HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 104.05 REVISED 3-2018_SORT App Processes104.05 - Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTs
Effective: 8/5/2009
Revised: 5/5/2016
Replaces: SOG 104.05, 104.06, 104.08
Anne Huff,
I. Guiding Philosophy
Participation in special operations response teams provides the opportunity for personnel to
maximize their effectiveness in technically demanding service areas and to bring enhanced
knowledge and skills back to better serve our community. We realize that our capacity to
participate in these activities and related events is dependent on our capability to simultaneously
maintain safe and efficient services to the citizens of Beaumont, whom we are sworn to serve, and
whose tax dollars sustain our efforts. We strive to effectively lead and manage special operations
response teams, so we gain the advantages of these programs without sacrificing operational
readiness, reliability or the cost of services to Beaumont citizens.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to communicate the processes to be followed for special
operations response team applications, approvals and appointments.
III. Goal
The goals of this policy are to:
A. Define the targets, expectations and requirements for all department -sponsored
SORTs.
B. Outline the application, approval and appointment process for BFR SORTS.
C. Outline the application, approval and appointment process for external regional and
State SORTS.
D. Communicate expectations and requirements for maintenance of SORT status.
E. Communicate removal and reinstatement processes.
IV. Definitions
A. Active Status — Individuals in the Operations Section, Planning Section, or
Logistics -Support Branch who have attained the minimum certification level
necessary, have successfully completed the application process, have been approved
and appointed to a SORT, and who continue to meet or exceed all minimum
requirements for maintenance of SORT membership.
B. Advisory Groups - A committee of persons, either standing or temporary,
approved by the Fire Chief for the purpose of providing recommendations and/or
outputs concerning services provided or related departmental operations. SORT
advisory groups will follow SOG 106.05 Advisory Group Meeting Guidelines.
C. Candidate Status - Individuals in the Operations, Logistics, or Planning Sections
who have attained the minimum certification level necessary, have successfully
completed the application process, and have been approved for team appointment,
but no active status openings are currently available on the team.
1. A candidate may advance to active team member status when a position
becomes available.
2. Positions will be filled in the order in which individuals were approved for
appointment. When qualifications and approval dates are equal, seniority
will be used as the determining factor.
3. Candidates are not entitled to receive incentive pay.
D. Day Shift - Personnel regularly assigned to 8- or 10 -hour work schedules.
E. Emergency Medical Task Force 6 (EMTF6) - SETRAC-coordinated medical
task force available for deployment and operations within Texas or nationally.
Regional and State-wide deployments are activated and coordinated through the
Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC). A limited number of BFR
members may be appointed to serve on the strike team when recommended and
approved by the Fire Chief and appointed by the SETRAC leadership.
F. Golden Triangle All -Hazards Incident Manatiement Team (AHIMT) - Sabine -
Neches Chiefs Association -coordinated Type 3 incident management team that
responds to regional, State or national incidents to provide incident management
support. Notification of deployment opportunities is coordinated through the
Sabine -Neches Chiefs Association via the City of Beaumont Emergency
Management office. State and national deployments are activated through the Texas
A&M Forest Service through TIFMAS. A limited number of BFR members may be
appointed to serve on the IMT when recommended and approved by the Fire Chief
and appointed by the SNCA and IMT leadership.
G. Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT) - BFR special operations
response team that responds to local and/or regional hazardous materials -related
incidents, prunarily for confinement and containment purposes. Regional
deployments are coordinated both locally and through the Sabine -Neches Chiefs
Association via the BFR Fire -EMS Communications Center. A limited number of
BFR members may serve on the HMRT, when recommended and approved per
policy, and appointed by the Fire Chief.
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 2 of 18
H. Inactive Status - Active or Candidate status members who transfer to the
Administration, Logistics or Planning Sections.
1. Personnel classified as inactive status will not receive incentive pay.
2. If an inactive member maintains the certification, training and annual
assessment requirements outlined in this policy while assigned to a staff
Officer position, he/she may return to his/her previously held status as a
special team member if he/she transfers back to the Operations Section.
