NECCFD staffers to receive new work attire

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NORTH LEWISBURG – Northeast Champaign County Fire District personnel will be donning a new work wardrobe after board members agreed April 25 to spend up to $7,000 to outfit the department with new uniforms.

“It’s a good move forward for the department,” said Interim Operations Manager Sarah Page, who presented the uniform proposal to the board.

Page added she spoke with four uniform suppliers and decided the best option for the district was to work with Phoenix Safety Outfitters in Springfield.

The purchase order calls for all full-time staff to be outfitted with three pairs of pants, three T-shirts, three pullovers, three polos, a hi-visibility coat and duty boots. Permanent part-time staff will receive two T-shirts, two pullovers, two polos and two pants, while part-time staff not on probation will be given two T-shirts and a sweatshirt. Staff members on probation (orientation) will receive one T-shirt.

Page said it’s estimated the uniforms will cost the district $948 per full-time employee, $392 for each permanent part-time employee, $46 for every part-time employee, and $16 for each probationary staff member.

The uniform policy notes items will be replaced upon proof of wear and tear, and all employees are invited to purchase extra items at their own cost.

Also during the meeting, Page discussed the possibility of the district switching from a more “generic” online employee scheduling software to software more geared toward the needs of a fire department.

Page said she has been in talks with Aladtec, which has offered to provide the district with a live demo of the scheduling software it offers.

“It seems like a good fit,” she said.

While no motion was made to switch employee scheduling software providers, Page said Aladtec’s yearly fee would be $1,995, which includes setup, support, training, off-site backup, and any configurations that need to be made.

In other business:

•The district is in the process of switching its fire and EMS reporting system provider from Firehouse Software to ESO Solutions Inc. The new software is expected to go live by May 15.

“It should be happening soon, which we are happy about,” Page said.

In anticipation of the switch to the new mobile reporting software, the board agreed to outfit the fire engine and both medics with Samsung tablets.

•Applications are being accepted for the newly created permanent part-time positions. The board plans to hire three paramedics to fill these available spots.

By Joshua Keeran

[email protected]

Joshua Keeran may be reached at 937-652-1331 (ext. 1774) or on Twitter @UDCKeeran.

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