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Commission hears updates on new reporting system, training, grants and equipment
Summary
Commissioners reviewed operational changes including a switch to the NERIS incident reporting system with iPad rollout for on‑scene reporting, upcoming training and licensing classes, grant‑funded CERT trailer and equipment purchases, a volunteer $75 gift card program, and recent apparatus damage and spare status.
Commissioners received several operational updates on technology, training, grants and equipment during the meeting.
Agency official (S1) described the county’s transition from the legacy Enfers reporting database to a new system called NERIS, saying "NERIS is taking the place of Enfers" and that the new system "is a more involved reporting system" that will require crews to provide more detailed information. S1 said iPads will be installed in trucks so personnel can complete incident reports on scene and that Julie and Brian will perform quality control on submitted reports.
Training and classes: Presenters and staff (S3, S4) reviewed upcoming training opportunities: a one‑day CBRN/pneumonia class offered Jan. 7 (two sessions), high‑school skills testing next Tuesday, and a Class C/E licensing window targeted for the third weekend in March. S1 said the county has added a grant coordinator in finance to help departments track eligibility for federal firefighter assistance programs and that some departments remain eligible for the Firefighter Assistance Grant based on recent federal filings.
Grants and CERT equipment: S1 outlined participation in a grant to buy a trailer to support CERT operations and said two grills were purchased for the trailer; the vendor’s social media usage prompted questions but S1 said no Lancaster County tax dollars were used for those purchases and that the equipment will be used in training and deployments. S1 also said the county purchased 30 water‑fillable Jersey barriers with UASI (election security) funds to improve traffic control and scene safety.
Gift card program and accountability: S1 explained the volunteer gift card distribution process and accountability controls (individual envelopes, sign‑in sheets) and said cards are $75 this year after the vendor changed the program; S1 encouraged stations to return sign‑in sheets by the January meeting, allowing February as a backup.
Apparatus status and maintenance: Presenter (S3) reported a collision that totaled a pickup (Truck 5) with airbag deployment and minor injuries; S3 described efforts to salvage parts and work with insurance and noted spare apparatus and ongoing repair items (a spare engine and an out‑of‑service tanker were discussed).
Commissioners asked procedural and timing questions about training rollout, iPad installation and budget line items; S1 said staff will continue to coordinate training with station and county training officers and will present budget details as needed.
