Commissioners Notebook: December 2023

Published on December 15, 2023

Cabarrus County’s Squad 410 is looking to retain personnel and build an internal pipeline for leadership opportunities through a proposed career development plan. 

The squad, which is part of the Fire Services Division of Cabarrus County’s Emergency Management Department, was launched in January 2017 to provide supplemental staffing for volunteer departments at emergency scenes. 

As part of the plan, a senior firefighter position and a lieutenant position would be added to the unit. 

Emergency Management Director Jason Burnett presented details on the new positions to commissioners at the December 4 Work Session. 

According to Burnett, up to three fire lieutenant positions could be added. Available senior firefighter positions would not be capped.  

Current staffing consists of a fire operations chief, fire captain, firefighter and entry-level firefighter. 

Requirements for a senior firefighter include completing 18 months in the firefighter rank with Squad 410, obtaining technical rescuer and vehicle driver certifications, completing a position-related task book with assessments and evaluations and logging a minimum of 1,500 hours of emergency services-related training. 

A lieutenant must meet all requirements of a senior firefighter, successfully complete two years in the senior firefighter rank with Squad 410, obtain mid-management and instructor certifications, complete a second task book with assessments and evaluations and log at least 2,000 hours of training. 

If approved, funding for the first senior firefighter positions would begin next budget year (fiscal year 2024-2025). Funding for the fire lieutenant positions would begin in fiscal year 2026-2027. 

Commissioners are expected to vote on the proposal at the Regular Meeting on Monday (December 18.) 

Cabarrus Fire Services has openings for part-time firefighters. Apply at governmentjobs.com/careers/Cabarruscounty. 

Also, during the December Work Session, commissioners:  

• Heard from ALP Project Event Manager Ian Sweeney on the organizations selected for the second phase of the Matching Incentive Grant Program. The chosen projects include installation of a concrete pad for new Cabarrus County 4H outdoor classroom and purchase of field maintenance equipment for Hartsell Athletic Association. The Matching Incentive Grant program encourages certain non-profit groups (PTO's, civic clubs, youth sports organizations, church organizations, garden clubs, athletic or recreation associations) to provide more adequate recreational and park facilities in the communities. All improvements must be located on public property owned by Cabarrus County, the boards of education, a municipality within the county or property leased to the County for a minimum of 15 years.  Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the matching funds at the Regular Meeting. 

• Heard from Strategy Manager Kasia Thompson, Budget Director Rosh Khatri and Communications and Outreach Director Jonathan Weaver on the upcoming budget engagement plan. The plan is designed to enhance education, collaboration and communication efforts about the County’s budget process. The effort will focus on communicating the “whys” of the budget through team-based, cross-departmental efforts while reaching a broader audience. The plan will also incorporate feedback from the public and include participatory tools.  

To watch the full December 4 Work Session, visit youtube.com/cabarruscounty.  

The Regular Meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. on Monday (December 18) at the Cabarrus County Government Center in downtown Concord.  

Residents can watch commissioner meetings on the Cabarrus County livestream at cabarruscounty.us, on YouTube (@CabarrusCounty) and on CabCo TV (Spectrum Cable Channel 22).  

Stay updated on these and all County programs and projects by visiting cabarruscounty.us and following Cabarrus County at facebook.com/cabarruscounty and on Twitter and Instagram @CabarrusCounty.