Capital Assets and Capital Improvement Programs

Southington Fire Department does not have a current strategic plan in place. Once the Southington Fire Department Master Plan is formulated, the list of recommendations, guidance for changes, and new initiatives will provide direction for developing a new strategic plan, as it is the most effective way to prioritize and plan for implementation of the master plan’s findings. This plan will be facilitated by ESCI following the conclusion of this document. The strategic planning process ideally results in a three-tofive-year work plan, intended to guide the work effort of the entire organization toward a common set of goals and objectives. The process should include representation from every major interest group in the organization. Each person in the department should feel that their interests are represented by someone in attendance on the planning team.

Capital Assets and Capital Improvement Programs

Capital assets include all facilities, all vehicles, and the key support equipment used on the apparatus dedicated to achieving the mission of the Southington Fire Department. Facilities and apparatus are the single most expensive infrastructure elements in a fire department. Funding of these elements is difficult to absorb in a single year; therefore, planning must be developed to address replacement, refurbishment, and maintenance in a multi-year funding strategy, or a funding source must be identified. Advanced planning of actual expenses will allow an agency time to acquire the funds necessary to implement a plan. Regardless of an agency’s financial condition, if appropriate equipment is not available for use by responders, it is impossible for a fire department to deliver effective services.

The Southington Fire Department maintains a balance of three basic resources that are needed to carry out its emergency mission: people, equipment, and facilities. The Southington Fire Department works collectively with other town agencies to develop and implement a capital improvement plan for facilities and apparatus. The Headquarters Station was renovated in 2005, and six apparatus purchased since 2012.

Providing strategic plans for future leaders is part of successful succession planning, and these living documents convey the importance of the department’s mission, core values, and goals. The Southington Fire Department is developing a facilities’ capital improvement plan and an apparatus and equipment replacement plan to communicate the department’s vision in 2020 based on population and service demand growth. An annual review of these plans will be required.

New technology and innovation in the fire service continue to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the fire service. These plans, reviewed annually, will provide a safer environment for firefighters and will continue to support the needs of the community.