I. Program Manager/Team Coordinator - Chief Officer or Company Officer
responsible for the leadership, management, development, coordination and
administration of an assigned response or maintenance program. Program
Managers/Team Coordinators are recommended by the Operations Section Chief
and appointed by the Fire Chief Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Coordinating the status of team members, including accuracy and updating
of the SORT workbook (coordinate with Administration & Finance Section
staff)
2. Managing certifications, training and competency of program/team
members
3. Researching equipment and developing specifications
4. Managing equipment maintenance and inventories
5. Developing cost estimates, coordinating bids and following up on
requisitioned items
6. Developing program and project budgets
7. Developing, updating, implementing and evaluating Standard Operating
Guidelines (SOGs) and Performance Benchmarks (PBs)
8. Performing after action reviews, entering and reviewing incident reports,
incorporating lessons learned to enhance operations and safety.
J. Provisional Active Status - Individuals who have attained the minimum
certification level necessary, who have successfully completed the application
process, been approved for a SORT appointment, pending successful completion of
required medical physical, FIT testing and/or performance benchmark evaluations.
K. Sabine -Neches Chiefs Association (SNCA) - Regional mutual aid organization
covering Jefferson, Hardin and Orange counties. SNCA member organizations
consist of fire, EMS, law enforcement, public health, public works, hospital and
related response agencies. The SNCA is the oldest regional mutual aid organization
in the United States.
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 3 of 18
L. Shift Team Leader - Company Officer/acting Company Officer responsible for
the leadership, management, development, coordination and administration of an
assigned response or maintenance program for a particular Operations Section shift.
Shift Team Leaders are Operations Section personnel recommended by the Program
Manager and appointed by the Operations Section Chief Responsibilities include,
but are not limited to:
1. Coordinating certifications, training and competency of program/team
members
2. Assisting with equipment research and development of specifications
3. Supervising, coordinating and performing equipment and inventory
maintenance activities
4. Assisting with the development of cost estimates, coordination of bids and
follow up on requisitioned items
5. Assisting with the development of program and project budgets
6. Assisting with the development, update, implementation and evaluation of
Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and Performance Benchmarks (PBs)
7. Performing after action reviews, entering and reviewing incident reports,
incorporating lessons learned to enhance operations and safety.
H. Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council - Established under the Texas
Department of State Health Services, SETRAC is one of 22 Regional Advisory
Councils (RAC) currently functioning within the State of Texas. The primary
function of SETRAC is to provide stakeholder support through planning,
facilitation, operations and the provision of technical assistance to the region for
preparedness, trauma, injury prevention, stroke, cardiac and pediatric services.
SETRAC is the administrator of federal and State grant money for its stakeholders.
I. Southeast Texas Regional Rescue Team (SETRRT) - Sabine -Neches Chiefs
Association -coordinated technical rescue team that responds regionally for rope,
high angle, confined space, urban search & rescue or swift water rescue purposes.
Regional deployments are activated and coordinated through the Sabine -Neches
Chiefs Association via the BFR Fire -EMS Communications Center. A limited
number of BFR members may be appointed to serve on the regional rescue team
when recommended and approved by the Fire Chief and appointed by the SNCA
and team leadership.
J. Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) - State-wide mutual aid
system coordinated through the Texas A&M Forest. The program includes grants,
training, qualifications and mobilization systems to make State-wide use of local
resources during major incidents/events.
SOG 104.05 -Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 4 of 18
K. Texas Task Force One (TX-TFI) — Multi -disciplined, urban search and rescue
task force available for air and/or ground deployment and operations in Texas or
nationally. Deployments are activated through the Texas Engineering & Extension
Service (TEEX). A limited number of BFR members may be appointed to serve on
the task force when recommended and approved by the Fire Chief and appointed by
the task force leadership.
L. Water Response & Recovery Team (WRRT) — BFR special response and
operations team that responds to local and/or regional water -related incidents,
primarily for recovery purposes. Regional deployments are activated and
coordinated locally and through the Sabine -Neches Chiefs Association via the BFR
Fire -EMS Communications Center. A limited number of BFR members may be
appointed to serve on the WRRT when recommended and approved per policy, and
appointed by the Fire Chief.
