72 Questions
What was the MCFRS evolving from during the establishment of its goals?
A system largely governed by LFRDs and overseen by an Administrator
What is a foundational principle of the MCFRS Operational Doctrine Statement (ODS)?
A focus on the vulnerable and advocacy
Why must MCFRS personnel sometimes act as a gateway to other agencies and services?
Because the people assisted are in a vulnerable position
What is essential to achieving services that meet unique community needs?
Developing cultural competency
What do community expectations include, according to MCFRS?
Treating people and their property with respect
What societal shift was not foreseen by the writers of the MCFRS goals?
Racial equity and social justice
What is an expectation of MCFRS personnel, as outlined in the ODS?
To act as advocates for the vulnerable
What is a key aspect of MCFRS's approach to serving communities?
Services that meet unique community needs
What can cripple the ability of MCFRS to dispatch calls for service?
An event with the potential for outsized downstream impacts
What is a characteristic of modern society that generates novel problems?
Complexity
What can be a result of a hacker disrupting the electrical grid?
A crisis for homebound community members dependent on home oxygen generators
What is necessary for MCFRS to navigate the current environmental characteristics?
New skills and approaches
What is a challenge to MCFRS in the current environmental characteristics?
All of the above
What is necessary for MCFRS to maintain awareness of the current social, economic, and political landscapes?
A clear understanding of the impact of changes on planning and decision making
What is a feature of the updated General Plan, Thrive Montgomery 2050?
A clear acknowledgement of new challenges and changing circumstances
What is a consequence of uncertainty in the current environmental characteristics?
Paralyzed decision-making processes
What is the primary focus of MCFRS in achieving its vision?
Supporting the seven priority outcomes
What is the main goal of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice?
Dismantling structural racism within County government
What is the primary approach taken by the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice to build capacity?
A systems approach to understand and advance racial equity
What is the significance of the Racial Equity and Social Justice Act in Montgomery County?
Making racial equity a central guiding principle
What is the primary goal of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) network?
Systematically reducing and eliminating racial inequities in government
What is the significance of the Master Plan in MCFRS planning?
Making racial equity and social justice a governing principle
What is the primary focus of Montgomery County's equity efforts?
Addressing disparities in education, housing, income, and transportation
What is the role of MCFRS in achieving the County's vision?
Playing a supporting role to accelerate progress
What percentage of career firefighter-rescuers are IAFF Local 1664 members and are covered under the IAFF Local 1664 Collective Bargaining Agreement?
96%
What is the role of the MCVFRA in accordance with provisions of Chapter 21, Section 6, of the Montgomery County Code?
It serves as the LFRDs’ exclusive representative for purpose of negotiating with the Fire Chief.
What is the Fire and Emergency Services Commission (FESC) responsible for reviewing and approving or disapproving?
Fire and Rescue Service policy or regulation proposed by the Fire Chief.
What percentage of career firefighters are unrepresented and therefore not covered under the IAFF Local 1664 Collective Bargaining Agreement?
4%
What percentage of non-uniformed Montgomery County employees are members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1994?
Almost 60%
What is the ratio of uniformed to professional staff in the MCFRS?
Eleven to one
How many LFRD members, including life members and all members receiving LOSAP benefits, are covered under the MCVFRA Directly Negotiated Agreement?
2,700
Who is the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for uniformed personnel in the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service?
IAFF Local 1664
Where are nearly 90% of the uniformed career staff assigned?
Fire-rescue stations
Who must the Fire Chief consult with on all major policy changes?
The MCVFRA
What is the typical work schedule for most uniformed career personnel assigned to fire-rescue stations?
Rotating 24-hour shift with 48 hours off
What is the purpose of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1994 in the collective bargaining process?
To represent non-uniformed employees
What is the ranking of firefighters that are unrepresented and therefore not covered under the IAFF Local 1664 Collective Bargaining Agreement?
Battalion Chief and above
What is the MCGEO Labor Agreement applicable to?
Non-management positions in MCFRS
What is the approximate number of personnel in the uniformed career component of the MCFRS?
1164
Where are some uniformed career personnel assigned, in addition to fire-rescue stations?
All of the above
What is the primary purpose of MCFRS's partnerships with local, state, and federal government agencies?
To provide services and receive support
Which department provides administrative support for MCFRS's procurement functions?
