TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, City Manager
FROM: David Gerboth, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:
title
Salem Fire Department Organizational Initiatives Update
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Safe and Healthy Community
end
SUMMARY:
Following leadership transitions within the Salem Fire Department, an evaluation of the organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) was conducted to better understand the department's current state, emerging challenges, and future opportunities. Through that process, an Areas of Focus framework was developed to provide organizational direction, establish priorities, and serve as a roadmap for the department while a comprehensive strategic plan was being developed.
Over the past 18 months, the Salem Fire Department has initiated and implemented a number of initiatives aligned with these Areas of Focus. These initiatives have been organized and designed around five key priorities: community engagement, service delivery excellence, technology and data-informed decision making, personnel wellness, and strategic planning. These initiatives are intended to improve service delivery, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and serve as foundational building blocks for the department's emerging strategic plan.
This work session provides an opportunity to update the City Council on progress made to date, share accomplishments and lessons learned, and highlight how these initiatives are informing the development of the department's formal strategic plan.
This session also provides an opportunity to receive feedback from the City Council as the department continues to refine organizational priorities and develop its strategic plan. The Salem Fire Department values the Council's perspectives, community insights, and representation of constituent needs, and looks forward to a collaborative discussion regarding opportunities, challenges, future priorities, and areas for continued investment for both the organization and the community we serve.
ISSUE:
Information Only.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information Only.
body
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
The initiatives presented are organized around the department's Areas of Focus, including community engagement, service delivery excellence, technology and data-informed decision making, personnel support and wellness, and strategic planning.
Community Engagement - Communications Strategy
Significant Incident Reports
Provide an overview of the department's enhanced significant incident reporting process designed to improve transparency, public awareness, and timely communication regarding major emergency events.
Annual Report
Highlight the development and publication of the department's first comprehensive annual report, providing performance metrics, accomplishments, operational data, and strategic priorities.
Community Events and Outreach
Discuss efforts to strengthen community relationships through public education, outreach programs, social media, neighborhood engagement, and participation in community events.
Service Delivery
Operational Excellence and Response Improvements
Review initiatives focused on improving emergency response effectiveness, fleet recapitalization, resource deployment, operational performance, and service delivery outcomes.
Incident Command System (ICS) Enhancements
Provide an update on improvements to incident management processes, leadership development, and the implementation of modernized incident command tools and systems.
Automatic Aid Implementation and Outcomes
Discuss the implementation of automatic aid agreements and the resulting impacts on response times, resource utilization, firefighter safety, and regional collaboration.
REACH Program - Three-Month Update
Present early outcomes, lessons learned, and future opportunities associated with the REACH program's efforts to connect individuals experiencing behavioral health and social service needs with appropriate resources.
Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Inspection Program
Discuss the development and expansion of the department's Community Risk Reduction inspection program, including the addition of dedicated fire inspection personnel, efforts to improve code compliance and life safety, proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies, and the program's role in reducing fire risk while enhancing community safety and resilience.
Technology - Data-Informed Decision Making
Data Analytics Program
Discuss the development of data analytics capabilities to support operational decision-making, performance measurement, resource planning, and organizational accountability.
Artificial Intelligence Integration at the Willamette Valley Communications Center (WVCC) for Non-Emergency Calls
Provide an overview of the pilot program utilizing artificial intelligence technologies being evaluated to improve non-emergency call handling, customer service, and communication center efficiency.
Enterprise Data Warehouse Development
Discuss efforts to consolidate and integrate department data sources into a centralized platform that supports reporting, analytics, and informed decision-making.
WVCC and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Relocation
Provide an update on planning efforts to relocate the Willamette Valley Communications Center and Emergency Operations Center into a modern, resilient facility designed to support emergency communications, disaster response coordination, operational continuity, and the region's long-term public safety needs.
Personnel Support and Wellness
Professional Development Programs
Highlight investments in leadership development, officer training, succession planning, and career advancement opportunities for department personnel.
Peer Support Team
Provide an update on the department's peer support program and its role in promoting mental health, resilience, and member well-being.
Ready Rebound
Discuss the Ready Rebound program and its efforts to improve injury recovery, return-to-work outcomes, and overall workforce readiness.
Struggle Well Initiative
Provide an overview of the Struggle Well program and its focus on building resilience, personal growth, and long-term wellness through evidence-based practices.
Strategic Planning
Strategic Plan Development
Review the department's strategic planning process, stakeholder engagement efforts, and progress toward establishing long-term organizational goals and priorities.
Organizational Priorities and Future Initiatives
Discuss key priorities, emerging opportunities, and future initiatives intended to enhance service delivery, support personnel, and position the department for continued success.
BACKGROUND:
In late 2024, following leadership transitions within the Salem Fire Department, an organizational assessment was conducted to evaluate the department's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). The assessment identified several opportunities to enhance service delivery, strengthen organizational effectiveness, support personnel, improve community engagement, and modernize operations. The department subsequently developed a series of Areas of Focus to establish priorities and provide organizational direction while a comprehensive strategic plan was being developed.
Over the past 18 months, the department has implemented a number of initiatives aligned with these Areas of Focus. These efforts have informed the development of the department’s emerging strategic plan and have produced measurable outcomes in areas such as community engagement, service delivery, technology modernization and personnel wellness.
This work session provides an opportunity for the Salem Fire Department to update the City Council on these efforts, discuss accomplishments and lessons learned, present current and future priorities, and receive feedback as the department continues its strategic planning process.
DAVID GERBOTH
FIRE CHIEF
Attachments:
1. Work Session Presentation