M. Wildland/Urban Interface Response Team (WUIRT) — BFR special response
and operations team that responds to local, regional, State or national incidents, for
wildland or wildland/urban interface firefighting purposes. Regional deployments
are activated locally and through the Sabine -Neches Chiefs Association via the BFR
Fire -EMS Communications Center. State and national deployments are activated
through the Texas A&M Forest Service through TIFMAS. A limited number of
BFR members may be appointed to serve on the WUIRT when recommended and
approved per policy, and appointed by the Fire Chief.
V. Department -sponsored Special Operations Response Teams (SORTS)
A. The overall number and composition of department special operations response
teams and/or individuals sponsored for external regional and State teams will be at
the discretion of the Fire Chief
B. Generally, appointments to SORTS will be limited to the following maximum
targets:
Beaumont Fire -Rescue
Special; Operations Response Team
(SORT)
Active
Status
Members
Candidate
Status
Members
Waiting
List
Positions
ALS First Responder (ALSRT)l
Unlimited
182
Unlimited
Hazardous Materials (HMRT)2,3
34
12
Unlimited
Water Response & Recovery (WRRT)2
25
12
Unlimited
Wildland/Urban Interface FF (WUIFT)2,4
25
12
Unlimited
SCBA M&T (SCBAT)2
25
12
Unlimited
Personnel participating in the credentialing process with BEMS will be limited to 6 positions per shift at any given
time.
2Total includes Program Manager/Team Coordinator and three (3) Shift Team Leaders.
3Responses maybe billable per City ordinance. Refer to SOG 106.04 Administration of Response Billing.
'State or national deployments are reimbursable per agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Refer to the
specific MOUfor details on qualified reimbursable expenses and documentation requirements.
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 5 of 18
External Regional & State
Special Operations Response Team
(SORT)
Active
Status
Members
Candidate
Status
Members
Waiting
List
Positions
All -Hazards Incident Management Team
(AHIMT)4
18
n/a
Unlimited
SE TX Regional Rescue (SETRRT)
6
n/a
Unlimited
Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF6)4
6
n/a
Unlimited
Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1)46
n/a
Unlimited
C. Existing active and candidate status team members will not be removed from team
rosters because of changing shifts. Shift changes that cause the maximum target to
be temporarily exceeded are approved, with the understanding that adjustment back
to the specified target will be made when considering approval/appointment of new
active status team members.
D. SORT team members who transfer from Operations to staff assignments may be
listed as Inactive Status. Inactive status members do not receive incentive pay, but
retain bid preference rights of the status they held prior being placed on inactive
status (Active, Candidate).
E. Application and appointment to SORTS will be limited to personnel in the
Operations Section, Planning Section, and Logistics Section -Support Branch.
1. Active, candidate and waiting list status team member positions will be open
to qualified Grade I -III personnel.
2. Qualified personnel from all Sections in Grades III and above may apply
and be considered for appointment to the Golden Triangle All -Hazards
Incident Management Team (AHIMT).
F. Maximum targeted appointments for the Golden Triangle All -Hazards Incident
Management Team (AHIMT) will be equally divided between the Operations
Section (9 total positions) and the Planning, Logistics and Administration Sections
(combined 9 total positions).
A member appointed to the AHIMT must agree to pursue task book
completion related to his/her current Section assignment. Exceptions must
be pre -approved by the Fire Chief.
2. When task books that are deemed relevant to the member's current Section
assignment have been completed, he/she may pursue achieving
qualifications in other Sections.
3. If a member transfers to a different Section and has an incomplete task book
from his/her previous Section, he/she is approved to pursue completion of
the incomplete task book.
