April 6, 1998
To:Emergency and Protective Services Committee
Budget Committee
From:Fire Chief Alan F. Speed
Subject:Training Transition Investment Costs 1998
Toronto Fire Services
Purpose:
One method of training and one set of training material must be used in order to most effectively facilitate and expedite a
safe and consistent amalgamation of the six emergency response departments. Previously the former Departments utilized
different training packages.
Management, media relations and conflict resolution sessions should be provided to all senior management, approximately
100 staff.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
One-time transitional funding is requested. The estimated costs are $570,000. The purchase of this one time investment
would impact the training materials line item, if drawn from the Fire Services Operating Budget.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)transitional funding in the amount of $570,000 be approved; and
(2)the City of Toronto Fire Services proceed to purchase the necessary training materials; and
(3)the City of Toronto Fire Services proceed to arrange with Human Resources for a facilitator for management, media
relations and conflict resolution sessions.
Council Reference/Background/History:
This project was originally submitted January 8, in the 1998 Fire Services Capital Budget, and re-submitted February 18,
when the Transition Projects were removed from the Capital Budget.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
The Fire Services are now ready to proceed to order the required training materials to commence the various programs
required to ensure the operational effectiveness of staff. This will allow a consistent level of training for the new Service.
Bulk purchasing will allow for reduced costs. The following training materials will be ordered for distribution to staff:
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting Training Manual
- 4th Edition(3,200 copies - $127,440 U.S. funds)
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting Study Guide(3,200 copies - $86,000 U.S. funds)
Total U.S. Funds: $213,440
Total Cdn. Funds: $304,792 ($1.4280 U.S.)
Ontario Fire Fighter Standards
- 3,200 Learner Guides-$ 71,280
- 3,200 Learner Notes-$ 31,280
- 1,000 Trainer Facilitator Guides-$ 21,768
Total Cdn. Funds$124,328
The total cost with applicable taxes is $493,488.
Conclusions:
It is important for the Toronto Fire Services to have legally defensible, skills-based training to recognized performance
standards for recruits, for fire fighters and for officers.
Without these manuals and guidelines, training procedures and equipment will not be consistent throughout the
amalgamated City resulting in inefficient and ineffective provision of service to the public as well as unsafe working
conditions for firefighting staff.
Contact Names:
Deputy Chief William Stewart
397- 4304
Alan F. Speed
Fire Chief
Barry Gutteridge
Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
BL/mp
