Support

AFSO21 offers tailored advisory support in the following areas of fire emergency services that if left unmaintained, can negatively impact your organization mission capabilities and the communities served. These areas include, PFAS exposure, bylaws, continuous improvement, and risk management.

PFAS Exposure Management

firefighter walking through a pool of firefighting foam used during a structure fire that contains PFAS

AFSO21 offers experience with developing and maintaining a PFAS exposure management program designed to protect fire emergency services personnel and community members from unnecessary exposure.

Everyday, firefighters around the world risk their lives to protect the communities they serve. Unfortunately, many firefighters may not realize there is a hidden danger lurking within their own turnout gear, the products they use to extinguish fires, their fire emergency services organization, and even their homes. The danger is a group of odorless and colorless synthetic chemicals called PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

For decades, firefighters have been unknowingly exposed to PFAS chemicals. These toxic, synthetic substances known to exist in consumer products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, cosmetics, water and stain-resistant fabrics, and bottled water have recently been detected in firefighter turnout gear and firefighting foams, further increasing serious health risks such as various forms of cancer.

Approximately 110 million Americans have some level of PFAS in their bodies. Does your organization or community know what PFAS are? Does your organization use turnout gear and or firefighting foam that may contain PFAS? What if anything is your organization, local government, or community members doing to minimize or eliminate exposure to PFAS? Does your organization or local community have policies in place regarding PFAS?

AFSO21 can help with with reducing PFAS exposure risks to firefighters and the community they serve. Contact us today!

Bylaw Creation and Refinement Support

A clipped image showing the term bylaws and portions of a definition for the word bylaws

Is your fire emergency services organization operating with outdated or ineffective bylaws?

Bylaws are essential for any organization that wants to be successful and sustainable. They provide a foundation for good governance and help to ensure that the organization operates in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner. Having strong organization bylaws is important for a number of reasons:

They establish the ground rules for an organization. Bylaws outline the organization’s purpose, structure, and governance procedures. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the organization runs smoothly.
They help to resolve disputes. Bylaws can provide a framework for resolving disagreements among members or between members and the organization’s leadership.
They protect the organization’s interests. Bylaws can help to prevent the organization from being taken advantage of or from making decisions that are not in its best interests.
They provide stability and continuity. Bylaws help to ensure that the organization operates in a consistent manner, even as its leadership and membership changes over time.
They build trust and confidence. Bylaws demonstrate that the organization is well-organized and that it takes its responsibilities seriously. This can help to build trust and confidence among members, donors, and the public.

AFSO21 offers bylaw advisory support to help your fire emergency services organization:

Modernize and streamline your bylaws: Through a comprehensive review and analysis process, AFSO21 will review your existing bylaws, identify areas for improvement, and work with your organization to draft updated language that reflects best practices and legal requirements.
Develop comprehensive new bylaws: Starting a new fire emergency services organization or need a complete overhaul? As needed, AFSO21 will guide you through the process of drafting or revising new bylaws that address your specific needs and goals.
Ensure legal compliance: AFSO21 will assist you with developing policies and procedures that ensure adherence to the latest local, state, and federal legislation and regulations impacting fire emergency services organizations.
Promote transparency and accountability: AFSO21 will help you draft bylaws that foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and good governance within your department.
Resolve internal conflicts: Well-defined bylaws can help prevent and resolve internal disputes by providing a clear framework for decision-making and conflict resolution.

Why Choose AFSO21?

Experienced fire service professionals: AFSO21 has over 36-years of experience in fire emergency services administration and governance.
Customized solutions: AFSO21 tailors its services to meet the unique needs of each fire emergency services organization.
Commitment to excellence: AFSO21 is dedicated to providing high-quality advisory services that empower fire emergency services organizations to thrive.

Don’t let outdated or unclear bylaws hold your fire emergency services organization back. Contact AFSO21 today for help.

Continuous Improvement

An image of an adviser with his fingers to his mouth as he sits with a client looking at an electronic tablet containing information

Our Approach to Continuous Improvement in fire emergency services

In today’s dynamic business landscape, continuous improvement is no longer optional; it’s essential for survival and growth. At AFSO21, we’re passionate about helping organizations like yours achieve operational excellence through a structured and collaborative approach to continuous improvement.

We understand that each organization is unique, with its own set of challenges and opportunities, especially those providing fire emergency services. That’s why we begin with a thorough assessment of your current processes, identifying areas for improvement and understanding your specific goals. Whether you’re looking to increase efficiency, reduce costs, enhance quality, or boost employee / member engagement, we tailor our solutions to meet your specific needs.

Our experience brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various continuous improvement methodologies. We work closely with your employees / members at all levels, empowering them with the skills and tools necessary to drive positive change. This collaborative approach ensures that improvements are not only implemented but also sustained over the long term.

Key Support Areas:

Process Mapping and Optimization: We streamline workflows to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce waste, resulting in faster turnaround times and improved productivity.
Quality Management: We implement robust quality control systems to minimize defects, enhance product quality, and increase customer satisfaction.
Data Analysis and Performance Measurement: We track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions for ongoing improvement.
Employee Training and Development: We provide training programs that build a culture of continuous improvement, empowering employees to identify and implement solutions.

Our commitment to continuous improvement extends beyond the initial implementation. We provide advisory support and guidance to ensure that your fire emergency services organization continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges.

With our partnership, you’ll gain a competitive advantage by creating a more efficient, effective, and sustainable organization. Contact us today!

Risk Management

Firefighter turnout gear jackets and helmets hanging on a rack, presumably on a wall in a fire department.

AFSO21 helps fire emergency services organizations enhance risk management by conducting comprehensive assessments of their operations, facilities, and communities. We assist with identifying potential hazards, evaluate existing safety protocols, and develop mitigation strategies to minimize risks.

Our tailored risk management services include:

On-site safety audits: Identifying potential hazards in stations and during operations.
Risk assessments: Evaluating the likelihood and impact of potential incidents.
Development of safety protocols: Creating and implementing customized safety procedures to include Standard Operating Guidelines and or Policies (SOGs / SOPs)
Training programs: Providing comprehensive safety training for firefighters.

By proactively addressing safety concerns and implementing effective risk management strategies, we empower fire emergency services organizations to create a safer environment for their personnel and the communities they serve.

AFSO21 advises fire emergency services organizations in developing data-driven strategic plans that align with community needs and long-term goals. We analyze community risk factors, population demographics, and emergency response data to identify key priorities and develop effective strategies.

Our tailored services include:

Community risk assessments: Identifying and prioritizing fire and safety risks.
Strategic plan development: Creating actionable plans with measurable objectives.
Community outreach programs: Designing and implementing public education initiatives.

By taking a proactive approach to community risk management and aligning resources with strategic goals, we empower fire emergency services organizations to effectively enhance their service delivery and improve public safety. Contact us today!