Translate[Archived] Question #41: What is the status of the transition to dual role and the timeline for its completion?
Question:
What is the status of the transition to dual role and the timeline for its completion?
Response:
Since the start of the all-hazards transition during November 2014, the Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) has not hired any single role medics. In addition, the department has provided two cross-training courses allowing up to 32 percent of the remaining single role providers to convert to dual-role. The AFD is planning for another cross-training course during 2017 which will be offered to the remaining 33 single role providers. However, it is not anticipated that all remaining single role providers will sign up for this course.
This year, the department placed the second advanced life support (ALS) engine company at Station 205-Rosemont in service with the increase of dual-role providers. While there has been progress acquiring and converting to dual-role, 13 firefighters and medics with less than two years of employment have recently resigned and started working for other fire departments. The proposed dual-role premium pay and incentive program should assist with recruitment, conversion and retention. The AFD remains on track to fulfill the goal of deploying 40-60 dual-role providers and a total of 70-80 ALS providers.