Lafayette's fire department
undergoes staff restructuring
By Jenny Jones
Summer
Reporter
The Lafayette fire department is undergoing alterations
since mayor David Heath's decision to restructure the department.
The decision was made after an evaluation of the
department's management was constructed.
The three existing battalion chief jobs are just
a few positions that have undergone changes since the decision.
Now administrative positions, the battalion chiefs
previously worked 24-hour shifts at designated fire station locations,
but as restructuring continues, the chiefs have begun to work regular
dayshifts inside the department's headquarters.
In addition to location and hour changes, the battalion
chiefs have also experienced changes in duties, such as planning for
the department and coordinating with the maintenance staff.
"It's vital that we provide the best service for
the citizens of Lafayette," said Richard Doyle, deputy fire chief.
The Lafayette fire department has been in existence
since 1825 and since its construction it has gone through many changes,
Doyle said.
Another area that the restructuring will affect
is that of the fire chief position, held by Jeff McCoy.
McCoy said, "(The mayor) will be looking for a
chief outside the department."
While the restructuring will affect many people
in the department, Doyle said he doesn't think these changes are any
different from those made by many companies after they evaluate their
production.
"Change is always difficult for everybody involved,
but if its good change it will end up with good results," Doyle said.
"We change to get better."
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