I have been looking at jobs across the country of late—and a few hits have even popped up. That’s not the reason for this article. The reason is this: Most people ask where I apply and I tell them mainly in the Northwest (do we really have to add “Pacific”?). They ask why not in Indiana. And this is the reason for this article.
The fire service as we know it in Indiana is on the endangered list. I think over the next 20 years that this could be a good thing. But in the mean time the transformation is going to be ugly.
It all starts with Governor Mitch Daniel’s attempt at restructuring State government. He has so far failed in getting any action on eliminating the township form of government. Let me say here that eliminating that form of local control is not a bad thing. Governor Daniels is attacking the way local jurisdictions are funded—the tax caps. These caps are set to become constitutional law in the near future. It has already panicked local cities and towns into submission. Cuts to services are everywhere (well, except in Portage where the police officers have a nice new lounge, the Chief’s secretary has a 52″ HDTV in her remodeled office and consultants are still hired for everything in the city).
What is going to happen is that by further cuts and submission the township form of control will be forced to go out of business. This means for most counties, 10-15 or so fire departments will technically cease to exist—even those that claim “private corporation” status. Most areas will have to immediately fall under that county’s umbrella.
Now, here in Porter County, the politicians can’t get their own jobs right. Can you imagine them trying to run a fire department? I didn’t think you could. They will be rushed into appointing someone to run this new “county department.” With what equipment I am not sure. Some townships still own their fire equipment—most do not as they contract with “private” fire departments.
The counties will not contract with these entities any more as that would go against the main plan of reducing overhead and relinquishing control. This means a shortage of fire apparatus and personnel (ask any of your people if they will become volunteers for this new county system).
So the three wise (wo)men who are elected as commissioners will appoint someone to run things. Who will this someone be? Probably another political hack who has none to little fire experience but is owed a big favor. Again, if you are trying to improve government, fix this problem! But that is a whole other issue. So things get more screwed up. It will take 10 more years to fix this mistake.
So what happens to the big city departments? That is a very good question. Logic follows the Daniel’s plan will require cities to give up their departments and thus eliminating overhead as well. In Porter County that translates to around 150 paid firefighters. Do they all stay in their home jurisdictions? Do they get spread out all over the county to cover areas with shortfalls? Who pays them now? Remember that most politicians only think in 2-3 year nuggets as their election cycles come and go.
Some counties with no or just a few paid guys will have an easier time with this—a lot of these counties are already set up as de facto county-run departments. It is most of the other entities that will suffer greatly. After all, most fire departments are already ignored by the taxing district in which they serve.
I give you this free advice (which would probably run about $10,000 in Portage): Start getting everything lined up today and plan for a county-wide department. Don’t wait until the last minute. I have—and those pine tree forests are looking and smelling awesome!
Mike Bucy
Owner
Red Devil Training
I would like to use part of this in my Intro to the Fire Service class under Current Issues. Let me know okay?
Rick,
I would be honored for you use this! If you need anything else let me know!
Mike