St. Lucie County's response - St. Lucie County Fire District

The St. Lucie County Fire District (“Fire District”) is an independent special district of the Stateof Florida, which is responsible for providing fire protection and emergency medical services(“EMS”) and transport for every individual in St. Lucie County, Florida. It is the only specialfire control district which covers its entire county. As the sole fire agency and EMS provider inSt. Lucie County, and unlike typical fire departments, the Fire District handles all supportfunctions on its own. In addition to providing such emergency services, the Fire District isresponsible for finances, legal services, human resources, logistics, vehicle fleet maintenance,information technologies, grounds and maintenance, training and all other administrative needs.The Fire District is governed by the St. Lucie County Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners(“Fire Board”), which is comprised of seven members: two (2) appointed from the electedmembers of the St. Lucie County Board of Commissioners; two (2) appointed from the electedmembers of the City Commission of the City of Fort Pierce; two (2) appointed from the electedmembers of the City Council of the City of Port St. Lucie; and one (1) member appointed byFlorida’s Governor.The Fire District is governed by Chapter 2004-407, Laws of Florida, the Fire District’s codifiedcharter and Chapter 191, Independent Special Fire Control Districts, Florida Statutes. Copies ofsaid documents are attached.The specific questions stemming from Executive Order Number 12-10, which have been posedby Governor Scott, and as numbered therein, are answered below:1. Highlights over the recent years:a. AchievementsThe Fire District has recognized the current economic climate and has responded to it. It hasstrived to maintain fiscal responsibility and has collectively found solutions for many of theconstraints that confront the Fire District.During the past five years, the Fire District has reduced its property tax revenues by $20 Millionannually and has eliminated 17% of its workforce, including a total of 82 positions. In spite ofthe recent economic environment, the Fire District’s accomplishments have remained numerous,including the following:i. 2007- Administrative ComplexIn 2007, the Fire District’s Administrative Complex was constructed in response to hurricanes,as well as operational and planning issues. It now facilitates proper working conditions for 35civilian administrative personnel and 12 uniformed personnel. The complex also houses acentralized Incident Command System for large Fire and EMS operations, including hurricanes,wildland fires, flooding and tornadoes.1

ii.2008- Public/Private Partnership with OmniflightFor fifteen years, the Fire District and the St Lucie County Sheriff’s Department maintained apartnership providing free EMS flights for trauma patients to various trauma centers. Due to theadverse economic situation, neither entity was able to sustain the arrangement. Therefore, aprivate/public partnership was established between the Fire District and Omniflight, Inc.iii.2008- New Fire Stations No. 16 (PSL Blvd.) and No.17 (Tradition)Two new Fire Stations were opened in western Port St Lucie, providing enhanced response timesand placing needed personnel and equipment in that area, including the Special Operations Team(hazardous materials).iv. 2008- Airport Rescue at new Fire Station No. 4One of the Fire District’s oldest Fire Stations was replaced with a new Fire Station No. 4, locatedon St. Lucie County International Airport property, specifically designed to house and deploy anAirport Rescue and Fire Fighting (“ARFF”) vehicle, providing improved emergency response atthe Airport and surrounding areas.v. 2008- Fire Station Nos. 2 and 6Two older Fire District Fire Stations were replaced with two new Fire Stations, capable ofhousing aerial apparatus and additional equipment for barrier island protection, in order toprovide enhanced service coverage. These new Fire Stations are hurricane hardened and arefully fire-sprinklered.vi. 2008- Fire Station Nos. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15Due to lessons learned from Hurricanes Frances and Jean in 2004, the Fire District obtained aFEMA Grant and hurricane hardened Fire Stations Nos. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15 toimprove survivability and continuity of Fire and Emergency Services. This program broughtthese stations in-line with the windstorm construction standards of the remaining Fire Stations.vii.2008- Additional Field Training OfficersDue to staffing needs in the field, day training positions were eliminated and three additionalField Training Officers were added in the field to provide increased EMS supervision, safetyresponsibilities and training delivery.viii.2008- $250,000 Contribution to Treasure Coast Public Safety ComplexA partnership between the Fire District and Indian River State College was established through a$250,000 contribution by the Fire District to the Treasure Coast Public Safety Complex. FireDistrict Firefighters train at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Complex on a regular basis.ix.2009- ALS Fire EnginesWith EMS grant funds, the Fire District was able to increase the number of Advanced LifeSupport Fire Engines to 10 for enhanced EMS first response county-wide.2

x. 2009- Communications Division move to Emergency Operations CenterIn 2009, St Lucie County built the new Douglas Anderson Emergency Operations Center(“EOC”), in which the Fire District’s Communications Division is now housed, therebyimproving hurricane protection and sustainability of emergency communications capabilities.xi.2010- Rescue BoatDue to tropical storm events and significant flooding that occurred in the St. Lucie County area,a rescue boat was purchased by the Fire District using Grant funds. A team was developed andtrained to provide improved water rescue and evacuation capabilities.xii.2009 – 2011 - ISO Rating ImprovementIn 2009, as one goal within its adopted Strategic Plan, the Fire District indicated a desire toimprove its Insurance Services Office (“ISO”) split class rating (then a 3/9) to a single countywideclassification of 3. After a concerted 18-month effort, involving intense employee training,records scrutiny, force deployment changes and equipment acquisitions, the Fire District wasable to achieve its goal. On August 1, 2011, the Fire District became the first county-wide fireservice in the State of Florida to achieve a single class rating of 3. This improved rating resultedin property insurance premium savings ranging from $200 - $2,000 for many St. Lucie Countyproperty owners.xiii.2011 - Air Methods Public/Private PartnershipIn 2011, the air medical transport business of Omniflight was transferred to another company,Air Methods Corporation. As a result, the Fire District renegotiated the agreement between theparties, increasing funding for the Fire District and reducing taxpayer costs, while maintainingthe current level of service.xiv.2012 - Educational Achievements of Fire District PersonnelThe Fire District is proud of the educational achievements of its personnel, who currently holdthe following college degrees:1. 171 Associates Degrees2. 67 Bachelor’s Degrees3. 21 Master’s Degrees4. 1 Doctorate DegreeIn addition, four members of the Fire District’s Command Staff currently hold Chief Fire OfficerDesignations; and three hold Executive Fire Officer Designations.b. EfficienciesThe Fire District is an independent special district of the State of Florida, yet each major St.Lucie County local government has elected representatives on the Fire District. As a result, eachlocal government has a direct say on actions by the Fire District. Its budget and millage rate arevoted on by the Fire Board and do not impact the budget or millage rate of St. Lucie County.3

