Richmond Fire Department to introduce new jobs and initiatives

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Fire Department has announced new plans to improve operations and strengthen other areas within the department.

According to a release from the department on Wednesday, these changes are being made to reflect a "proactive investment in the future of the department and ensure that the Richmond Fire Department is well equipped to meet the evolving needs of the City of Richmond."

The areas of focus the department is seeking to improve are:

• Improving operation
• Strengthening its commitment to accountability
• Ensuring excellence in delivering public safety services

"One of my top priorities is taking Richmond’s local government and transforming it into a model public-sector organization," said Richmond Mayor Danny Avula in a statement. "That work happens through continuous, focused improvements to the way we do business. That's exactly what I’ve asked CAO Donald to do, and in collaboration with Chief Segal that’s exactly what these new announcements deliver."

The Richmond Fire Department has announced that they have created a new role titled "Fire Services Business Manager," to support efforts in numerous areas, including finances, general administrative tasks and ethical standards.

The position is also to ensure that the "department consistently remains in alignment with citywide administrative and ethical standards."

According to department officials, the new position will also build on the "recently hired Internal Standards Officer, who focuses on monitoring compliance, makes sure that RFD’s processes remain fair, and helps the department maintain a high level of trust."

The department has also posted three Deputy Chief positions to support broadening the department's "leadership capacity" as well as supporting the longevity of the department.

"The new Deputy Fire Chiefs will serve on the senior leadership team and provide more dedicated oversight across the department and a stronger support system to firefighters," Wednesday's release reads.

If you or anyone you know is interested in applying for these positions, click here.

"This new civilian Fire Services Business Manager will provide us with subject matter expertise to bring RFD’s finance and operations in line with citywide standards and industry best practices," Segal said.

In addition to these new positions, RFD has new proposed policies it is implementing to ensure consistency and accountability, which include:

• Fire Inspection Control Measures and Guidance
  • According to the department, this will provide clear guidance  for inspections to ensure they are done the same way across the city.
• Anti-Corruption Policy
  • This will reinforce the department’s commitment to honesty and accountability.
• Purchasing and Procurement Policy
  • RFD says this will ensure that resources and supplies are purchased responsibly, with a streamlined process.

"The combination of this new structure and enhanced policies will keep the Fire Department running smoothly and ensure the department meets the high administrative and ethical standards our residents expect," said CAO Odie Donald.