2024 STRATEGIC PLAN
WARRENVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
PROCESS OVERVIEW
Change is inevitable, but growth is intentional. It begins when we set goals. Yet, having goals is not synonymous with success. An organization must craft a comprehensive plan—a roadmap replete with clear objectives, defined timelines, specific roles, and measurable milestones. This strategic planning is pivotal for any organization, public or private, aspiring to reach its full potential.
Such a plan outlines a well-defined direction, takes stock of the operational environment, and devises strategies to progress toward goals. These components position an organization to adeptly serve its community and achieve its overarching vision. In renewing its commitment to professionalism, the organization sets itself on a trajectory toward enduring success.
The strategic planning process culminates in a three-to-five-year work plan, guiding the collective endeavors of the organization towards shared goals and objectives. It is an inclusive method, engaging key stakeholder representatives to ensure that the interests of the entire community are considered throughout the planning stages.
These elements served as the cornerstones for identifying service improvement areas. From these discussions emerged the strategic themes that now underpin the goals of the implementation plan.
The strategic goals are broken down into specific objectives. Through robust dialogue and brainstorming, ideas were adopted or discarded based on group consensus. The resulting goals and objectives were designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments to align with the agency’s broader aspirations.
In summary, the careful formulation of a strategic plan, which involves inclusive participation and flexible goal setting, equips an organization with the agility to adapt and the direction to thrive amidst change.
COMMUNITY-CENTERED PROCESS
ESCI's Community Centered Strategic Planning Process (CCSPP) methodology has been adopted and utilized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, numerous other national, regional, and state fire service agencies and associations, and hundreds of local fire departments across the United States and Canada. The CCSPP has proven remarkably effective with all types and sizes of organizations, from large metropolitan fire departments to small, rural all-volunteer districts and everything in between. This process was utilized in the development of Warrenville Fire Protection District’s strategic plan.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
- Andy Dina, Fire Chief
- Joe Levy, Assist. Chief
- Jenna Reavy, Admin Asst.
- Amber Nadeau, Financial Analyst
- Fred Bevier, GIS
- Bill Zabler, Captain
- Mia Ingram, Lieutenant
- Matt Banaszek, Lieutenant
- Josh Hamman, Lieutenant
- James Reavy, Firefighter/Paramedic
- David Koelper, Firefighter/Paramedic
- Austin Wiedmyer, Firefighter/Paramedic
- Eddie Clark, Firefighter/Paramedic
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
I am extremely proud and excited to announce the release of our first-ever strategic plan document for the Warrenville Fire Protection District. This plan represents a significant milestone for our organization and sets the stage for our future growth, development, and success.
As the Chief of the Warrenville Fire Protection District, I believe that strategic planning is essential to ensure that we are effectively meeting the needs of our community and operating at the highest level of service. This strategic plan serves as our roadmap, guiding our actions and decisions as we pursue excellence in emergency and non-emergency services through continuous improvement in all that we do.
In developing this strategic plan, we have considered the valuable input and feedback from external and internal stakeholders. It reflects our shared vision, goals, and objectives, and serves as a clear guide for our future endeavors. I am grateful for the dedication and commitment that everyone has displayed throughout this process.
We believe that this strategic plan will facilitate collaboration, foster innovation, and drive positive change within the Warrenville Fire Protection District. Your support and engagement are crucial as we work towards implementing the strategies outlined in the plan.
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, it is important that we remain focused, dedicated, and united in our mission. Together, we will make a positive impact on the safety and well-being of the Warrenville community.
