Re: “Safety audit highlights concerns”, p. 1, Oct. 16 Gazette.
Regarding the article about the safety audit of the Didsbury Fire Department (DFD), several key statements stand out to me.
One, the final grade for the DFD was 451 total points out of 945, for a score of 48 per cent.
Two, the points raised in these letters from 16 firefighters should’ve been reported in the incident reporting process. That is, again, the breakdown of the documentation process.
Three, the Town of Didsbury will be having an external health and safety audit next year.
It is my understanding that the insurance industry monitors performance reviews, and that Didsbury will likely be under their observation and timeline to correct our deficiencies.
In my opinion, the whole Town of Didsbury has effectively failed the safety audit. We are all on probation, and it is incumbent on us to be a part of the resolution.
The official position of the town has consistently been that the situation is under control. We have heard that since the volunteer firefighters' complaints first became public knowledge, and all through the subsequent resignations.
However, beyond the noted administrative and training issues, and in spite of the replacement of key personnel, complaints of demeaning management belligerence continue to linger. Demoralization is a safety and a performance hazard. When a responder steps into harm's way in the duty of public safety, they must be undistracted, free to fully focus on the task at hand.
There is no excuse for any compromise or coverup regarding the safety of fire department volunteers and of the general public whom they sacrificially serve.
Reportedly, Deron Reimer (manager of protective services and acting fire chief) has initiated a program to rectify deficiencies and to rejuvenate the force. That is encouraging news. To fully accomplish that task, a fresh culture of transparency and a healthy two-way accountability must be instilled in the hierarchy of the fire department, beginning with the administration who directs them.
Volunteers who make requests for improvement must be secure that they will be heard and not be retaliated against. Past complaints must be acknowledged, and untoward behaviour must be apologized for.
Council is responsible to ensure that administration is effective, responsive and accountable in every way. Council's duty is to the citizens of the Town of Didsbury, who in turn support and hold our council accountable. Together, we can move Didsbury forward.
Fred Van Vliet
Didsbury