The Florida Legislature was prudent in the consolidated design of the Fire District, which isresponsible for providing fire protection and emergency medical services to everyone in St.Lucie County. Consolidation of St. Lucie County’s Fire/Rescue services into a single FireDistrict has eliminated redundancy and significantly reduced personnel costs normally needed tomanage multiple fire agencies, thereby achieving major efficiencies of scale.There is no other fire agency in the region that does what the Fire District does. Martin Countyhas three fire agencies, while Indian River County and Okeechobee County each have two.Brevard County has twelve different fire departments and Palm Beach County has fourteen.Whereas, St. Lucie County has only one Fire Chief, one group of administrators and one fireagency.2. District Information:a. Creation DocumentsThe Florida Legislature created the St. Lucie County/Ft. Pierce Fire District in 1959, pursuant toChapter 59-1806, Laws of Florida, a copy of which is attached.Special Acts relating to the Fire District have been amended a number of times since 1959,including the following:Chapter 61-2758, Laws of Florida; Chapter 63-1866, Laws of Florida; Chapter 65-2190, Laws ofFlorida; Chapter 65-2191, Laws of Florida; ; Chapter 67-1991, Laws of Florida; Chapter 67-1993, Laws of Florida; Chapter 69-1545, Laws of Florida; Chapter 69-1548; Laws of Florida;Chapter 76-608, Laws of Florida; Chapter 77-645, Laws of Florida; Chapter 78-608, Laws ofFlorida; Chapter 79-559, Laws of Florida; Chapter 83-510, Laws of Florida; and Chapter 84-521,Laws of Florida.In 1996, the current name of the St. Lucie County Fire District was adopted by the FloridaLegislature, pursuant to Chapter 96-532, Laws of Florida, a copy of which is attached.In 2004, the Florida Legislature codified the current charter for the Fire District, pursuant toChapter 2004-407, Laws of Florida.b. Brief History of the DistrictA fire department for St. Lucie County was initially formed in 1906, which consisted of 33volunteer firefighters and a large shed as its only fire station.In 1924, the first Central Fire Station was built at Ave A and US1, Fort Pierce, FL.In 1954, the second Central Fire Station was built at Avenues 7th and D, Fort Pierce, FL.In 1959, the Florida Legislature created the St. Lucie County/Ft. Pierce Fire District.4

In 1972, the Fire District began providing EMS and medical transports.In 1983, Central Fire Station No. 1 was built on Rhode Island Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. Since1959, the Fire District has built 17 currently operating Fire Stations.In 1996, the current name of the St. Lucie County Fire District was adopted.In 2007, the St. Lucie County Fire District was recognized as a Metro Fire Organization, acategory achieved by only 200 fire departments world-wide.In 2007, the Fire District constructed the current Administrative Complex.c. Areai. Size of the District –The Fire District encompasses all of St. Lucie County, Florida, which according to the mostcurrent U.S. Census, includes 614 square miles.ii. Electronic copy of the District map –An electronic copy of a map of the Fire District is attached.3. Surrounding Area:a. Does the County provide EMS Service?No, St. Lucie County does not provide EMS service.b. Do Cities bordering the District provide EMS Service?No, none of the Cities within St. Lucie County, Florida, provide EMS service.4. District Statistics:a. Population of the DistrictAccording to the most current U.S. Census, the population of St. Lucie County, Florida is280,379, which also reflects the population of the Fire District.b. Population DensityAccording to the most current U.S. Census, there are 486 persons per square mile in St. LucieCounty, Florida, which also reflects the population density of the Fire District.5

5. Taxing (for 2000-2005)a. “Mileage” Rate ( It is assumed that “Millage” Rate was intended)The Fire District's current ad valorem millage rate is 2.65 mils. A list of the Fire District’s advalorem millage rates during the past 10 years is attached.The Fire District is authorized, empowered and directed by the State, under Section 10 ofChapter 2004-407, Laws of Florida, to levy annual ad valorem taxes at a rate not to exceed 3.0mils, by a majority vote of the Fire Board.Under Section 191.009, Florida Statutes, the Fire District would be authorized to levy an annualad valorem tax, up to 3.75 mils, subject to a referendum vote approving a millage rate exceeding3.0 mils. The Fire District has never sought to exceed its existing 3.0 mils cap.Unlike other local governments, the Fire District’s funding sources are extremely limited and amajority of its revenue is derived strictly from ad valorem taxes. Every dollar that the FireDistrict levies in property taxes goes toward providing a certain level of fire protection andemergency medical services. The Fire District does not operate parks nor libraries that could beclosed and thereby save tax money. Further, the Fire District cannot reduce its hours ofoperation. Fires and medical emergencies occur 24/7, every day of the year.b. Assessed Property ValueThe Fire District’s assessed property values during the past 10 years are attached.c. Does the county/city charge any mileage [millage] for emergency services thatmay be paid to a special district for service?The Fire District does not receive any tax monies from St. Lucie County nor any of the Cities foremergency services. Neither St. Lucie County nor the Cities charge any ad valorem taxes foremergency services.d. Any Fee for ServiceThe Fire District charges ambulance billing fees on individuals who are transported to medicalfacilities by Fire District personnel. The Fire District invoices approximately $13.9 Millionannually for the more than 26,000 billable medical transports. After write-downs for Medicare/Medicaid and uncollectable accounts, the Fire District nets approximately $8.5 Million to helpfund operating expenses. The Fire District charges for medical transport according to thefollowing fee schedule: Basic Life Support - $425; Advanced Life Support - $500; AdvancedLife Support II - $650; Specialty Care Transport - $750; and Mileage - $8.50 per mile.The Fire District imposes fees on individuals or entities which require review of developmentplans or building plans under the Fire Prevention Code. Revenue from permit fees varies withthe amount of new construction taking place within St. Lucie County. In the past, this source of6

