Sunday, May 17, 1998

Danger seen in Cedar Falls
by Dave Bond

Much discussion has been made about our Public Safety Director's approach on cutting back on expenditures within the Public Safety Department. I applaud the effort in this regard; but is the director missing the bigger picture of the situation involved?  Does "cost reduction" override "personal safety"?

Supervisors within the Fire Division thought differently.  That was when fire station No. 2 was closed due to lack of personnel to man two fire stations.  This was due for safety reasons that govern the operational readiness of a fire station and the overall safety procedures when fighting a fire.

Did any warning bells start to ring within the ears of our City Council or the citizens of Cedar Falls saying to them that a dangerous situation is being created or does saving dollars override personal safety of city employees?

Much was said about the Fire Division's assessment of the situation; but what about the other side of the house, the Police  Division? From listening to City Council concerns, not much was mentioned about the Police Division. Morale within the Police Division is low. This is due to the unwanted costcutting measures of the director.

The measures are happening even knowing that the Division was still short one or two patrolmen in its ranks. Most recently an officer was taken off shift to fulfill an assignment to a civilian job within city government, i.e. Code Enforcement Officer. This left the shift short to operate effectively and thus causing personal safety concerns within its ranks. This again has lessened the morale and total shift strengths of the Police Division.

Now the word "volunteers" has been mentioned a lot. In one City Council meeting "volunteers" came into the equation for the Fire Division. Volunteers were quoted in saying they are nice to have. According to one fire official, they are the back bone of a rural community; but nothing further was said about volunteers being utilized within the Fire Division to support the ever-growing loss of trained firefighters from the community of Cedar Falls.

When volunteers were first mentioned within the Police Division, it was stated these volunteers would not replace the regular sworn police personnel in their daily duties nor would they take the place of a sworn officer when called upon to work overtime. But as days went by and when the new director came aboard, utilization of volunteers to replace academy-trained officers and to support cutbacks on overtime expenditures came into play.

In addition to this, the director has dictated the shifts shall not allow overtime to his officers, but utilize those officers already on hand, even when the working shift is short of manpower. In continuation of cutting overtime, the director has rescheduled officers from their normal shift hours to work hours that were normally meant as overtime and has used "volunteers" to replace officers who were usually meant for the regular officers.

This type of staffing has come into play several times and especially on the weekend of April 18. On that day, volunteers were planned to patrol one area of Cedar Falls, so that other areas within the confines of the city could be regularly patrolled by sworn officers. This did not occur due to concerns expressed by other police officers within the Division indicating this practice was in conflict with state laws. So on that weekend, the city was patrolled by the volunteers riding with a patrolman. No additional sworn officers were called in. This left the city to be patrolled by two sworn officers.

This practice is occurring too frequently. Does a police officer have to get hurt because backup while on patrol is not there? Management will answer this type of question by saying, "That if backup is needed, we can rely on the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Department or the Waterloo Police Department to assist us." But what if... Black Hawk County or Waterloo PD cannot assist us in time?

All I have to say is wake up citizens of Cedar Falls and smell the roses. Something deadly is going to happen due to no one listening to the complaints expressed from those who are sworn to protect and serve you with utmost professional abilities.

Dave Bond is a Cedar Falls police officer

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Sunday, May 17, 1998
Changes improve service
by Ed Stachovic and Jay Kohl

Our City of Cedar Falls Mission Statement provides our guidance and direction. "Maintain and improve the safety and desirability of Cedar Falls through the effective delivery of public services, and the ongoing practice of open communication among council, staff, mayor and the citizens."

This is another opportunity for us to inform our citizens of recent initiatives in Public Safety and to clarify statements made by a Police Division employee in this edition of the Courier.

There is no growing loss of trained firefighters, the director did not dictate that shifts shall not use overtime, there is no violation of state law in our use of reserves and volunteers, management did not make the statement regarding use of area law enforcement as an alternative to our overtime. It is true that change is difficult. Statements designed to incite the public by suggesting that "something deadly is going to happen" have no foundation in fact.

We will work on a professional and personal level with employees who find change and cost containment especially difficult.

Communication is the key ingredient of successful change. We have kept our citizens informed though press releases, updates to City Council, service club presentations, articles in Currents and programs such as Up Close. To keep employees informed, we have held employee meetings, attended union/labor-management/ supervisory meetings, frequently visited stations and roll calls, and disseminated written information. Employees have also been encouraged to discuss their concerns with management at any time.