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 6 of 18
G. Generally, the remaining SORT membership targets will be divided between the
three Operations Section shifts, Planning Section, and Logistics Section -Support
Branch as follows:
H. A SORT Advisory Group? will be designated to oversee each of the BFR SORTS:
Special Operations Response Team
(SORT)
Designated
Advisory Group
Active
Medical Services Advisory Group
Candidate
Hazmat Response Advisory Group
Special Operations
Active
Positions
Candidate
Positions
Waiting
Response Team
Positions
on Day
Positions
on Day
List
(SORT)
Per Shifts
Shift6
Per Shift
Shift
Positions
ALS First Responder
Unlimited
2
6
2
Unlimited
Hazardous Materials
11
2
4
2
Unlimited
Response (HMRT)
Water Response & Recovery
8
2
4
2
Unlimited
(WRRT)
Wildland/Urban Interface
8
2
4
2
Unlimited
Response (WUIRT)
SCBA Maintenance & Testing
8
2
4
2
Unlimited
(SCBAT)
GTAII-Hazards Incident
3
2
n/a
2
Unlimited
Management (AHIMT)
SE TX Regional Rescue
2
2
n/a
2
Unlimited
(SETRRT)
Emergency Medical Task
2
2
n/a
2
Unlimited
Force (EMTF6)
Texas Task Force 1 (TTF1)
2
2
n/a
2
Unlimited
H. A SORT Advisory Group? will be designated to oversee each of the BFR SORTS:
Special Operations Response Team
(SORT)
Designated
Advisory Group
ALS First Responder (ALSRT)
Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF6)
Medical Services Advisory Group
Hazardous Materials Response (HMRT)
Hazmat Response Advisory Group
Water Response & Recovery (WRRT)
Water Response Advisory Group
Wildland/Urban Interface Response
(WUIRT)
Wildland/Urban Interface Advisory Group
SCBA Maintenance & Testing (SCBAT)
I SCBA M&T Advisory Group
5Active positions include Shift Team Leaders, where applicable.
h Members who are assigned to the Logistics -Services Branch will be moved to Inactive Status while assigned to this
branch.
SORT Advisory Groups will follow SOG 106.05 Advisory Group Meeting Guidelines.
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 7 of 18
I. SORT Advisory Groups will be composed of:
J. Program Managers/Training Coordinators and Shift Team Leaders should
successfully complete the following minimum certifications:
BFR SORT
Minimum Certification Requirements
TargetedGrade
Total
Positions
Force
Prioritization for
Positions
per Shift
Position Description
Position'
Hazardous Materials
0
Program Manager/
1) Grade IV
1
n/a
Team Coordinator
2) Grade V
PER 240 Radiological Officer' or equivalent
■
3) Grade III
3
1
Shift Team Leader
1) Grade III
0
Public Safety Diver I or equivalent
Wildland/Urban Interface FF
2) Grade II
J. Program Managers/Training Coordinators and Shift Team Leaders should
successfully complete the following minimum certifications:
BFR SORT
Minimum Certification Requirements
Emergency Medical Task
0
TDSHS EMT -13 minimum
Force
0
TDSHS EMT -I or EMT -P preferred
(EMTF6)
0
BEMS Credentialing preferred
Hazardous Materials
0
NFPA 472 Hazmat Technician
(HMRT)
0
TCFP Hazmat Technician preferred
■
PER 240 Radiological Officer' or equivalent
■
Hazmat Incident Commander
Water Response & Recovery
■
Open Water SCUBA Diver
(WRRT)
0
Public Safety Diver I or equivalent
Wildland/Urban Interface FF
m
ICT Type 5 -Intermediate Wildland FF
(WUIRT)
SCBA M&T
■
SCBA Technician
(SCBART)
K. Program Managers/Team Coordinators and Shift Team Leaders will complete the
certifications listed below within 18 months of appointment. Preference may be
given to individuals who have taken initiative to achieve these certifications prior to
an appointment opportunity arising.
Certification Requirements
■ TCFP Instructor I
■ TCFP Fire Officer I
■ Incident Safety Officer
'All things being equal, Chief OtTicers will be targeted for Program Manager/Team Coordinator positions and
Company Officers will be targeted_for Shift Team Leader positions. However, Company Officers may be considered
for Program Manager/Team Coordinator positions and acting Company Officers may be considered and for Shift
Team Leader positions.
9The Program Manager/Team Coordinators and/or Shift Team Leaders may serve as Radiological Officer under the
Citv's Emergency Management Plan, Annex D Radiological Response.
