CAMDEN, S.C. — The City of Camden Fire Department is looking ahead in its five-year strategic plan.
“We looked at where we are and where we would like to be in the next five years and the strategic plan is the roadmap for how we’re going to get there,” says Camden Fire Chief Eddie Gardner.
He says six goals were laid out after examining some of the department’s weaknesses and opportunities, from things like an aging fleet, high workload, and improving community relationships.
The first goal is to focus on retention and recruitment.
“The pay has been increased to entice more people to work here, we’ve upped our training here, we haven't come out with it yet but we are working on a comprehensive career development plan, training education,” he says.
The second is to maintain facilities, equipment, and apparatus.
“We actually have a new fire truck coming in the first of the year,” he says.
Third is community outreach enhancement
“We can always do more and better ourselves in those areas by getting out to the other civic groups, nursing homes, and elderly and making sure those folks are hearing safety messages,” he adds.
Other goals include reviewing department policies, reviewing/enhancing the effectiveness of services, and meeting the needs of those whom they serve.
The department is also in the process of updating the fire code, which will now allow people to burn within city limits with their fire pits or fireplaces for recreational use.
