Board of Fire Commissioners approves changes to TMFPD’s Volunteer Fire Program

New measures will make the Volunteer Fire Program stronger and citizens safer.

Reno, Nevada. Oct. 20, 2015. At Tuesday’s Board of Fire Commissioners meeting, the Board passed four to one (Herman dissented) additional measures to support changes to the Volunteer Fire Program. The new measures follow the Board’s unanimous approval in May of a transition plan to restructure volunteer fire services throughout Washoe County by bringing the volunteer force under the management of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD). The plan also aligns with recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Committee on Regional Fire (2014). 

“The District is committed to a capable and competent volunteer force. This recommendation addresses the issues that need adjusting so we stay current with statutes and industry standards,” TMFPD Fire Chief Charlie Moore said. “The previous system was antiquated and needed to evolve with changing times and meet anticipated growth in Washoe County.” 

Previously, eight independent and autonomous fire departments operated under individual contracts to provide emergency response.

The new measures approved by the Board Tuesday will do the following:

• Replace contracted volunteer services with a volunteer force governed by policy and best practices - administered by TMFPD.
• Simplify and streamline training, operations, and compliance with statutes and industry standards. 
• Develop a stronger and more robust force to support our growing community.

“I think this is a step in the right direction, bringing about uniformity and cohesiveness between our volunteers,” Commissioner Bob Lucey (Dist. 2) said. “I want to thank you for your continued effort in making sure the structure of the Volunteer Fire Program changes are for the better in preparation for the next evolution of our region.”

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