evenue was used to fully fund the Fire Prevention Bureau (“Bureau”). In 2011, the Fire Districtcollected $117,726 in permit fees through the Bureau.The Fire District charges special user fees for cost recovery from incidents involving hazardousmaterials or the extinguishment of uncontrolled non-structure fires. In 2011, the Fire Districtcollected $113,248 through this process.The Fire District has imposed impact fees to help reduce deficiencies in the resources needed tobuild new public facilities, such as Fire Stations, or to improve existing ones to serve newresidents. In 2011, the Fire District collected $260,826 in impact fees.The Seminole Tribe of Florida owns a residential area in the western portion of St. Lucie County.Although the Seminole Tribe is not obligated to pay ad valorem taxes, they agreed to pay theFire District $24,806 per year to provide Fire/EMS services to the Seminole Tribe.6. Property Typea. Residential Propertyi. Single Family PropertyAccording to the records of the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s Office, there are 30,094acres of single family property in St. Lucie County.According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 11,595 mobile home units in St. Lucie County.ii.Multi-Family PropertyAccording to the records of the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s Office, there are 1,125acres of multi-family property in St. Lucie County.b. Commercial PropertyAccording to the records of St Lucie County, Florida, there are 8,786 acres of commerciallyzoned property and 2,172 acres of industrially zoned property in St. Lucie County.7. Calls (for the past 5 years)2007 – 36,1162008 – 36,9922009 – 38,1922010 – 38,4322011 – 38,652a. Total Call Volume7

2007 – 31,5122008 – 32,1812009 – 33,6732010 – 33,8642011 – 34,176b. Type of Callsi. Medicalii.Structure Fires2007 – 4,6042008 – 4,8112009 – 4,5192010 – 4,5582011 – 4,476iii.Percentage of calls classified as medical2007 – 87.25%2008 – 86.99%2009 – 88.16%2010 – 88.11%2011 – 88.41%iv.Average response time2007 – 7:16 Minutes2008 – 6:40 Minutes2009 – 6:32 Minutes2010 – 6:32 Minutes2011 – 6:27 Minutes8. Staff (last 5 years)a. Structure of staffi. How is your staff structuredSince the Fire District is an independent special district that covers the entire area and populationof St. Lucie County, without additional assistance from St. Lucie County nor any of the Citieswithin St. Lucie County, the Fire District is required to provide all personnel required to provideall fire protection and emergency medical services and transport for everyone in St. LucieCounty, as well as all administrative services necessary to support Fire and EMS functions.8

Fire ChiefThe Fire Chief is one of three positions within the Fire District specifically authorized in Chapter2004-407, Laws of Florida, the codified charter and enabling legislation for the Fire District.The Fire Chief performs the following duties and responsibilities:1. Serve as Chief Operations Officer of the Fire District.2. Serve as professional advisor to the Fire Board.3. Inform the Fire Board, to the best of his abilities, fully and accuratelyregarding the Fire District.4. Make recommendations on policies and issues considered by the Fire Board.5. Recommend appropriate bids for consideration by the Fire Board.6. Work in conjunction with the Clerk/Treasurer in developing a budget forthe Fire Board’s approval.7. Recruit and manage the best personnel available and develop competentstaff and supervisors, in accordance with the policies of the Fire District.8. Work in conjunction with the Fire District Attorney in all legal matters.9. Participate in Union negotiations on behalf of the Fire Board.10. Develop and conduct community information programs in accordancewith the policies of the Fire District.11. Perform such other duties as are customarily performed by one holdingsuch an appointment as Fire Chief.12. Render such other services and duties as may be assigned to Fire Chieffrom time to time by the Fire Board.Command StaffIn addition to the Fire Chief, Command Staff for the Fire District for FY 2012-2013 includes anAssistant Chief, 3 Deputy Chiefs, as well as a District Chief and 3 Battalion Chiefs, each on oneof 3 Shifts (A, B, and C). Command Staff also includes two civilian administrative supportpersonnel.In addition to providing support for the Fire Chief, the Assistant Chief is in command of the Fireand EMS Operations Divisions, the Bureau, Communications, Training and Safety, Buildingsand Grounds, Public Education, Special Operations and Air Medical Program.One of the Deputy Chiefs oversees the Bureau, Buildings and Grounds, Logistics, Accreditationand ISO, Fire Marshal responsibilities, Office of Internal Affairs and reports to the Fire Chief.One of the Deputy Chiefs oversees Fire Operations, Communications, Special Operations, HonorGuard, Community Events and reports to the Assistant Chief. One of the Deputy Chiefsoversees EMS Operations, Training and Safety, Air Medical Program, Fleet Maintenance,Grants, Fire Explorer Program and reports to the Assistant Chief.District Chiefs are used to bridge the gap between Operations and Administration, oversee allactivities on their respective shifts and report to a Deputy Chief.Battalion Chiefs are responsible for the operation of a specified geographical area, a group ofFire Stations and report to a District Chief.9

