Executive Summary
The 2009 Strategic Plan of the Derry Fire Department represents a collaborative effort, over
eighteen months by many members of the department; representing all ranks, functions, and
seniority levels. The purpose is to be a living document that sets strategic priorities and acts as
a blue print for future development of the Derry Fire Department It is especially vital in these
increasingly complex, fiscally, and emotionally challenging times.
Before setting strategic priorities, members of the Derry Fire Department had to first identify
who we are; something that the department in 126 years of history had never done. Working
collaboratively, members of the strategic planning committee developed vision and mission
statements for the Derry Fire Department, and established core values for the organization.
Starting in January 2008, all members of the department have been trained on the values, mission,
and vision of the Derry Fire Department. Including how to use these tools to enhance the
day to day activities of the department. Such as developing a budget, billing for ambulance
services, performing a life safety inspection of an apartment building, extinguishing a fire, responding
to a natural disaster, or providing patient care.
Using the foundation established by the new vision, mission, and values, the strategic planning
committee developed short and long term goals for the department. Each goal was assigned to
a one, three, five, or ten year initiative based on the ability of the department to obtain statistically relevant
data, to complete the goal, and the projected needs of the Town of Derry. Completion of many of
these goals will require participation of much of the department, members of the community,
and support of the Town Government.
In order to assist with the strategic planning process, the department hired a facilitator, Howard Cross.
This was important since many department members had no or limited experience with strategic
planning. Mr.Cross is a leadership instructor and consultant affiliated with the National Fire Academy,
a division of the United States Fire Administration.
Once the goals were established, Strategic Planning Sub-Committees were established for each of
the one, three, five, and ten year initiatives. These committees are meeting independently, working
on a variety of projects, all to meet their respective assigned goals. The Strategic Planning
committee expects to meet semi-annually to evaluate the progress of each initiative, and to update
the goals and Strategic Plan as needed. Lastly, The Strategic Plan will serve as a reminder of the
vision that has been created for the department’s ideal future. The plan will also serve as a guide
for the department to maintain its focus and gauge its success, all in an EPIC manner (EPIC: Excellence
through Professionalism, Integrity, and Compassion).
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