We are proud to share with you some of the Public Safety changes that have already taken place and those that will be taking place:

• Unanimous approval of council of Public Safety Reorganization Plan will result in more full-time police officers on patrol and more firefighters assigned to shifts,

• New Public Safety sub-station to open at College Square Mall. This is a partnership developed at no cost to Cedar Falls taxpayers.

• Public Safety has joined with residents, business owners and city department in a Cooperative Code Enforcement Team, part of the city's Community Policing program.

• Created Alcohol Education and Enforcement Team - initiated by Cedar Falls and UNI Public Safety.

• Police and firefighters will receive more Advanced Emergency Medical Training.

• A new Citizen Complaint Review System is being implemented to improve customer service.

• A new progressive fire prevention program has been instituted to ensure that smoke detectors are operational in every residence in Cedar Falls. The program will provide funding for repair and installation of detectors. These funds will be provided from overtime savings.

• A new $25,000 Thermal Imaging Camera, used for more effective rescue and to improve firefighter safety, purchased with funds from overtime savings.

• Cedar Falls Public Safety will increase the number of police reserve officers and volunteer firefighters to assist full-time employees and provide more services to our citizens, not to replace full-time employees.

• A new Community Service Officer program will allow desk-bound officers to join patrol, increasing the number of officers on the street.

• The number of Public Safety management positions is being reduced to flatten the organization and cut management costs.

• A much needed new Public Safety building is set for construction in 1998.

• A $600,000 ladder truck was recently purchased and will be delivered next month.

• Both existing fire stations are scheduled for remodeling.

• Rick Ahlstrom, a 24-year veteran of the Police Division, was promoted to Deputy Director of Public Safety.

Changes have reduced the overtime pay that many employees have enjoyed for quite some time. These savings are being returned to Public Safety in the form of new technology and equipment designed to make our employees more efficient and safer in their duties.

It is important to reinforce that fact that the safety and security of our citizens and employees come first. Some employees may be concerned as they adapt to change. We are confident they will adjust; they are highly skilled, proud professionals. Most are more than willing to meet the challenges of change in an effort to improve service to our citizens. We look to them for their dedication, leadership, input, new ideas and cooperation.

Ed Stachovic is mayor of Cedar Falls and Jay Kohl is director of the Public Safety Department

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Sunday, December 27, 1998

Public Safety Department distinguishes itself with '98 accomplishments
by Barbara Brown, Councilmember at large

The goal of every city department is to save taxpayers money by using resources wisely and putting employees where they need to be when they need to be there. Cedar Falls' city departments have an excellent history of meeting this challenge.

One department has taken a lot of hard knocks this past year by trying to reach out and meet new goals and objectives. At the risk of encouraging a barrage of negative comments, I would lie to take this opportunity to congratulate all the dedicated people who continue to make the Department of Public Safety a progressive part of Cedar Falls city government and to share some of their successes.

There are now more police officers assigned to patrol duties, more investigators conducting investigations, and more firefighters assigned to shifts responding to fires and medical emergencies than there has been for many years.

Overtime costs have been slashed by 79 percent.

Public Safety savings have been reinvested into public safety programs and equipment that improve the quality of police, fire and emergency medical services.

The fire division took delivery of a new $600,000 state-of-the-art aerial platform fire truck requiring fewer firefighters to operate it and dramatically improving rescue and firefighting capabilities. This vehicle replaced the 1966 model the division used for 32 years.

The creation of a community officer position provided an opportunity to further develop partnerships with the University of Northern Iowa and Hawkeye Community College by utilizing students to perform administrative tasks previously performed by high-ranking patrol officers. The most skilled, respected, and seasoned officers are now available to respond to emergencies and assist the patrol force.

The remodeling of both fire stations will provide space for new equipment and improve quarters for staff.

The firefighters highly successful fire prevention  door-to-door smoke detector program made working detectors available to every residence in Cedar Falls.

The fire prevention,  fire extinguisher training program for businesses, schools and UNI proved its value this fall when a dormitory fire was extinguished by a resident assistant trained by Cedar Falls' firefighters.

Fire personnel upgraded their emergency medical skills and added three computerized defibrillators. Their improved skills and the new technology will reduce emergency medical response time and save lives.

Fire prevention efforts have been further advanced by the hiring of rental housing inspectors.

