FAQ
Q: Why do COMMUNITIES hire Fire/EMS consultants?
A: Consultants are hired for a variety of reasons. Most often consultants are hired for 1 of 2 reasons. 1. The organization has not undertaken the change that is being considered and would like guidance through the process. 2. The organization and key stakeholders would like an outside opinion to either validate or find the differences in the plans developed by the organization and the results of the study. Either way, we are no smarter than our clients, but offer an unbiased approach to evaluate the organizational change.
Q: What areas of expertise does Hanifen & associates offer?
A: As both practitioners and academic researchers, Hanifen & Associates, LLC offers unbiased research in a variety of Fire and EMS areas to include organizational analysis to include conversion from volunteer to part-time or full-time staffing, station location analysis, strategic planning, and workforce development to include officer development. Our group has more than 60 years of experience in both the fire/EMS service, as well as more than 50 years professors in the Fire/EMS and emergency management education.
Q: How does Hanifen & Associates construct an unbiased report?
A: The reports are based on 3 key ingredients. 1. Stakeholder input. 2. Validation by regulations, standards, and best practices from around the United States. 3. Cost Analysis. Many reports are built on only reciting the regulations and standards, which is unrealistic for many communities. Hanifen & Associates incorporates the many diverse opinions on the organizational change, as well as examines the financial aspects of the change options. Many times a community may want a change or to meet a standard, but can not tax the citizens to the extent that the standard could be reached.
Q: How long does a report take to complete?
A: This answer varies by the scope of the work performed. However, a minimum of 3 months is often needed to ensure that all stakeholders have input, as well as allow time for drafts to be reviewed and additional input attained. Rushing a report will only produce an unhappy customer and a poor quality of report.
Q: How much does a project cost?
A: This too depends on a few factors, such as the scope of the work performed, the time frame the work is needed, and the number and location of site visits. Many clients are surprised at the affordability, as compared to the costs an incorrect decision can be in terms of time and money if areas are not fully examined by a third party.
Q: How do we get started
A: Contact us at 513-266-6124 or email Randall@hanifen.org to start the no-cost initial consultation.