Montgomery County Office of Procurement (PRO)
What is the purpose of mutual aid agreements between local jurisdictions?
To support incident/disaster response and recovery operations
How many types of mutual aid agreements are mentioned in the text?
Two
Which office provides support for MCFRS's labor relations?
Montgomery County Office of Labor Relations (OLR)
What is the name of the department that provides support for MCFRS's healthcare services?
Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)
What is the name of the office that focuses on racial equity and social justice?
Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ)
How many County departments are mentioned as providing administrative support to MCFRS?
9
What is the primary role of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association (MCVFRA)?
To serve as the exclusive representative for negotiating with the Fire Chief
What percentage of career firefighter-rescuers are covered under the IAFF Local 1664 Collective Bargaining Agreement?
96%
What is the Fire and Emergency Services Commission (FESC) responsible for reviewing?
Fire and Rescue Service policies and regulations
Who is the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for uniformed personnel in the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service?
The IAFF Local 1664
What is the purpose of the MCVFRA's Directly Negotiated Agreement?
To negotiate with the Fire Chief on behalf of the LFRDs
What is the role of the Fire Chief in relation to the MCVFRA?
To consult with the MCVFRA on major policy changes
What percentage of career firefighters are unrepresented and therefore not covered under the IAFF Local 1664 Collective Bargaining Agreement?
4%
What is the primary function of the Labor Organizations in the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service?
To represent uniformed personnel in collective bargaining
What percentage of civilian employees of MCFRS are represented by MCGEO and covered by the MCGEO Labor Agreement?
Almost 60%
What is the ratio of uniformed to professional staff in the MCFRS?
Eleven to one
Where are nearly 90% of the uniformed career staff assigned?
Fire-rescue stations
What is the typical work schedule for most uniformed career personnel assigned to fire-rescue stations?
Rotating 24-hour shift with 48 hours off
What is the purpose of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1994 in the collective bargaining process?
To represent civilian employees
What is the MCGEO Labor Agreement applicable to?
Civilian employees
Where are some uniformed career personnel assigned, in addition to fire-rescue stations?
All of the above
What percentage of non-uniformed Montgomery County employees are members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1994?
A large percentage
What is the primary purpose of MCFRS's partnerships with local, state, and federal government agencies?
To leverage resources and build synergy to support community services
What type of aid agreements allow for seamless operations across jurisdictional boundaries?
Mutual aid agreements
Which department provides administrative support for MCFRS's procurement functions?
Montgomery County Office of Procurement
What is the purpose of the Montgomery County Office of Labor Relations?
To facilitate labor relations and collective bargaining
How many types of mutual aid agreements are mentioned in the text?
Two
Which office focuses on racial equity and social justice?
Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
How many County departments are mentioned as providing administrative support to MCFRS?
8
What is the primary focus of MCFRS's partnerships with public safety agencies?
To support incident/disaster response and recovery operations
Study Notes
MCFRS Goals and Evolution
- MCFRS transitioned from a system governed by LFRDs and overseen by an Administrator to a combined system under the authority of a Fire Chief.
- The organization established explicit goals to provide a framework for mutual cooperation during this transition.
MCFRS Operational Doctrine Statement (ODS)
- The ODS outlines the department's expectations for operations, focusing on the vulnerable and the role of MCFRS personnel as advocates for the vulnerable.
- Personnel must act as a gateway to other agencies and services, and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Community Expectations
- MCFRS believes there are common community expectations for the organization, including:
- Treating people and their property with respect.
- Being experts in their domain.
- Providing policy makers with a range of valid options.
- Developing cultural competency is vital to meeting these expectations.
Environmental Characteristics
- The world is changing rapidly, presenting opportunities and threats.
- Key characteristics include:
- Non-linearity, where small inputs can have outsized downstream impacts.
- Novelty, where complex systems interact to generate new problems.
- Uncertainty, requiring agility and adaptability.
Existing Conditions and General Plan
- MCFRS must maintain awareness of the current social, economic, and political landscapes.
- The updated General Plan, Thrive Montgomery 2050, outlines seven priority outcomes, including:
- Thriving youth and families
- A growing economy
- A greener county
- Easier commutes
- An affordable and welcoming county
- Safe neighborhoods
- Effective, sustainable government
Equity and Social Justice
- The Montgomery County Executive and County Council established racial equity as a central guiding principle and priority in 2019.