The purchase of a $20,000 thermal imaging camera used by firefighters to see in smoke filled environments will aid in rescue efforts and increase firefighter safety. This camera represents the latest development in firefighting technology and is the first of its kind in the Cedar Valley. The camera is also available to police officers in situations requiring search and rescue.

The police division's new SMART trailer is a traffic enforcement aid and accident prevention tool. It instantly displays motorist speed and records the day, time and speed. Officers then patrol when and where violations occur most frequently.

Expansion of community policing efforts have resulted in the full-time assignment of Senior Patrol Officer Bob Mounce to the College Hill Resource Center. Plans are to open a College Square public safety station staffed by police and fire personnel.

Sharing of staff between departments has resulted in Senior Patrol Officer Dan Brown serving as the Code Enforcement Officer for the Developmental Services Department in addition to duties with the Department of Public Safety.

To date, 17 reserve police officers and 15 volunteer firefighters have been trained. Currently, 22 of these dedicated citizens provide regular services and are available during emergencies and special events.

The Citizen Police Academy, another first in our area, is a unique example of partnership building. The goal is to assist in the reduction of crime through community support for our police division. The curriculum includes and extensive range of police topics.

Ground breaking for the new Public Safety building adjacent to City Hall in spring of 1999 will provide improved working conditions for public safety employees.

The recent hiring of Police Officer Marc Rath and four new firefighters - Curtis Hildebrand, Dereck Brown, David Gummert and Rick Schmidt, along with other staffing improvements - has resulted in a 20 percent increase of police officers available for patrol duties and increased the number of firefighters assigned to stations and available to respond to emergencies.

The determination of Director of Public Safety Jay Kohl, Deputy Director of Police Operations Rick Ahlstrom, Deputy Director of Fire Operations Art Lupkes, and Deputy Director of Support Services Jeff Olson, their staff and volunteers, and those of us who knew what change and success looked like and saw it in our future, have made this a Public Safety Department to be proud of.

Sunday, January 03, 1999

Officers speak out on department changes

CEDAR FALLS – In a Guest Opinion written in Sunday’s (Dec.27) Courier, Cedar Falls Councilperson Barbara Brown illustrated in writing a number of positive accomplishments of the current administration of the (Cedar Falls) Public Safety Department. A number of points brought up by Ms. Brown have been the subject of conversations in the halls of the Police Division this week, and we would like to discuss them at this time.

Ms Brown argued that Director Jay Kohl is responsible for the changes that have occurred within the Police Division. Her very first point in the comment was that there " … are now more police officers assigned to patrol duties…" We believe this to be inaccurate, as on Sept. 23, 1997, the Police Division had 42 sworn officers with 32 assigned to the Patrol Unit. As of Dec. 28, 1998, the Division has 42 sworn officers and 32 assigned to the Patrol Unit. As one can see, there has been no increase.

The changes (and savings) in overtime can be attributed to the 12-hour schedule, which the Police Division instituted last year. This idea originally came from Capt. Dean Williams and was supported by then-Chief Michael Reifsteck.

One reason for the change in schedule was to put more officers on duty at critical times and to save overtime costs. The union and city administrators negotiated the schedule change over two years ago.

It is true Director Kohl has saved additional overtime costs. One means by which Director Kohl is saving on overtime is by not recalling an officer if one calls in sick. In addition, the past practice of staffing at a minimum shift strength has been eliminated. Due to this, there have been occasions when only three officers have been on duty for times on shifts. We believe that this places officers on duty, and the public, in a potentially precarious position.

Prior to October 1998, the Investigation Unit consisted of seven full-time officers. Following the "staffing improvements" made in the fall of 1998, this number has been reduced to five full-time officers. Due to the increasing caseloads which the investigators carry, it is feared that a number of investigations will go without due attention.

A community Service Officer (CSO) currently staffs the front desk at the Police Station. While the positions offer college students a positive working experience, the CSO’s lack the knowledge and experience necessary to assist the public with many questions and situations which arise. Officers are frequently called upon to assist CSOs with desk duties. This is in sharp contrast to Ms. Brown’s statement that CSO’s can "… perform administrative tasks…"

As of this time, the Police Division has in fact trained 17 Reserve Officers – but – only 11 are currently on board. Out of this number, several are failing to meet their minimum required "riding" time. In the past, Deputy Director Richard Ahlstrom has stated that Reservists are every bit as capable of performing duties as a sworn officer. We hope that the citizens of our city do not believe this to be true.