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 8 of 18
L. Individuals seeking active status appointment will successfully complete the
following minimum certifications prior to being considered:
BFR SORT
MinimumCertification Requirements
Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF6) 0
BEMS Credentialing
Hazardous Materials (HMRT) 0
NFPA 472 Hazmat Technician
Water Response & Recovery (WRRT) 0
Open Water SCUBA Diver
Wildland/Urban Interface FF (WUIFT) 0
ICT Type 5 -Intermediate Wildland FF
SCBA M&T (SCBART) 0
SCBA Technician
M. Exceptions to any of the above targets and requirements must be approved by the
Fire Chief.
VI. Application, Approval & Appointment Process for BFR SORTS
A. To achieve and/or maintain an active status appointment to a BFR SORT,
individuals must be willing and able to meet Section IV.A.Active Status, of this
policy.
B. The applicant will complete the Request for SORT Appointment electronic form
and forward it via email to the Support Branch Director (Chief Training Officer).
The date on the email will begin a 30 -day period targeted for processing of the
request.
C. The Support Branch Director will ensure:
The file name of the request includes the date that the individual emailed
him/her to initiate the process (time stamp for processing purposes).
Example file name:
Barrow-RWH M RT 3-20-2014
2. Applicable certification and training documentation is compiled and listed
the on the request form.
3. The completed request form is placed in the following folder:
G:\Submitted Applications\SORT Requests\1-Pending
4. The Program Manager/Team Coordinator is prompted via email that the
request is awaiting his/her review.
D. The Program Manager/Team Coordinator will:
1. Present the application and pertinent details to the advisory group members
via email within one week of receipt.
SOG 104.05 -Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 9 of 18
2. Answer any questions the advisory group members have relative to the
request. This may be done by phone, email, or face-to-face.
3. Provide a deadline for each advisory group member to respond with his/her
recommendation relative to the request.
■ Approve—Provisional Active Status
■ Approve—Candidate Status
■ Approve—Waiting list
■ Deny (provide rationale for denial)
E. Based on the feedback, the Program Manager/Team Coordinator will:
Review and complete his/her section of the form, attaching any related
documentation.
2. Email the individual a status report as to the disposition at the Program
Manager level.
3. Copy to the Operations, Planning and Logistics Section Chiefs and
Operations Deputy Chiefs (prompting these Chief's to review).
F. The Operations Section Chief will review and complete his/her section of the form,
email the individual a status update including the disposition at his/her level, AND:
1. If approved for Provisional Active Status, copy email to the Operations
Deputy Chiefs and Program Manager/Team Coordinator, and applicable
Section Chief. This email prompts the Program Manager/Team Coordinator
to initiate the necessary follow up actions.
2. Whether approved or denied, rename file and appropriately file on the G:
drive.
Example file name:
Barrow-RfA-HMRT 3-20-2014 PROVISIONAL
3. Prompt the Fire Chief via email to review the application.
G. When approved for Provisional Active Status, the Program Manager/Team
Coordinator will communicate with the individual to schedule the following within
30 days of notification:
Medical physical examination and/or FIT test (if required for the respective
team).
2. Performance benchmark evaluations
NOTE: The individual must successfully pass above requirements to be
SOG 104.05 –Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 10 of 78
appointed as an Active Status member.
H. The individual must successfully complete the above requirements for active status
appointment within 90 days.
1. When the individual meets the requirements as stated, the Program
Manager/Team Coordinator will email the Operations Section Chief and
Fire Chief with a status update.
2. If the individual is having difficulty meeting benchmark requirements, the
Program Manager/Team Coordinator will insure retraining and/or
performance counseling (as necessary) is conducted prior to subsequent
reevaluation.
3. Should the individual be unable to complete the requirements by the stated
deadline his/her application and status will be reconsidered by the SORT
Advisory Group (Re -start the process from Section VLD. of this policy)
L When the Fire Chief receives notification that all requirements have been met,
he/she will review the recommendations, provide a final disposition on the
appointment, and ensure incentive pay is initiated, if appropriate.
1. If for any reason the appointment is denied, the Fire Chief will document the
reason on the application and notify the individual, Operations Section
Chief, the individual's direct chain of command, Program Manager/Team
Coordinator, and Shift Team Leaders of the reason via email.
