TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approving the North Port Fire Rescue 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and 2025 Community Risk Assessment Standards of Cover.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the 2025 North Port Fire Rescue 2025-2029 Strategic Plan and 2025 Community Risk Assessment Standards of Cover.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the North Port Fire Rescue 2025-2029 Strategic Plan and 2025 Community Risk Assessment Standards of Cover (CRA/SOC).
• Pros:
o Supports a risk- and data-informed foundation for service planning and deployment decision-making.
o Completes the accreditation model step calling for the agency to seek approval of its standards of cover by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Cons: If the Commission desires modifications after approval, staff will need to return with revisions and updated documents for consideration.
Option 2: Continue the item to a future meeting for additional review and/or requested edits.
• Pros: Allows additional time for Commission questions, clarifications, and any desired adjustments before approval.
• Cons: Delays adoption of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan and 2025 CRA/SOC and delays completion of the AHJ-approval step referenced in the accreditation model.
Option 3: Do not approve the North Port Fire Rescue 2025-2029 Strategic Plan and 2025 CRA/SOC.
• Pros: Allows the Commission to request a different approach or additional work product prior to considering approval.
• Cons: Leaves the department without Commission-approved 2025-2029 Strategic Plan and 2025 CRA/SOC guidance as presented and does not complete the accreditation model step, which could lead to delays in the accreditation timeline.
Background Information
The North Port Fire Rescue planning framework has historically included development and approval of its Strategic Plan and Community Risk Assessment Standards of Cover (CRA/SOC) as part of broader planning documents. During the July 10, 2018, Fire Rescue District Meeting, the City Commission approved the Fire Rescue Management Study and Strategic Plan, including the Community Risk Assessment Standards of Cover.
In 2023, North Port Fire Rescue began working with a consultant, Fitch & Associates, to conduct a multi-faceted effort for the development of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan and 2024 CRA/SOC package. Fitch & Associates is a nationally recognized company whose principals are experienced managers from local fire departments and municipal governments in Florida and nationwide. Their approach is data driven, incorporates input from all stakeholders, and is drawn from industry standards and expectations for emergency services.
Staff worked diligently with Fitch & Associates to develop the background and information needed to support the development of a new community-driven strategic plan and data-driven CRA/SOC package. The effort included representation and participation from internal and external stakeholders, as well as the public, over two days, which allowed for the development of several strategic initiatives, with associated goals and objectives.
In early 2026, Fire Rescue staff updated the Strategic Plan as well as the 2025 CRA/SOC, leveraging community and operational data along with risk-based planning concepts.
Staff believes the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan and 2025 CRA/SOC effectively support the department’s needs and the initiatives, goals, and objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan to help meet future community needs.
The Strategic Plan and CRA/SOC are important planning tools that position the department for success in effectively meeting the emergency response needs of a growing North Port, and they are also required for the department’s accreditation effort. North Port Fire Rescue has recently submitted for Applicant Status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). A requirement of the CFAI accreditation process is that an agency “seeks approval by authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) of its Community Risk Assessment / Standards of Cover.” As such, Fire Rescue seeks Commission approval of the North Port Fire Rescue 2025-2029 Strategic Plan and 2025 Community Risk Assessment Standards of Cover as the governing-body approval step in the accreditation process.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Safe Community
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. 2025-2029 Strategic Plan
2. 2025 Standards of Cover
Prepared by: Nicholas Herlihy, Deputy Fire Chief
Department Director: Scott Titus, Fire Chief