Book 20 Community Relations

Question 1

The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) recognizes the tremendous importance of community service with a goal committed to the strengthening and nurturing of strong ties with all segments of our City and is committed to emphasizing a “community oriented” fire safety services delivery system

Answer 1

reference

Question 2

The purpose of this guide is to provide a system that allows the Department to efficiently and effectively implement this goal through outreach programs and positive community and public relations activities.

Through increased community involvement all Department members will better understand the challenges, issues, and opportunities that exist in the community they serve.

Answer 2

reference

Question 3

A positive attitude is clearly imperative and a hallmark for quality service.

Our ultimate goal is to leave the customer with a positive experience.

As professionals, we should provide the public with the same high quality service that we demand in our private lives.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department has no room for negative attitudes or behavior. Negative attitudes and behavior in our dealings with the public is unacceptable on the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

It is imperative that all Fire Department members share, to an extent, in the ownership of problems and issues that exist within the communities and neighborhoods they serve.

Answer 3

reference

Question 4

Fire Chief (FC) approval is required for:

a. Outside request for Ride Alongs (see p. 14).(Apparatus for Homecoming, Ride-On’s, etc., CE approval not required)
b. Commercial use of Fire Stations or apparatus use.
c. Requests for the CE to appear in person (notify Captain in the Community Service Unit or Community Liaison Officer).

Answer 4

reference

Question 5

Bureau Commander (Emergency Services) or Deputy Department Commander (DDC) approval is required for:

a. Requests for companies to be placed out-of-service CAV when MFC is unable to approve.

b. Rescue Ambulances CAV at events. The responsible Battalion Chief and EMS District
Captain shall also be notified by telephone.

Answer 5

reference

Question 6

The LAFD allows fire and emergency service professionals to Ride-Along with field resources to assist other public safety agencies in accomplishing their specific organizational goals. In addition, the Department approves Ride-Alongs for writers, camera crews, reporters, elected officials, etc.

Answer 6

reference

Question 7

Ride-Along requests shall be made in writing, a minimum of 14 days prior to the date of the desired visit. In the event circumstances do not permit the time frame to be met, a verbal request may be considered by the fire Chief through the Community Liaison Office.

The Ride-Along will be a one time only, two-day maximum stay. Extenuating circumstances requiring longer stays may be considered by the Fire Chief.

LAFD Indemnity Agreement (F1109) must be filled out by Station Commander or Company Officer.

Answer 7

reference

Question 8

No associates, relatives, or friends of members on the Los Angeles City Fire Department shall be permitted to ride-along unless they meet the Ride-Along criteria.

No Fire Explorers or Trainees of reserve firefighter programs from other fire departments will be permitted to ride-along.

No participation in emergency activities by visitors on a Ride-Along shall be permitted. Ride-Alongs shall be for observation purposes only and not to exceed eight hours.

Answer 8

reference

Question 9

Civilian Ride-On

All requests for rides on Department apparatus shall be approved by the affected Battalion Commander Unusual requests received by field personnel and/or those in question shall be forwarded to the Bureau of Emergency Services for approval.

The Ride-On shall be one time only and of short duration.

LAFD Indemnity Agreement must be filled out by the Station or Company Commander prior to permitting the Ride-On.

Persons allowed to participate in a Ride-On are not allowed to accompany the affected Company on

any responses, emergency or non-emergency.

Answer 9

reference

Question 10

Station Commander

Upon receiving notification of an upcoming community event, the Station Commander shall:

· Verify the first-in district of the event.

· Identify the possible levels of Fire Department commitment to the event.

· Determine the number of resources necessary to attend, i.e., number of companies, specialized staff members and/or chief officers.

· Check the Battalion and station calendar for conflicts in scheduling of resources.

· If the Fire Station can handle the event, notify the Battalion Chief of the event (if needed), and coordinate event with the assistance of the Battalion Liaison Officer (if necessary). If the Fire Station requires additional assistance, confer with the Battalion Liaison Officer.

· Contact the Community Liaison Officer or the Community Service Unit telephonically for requests that require the Fire Chief’s attendance.

· Submit summary of event to the Battalion Liaison Officer

Answer 10

reference

Question 11

Station members must be committed to a long-term relationship with the neighborhood they serve.

Answer 11

reference

Question 12

When battalion is requested to show at community event, they shall process and contact the requesting party within ____ hours

Answer 12

24

Question 13

Ride-Alongs for fire service professionals are for observation of emergency operations and training
only. Participation in training exercises must be requested and approved at the time of the ORIGINAL request and an indemnity agreement furnished.

Answer 13

reference

Question 14

NON Fire service

No participation in emergency activities by visitors on a Ride-Along shall be permitted. Ride-Alongs shall be for observation purposes only and not to exceed ____ hours.

Answer 14

eight

Question 15

Commercial use of a fire station or Apparatus requires who’s approval?

Answer 15

Fire Chief

Question 16

The community liaison team is a ___ tiered system

Answer 16

3

Station commander
battalion coordinator
div. coordinator

Question 17

Request for Ride A Long requires who approval?

Answer 17

Fire Chief

Question 18

Request for ride a long shall be made how many days in advance?

Answer 18

14

Question 19

Length of a Ride - On

Answer 19

One time, short duration

Question 20

Companies NAV or AVI during Ride On

Answer 20

AVI

Question 21

When station commander is notified of a community even they should first?

Answer 21

Verify first in district

Question 22

Ride A Long - Service Professional

News
FF
Vender
Allied Agency
Cadets

Max stay 2 days/48 hours

Non service Professional

Family
Neighbor
Council not on business

8 hours max

Both need Fire Chief approval 14 days in advance

Ride - On

One time, short duration

(Parades, fairs, homecomings, festivals - not allowed for political events)

Approved by Battalion

AVI, no CAV/NAV

Dress uniform

Recruit

Answer 22

reference

Question 23

Book 20 Community Relations

Each request for Community events should be handled?

Answer 23

At the lowest level