- The Racial Equity and Social Justice Act requires all County departments to develop and apply an equity lens to all endeavors.
- The Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ) was created to advance racial equity and dismantle structural racism within County government.
- Montgomery County has joined the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) network to systematically reduce and eliminate racial inequities.
Fire and Rescue Service (FESC)
- FESC reviews and approves/disapproves Fire and Rescue Service policies/regulations proposed by the Fire Chief or County Executive.
- FESC has authority over regulations issued by the County Executive.
Labor Organizations
IAFF Local 1664
- Sole and exclusive bargaining agent for uniformed personnel in Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
- Represents personnel classified as Fire Fighter-Rescuer II and III, Master Fire Fighter-Rescuer, Fire/Rescue Lieutenant, and Fire/Rescue Captain.
- Approximately 96% of career firefighter-rescuers are IAFF Local 1664 members and covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
MCVFRA
- Designated as the "LFRD representative" in accordance with Montgomery County Code.
- Serves as the exclusive representative for negotiating with the Fire Chief.
- Fire Chief must consult with MCVFRA on all major policy changes.
- MCVFRA Directly Negotiated Agreement covers LFRD members, including life members and those receiving LOSAP benefits.
MCGEO
- Represents a large percentage of non-uniformed ("civilian") Montgomery County employees.
- Almost 60% of civilian MCFRS employees are represented by MCGEO and covered by the MCGEO Labor Agreement.
Career Personnel
- Career staff composed of uniformed and professional (non-uniformed) personnel.
- Ratio of uniformed to professional staff is about eleven to one.
- Uniformed career component: 1164 personnel.
- Nearly 90% of uniformed career staff are assigned to fire-rescue stations.
- Remaining uniformed career staff are assigned to other work sites, including Public Safety Headquarters, Emergency Communications Center, etc.
Partnerships
- MCFRS relies on and coordinates with local, state, and federal government agency partners, as well as public and private organizations.
- Partnerships include administrative/support partners, such as Montgomery County Office of Management & Budget, Office of Procurement, etc.
- Response partners include police, fire-rescue departments, emergency management, health departments, and other agencies and organizations that support incident/disaster response and recovery operations.
- Mutual aid agreements allow for seamless operations across jurisdictional boundaries.
Fire and Rescue Service (FESC)
- FESC reviews and approves/disapproves Fire and Rescue Service policies/regulations proposed by the Fire Chief or County Executive.
- FESC has authority over regulations issued by the County Executive.
Labor Organizations
IAFF Local 1664
- Sole and exclusive bargaining agent for uniformed personnel in Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
- Represents personnel classified as Fire Fighter-Rescuer II and III, Master Fire Fighter-Rescuer, Fire/Rescue Lieutenant, and Fire/Rescue Captain.
- Approximately 96% of career firefighter-rescuers are IAFF Local 1664 members and covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
MCVFRA
- Designated as the "LFRD representative" in accordance with Montgomery County Code.
- Serves as the exclusive representative for negotiating with the Fire Chief.
- Fire Chief must consult with MCVFRA on all major policy changes.
- MCVFRA Directly Negotiated Agreement covers LFRD members, including life members and those receiving LOSAP benefits.
MCGEO
- Represents a large percentage of non-uniformed ("civilian") Montgomery County employees.
- Almost 60% of civilian MCFRS employees are represented by MCGEO and covered by the MCGEO Labor Agreement.
Career Personnel
- Career staff composed of uniformed and professional (non-uniformed) personnel.
- Ratio of uniformed to professional staff is about eleven to one.
- Uniformed career component: 1164 personnel.
- Nearly 90% of uniformed career staff are assigned to fire-rescue stations.
- Remaining uniformed career staff are assigned to other work sites, including Public Safety Headquarters, Emergency Communications Center, etc.
Partnerships
- MCFRS relies on and coordinates with local, state, and federal government agency partners, as well as public and private organizations.
- Partnerships include administrative/support partners, such as Montgomery County Office of Management & Budget, Office of Procurement, etc.
- Response partners include police, fire-rescue departments, emergency management, health departments, and other agencies and organizations that support incident/disaster response and recovery operations.
- Mutual aid agreements allow for seamless operations across jurisdictional boundaries.
Learn about the evolution of MCFRS, its transition from LFRDs to a unified system, and its operational doctrine statement focusing on vulnerable populations.
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