2. The Fire Chief will ensure the application and attachments are filed
appropriately and SORT workbook is updated, as necessary.
VII. Application. Aaaroval & Aaaointment Process for External Reaional and State
SORTs
A. The individual will email the Operations Section Chief and copy his/her direct
chain of command with his/her request for external SORT consideration. The email
will include:
1. SORT appointment being requested.
2. Appointment status relative to other BFR and external SORTS (if
applicable).
3. Summary of certifications, education, and experience, or related
qualifications.
4. Detail his/her record of assisting with departmental training initiatives and
training program development.
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 11 of 78
Detail his/her facilitation or participation in department advisory groups,
including research and development of SOGs and/or performance
benchmarks.
6. What he/she is committed to do in terms of information/skills sharing,
program development, and training of our members with the knowledge and
experience he/she gains.
B. If a position(s) are available, the Operations Section Chief will review the
individual's request considering the following general parameters:
1. Related certifications, education, experience, and/or qualifications.
2. Prior record of assisting with departmental training initiatives and training
program development.
3. Facilitation or participation in department advisory groups, including
research and development of SOGs and/or performance benchmarks.
4. Level of commitment shown by the individual to bring the information back
for the benefit of other members, the department, and the community.
C. The Operations Section Chief will also consider and may give preference for the
following specific, prioritized preferences relative to the particular external SORT
being requested:
BFR SORT
Prioritized Preferences
Golden Triangle All -Hazards
1)
Chief Officers
Incident Management
2)
Projected EOC or Command assignment
(AHIMT)
during major incidents or disasters
SE TX Regional Rescue
1)
Technical Rescue & Recovery Advisory Group
(SETRRT)
members
Emergency Medical Task Force
1)
ALSRT members
(EMTF6)
2)
Medical Services Advisory Group members
Texas Task Force 1
1)
Hazardous Materials Advisory Group
(TX -TF1)
members
2)
Technical Rescue & Recovery Advisory Group
members
3)
HMRT members
4)
SETRRT members
D. The Operations Section Chief will confer with the Deputy Chiefs and forward the
request with his/her recommendation to the Fire Chief.
E. The Fire Chief will review and notify the individual via email on the final
disposition of his/her request, copying the Operations Section Chief, the
individual's direct chain of command, and Fire Administration staff.
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 12 of 78
F. If approved to make application for external SORT team assignment, the individual
is responsible for completing and submitting the application process as established
by regional or State team.
This includes coordination and costs of any interviews, travel and any other
pre -acceptance activities as required by the regional or State team.
2. Department -sponsorship will commence after the individual has been
selected for assignment by the regional or State team and the Memorandum
of Understanding and/or related documentation has been completed by all
parties.
G. The individual will keep the Fire Chief and his/her direct chain of command
updated as to the status of his/her application via email.
H. When the individual receives notification from the coordinating agency relative to
his/her application, he/she will:
1. If accepted, deliver copies of the Memorandum of Understanding and/or
related documentation to the Fire Chief's office for review and signatures.
2. If rejected, email the Operations Section Chief and Fire Chief a status
report.
I. After review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Fire Chief will
forward copies of the MOU to the City Manager's office for final approval, as
required. When returned, appropriate copies will be made for filing and distribution.
J. Initiatinz and coordinatinz renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding is the
responsibility of the individual. Failure to renew the agreement in a timely manner
can result in inability to deploy to regional, State or national incidents, department
revoking sponsorship of the individual, and/or loss of SORT appointment.
K. The individual is responsible for appropriately submitting a Request for Training
forin for each of his/her scheduled certification or training courses related to the
external SORT, according to SOG 111.01Requests for Training.
VIII. Maintenance of SORT Status
A. BFR SORTS
Per calendar year, all active and candidate status members of BFR SORTs
will successfully complete and document:
a. Attendance at a minimum of 50% of scheduled quarterly SORT
training activities
b. All required performance benchmark evaluations/evolutions and on -
duty training activities
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 13 of 78
c. Medical physical examination and/or FIT test, if required for the
respective team
2. BFR SORTs requiring annual medical physical exam and/or FIT test include
the following:
BFR SORT
Medical Physical
Required
FIT Test
Required
Hazardous Materials (HMRT)
YES
YES
Water Response & Recovery (WRRT)
YES
YES
Wildland/Urban Interface FF (WUIFT)
YES
NO
3. The Program Manager/Team Coordinator will schedule, coordinate and
track completion of medical physicals/FIT tests each year, including
emailing the Operations Section Deputy Chiefs and all Administration &
Finance Section staff the dates and times personnel have been scheduled for
physicals.
