Survey Results for Waco Fire Chief Search

Last updated on February 21, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Visual Enhancement Image The City of Waco received 355 responses in a recent survey, sharing their priorities for the next leader of the Waco Fire Department.

The City is partnering with SGR, a recruitment firm, to help with a nationwide search. This survey was a major part of selecting the next fire chief who aligns with the residents' values and expectations. We are confident this comprehensive search will lead to an exceptional leader for our fire department. The future is exciting. Believe it!

Visual Representations of the Results(PDF, 459KB)

The Results Defined:

I. Important Goals

The top 6 factors selected

  1. Employee Wellness
  2. Emergency Preparation
  3. Performance Standards
  4. Department Growth
  5. New Equipment/Techniques
  6. Response Capabilities

II. Focus Areas

Ranked in order of highest scored

  1. Building Trust & Legitimacy (22%)
  2. Firefighter Wellness & Safety (22%)
  3. Firefight Training & Education (21%)
  4. Policy & Oversight (15%)
  5. Community Engagement & Education (14%)
  6. Technology & Social Media (7%)

III. Top Characteristics

Most popular characteristics selected

  1. Good Communicator (61.86%)
  2. Lead by example (58.47%)
  3. Honest (57.06%)
  4. Ethical (51.98%)
  5. Trustworthy (59.44%)
  6. Fair and consistent (48.87%)
  7. Sound, decisive judgment (43.79%)
  8. Positive outlook (37.85%)
  9. Employee focused (35.51%)
  10. Coach and mentor (34.46%)

IV. First Year Responsibilities

Written responses with the most occurrences

  1. Team Building / Gather Feedback
  2. Review Staffing & Requirements
  3. Build Internal Trust
  4. Engage the Waco Community

V. Department Priorities

Ranked in order on a 10-point scale

  1. Move the Department forward (6.46)
  2. Build Consensus (6.25)
  3. Foster inter-agency collaboration (6.1)
  4. Foster creativity and innovation (5.82)
  5. Serve as a community role-model (5.47)
  6. Foster multi-disciplinary collaboration (4.81)
  7. Adhere to tradition (3.74)
  8. Ensure equitable work force (3.46)
  9. Engage diverse communities (2.9)

VI. Current Department Challenges

Written responses with the most occurrences

  1. Growth
  2. Staffing
  3. Standards
  4. Trust
  5. Administration
  6. Training
  7. Communication
  8. Outside hires
  9. Morale
  10. Equipment
  11. Accountability
  12. EMS
  13. Budget
  14. Spending
  15. Feedback
  16. Wellness
  17. Disunity
  18. Safety
  19. Interagency
  20. Diversity
  21. Promotions
  22. Self-seeking
  23. Pay
  24. Engagement
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