Laserfiche WebLink
way and referenced the public safety data system, FDM; noting that he was one of three people <br />in Anoka County chosen to implement that program to the Fire Department. <br />Police Katers asked why Mr. Kohner wants to become the Fire Chief/Emergency Management <br />Director and what he has done to prepare himself for the position. <br />Mr. Kohner stated that he would like to serve the community at a higher level. He stated that <br />when he was offered positions in Forest Lake and Fridley he made it clear that he would not be <br />moving from Ramsey. He stated that he has lived in Ramsey for the past 25 years and would <br />like to continue to expand his community involvement. He reviewed the education and <br />experience which has allowed him to continue to move up in position, noting his increased <br />networking and the great relationships he has with every Fire Chief in Anoka County. <br />Elk River Fire Chief Cunningham asked Mr. Kohner to comment on up to three challenges that <br />are unique to. Ramsey, or that he is uniquely qualified to respond to; providing a list of <br />challenges that were included in the list of questions he received at the meeting tonight. <br />Mr. Kohner agreed that all the items are challenging. He noted that he would be uniquely <br />qualified to assist in the data system implementation because of the experience that he gained by <br />being only one of three people in Anoka County to implement the system. He stated that he <br />would also enjoy recruiting enthusiastic firefighters, noting the additional requirements needed <br />for paid on -call firefighters. He stated that he would continue to focus on building employee <br />morale in order to retain the members the department already has. He stated that he would <br />market the department to attract additional recruits, noting that he holds recruitment fair nights in <br />Fridley, at which the interested recruits are able to try on equipment and find out more <br />information. He noted that community outreach is a big part of public safety. He stated that <br />while the Fire Department is not the most important department in the City, they are the face of <br />the City and therefore need to ensure they are professional. He stated that his experience in fire <br />prevention would assist in that manner. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that cooperation is an important part of building and <br />maintaining relationships. He asked for strategies Mr. Kohner would have to ensure cooperation <br />between police and fire as well as Anoka County and other communities. <br />Mr. Kohner agreed that the relationship between police and fire is important and has been built <br />over the years. He noted that understanding the roles and responsibilities of each discipline is <br />important to ensure efficient cooperation on both sides. He stated that he has worked alongside <br />Police Chief Katers throughout his years as a paid on -call firefighter in Ramsey and believed that <br />relationship would continue to grow. He .stated that he would also be excited to grow the <br />relationship beyond the two departments and to expand in the area of public safety. He stated <br />that he has a great working relationship with every Fire Chief in Anoka County and therefore <br />would be able to continue to build upon those relationships and cooperate with other agencies <br />through that organization. <br />City Council Work Session / February 23, 2016 <br />Page2•of8 <br />