Fire Department Strategic Plan
North Charleston Fire Department (NCFD) provides the community with fire suppression, emergency medical services, basic and technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, water-related emergency response, public fire and life safety education, fire investigation, community risk reduction, and emergency management and preparedness to North Charleston, South Carolina’s residents, businesses, and visitors. The agency is consistently working to achieve and/or maintain the highest level of professionalism and efficiency on behalf of those it serves, and thus, contracted with the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) to facilitate a method to document the organization’s path into the future via a “Community-Driven Strategic Plan.” The following strategic plan was written in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the CFAI Fire & Emergency Service Self-Assessment Manual 9thEd., and is intended to guide the organization within established parameters set forth by the authority having jurisdiction.
The CPSE utilized the community-driven strategic planning process to go beyond just the development of a document. It challenged the agency’s members to critically examine paradigms, values, philosophies, beliefs and desires, and challenged individuals to work in the best interest of the “team.” It further provided the agency with an opportunity to participate in the development of their organization’s long-term direction and focus. Members of the organization’s external and internal stakeholders’ groups demonstrated commitment to this important project and remain committed to the document’s completion.
This strategic plan, with its foundation based in community and membership input, revisits the organization’s pillars (Mission, Values, and Vision) and sets forth a continuous improvement plan that offers a road map for a justifiable and sustainable future.
We have posted the plan here, in its entirety, for public review. It is the map for our future with the milestones and the destination clearly marked. We are already on our way.