Operations DivisionThe Fire District operates out of 17 Fire Stations and an Air Rescue base, protecting over280,000 residents. The response area is 614 square miles and includes unincorporated St LucieCounty, the City of Fort Pierce, the City of Port St Lucie and St Lucie Village. The OperationsDivision involves 332 total personnel, not including Command Staff.Communications DivisionThe Communications Division is the nerve center of the Fire District’s operations and is the firstpoint of contact for the public, where calls for service are received, information is obtained andtransmitted to the appropriate units or Fire Stations and where pre-arrival instructions are giventhrough the Emergency Medical Dispatching (“EMD”) process. The Communications Divisionincludes 16 total personnel.Training and Safety DivisionThe Training and Safety Division is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The staffing consistsof one administrative Training Officer that works a Monday through Friday schedule. Inaddition, the division has one Field Training Captain and Field Training Officers available oneach shift. The Training and Safety Division’s focus is to coordinate training drills, meet withproduct manufacturers, and develop training objectives and intra-agency meetings. The TrainingOfficer communicates with the shift Field Training Officers and collectively develops methodsto share information and/or provide training to all personnel. The Training and Safety Divisionincludes 16 total personnel.Air Medical ProgramA public/private partnership between the Fire District and Air Methods Corporation provides airmedical transport of critical patients via a critical care nurse and pilot supplied by Air Methodsand a Flight-Paramedic provided by the Fire District. The Air Medical Program performed 298transport flights in 2011. The Air Medical Program includes nine total Fire District personnel.Fire Prevention BureauThe Bureau enforces the provisions of the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Fire District FirePrevention Code. These duties include the inspection of buildings, processes, fire protectionequipment, and other life safety systems. Additional duties include development review, site planreview, and construction plan review. The Bureau is also responsible for the investigation offires and explosions, determinations of the cause and origin of these incidents, and assisting inthe prosecution of arson cases. Bureau personnel also conduct fire safety Public Educationprograms for the public. The Bureau includes eight total personnel.Human ResourcesThe Human Resources Division assists with all personnel related matters regarding employeebenefits, including the following: recruitment; promotional exams; employment administration;employee benefits; Board elections; and Human Resources Information Systems. The HumanResources Division includes four total personnel.10

Information TechnologyThe Information Technology Department is responsible for the following: 24/7 support on allcomputer and information systems, with highest priority on emergency response systems;maintain servers, network switches, towers, radios, PCs, phones, printers, data infrastructure;administer social media, website, email, cell phones, and all other forms of communication;maintain microwave infrastructure supporting CAD alerting, AVL, VOIP and data links to EOCand all17 Fire Stations; update and provide support on all software packages; assist users day today on usage of software and any technology related problems; install mobile data equipment,computers, and radios in vehicles; utilize remote desktop software to reduce travel time andexpenses; and provide in-house repair of any electronic devices. The Information TechnologyDepartment includes four total personnel.LogisticsThe Logistics Division’s responsibility is to buy and deliver what the Fire District needs at thelowest possible cost and deliver items to the17 Fire Stations, EOC and the AdministrativeComplex when needed, including the following: maintain an adequate and accurate inventory;deliver supplies to the other facilities within the Fire District; purchase capital items as needed;maintain an inventory of all fixed assets; dispose of fixed assets; create purchase orders forsupply requests; write and publish Request for Proposal, Invitation to Bid and Request forQualification; maintain records for narcotics; assemble shipments for UPS, FEDEX; issueuniforms and bunker gear; and research new products requested by the Fire District. TheLogistics Division includes two total personnel.Fleet MaintenanceThe Fleet Maintenance Division is responsible for maintenance and repair of all Fire Districtvehicles and equipment, ranging from smaller vehicles, for special events, to the large ARFFVehicle. The Fleet Maintenance Division includes six total personnel.Buildings & GroundsThe Building and Grounds Division maintains all Fire District buildings and staffs the SelfContained Breathing Apparatus Support Unit. The Division is responsible for the generalmaintenance of all Fire District properties. Division personnel perform equipment maintenanceand repair, building maintenance and repair, and landscape maintenance for all facilities. TheDivision is also intricately involved in the construction management of new Fire Stations. TheBuilding and Grounds Division includes five total personnel.Clerk TreasurerThe Clerk-Treasurer is one of three positions within the Fire District specifically authorized inChapter 2004-407, Laws of Florida, the codified charter and enabling legislation for the FireDistrict. The Clerk-Treasurer is responsible for directing the activities of the Finance,Ambulance Billing, and Records Departments. He reports directly to the Fire Board. TheClerk-Treasurer oversees 10 total personnel, who perform the following functions:1. Accounting and Auditing—The Finance Department is responsible for all accounting andinternal auditing functions to include Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable,11

