Cedar Rapids Fire Department hosting public input session on Thursday

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Fire Department seeks input as part of its five-year strategic plan at a public forum on Thursday at Central Fire Station from 4 to 6 p.m. At the public input session, senior command staff members plan to engage one-on-one with participants, listen to ideas and, if possible, get written input that will be used as material to drive the five-year strategic plan.

Training Chief Brent Smith says this is a critical part of a new plan moving fire services for Cedar Rapids into the next era of capability and capacity.

“We need to hear from our industrial, residential and governmental partners to ensure our intentions and long-range goals are aligned with what our customers see as the future of Fire Department services for Cedar Rapids,” Smith said. “It’s this kind of input that frequently offers enlightening perspectives for us as firefighters and administrators. We hope to hear ideas that are unique and help us continue to provide well educated, trained, funded and equipped crews to every emergency.”

This public input session will feature demonstrations of confined space rescue, extrication techniques and high-angle operations, and will all be offered at Central Fire Station, 713 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. This two-hour public forum is intended for adults with an interest in the future of fire services in the City of Cedar Rapids. (Unlike most Cedar Rapids Fire Department events for the public, there will not be activities for children at this session.) RSVP is not required. For more information or to provide input in lieu of attending, contact Smith at b.smith@cedar-rapids.org or (319) 286-5258.