I have no doubt that our strategic plan will guide us towards continued success and enable us to fulfill our responsibilities as the Warrenville Fire Protection District.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Fire Chief Andrew Dina Warrenville Fire Protection District
On March 4, 2024, ESCI facilitated a community stakeholder feedback session at the WFPD Fire Station on Batavia, Road. Invitations were sent to forty-five community members/businesses. Both internal and external stakeholders attended the session. Some of the external organizations represented included:
- Warrenville Fire Protection District Residents
- Elected Officials
- Community Unit School District 200
- Hubble Middle School
- Warrenville Library District
- Warrenville Park District
- City of Warrenville
- Warrenville Emergency Management Agency
- Northwestern Medicine
- Firefighters Auxiliary
- Wheaton Park District
- Warrenville Police Department
- Saint Irene Catholic Church
- Emanuel Baptist Church
- DuPage County Forest Preserve Police
- Warrenville Outreach
As part of the discussions, ESCI asked the attendees to help define "good service" in the context of what a fire district/department should provide their community. The group identified the following:
- Knowledgeable
- Well-Staffed
- Properly Trained & Prepared
- Know their Limits
- Rapid Response
- Strategic Partnerships
- Forward-Thinking
- Financial Stability
- Hazard Awareness
- Public Access
After defining good service, the group worked together to define the community's expectations of Warrenville Fire Protection District from the group's perspective. These expectations included:
- Well-Trained, Educated
- Competent
- Teamwork-Oriented
- Invested in the Community
- Compassionate
- Good Response Time
- Well-Staffed, Well-Positioned
- Financially Responsible
- Good Retention/Recruitment
- Well-Equipped
- Well-Planned
- Open & Honest Communications
- Standardized
- Professionalism
- Culturally Competent
STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSIONS
Clarity of purpose is crucial in any fire service organization. The mission, vision, and values define the organization's identity and guide its actions. The mission statement clarifies the organization's core objectives and responsibilities to the community. The vision statement provides a desired future state, inspiring excellence and improvement. The values establish ethical standards and behavioral expectations, fostering integrity, professionalism, and service. Together, they ensure alignment, coherence, and effectiveness in achieving the mission while upholding high standards of service and accountability.
Mission
The mission of the Warrenville Fire Protection District is to respond to and mitigate emergencies in a safe and efficient manner. We will serve our community by providing high-quality public education, fire prevention, and risk reduction services all while displaying a high level of respect and compassion for our residents, our visitors, and one another.
Vision
Our vision is to pursue excellence in emergency and non-emergency services through continuous improvement in all that we do while honoring the foundation of selfless service, tradition, family values, and fiscal responsibility that our institution was built upon.
Values
RESPECT
Respect is a guiding value for all members of the Warrenville Fire Protection District. We will treat others in the same way we would like to be treated ourselves. Open and honest communication is key to building a respectful environment in which trust and transparency thrive.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is the foundation on which relationships and trust are built. We are honest with ourselves, with each other, and with the community we serve. When faced with difficult decisions and hard choices, we do the right thing even in the face of adversity.
PASSION
Passion is the value that drives and motivates us. It is a love for what we do, why we do it, and who we do it with. Passion is the fire that fuels our desire to accomplish great things.
DEDICATION
Dedication is complete and committed loyalty. It is connecting oneself physically, mentally, and principally to a course of action and seeing it through. It is the last of our core values because, without dedication, the other values are meaningless.
Goal #1 | Community Relations
Warrenville Fire Protection District will strive to keep and improve trust and relationships with the public.
To strengthen community ties and promote proactive involvement, the Warrenville Fire Protection District aims to enhance community engagement through multifaceted strategies. By fostering partnerships with local groups, facilitating public education initiatives, organizing impactful annual events, and implementing targeted community risk reduction efforts, our goal is to cultivate a resilient and well-informed community that actively participates in fire safety, emergency preparedness, and the overall mission of the fire district.
Objectives
Objective 1: Establish partnerships with local community groups and organizations to foster collaboration and support for Warrenville Fire Protection District activities.
Objective 2: Develop and implement public education programs to raise awareness about fire safety, emergency preparedness, and the role of the fire district within the community.
Objective 3: Organize annual events such as open houses, safety fairs, and community outreach programs to actively engage residents and stakeholders.
Objective 4: Implement community risk reduction initiatives focusing on identifying and addressing specific hazards, vulnerabilities, and safety concerns within the community.
Objective 5: Enhance communication channels and platforms to effectively disseminate information, updates, and resources related to fire prevention, response, and mitigation efforts.
Objective 6: Evaluate and measure the effectiveness of community engagement efforts through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and data analysis to continually improve strategies and outcomes.
Objective 7: Foster a culture of community involvement and empowerment by encouraging participation in volunteer opportunities, training programs, and neighborhood initiatives.
