The Organization

Gerald Plock Associates, Inc.
101 E. Park Blvd, Suite 600, PMB 634
Plano, Texas 75074

Phone: 1-866-748-7704

Is Currently Seeking a Fire Chief

The City of Loveland

The City of Loveland, Colorado is located 45 miles north of Denver nestled against the foothills on Highway 34 that leads to Rocky Mountain National Park. With a population of 52,000, Loveland enjoys a small town feel.

Manufacturing, publishing, government, trade, and the arts anchor the economy of Loveland. Such firms as Hewlett Packard, Colorado Memory Systems, Hach Company, and Woodward Governor comprise some of the microelectronics and technology firms.

Education is very important to the residents of Loveland. Loveland has easy access to the state?’s three largest universities: Colorado State University in Fort Collins (12 miles north), the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley (20 miles east), and the University of Colorado in Boulder (35 miles southwest). Aims Community College and Regis University jointly operate campuses in Loveland with an average enrollment of 2000 students.

The City?’s public school system is located within the Thompson School District with district achievement test scores above both the state and national norms.

Recreational activities include 25 city parks, 2 mountain parks, 3 golf courses, 18 tennis courts, the Lake Loveland Beach, numerous baseball and softball parks, a recreation/senior center, and much more. With mild summer temperatures, residents can enjoy several recreational amenities the City offers.

The Organization

The City of Loveland is a home rule municipality and operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The governing body is comprised of a Mayor and eight Council Members. The Mayor is elected at-large for a two- year term. The City is divided into four wards. Each ward elects two councilors on a non-partisan basis to serve staggered four-year terms. The City Manager is appointed by the Council and is responsible for the day- to day operation of the government. Loveland is fiscally sound (AAA bond rating) and a full-service community. The City has thirteen departments including: City Manager; Airport; City Attorney; Community Services; Cultural Services; Finance; Fire and Rescue; Human Resources; Library; Parks and Recreation; Police; Public Works; and Water and Power.

Loveland Fire and Rescue Department

The City of Loveland provides fire protection, rescue and life safety through 75 volunteers working as a team with 52 full-time career firefighters, fire prevention and support staff members. The department delivers a wide range of emergency services including firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials management and response, water rescue, rope rescue, fire inspection, construction plan review, business occupancy risk reduction, public education, and coordination of the city?’s emergency management program.

The Fire Chief is the head of the Loveland Fire and Rescue Department. Career and volunteer firefighters and officers report to the Fire Chief, who is responsible to the City Manager for the management and administration of all fire and rescue services and resources that serve the community. The retiring Fire Chief was appointed in 1991 and was the first paid Chief of the department.

The Loveland Fire and Rescue Department has 2 Division Chiefs (Operations and Support Services), 5 Captains (A,B,C Platoon, Training and Prevention), 15 Lieutenants (1 for Stations 2, 3, 4, 5 for A,B,C Platoon and three relief Lieutenants), 18 Engineers (1 for each Platoon for each Station), 1 Deputy Fire Marshall, 3 Fire Inspectors, 3 Relief Engineers, 2 Administrative Assistants, and 1 part/time clerk. The City Council recently approved the addition of 5 firefighters, one at each station, to serve during the daytime shift (0800:17:00).

Loveland Volunteer Fire Department Inc. (LVFD) is a non-profit entity incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado. As such, the LVFD has adopted bylaws that govern its organization, membership, and operational procedures. LVFD is comprised of 3 Division Chiefs, 5 Captains, (1 for each district with 1 Captain for Districts 1 & 4 and 1 Training Captain), 5 Lieutenants, approximately 60 Firefighters and two clerical positions. The current Fire Department began as an all-volunteer department over a century ago. Many of the current career employees actually started their firefighting careers as volunteers in Loveland. For FY 2000, it is estimated that the volunteer firefighters contributed 17,000 hours annually to the City in service calls and training.

The City of Loveland operates five fire stations. Due to increasing population growth, the addition of a sixth station is being planned. It is estimated that the Fire and Rescue Department will receive 5,000 calls for service for the current year. The FY2001 operating budget for the Fire and Rescue Department is $4.3 million.