maintaining and reconciling the Fixed Asset register, preparing financial statements,reconciling accounts and complying with the requirements of the State Auditor General.2. Cash Management & Investments – Through the Clerk-Treasurer and the InvestmentCommittee, the Finance Department manages all investments for the Fire District andperforms cash management, financial planning, and revenue administration.3. Payroll – The Finance Department processes payroll on a bi-weekly basis. They alsoverify and file federal and state payroll tax reports and end-of-year W-2 and 1099 forms.4. Budgeting – In conjunction with the Fire Chief, develops the annual budget and capitalimprovement plan, complies with Truth in Millage statutes and performs statisticalanalysis and projections as required.5. Ambulance Billing - The Ambulance Billing Department is responsible for the invoicingand collection of Accounts Receivable that result from ambulance transports. ProcessingEMS transports includes analysis of data to ensure HIPAA compliance and accuracywhen invoicing Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance carriers.6. Records Clerk - The Records Clerk performs specialized clerical work involving themanagement of the District’s records and recordkeeping, and assists the Clerk-Treasurerwith the District records management program. The Records Clerk also serves as theRecording Secretary for the Fire Board.Fire District AttorneyThe District Attorney is one of three positions within the Fire District specifically authorized inChapter 2004-407, Laws of Florida, the codified charter and enabling legislation for the FireDistrict. The District Attorney reports directly to the Fire Board. The District Attorney isresponsible for the following functions:1. Advise the Fire Board directly and through the Fire Chief and Clerk/Treasurer.2. Attend all meetings of the Fire Board and review meeting agenda items.3. Oversee labor matters and act as Fire District Management’s chief labor negotiator.4. Assist in the development of policy issues.5. Draft all Fire Board resolutions and agreements.6. Act as the Fire Board’s representative on the General Employees’ Pension Trust Board.7. Issue opinions on Fire District governance.8. Handle Sunshine Law matters and ethics issues.9. Draft and review all bid documents and RFP’s/RFQ’s.10. Serve on all selection committees.11. Perform such other duties as assigned by the Fire Board or the Fire Chief.ii. Please include organizational chartA copy of the FY 2012-2013 organizational chart for the Fire District is attached.b. Amount of staffi. How many staff total12

The total number of filled personnel positions for the Fire District, on the first day of the FiscalYear indicated has been as follows:Firefighters General Employees Total10/1/2007 377 54 43110/1/2008 402 57 45910/1/2009 397 57 45410/1/2010 376 55 43110/1/2011 370 52 422ii. How many administrative staffIn addition to the Fire Chief, Command Staff for the Fire District for FY 2012-2013 includes anAssistant Chief, 3 Deputy Chiefs, as well as a District Chief and 3 Battalion Chiefs, each on oneof 3 Shifts (A, B, and C). Command Staff also includes two civilian administrative supportpersonnel.Command Staff for the Fire District on the first day of the Fiscal Year indicated, not includingcivilian administrative support personnel, has been as follows:10/1/2007 - Fire Chief, 1 Assistant Chief, 3 Deputy Chiefs and 3 Battalion Chiefs, each on one of3 Shifts (A, B, and C).10/1/2008 - Fire Chief, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 3 Deputy Chiefs; 3 District Chiefs and 3 BattalionChiefs, each on one of 3 Shifts (A, B, and C).10/1/2009 - Fire Chief, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 3 Deputy Chiefs, 3 District Chiefs and 3 BattalionChiefs, each on one of 3 Shifts (A, B, and C).10/1/2010 - Fire Chief, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 3 Deputy Chiefs, 3 District Chiefs and 3 BattalionChiefs, each on one of 3 Shifts (A, B, and C).10/1/2011 - Fire Chief, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 3 Deputy Chiefs, 3 District Chiefs and 3 BattalionChiefs, each on one of 3 Shifts (A, B, and C).The total number of General Employees employed by the Fire District on the first day of theFiscal Year indicated has been as follows:10/1/2007 5410/1/2008 5710/1/2009 5710/1/2010 5510/1/2011 52iii. How many ParamedicsThe total number of Fire District Firefighters with State of Florida Paramedic Certifications hasbeen as follows:13

2007- 186 out of 3772008- 233 out of 4022009- 245 out of 3972010- 242 out of 3762011- 241 out of 370iv. How many FirefightersFilled positions, on the first day of the Fiscal Year indicated, have been as follows:10/1/2007 Firefighters – 37710/1/2008 Firefighters – 40210/1/2009 Firefighters – 39710/1/2010 Firefighters – 37610/1/2011 Firefighters – 370All Fire District Firefighters are cross-trained as EMT’s and/or Paramedics.c. Provide a copy of HR HandbookThe Fire District does not maintain a document entitled “HR Handbook.” However, it has a setof Rules and Regulations adopted by the Fire Board through a Resolution. A copy of the mostcurrent version of the Rules and Regulations is attached.9. Payroll (last 5 years and including Commissioners)a. Payroll for Employees by Position with Salary and Job DescriptionTotal payrolls for Fire District personnel during the past 5 years have been as follows:FY 2006-2007 - $35,121,895FY 2007-2008 - $43,590,191 (After hiring 38 Firefighters in order to man two new Fire Stations)FY 2008-2009 - $44,927,141FY 2009-2010 - $46,534,278FY 2010-2011 - $45,120,866The Fire District Pay Plans for the past five years, indicating what each specified position waspaid during the respective Fiscal Year, are attached.Job descriptions for all employees of the Fire District are attached.Fire Board members receive no compensation for being members of the Fire Board.14