4. Individuals who are on a waiting list, and who have previously achieved the
minimum certification requirements for candidate or active status, will
remain on the list until they communicate their desire to be removed.
5. Personnel who are interested in being added to the waiting list should email
the Program Manager/Team Coordinator, specifying his/her desire to be on
the particular SORT, and whether or not he/she already has the minimum
certifications.
B. External Regional and State SORTS
1. Personnel appointed to external SORTS must meet the requirements of the
department, coordinating agency and/or the MOU to maintain active status.
2. Additionally, all persons assigned to external SORTS must provide an
annual status report via email to the Program Manager/Team Coordinator,
Operations Section Chief and Fire Chief (for each external SORT
appointment).
a. The report(s) will be submitted between December 15 and
December 31 each year.
b. The report(s) will cover the current calendar year.
c. If the individual fails to submit a status report by the stated deadline,
he/she will be suspended from active status and become ineligible to
deploy or attend external SORT training.
d. Individuals failing to submit a report by March 31 will automatically
be removed from the SORT.
3. The individual's SORT status report will be used to determine whether
sponsorship of the individual has been in the interest of the citizen's we
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 14 of 78
serve, the department and/or fellow firefighters. For the calendar year, the
assessment will look for specific and detailed answers to the following:
a. How have citizens benefitted (either directly or indirectly) from
his/her appointment to the SORT?
b. How has the department benefitted (either directly or indirectly)
from his/her appointment to the SORT?
c. How have his/her crew members/fellow firefighters benefitted
(either directly or indirectly) from his/her appointment to the SORT?
d. How has the individual personally benefitted from his/her
appointment to the SORT?
4. If the report is received in a timely manner, the Program Manager/Team
Coordinator, Operations Section Chief and Fire Chief will evaluate the
report(s) and provide a disposition to the individual via email regarding the
continuance of his/her external SORT status no later than January 31.
IX. Removal & Reinstatement Processes
A. An individual may resign from any SORT list (BFR or external; active, candidate
or waiting) by emailing the Program Manager/Training Coordinator, Operations
Section Chief and Fire Chief
Personnel will not be removed from SORT lists without corresponding
written documentation.
2. When the email request is received, the Program Manager/Training
Coordinator will coordinate with Administration & Finance Section staff to
ensure the SORT workbook is properly updated.
B. Personnel may be removed from any SORT list based on the following documented
criteria:
1. Physical inability to perform in the capacity of a team member, as
documented by qualified medical personnel.
2. Inability to demonstrate competency in SORT operations.
3. Showing a pattern of disregard for established rules and regulations, SOGs,
and/or operating and safety principles and practices.
4. Demonstrating intentional or negligent destruction of apparatus or
equipment.
5. Failing to meet participation or successful completion standards for
certification and training programs, classes, drills or performance
benchmarks.
6. Being absent from duty for a consecutive period of 90 days or greater
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 15 of 78
C. Specific Expectations, and Removal Processes for BFR SORTS
1. The Program Manager/Team Coordinator and Shift Team Leaders will
proactively lead and manage SORT members, utilizing ongoing documented
training, performance counseling and/or progressive discipline in an attempt
to minimize the potential for forced removal of team members.
2. The SORT Advisory Group members will communicate, discuss and review
individual and team performance issues at each group meeting to develop
strategies for improving performance for both individuals and the team as a
whole.
3. Should a team member meet the criteria for removal listed above, the
Program Manager/Team Coordinator will:
a. Notify the individual and all Shift Team Leaders via email.
b. Place on the agenda and minutes for the next advisory group
meeting.
c. Discuss and come to a disposition recommendation.
d. Forward the recommendation and any related documentation to the
individual, Operations Section Chief and Operations Deputy Chiefs
via email.