The Loveland Rural Fire Protection District (a separate governmental body and taxing entity) contracts with the City of Loveland for fire and rescue services in outlying areas spread over 260 square miles. The District is governed by a Board of Directors which is a policy making body. The District pays approximately 13% of the department?’s total budget. As the City of Loveland?’s representative, The Fire Chief is responsible for the administration of the contract between the City and the District and works directly with the Board of Directors and attends their public meetings. The District has contracted with the City of Loveland for fire and rescue services since 1950. The District has a population of approximately 25,000. Both the flood in Big Thompson Canyon (which killed over 100 people in the summer of 1976) and the Bobcat wild-land fire in the summer of 2000 occurred in the Rural Fire Protection District.

The Loveland Fire and Rescue Department is a first responder on EMS calls and provides basic life support. The Thompson Valley Emergency Medical Services (TVEMS) provides advanced life support (with paramedics) and transports patients. Some of the TVEMS personnel are cross-trained as firefighters and operate in firefighting and support to the Loveland Fire and Rescue Department. All full time-career employees of the Loveland Fire and Rescue Department are EMTs.

The City of Loveland has a new computer aided dispatch system for Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services and is covered by enhanced 911. The radio system has also been upgraded to an 800 Mhz system. Other technological improvements were the automated voice response system for the notification and dispatching of fire companies and an improved fire records management system. The City is covered by E-911.

The Department has Automatic Aid/Mutual Aid agreements with the Town of Windsor, Town of Berthoud and Poudre Fire Authority (Ft. Collins).

The Position

The City Manager has established the following criteria for selection of a new Fire and Rescue Chief.

Leadership ?– In collaboration with others, develops and communicates a common vision for the department and secures a commitment to that vision from all department personnel. Communicates that vision to customers and demonstrates methods to achieve the vision by personal actions. Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods in guiding individuals or groups toward vision and goals.

Decision-Making - Identifies problems, secures information and perceives possible causes of problems. Gathers input from others when appropriate. Demonstrates ability to develop alternative solutions to problems, evaluate courses of action and make logical decisions in a timely manner. Demonstrates capability for rendering sound judgements, taking action and committing oneself.

Interpersonal Relationships ?– Works cooperatively with others, makes others?’ job easier, accepts and offers feedback. Works participatively and respectfully with City Council, City Manager, City departments, staff/line employees and volunteers, Rural Board, private citizens and other government agencies. Responds with flexibility to change and special needs and is able to appropriately modify his or her response to meet the changing needs of staff and customers. Demonstrates consideration and respect for the feelings and needs of others. Has a good sense of humor.

Integrity ?– Models social, ethical and organizational norms in job related activities. Is honest and respectful.

Conflict Resolution ?– Resolves conflict independently and effectively. Pursues resolution to conflict when it arises. Looks for long-term strategies to eliminate damaging conflict. Uses clear and effective communication.

A Bachelor?’s degree in fire science or related field is required. A Master?’s degree in Fire/Public Administration or graduation from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy is highly desirable. The City is seeking a seasoned individual with significant management/command experience in a combination (career/volunteer) fire and rescue department. A strong background in the supervision of employees and budget preparation and administration is also necessary.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the position is $72,840-$111,576 per year. The incoming salary of the Fire Chief will be based on qualifications and experience.

The Fire Chief is eligible to participate in the fire employee pension plan. Employees contribute 9% of monthly base salary while the City contributes 11% to the Money Purchase Plan (vesting period is six years).

The City offers two medical plan options?—a Preferred Provider (PPO) and a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). A portion of the dependent?’s coverage is paid by the employee. The City also provides dental coverage, life insurance, long term disability, tuition reimbursement and vision care.

Closing Date-February 16, 2001

Individuals interested in the positions should submit their resumes to the City?’s Executive Recruitment Consultant: Gerald Plock Associates, Inc., 7501 Stallion Circle, Flower Mound, TX 75022. Tel 817-464-4610; Fax 817-464-4061; grplock@aol.com. Web: geraldplockassoc.com

Under Colorado law, candidates requesting confidentiality should do so in writing at the time of the submission of records. The City/Recruiter does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex religion, age or disability for the provision of services.