Members of our Police Association are thankful for the opportunity to inform the public of what we see as inaccuracies in Councilperson Brown’s comment. Unlike members of our city government, individual officers do not have the luxury of expressing their views on public matters in a forum such as this. We have truly learned from Officer (David) Bonds experience.

THE CEDAR FALLS POLICE ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Sunday, January 31, 1999

Firefighters’ concerns rooted in safety issues

Council Member Barbara Brown’s Dec. 27 Courier guest opinion highlighted some accomplishments of the Cedar Falls Fire and Police Departments. Cedar Falls firefighters thank Ms. Brown for listing our achievements, however, most members of the fire department feel some statements were misleading or inaccurate.

Inaccuracies aside, we respect Ms. Brown’s First Amendment right to say what she wishes and suggest she not be held accountable under the city’s recent truth ordinance. In return, we hope Ms. Brown and her colleagues show city employees the same respect and not repeat the injustices that have befallen Police Officer Dave Bond for expressing his opinion.

Firefighters agree with Council Member Stan Smith’s statement in his Dec. 30 letter to the editor, "I see nothing in the list of accomplishments that could not have been accomplished without the extra layer of management over the police and fire."

We would like to thank the Police Protective Association, former Police Captain Mike Lashbrook and citizens for their letters since we share similar concerns. We also would like to thank Council Member Mike Havenstrite. If not for his perseverance in replacing department firefighters, we feel we would have fewer firefighters to respond to alarms.

Cedar Falls firefighters feel a few city officials have an advantage to advertise their views with a huge media machine. With their own cable channel 15, Currents Magazine, radio show, council meetings and other media avenues, firefighters feel these outlets have been used to portray some negative images of the rank-and-file.

It is not our intent to address Mrs. Brown’s comments. While firefighters have a number of issues, we will focus on three negative images we feel a few city administrators have tried to portray of us. The following will discuss these images, which have added tension and frustration within Public Safety.

Firefighters are not resistant to change, we embrace it. Change in the fire service is inevitable. Tactics, operations and equipment are evolving constantly, benefiting firefighters by providing better safety for ourselves and citizens.

But in the emergency service, where lives could be at stake, change should not be done for change’s sake. Change should be based on experience, common sense, and proven principles. Change should not occur because of anger, vindictiveness or to justify one’s salary or position.

Firefighters are not upset over the loss of overtime. We work 24-hour days and 53-hour work weeks. Often, overtime meant working 48 or 72 hours straight without going home. This was difficult for the employee and their families.

It’s not about overtime, it’s about staffing.

Cedar Falls has one of the lowest number of paid firefighters per capita in Iowa. Before 1998, a minimum staffing standard was seven firefighters per shift. This standard, supported by the previous public safety director and current city officials, ensured compliance with federal and state OSHA regulations of two firefighters inside a burning structure and two firefighters outside (2-in/2-out).

This allows us to use our quick, aggressive interior attack style of firefighting which attempts to contain the fire to where it starts. This has been very successful through the years, keeping small fires from becoming large fires. Extinguishing fires quickly minimizes property loss while ensuring our own safety.

Because of no minimum staffing standard, we may not be able to meet OSHA requirements. We may not be able to use our quick attack style of firefighting and this may further increase property loss. In turn, larger fires could pose a greater risk to the community.

We want you to know that management determines staffing levels. When a city official says they support no minimum staffing, in our opinion they’re saying they can accept a lower standard of firefighting. Can you?

Expressing our concerns has caused some city officials to label us "whiners." It appears obvious they do not want employees speaking on city decisions and policies in public. With "gag" orders, truth ordinances and employee suspension, it would be easy to remain silent.

Firefighters and police felt it was important to begin a pro-active strategy of speaking out on city decisions we feel adversely affect our departments and community. Unfortunately, our participation has also initiated a series of city directives that we feel are intended to intimidate city employees. This method of speaking publicly has promoted awareness among citizens about our concerns and we would again like to thank the citizens who have spoken in our behalf.

Cedar Falls firefighters save lives and property. Our families, friends, neighbors, even those who criticize us, all receive the same professional service. It’s our job and we are proud of it. We inspect buildings; teach your children in school; respond to accidents, rescue and medical emergencies. We train every day to stay ready for the time when you need us.

By Cedar Falls Fire Protective Association

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