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION:
"The City of Kitchener approves the Fire Department's participation in the International
Firefighter Fellowship exchange program."
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This Firefighter exchange program is an opportunity for two persons of the same profession,
working for different employers to temporarily exchange their jobs for a defined period of time.
The Kitchener Fire Department sees the program as an opportunity for our department to learn
from others and for our employees to be enriched through the program. Any fire fighter
participating in this will have demonstrated a high level of commitment to our department and be
considered an excellent choice as an ambassador. The fire department has the opportunity to
participate in this program starting May 2008.
BACKGROUND:
The International Firefighter Fellowship (IFF) is a program for firefighters, creating opportunities
for exchanges between Australia, New Zealand and other participating overseas Fire
Departments. The duration of these exchanges can be between 6-12 months. The program
JIFF} provides Firefighters opportunities to experience overseas Fire Departments in operation
and for participants to experience other cultures, gather work experiences, and travel, while
retaining security of employment at home.
Through this process, the participating fire fighters:
develop a higher level of professionalism
experience the opportunity for temporary mobility
share knowledge to improve efficiency and morale
build international networks
enable the transmission of knowledge across emergency services
REPORT:
Fellowships include the exchanging jobs and of houses. Costs for travel and living expenses are
managed by the participants. Seniority and rank are not interrupted during the exchange and all
benefits from their home employer are retained. The participants exchange work hours, working
agreements, and scheduled vacation. All firefighters applying for the program must have the
support of their Fire Department as each person going on exchange is effectively an
ambassador for their community Fire Service.
Both the city's Human Resources division and the KPFFA have been consulted and have
assisted in working through the details of the exchange.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
During the exchange Kitchener fire fighters will remain employees of the Kitchener Fire
Department and will continue to receive their regular wages and benefits. The fellowship
exchange partner will remain an employee of the participating Fire Service and will continue to
receive the normal pay and benefits associated with their service. No additional cost shall be
incurred by the Corporation.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Coordination and communications shall be coordinated through Deputy Fire Chief Gary Mann,
Ita Magid, Supervisor of Benefits, and Zoe Leach, HR Coordinator, New Zealand Fire Service.
Participating fire fighters would be committed to communicating the value of the experience
upon their return home and shall provide ongoing updates regarding the experience during the
exchange.
CONCLUSION:
It is recommended that Council support the Kitchener Fire Department's participation in the
International Firefighter Fellowship program.
Gary Mann
Deputy Fire Chief
Tim Beckett
Fire Chief