10. Benefits (Including Commissioners)a. Synopsis of Health and Retirement Benefits OfferedIn 1999, pursuant to collective bargaining and in an effort to mitigate the impact of rising healthcare costs on the budget, the Fire District established a SLCFD Employees’ Health and WelfareTrust, which administers health, dental, and vision insurance matters for all Fire Districtemployees. The SLCFD Employees’ Health and Welfare Trust is managed by a Board ofTrustees, elected by employees, along with paid professional advisors. The SLCFD Employees’Health and Welfare Trust Board is represented by outside legal counsel.Health coverage is self insured by the SLCFD Employees’ Health and Welfare Trust and claimsare processed by a third party administrator. Dental and vision coverage are contracted withoutside insurance vendors at negotiated rates. The plan is a qualified cafeteria 125 plan (pre-taxpremiums for employees). Since employee’s taxable income is reduced by qualifying pre-taxpremiums, the Fire District realizes a savings on its matching payroll tax obligations.The Fire District pays 85% of the premium and the employee pays 15% for health, dental, visionand employee assistance counseling. Additional disability and cancer policies are offered toemployees, at their expense.The SLCFD Employees’ Health and Welfare Trust offers in-network and out of networkbenefits, although out of network benefits are greatly reduced. Most in-network benefits are paidat 80% Trust - 20% employee. Fire District employees are not eligible to receive a benefitpayable to any coverage other than the SLCFD Employees’ Health and Welfare Trust.In July 2010, the SLCFD Employees’ Health and Welfare Trust contracted with a physicians’clinic to offer employees medical care for common services and prescriptions, at no cost to theemployee and at a reduced cost to the trust.Under its cafeteria 125 plan, the Fire District also offers an IRS Flexible Spending Plan. Thisallows employees to divert wages, pre-tax, to a Fire District-sponsored bank account intending toreimburse out of pocket expenses for qualified medical and day care expenses.At the same time that the SLCFD Employees’ Health and Welfare Trust was established, aRetiree Health Insurance Trust was also established, which is also managed by an elected Boardof Trustees and paid professional advisors. The Fire District committed to continue to pay thepremiums for current retirees’ single coverage, but any new retirees would receive only asubsidy toward single coverage, paid directly to the Retiree Health Insurance Trust, at an amountbased on service credit, up to the maximum dollar amount set by the Board of Trustees. Retireesunder the old system pay full cost for any dependents. Under the Retiree Health Insurance Trust,Retirees pay any balance of the premium over the subsidy, including dependent coverage.Retirees are not eligible to receive a premium subsidy payable to any coverage other than theSLCFD Employees’ Health and Welfare Trust.Around 1959, the Fire District originally became a member of the City of Fort Pierce RetirementSystem. On October 18, 2006, the Fire District established a separate Retirement System for its15

employees. There are two SLCFD Pension Trust Boards, one for Firefighters and one forGeneral Employees of the Fire District.The SLCFD Pension Trust Funds are managed and independently operated by Pension TrustBoards, composed of five members each, and not by the Fire District, whose Fire Board appointstwo of five members to each Pension Trust Board. Both of the SLCFD Pension Trust Boards arerepresented by outside legal counsel.In FY 2010-2011, the total employer contributions to the SLCFD Pension Trust Funds were7.6% of the Fire District's total budget. Both of the SLCFD Pension Trust Boards are required bylaw to conduct an annual actuarial valuation to measure the relationship between pension planobligations and assets and to determine the contribution rates for each ensuing year. The FireDistrict is financially insulated from this, to some extent, due to contractual obligations limitingits annual contributions. Employees, rather than the Fire District, are required to make a largercontribution when the contribution rates reach a pre-determined maximum level (28%), asspecified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. In FY 2012-13, Fire District Firefighters willcontribute 1.49 % of payroll to their SLCFD Pension Trust Fund.The Firefighters’ Pension Trust Fund is also supplemented by Firefighters’ Chapter 175 funds,which is not a taxpayer-based funding source.A Fire District Firefighter may retire after completing either 25 years of service or attaining age55. Chapter 175, Florida Statutes, requires an age 50 early retirement provision for firefighters.If this option is elected, the retiree’s benefit is offset by a 3% per year penalty for each yearunder age 55.Fire District General Employees may retire after completing either 25 years of service orattaining age 60.As a public safety agency, the multiplier applied to the pensions of Fire District employees is 3%per year of service. Fire District employees vest after 5 years of service. The pension fundsprovide a potential 5-year Deferred Retirement Option Plan for employees. Also, the pensionfunds do not provide retired employees with an automatic cost of living adjustment.Fire Board Commissioners are not members themselves of the SLCFD Pension Plans or theSLCFD Employees’ Health and Welfare Trust.b. Other benefitsi. Cell phoneCommand Staff, who incur a high volume of business calls while on and off duty, may opt to usetheir personal cell phones and receive a $50 monthly allowance to offset the cost.Division Staff, who travel locally and are on-call, have been assigned Fire District-paid cellphones, so they can communicate with supervisors, dispatch or citizens, as necessary to16

accomplish their assignment. Cell phone bills are scrutinized to ensure adherence to businessonlyuse.ii.Education benefitsIn order to qualify for advancement, the Fire District requires a job-related educational degreefor most positions. To facilitate that requirement, the Fire District budgets a set dollar amountfor degree-seeking tuition reimbursement. To apply for reimbursement, employees must providedocumentation within 60 days of successful completion of the job-related course, and sign anagreement to pay back, on a pro-rated basis, any tuition reimbursed to them, if they exitemployment within three years after receiving the funds.There is a similar arrangement for Firefighters who want to enter the Paramedic program.Administration must pre-approve Firefighters requesting entry into this program. The FireDistrict pre-pays the tuition directly to the college, and the Firefighters must sign an agreementto pay back the tuition if the program is not completed or exit employment within three years.iii.Take home vehiclesSix Command Staff and five Bureau personnel, who are on-call and required to respond toemergency scenes during off-duty hours, are assigned take home vehicles.iv.Purchase cardsThe Fire District does not use purchase cards.11. Assetsa. List of real property ownedThe Fire District has an ownership or lease interest in the following parcels of real property:i. Administrative Complex – 5160 NW Milner Road, Port St. Lucieii. Fire Station No. 1 - 2400 Rhode Island Avenue, Fort Pierceiii. Fire Station No. 2 - 800 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierceiv. Fire Station No. 3 - 480 SW Ravenswood Lane, Port St Luciev. Fire Station No. 4 - 2850 Aviation Way, Fort Piercevi. Fire Station No. 5 - 1616 SE Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St Lucievii. Fire Station No. 6 – 350 E Midway Rd, Fort Pierceviii. Fire Station No. 7 – 4900 Ft Pierce Blvd, Fort Pierceix. Fire Station No. 8 – 7583 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beachx. Fire Station No. 9 – 3595 North A1A, Fort Piercexi. Fire Station No. 10 – 777 SW Dalton Cir, Port St Luciexii. Fire Station No. 11 – 3501 Shinn Rd, Fort Piercexiii. Fire Station No. 12 – 1850 SE Village Green Dr, Port St Lucie17