4. The Operations Section Chief will review, consult with the Deputy Chiefs
(if necessary), and forward his/her recommendation and the related
documentation to the Fire Chief
5. The Fire Chief will review and provide a final disposition to the individual,
Operations Section Chief and Deputies, Program Manager/Team
Coordinator, Shift Team Leaders and Administration Section staff.
6. The Administration & Finance Section staff will ensure:
a. PAF is generated to remove incentive pay, if appropriate.
b. SORT workbook is updated.
D. Specific Expectations, and Removal Processes for External Regional & State SORTs
1. If an individual is removed or resigns from an external SORT by the
coordinating agency, he/she will immediately notify the Program
Manager/Training Coordinator, Operations Section Chief and Fire Chief via
email.
2. If the department revokes its sponsorship of the individual because of failure
to meet department, coordinating agency or MOU expectations, he/she will
be notified by the Fire Chief via email.
E. Reinstatement Process
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 16 of 78
1. If an individual has resigned or been removed from a SORT, he/she may
submit a request for reinstatement by sending an email to the Program
Manager/Team Coordinator after a one year period has elapsed (from the
actual date of resignation/removal).
2. The request will reviewed by the Shift Team Leaders (BFR SORTs only),
Program Manager/Team Coordinator, Operations Section Chief and Fire
Chief per the processes stated above.
3. The individual and pertinent department personnel will be notified of the
final disposition by the Fire Chief via email.
VIII. Assignment to Dedicated SORT Stations
A. It is the intent of the department to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of SORT
programs and the deployment of SORT assets by dedicating the personnel assigned to
the following fire stations as active status SORT members.
BFR SORT
Fire Station
SCBA M&T (SCBAT)
Fire Station#1
Wildland/Urban Interface (WUIRT)
Fire Station #2
Hazardous Materials (HMRT)
Fire Station #5
B. Personnel who were assigned a designated SORT station prior to its designation as a
SORT station will not be displaced from the station because of non -SORT status.
However, these persons are encouraged to seek team membership, and will be given
priority in appointments if/when they are approved for active status.
C. Assignment to Station 2 or Station 5 will be made in accordance with the current
collective bargaining agreement, with the following prioritized merit considerations
being applied:
1. Listed SORT personnel in the following categories:
a. Active status members, based on seniority in grade.
b. Candidate status members, based on seniority in grade.
c. Current waiting list members, based on seniority in grade.
2. Non -listed members who have achieved minimum certification requirements,
based on seniority in grade. These persons will not be eligible to attain active
status until they have completed:
a. Minimum 8 hours refresher training
b. Performance benchmark evaluation/evolutions
c. Medical Physical & FIT test (if required)
3. Non -listed members who have documented previously requesting a
certification, but have not yet been through a certification course, based on
seniority in grade.
D. If none of the individuals listed above requests the station assignment, then seniority in
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 17 of 78
grade will be the deciding factor. In this case, the individual awarded the bid must
complete the minimum certification, performance, and/or medical evaluation
requirements within one year of assignment to the station.
E. Assignment to Fire Station #1 will be made in accordance with the current collective
bargaining agreement with seniority in grade being the deciding factor. The following
conditions also apply:
1. Members requesting assignment to Fire Station #1 are doing so with the
understanding that they must meet the requirements for SCBA M&T active
membership within 6 months of being awarded the station. (An extension will
be given if there are no available training classes for the member to attend in
order to meet the SCBA M&T requirements.)
2. Persons awarded Fire Station #1 after its designation as a SORT station who do
not achieve SCBA M&T membership within the 6 month time frame will be
reassigned and their position at Fire Station #1 will be considered vacated and
placed open for bids (unless an extension has been given to them).
F. Persons who are either assigned to a dedicated SORT station (including Fire Station #1)
after its designation as a SORT station, or who are an active status member assigned to
the station at the time it was designated a SORT station, must remain an active status
member. Resignation or removal from the SORT will result in reassignment for the
individual, and the vacated position at the station will be opened for bids.
SOG 104.05 —Application, Approval & Appointment to SORTS Page 18 of 78