Fire-Rescue Community Outreach and Public Education Plan
2018–2023
Richmond Fire-Rescue is a leading community safety organization, committed to enhancing Richmond’s livability and safety through strategic outreach and public education to the community.
As RFR serves an increasingly diverse community, it is necessary to ensure service delivery is reflective of the community’s needs. In Richmond, multiple languages are being spoken at home, an aging population is raising the average age, and housing demand is increasing urban densification. These factors create opportunities and challenges for RFR service delivery and increase the need for greater community engagement and awareness of services to continue making Richmond a safe community.
Richmond’s Fire-Rescue Plan 2016–2018 directs the use of an evidence-based approach to deliver services and programs that balance prevention, education and emergency response. Hence RFR conducted a research study to identify the community’s needs, perceptions and expectations of the fire service in Richmond.The findings from the Outreach Research Project 2016 led the development of the Fire-Rescue Community Outreach and Public Education Plan (COPEP).
To view Council decisions on Community Safety considerations please visit Community Safety Committee Agenda and Minutes to read Council reports.
Richmond Fire-Rescue Plan
2016–2018
The Fire-Rescue Plan 2016–2018 builds on the foundation established in the Richmond Fire-Rescue 2012–2015 Plan. The objective of which is to become a fire department that delivers services and programs through an evidence-based approach that balances prevention, education and emergency response.
Strategic goals identified in the 2012–2015 Plan were validated and the initiatives identified in the plan were reviewed for relevance. New initiatives have been identified and incorporated into the 2016-2018 Plan. Alignment with the new Council term goals was ensured throughout the planning process.
Richmond Fire Rescue continues to face significant external challenges including ongoing urban and commercial development and an aging population. These all have the potential to affect emergency call volumes, types and response times. Yet despite an increase in population in the City of Richmond of more than 12% from 2011 to 2015, the 911 call volumes have been relatively stable. This is due, in part, to proactive management of emergency incident volumes by the Richmond Fire-Rescue management team.