xiv. Fire Station No. 13 – 201 SE Becker Rd, Port St Luciexv. Fire Station No. 14 – 300 NW California Blvd, Port St Luciexvi. Fire Station No. 15 – 721 Avenue D, Fort Piercexvii. Fire Station No. 16 – 3910 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Luciexiii. Fire Station No. 17 – 10240 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Luciexix. Old Fire Station No. 2 - 880 Seaway Drive, Fort Piercexx. Melaluca and Berkshire Property - SE Port St. Luciexxi. North U.S. 1 at Indrio Road – NE St. Lucie Countyxxii. Reserve Industrial Park Parcel – SW Port St. Luciexxiii. SW Annex Area - SW Port St. Luciexxiv. SW Annex Area – SW Port St. Luciexxv. SW Annex Area – SW Port St. Luciexxvi. SW Annex Area – SW Port St. Lucieb. List of vehiclesA list of various vehicles owned by the Fire District is attached.c. Other assetsThe Fire District owns other assets necessary to operate 17 Fire Stations and an AdministrativeComplex, including: desks; chairs; lights; computers; televisions; fans; and copy paper, etc.Revenues are being augmented by using nontraditional assets owned by the Fire District,including:i. Selling surplus Fire District property; such as former Fire Station No. 3, whichsold for $340,000; andii.iii.iv.Leasing surplus Fire District facilities to other entities or non-profit organizations,such as a portion of former Central Fire Station, which is annually nettingapproximately $36,000 plus utilities; andEnter into joint public/private partnerships, such as with Air Methods, Inc.,through which the Fire District annually receives $444,000 from the privatecompany in consideration of allowing them exclusive rights to provide airmedical transportation services within St. Lucie County; andSeeking communication tower lease agreements with cellular companies, such ashas been previously attempted, unsuccessfully, in the City of Port St. Lucie.18

12. Revenuea. List revenue sources outside of ad valorem/state fundsThe State of Florida has a system of governance under which Counties, Cities, and specialdistricts are authorized to take various actions based on Florida constitutional law or Floridastatutory law. Florida Counties and Cities have certain home rule powers under the FloridaConstitution. The Fire District does not. It is strictly a creature of statutory law.Other than to levy ad valorem taxes, Chapter 191, Florida Statutes and Chapter 2004-407, Lawsof Florida, authorize the Fire District to collect funds through the following methods: collectspecial assessments; bank financing; issue bonds, or other evidences of indebtedness; charge userfees; accept State and federal grants and other aid; create government enterprise funds; andimpose impact fees and additional development exactions.The Fire District’s portfolio earns approximately $462,000 per year in interest. That sum willprobably decline as the Fire District uses available reserves to balance the General Fund.The Fire District is limited, under Chapter 2004-407, Laws of Florida, in its ability to borrowmoney. The Fire District may only borrow money up to $1.5Million in any one year, unless theSt. Lucie County Fire Board of Commissioners declares an emergency. If the Fire Boarddeclares an emergency, the Fire District can borrow up to $4Million in one year. Under Chapter2004-407, Laws of Florida, the Fire District is also limited to borrow a total of $5Million.Currently, the Fire District has no outstanding long-term debt.Chapter 191, Florida Statutes, authorizes the Fire District to possibly impose non-ad valoremspecial assessments. A number of Florida fire departments currently use a Fire Service FeeMSBU to supplement their ad valorem taxes. However, the Fire District is not currently able toestablish any MSBU, because it has never had a MSBU approved through a referendum vote.The Fire District is also limited in its ability to issue bonds, because it would require voterreferendum approval.The Fire District has no outstanding bond issues.13. Servicesa. What services does the District provide?i. EducationWith respect to public education programs, the Bureau and Operations personnel provide regularstation tours to the general public and to the St. Lucie County School District’s elementaryschools. Operations personnel also provide demonstrations to area high schools emphasizing thehazards associated with driving under the influence and distracted driving and variedprograms/displays to the general public at the County’s annual fair.19

The Fire District conducts public education programs to promote awareness of methods toprevent fires and reduce loss of life and property. Other specific programs delivered through theBureau include smoke detector awareness and response training, emergency escape planning,window evacuation training, storm safety, emergency meeting place designation, calling 911instructions, cooking/hot stove safety, stop/drop/roll training, stay low/crawl training, and homealone safety training. The majority of these programs are provided to school age children by theuse of a safety trailer, obtained through a FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant, taken directlyto the St. Lucie County School District’s elementary schools.Adult education programs include fire extinguisher training, general fire safety and variouselements of the above listed children’s programs.ii. PermittingWithin the boundaries of St. Lucie County (including the City of Fort Pierce, the City of Port St.Lucie, St. Lucie Village, and unincorporated St. Lucie County) and pursuant to Section 633.121,Florida Statutes, only the Fire Chief of the Fire District is currently authorized to enforce this lawand all rules prescribed by the State Fire Marshal. The Fire District employs sufficient firesafety inspectors and investigators to fulfill its enforcement obligation without burdening localgovernments or the Division of the State Fire Marshal.Additionally, and pursuant to Section 191.008, Florida Statutes, the Fire District has adopted andenforces fire safety standards and codes and enforces the rules of the State Fire Marshalconsistent with the exercise of the duties authorized by Florida Statutes.More specifically, the above listed responsibilities fall under the Bureau and include site planreview, development review, new construction plans review and permitting, technical andFlorida Fire Prevention Code compliance assistance, new construction fire inspections, existingoccupancy fire inspections, code enforcement cases, arson and/or cause-and-origin investigationsand Juvenile Firesetter intervention services.iii. TrainingThe Fire District takes a proactive approach in fire prevention matters and works closely with theland planning and building departments of the City of Fort Pierce, City of Port St. Lucie, and St.Lucie County.Without cost to any of the local governments, the Fire District provides staff members who serveas members of the City of Fort Pierce Technical Review Committee, the City of Port St. LucieDevelopment Review Committee, and St. Lucie County’s Site Plan Review Committee. Thistraining and service ensures consistent application and interpretation of the applicable fire safetystandards and codes. It also affords the local governments a single-point resource to addressissues related to fire safety when making land planning and/or building permitting decisions.b. What services are provided for by the County or City?20

