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City of Pleasanton <br /> <br /> .STAFF <br /> REPORT <br /> <br /> January 5, 1987 <br /> <br /> HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL <br /> Pleasanton, Cali forn ia <br /> <br /> Re: Fire Engineers <br /> <br />Members of the City Council: <br /> <br /> Background <br /> <br />The rank of Fire Engineer was established two years ago when the Department was <br />reorganized. As such, three personnel who were the Driver/Operators of our 65' <br />aerial l:adder. truck, were reclassified as Fire Engineers. A pay range for this <br />position was established as five per cent (5%) above that of Firefighter. <br /> <br />My reasoning for only reconmnending Fire Engineers on the ladder truck at that <br />time was that I believed the truck was distinctly different from other Depart- <br />ment apparatus. That difference was due to size, weight and the addition of <br />hydraulics used for various operations; an aerial ladder with remote or manually <br />operated nozzle; crStical operating and positioning requirements, plus the safety <br />issues of personnel using or working from the aerial. <br /> <br />During the last negotiations with the Firefighters Bargaining Unit, the subject <br />of Fire Engineers was brought forth. As a result, the City agreed to discuss <br />the position when the Fire Chief indicated there was a justifiable need for the <br />position. <br /> <br />Since Fire Engineers were first identified as being needed on the truck, Pleas- <br />anton has gone through a culmination of changes which impact the major apparatus <br />drivers. This impact can be identified as greatly increased traffic congestion, <br />a 95% increase in emergency response during the past ten years, an increase of <br />94% in miles driven in the same time period, the addition of numerous new streets <br />which drivers are required to know as well as response routes which are the most <br />expedient to use, and a dramatic increase :in buildings with automatic fire pro- <br />tection equipment, which the driver/operators must be familiar with (location as <br />well as operation). There is also. the modernization and increased sophistication <br />of apparatus and equipment which they are held accountable for their safe use <br />and effective operation. <br /> <br />The responsibilities of the driver/operators on the truck and engines ar~ def- <br />initely greater than those of the Firefighter who receives the same pay as the <br />Engine Driver/Operator, but rides in a rear jumpseat and doesn't go into action <br />until he is safely delivered to the emergency scene; or those who drive the <br />Rescue Squad but are under the direct supervision of an Officer at all times. <br /> <br />SR 87:36 <br /> <br /> <br />