Where are we going? How do we get there? How do we bring others with us? What’s our blueprint for action? How do we know if we’re on track? These are questions that anyone running an organization frequently asks and is asked. You might ask yourself the same question as you run your household. So, how do we answer these questions? By planning! In the case of Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, it’s by strategic planning.
You might also ask, “What is strategic planning? How is it different from day to day planning?” In reality, it’s no different than you making plans for the future as you run your house hold and mange your life. Strategic planning is basically a way for an organization to define its direction and make decisions on how resources will be allocated to carry out that direction. In order to develop a direction the organization must first have some idea of where they want to be in the future (vision), why it exists (mission), and beliefs shared among the organization’s stakeholders (values). There are a variety of ways to go about the actual planning process, but all of them result in a series of goals and strategies to achieve those goals.
Strategic plans in the past have had a life span of about five years. Today, with change quickly happening, many organizations are utilizing shorter life spans. In any case, they should be reviewed annually and updated as needed.
So, why all this about strategic planning? Our Fire/EMS Department is in the beginning stages of preparing and formulating a strategic plan. In the words of Chief Walter Cox, “The development of a strategic plan is an important aspect of the fire department as we strive to provide emergency services to those who reside in the Town of Colchester. Strategic planning requires a commitment from the department’s leadership and members and also from elected officials and other leaders in the community. Preparing a strategic plan involves a multi-step process addressing vision, mission, objectives, values, strategies, goals, and programs.
Fire Chiefs and elected officials are often so preoccupied with immediate issues that they lose sight of their ultimate goals. That is why the preparation of a strategic plan is a necessity. A plan is not all that is needed for success, but with it a fire department is much more likely to succeed!”
Chief Cox and members of the department are asking for your help! To “build” a solid strategic plan, the input of all stakeholders is crucial. Who are the stakeholders? You … your neighbor … business owners … members of the organization … school personnel … local convalescent home employees ... town leaders. Everyone who uses the services provided by or has decision making responsibilities for the fire/ems service – who has a stake in its future -- is a stakeholder.
We have an incredible group of volunteers and paid staff. Please consider helping them help you as they plan for the future of this important service to the Town of Colchester.
For more information or if you are interested in helping out, please contact Chief Walt Cox at 52 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, CT 06415; by phone at 860-537-2512, 860-537-3332, 860-537-8437; or by email at chvfd911@comcast.net.
Involved citizens make a difference; together we can make a difference for Colchester.
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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