i. PermittingThe Fire District is unaware of what specific services are provided by St. Lucie County or theCities within St. Lucie County regarding permitting. However, the Fire District is aware that theCounty and Cities within St. Lucie County do not provide permitting services on behalf of theFire District.ii.TrainingThe Fire District is unaware of what specific services are provided by St. Lucie County or theCities within St. Lucie County regarding training. However, the Fire District is aware that theCounty and Cities within St. Lucie County do not provide training services on behalf of the FireDistrict.c. List/brief description of educational and public outreach programsA special service provided by the Fire District, without cost to the 19 th Judicial Circuit Court ofFlorida, is the Juvenile Firesetter Program. Fire prevention personnel work closely with at-riskchildren and their parents to resolve fire safety issues.The Fire District also conducts, participates in and supports numerous public outreach programsincluding, but not limited to, the following:The Citizens Fire Academy – introducing members of the community to all aspects of the FireDistrict.Fire Explorers – providing area youth with experiences designed to stimulate career developmentinterest in the fire service.Honor Guard – providing flag bearer services at various civic eventsThe Vial of Life Program – providing the public with forms and materials to record, store, anddisplay critical medical information in a way easily recognized and understood by firstresponders and medical personnel.The Yellow Dot Program – providing the public with a method to more easily allow firstresponders to recognize and locate medical information in personal vehicles.The Big Heart Brigade - providing holiday meals and much needed support to our community onThanksgiving. This past year, Fire District volunteers delivered over 1,600 meals to residents.Lil’ Feet – started by one of the Fire District’s own Firefighters, this organization has grown tosupply St. Lucie County children with over 1,500 pairs of shoes over the past 4 years.The Muscular Dystrophy Association – Fill the Boot Drive – collected over $37,000 this year.United Way – helping various local charities.The Van Duzer Foundation – providing financial assistance to families in need.21

Kids At Hope – encouraging students to excel in local schools.Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake – supporting mentors for children in need.Santa’s Elves – Fire District Firefighters collecting and delivering toys to underprivilegedchildren during the Holiday season.The Jessica Clinton Foundation – supporting CPR and AED training.Facebook, Twitter, Firefly Blog, and the Fire District’s website - providing service and firesafety information.14. Othera. Mutual Aidi. Number of calls the District responded toOver many years, the various fire agencies in the region have maintained mutual aid agreementswith each other, under the auspices of the Treasure Coast Fire Chiefs’ Association.The Fire District has responded to an average of 134 mutual aid calls per year. Many of thesecalls have involved helicopter transports when other agencies’ Air Rescue unit was not available.ii.Number of calls responded to (in your District) by other districtsThere are no other special fire control districts in our region. However, other City/County fireagencies have responded to an average of 149 mutual aid calls per year into St. Lucie County.Many of these calls have involved helicopter transports when Air Rescue was not available.b. Shared servicesi. Is there a shared call center that is shared within the County or City?The Fire District jointly occupies the Douglas Anderson EOC, together with St. Lucie County.The Fire District uses the facility for Fire and EMS first response dispatching and emergencymedical dispatching. St. Lucie County uses the facility for law enforcement dispatching for theSt. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Fort Pierce Police Department and the City ofPort St. Lucie Police Department.1. How is it paid for?The Fire District funds $1.2 Million annually toward the costs of the Douglas Anderson EOC,unlike the Cities within St. Lucie County. Remaining costs are borne by St. Lucie County.ii.Is there standard training for firefighters and first responders amongst theCounty/City?22

The Fire District is the only authorized Fire and EMS first responder agency within St. LucieCounty, Florida.St. Lucie County is privileged to be the home of one of the best public safety training andteaching facilities in the State of Florida: the Treasure Coast Public Safety Complex at IndianRiver State College. In 2008, a partnership with Indian River State College was developedthrough a $250,000 donation by the Fire District to the Treasure Coast Public Safety Complex.Fire District Firefighters rotate through the Treasure Coast Public Safety Complex regularlyutilizing the facility for in-house training.c. Does the District transport to area hospitals or does the County/City do that?The Fire District is the only agency within St. Lucie County, Florida, that has the authority toprovide EMS first responder services and transport emergency medical patients to area hospitals,pursuant to the COPCN issued by the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners.d. Contractingi. Does the District contract or share with the City or County for services?1. Maintenance – No, the Fire District has not been asked to contractor share with the Cities or County for vehicle or buildingmaintenance services.2. Training - Except as otherwise described previously, the FireDistrict has not been asked to contract or share with the Cities orCounty for fire or other training services.3. Inspectors - No, the Fire District has not been asked to contract orshare with the Cities or County for fire inspector services.15. ConclusionIt is the fervent belief of all of us associated with the Fire District that our fire agency is one ofthe most efficient fire agencies in the State of Florida. Its average Fire/EMS response timecounty-wide, for 614 square miles of coverage, is less than 6 ½ minutes. The Fire Districtperforms all of the duties necessary to provide outstanding fire protection and emergencymedical services and transport for everyone in St. Lucie County, Florida, at an annual tax cost of$131 per person.Providing appropriate and accurate responses to this Questionnaire has taken numerous hours ofstaff time and effort. From all of us at the St. Lucie County Fire District, it is hoped that thisinformation will be viewed as a benefit to Governor Scott.23