Goal #2 I Career Development
Enhance career development and Warrenville Fire Protection District members’ preparedness through training and education.
Our goal is to systematically improve the professional growth and operational readiness of all members within the Warrenville Fire Protection District by implementing a comprehensive and adaptive training and education program focused on closing skill gaps, promoting continuous learning, and fostering leadership capabilities, thereby ensuring the highest level of service to the community.
Objectives
Objective 1: Assessment of Training Needs
Objective 2: Development of a Training Plan
Objective 3: Implementation of Educational Programs
Objective 4: Integration of Technology in Training
Objective 5: Promotion of Continuous Learning and Development
Objective 6: Evaluation and Enhancement of Training Effectiveness
Objective 7: Supporting Leadership Development
Objective 8: Fostering Partnerships for Training and Education
Goal #3 | Work Environment
Improve morale by fostering a more cohesive work environment.
We will strive to significantly improve the morale of the Warrenville Fire Protection District members by fostering a cohesive and supportive work environment, enhancing team dynamics, and ensuring a positive and inclusive culture.
Objectives
Objective 1: Assessment and Identification of Issues
Objective 2: Enhancement of Communication
Objective 3: Team-Building Initiatives
Objective 4: Recognition and Rewards
Objective 5: Professional Development and Training
Objective 6: Work-Life Balance
Objective 7: Inclusive and Supportive Culture
Objective 8: Transparent Leadership and Governance
Goal #4 | Fleet-Facilities-Equipment
Replace and maintain fleet, facilities and equipment for optimal performance and safety.
Our goal is to systematically replace and maintain our fleet, facilities, and equipment to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards for performance and safety. By implementing a comprehensive assessment and maintenance program, we aim to achieve optimal operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and safeguard the well-being of all stakeholders. Through strategic planning, budgeting, and the integration of innovative technologies, we will maintain the highest levels of safety and performance in all our operations.
Objectives
Objective 1: Assessment and Inventory
Objective 2: Setting Performance and Safety Standards
Objective 3: Planning and Budgeting
Objective 4: Procurement and Replacement Process
Objective 5: Maintenance and Safety Programs
Objective 6: Technology and Innovation
Objective 7: Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Objective 8: Stakeholder Communication and Training
Goal #5 | Leadership
Enhance leadership capabilities to foster autonomy, collaboration, and professionalism within the Warrenville Fire Protection District.
It is our goal to significantly enhance leadership capabilities within the Warrenville Fire Protection District by developing and implementing targeted strategies and programs that promote autonomy, collaboration, and professionalism among its members, thereby ensuring a highly effective, responsive, and cohesive team environment.
Objectives
Objective 1: Leadership Training and Development Programs
Objective 2: Mentorship and Coaching
Objective 3: Collaborative Environment
Objective 4: Autonomy and Empowerment Initiatives
Objective 5: Professional Development Opportunities
Objective 6: Performance Management and Feedback
Objective 7: Recognition and Rewards
Objective 8: Organizational Culture Assessment
Goal #6 | Staffing
Ensure adequate and appropriate staffing for the Warrenville Fire Protection District.
Our goal is to ensure that the Warrenville Fire Protection District maintains an adequate and appropriately skilled workforce to meet the evolving needs of our community. We aim to achieve this through a comprehensive approach that includes accurate assessment of staffing needs, strategic recruitment, and retention efforts, streamlined hiring processes, and ongoing training and professional development. By accomplishing this, we will enhance our capability to provide exceptional fire protection and emergency response services, ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents and properties within our jurisdiction.
Short-term Objectives
Objective 1: Assessment of Current Staffing Levels and Needs:
Objective 2: Review and Update Staffing Policies:
Objective 3: Launch Targeted Recruitment Campaigns:
Objective 4: Streamline the Hiring Process:
Objective 5: Immediate Training Programs:
Long-term Objectives
Objective 1: Strategic Workforce Planning:
Objective 2: Enhanced Recruitment Strategies:
Objective 3: Comprehensive Training and Professional Development:
Objective 4: Retention Strategies:
Objective 5: Community Engagement and Support:
Objective 6: Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement:
