Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG 11 Target Solutions program, as well as some wonderful networking opportunities and class- es at the Annual State Conferences. What are some unique aspects of your fire prevention bureau? Our Division also oversees the Building Division which includes issuing permits, busi- ness tax receipts and licenses, conducting building inspections, and issuing stop work orders. Two Inspectors are certified Car Seat Fitting Technicians and once a month, classes are held at one of our fire stations to teach parents how to correctly install their child’s car. What is the one thing you would change in the fire service if you could? I feel we can do a better job mentoring our new hires. Many times, they are referred to as “rookies” or “probies” but they are really our future and our officers should slow down and invest time in them on and off duty. **There is a great mentoring article in July 2011/Fire Engineering; page #57.** How have current economic times impacted your fire prevention bureau and how are you doing things differ- ently today because of the economy? The do more with less is here to stay. In pre- vention, we need to build a bridge and get over that. The approach to public education being everyone’s job is a start. Cross-certifying your Building Inspectors with the Municipal Fire Inspector’s license is a start, offering a step program for multiple certifications and more pay incentive. What do you look for in a new employee? The “IT” factor! This means the Inspector enjoys coming to work and has inner happi- ness in doing his or her job. If there was no pay involved, you would still find enjoyment in your daily labor. What’s the future for the fire preven- tion as you see it? The future Fire Inspector will hold Single Family 1&2 certifications, plumbing certifica- tions, or other building certifications. The shift firefighter who is a certified fire inspector during low call periods will be conducting annual fire inspections. Touch screen laptops that email the report to our customer in the field; if no email address, then provide the cus- tomer Bluetooth printing services in the field. Do you have a favorite book or quote? My Father’s book of life, he had many quotes in it. My favorite quote that helped me to be a good Fire Marshal is: “You can be 100% right but convey the message 1000% wrong.” Thanks, Dad, for all the lessons in life. 800.233.1957 vfis.com The Nehf family has been on the job for three generations. For generations, we’ve been there — protecting the future of more emergency responders than any other provider of emergency service insurance in North America. With 24/7 claims support, industry-leading training tools and a 97.6 percent loyalty scale, VFIS is the preferred insurance provider among agents and their customers. Always on the job. Just like you, we’re always on the job. © 2017 VFIS