PFC orders fire department intervention after ongoing reviews
By Taylor Hale
STEVENS POINT – Police and fire commission reviews into the Stevens Point Fire Department have come to an end since beginning in January of this year.
The reviews are centered on anonymous communications focused on issues concerning the fire department, mainly directed at the department’s chief and assistant chief.
The report, prepared for the PFC, stated some fireteam members felt a “para-military” management model was in place at the department and that there is a lack of communication within the department.
The PFC ordered the department to “modify their autocratic (military) management style when not in an emergency situation and improve their ability to (a) listen to employee thoughts, questions, concerns, and suggestions, (b) consider those comments and only then (c) carefully respond.”
The department was also recommended to improve the relationship with management and staff. The department may also look into creating a management training program for future and current lieutenants and captains.
The department will continue to work on its internal policies to improve employee relations.