Frequently Asked Questions
Planning for a Safer Future Community Engagement FAQ
What is Planning for a Safer Future?
Planning for a Safer Future is a program to bring the community together in conversation as we work to develop a long-range plan for fire and emergency medical services in our community. Planning for a Safer Future will take a deep dive into the challenges facing the fire district today:
Increasing demand for fire and emergency medical services.
Hiring more full-time firefighter/paramedics to serve the BFPD community
Recruiting and retaining qualified firefighter/paramedics.
Updating aging facilities and equipment
Ensuring firefighters have up-to-date training
Protecting large areas without a water supply
Securing stable funding for emergency services now and in the future
We recognize that ensuring strong fire and emergency services in the years ahead requires careful planning, community input and shared responsibility.
Who can participate?
Everyone in the Braidwood community is encouraged to attend our community engagement workshops, open houses and building tours, and participate in our online surveys.
Do I need to attend every community engagement workshop?
While attending every workshop is helpful, it is not required. We encourage everyone to participate in the process as their schedule allows, even if it’s only one workshop, building tour or open house.
Why should I get involved?
Participants in Planning for a Safer Future are developing recommendations for the Board of Trustees around a long-range plan for fire and emergency medical services in our community. These recommendations will reflect the thoughts and opinions of our entire community and we need to hear what you think!
Who is leading Planning for a Safer Future?
Planning for a Safer Future is a community-led effort. There are two community co-chairs who lead a 17-member facilitating team of community members and BFPD leadership. This facilitating team is responsible for developing the monthly community engagement workshops and other ways to gather community feedback. The facilitating team also leads the preparation of the final recommendation of goals and priorities for the Board of Trustees.
What can I expect at a Planning for a Safer Future community engagement workshop?
Each community engagement workshop is an interactive workshop that includes a 30 – 45 minute informational presentation on a specific topic followed by a small-group work activity. Participants are seated in groups of six to eight people and work together to come to a general agreement on a series of tasks related to the informational presentation. When the tasks are completed, each group shares their ideas and suggestions with everyone in attendance.
The feedback gathered during these work activities serves as the foundation for the recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
How long are the community engagement workshops?
Each community engagement workshop runs from 6-8 p.m. We want to be respectful of your time and will end every workshop by 8 p.m., if not before.
When are the engagement workshops?
The engagement workshops are scheduled for these dates:
Thursday, Feb. 19, from 6-8 p.m. at Reed-Custer Elementary School (162 S School St.)
Thursday, Mar. 26, from 6-8 p.m. at Reed-Custer Elementary School (162 S School St.)
Wednesday, Apr. 29, from 6-8 p.m. at Reed-Custer Elementary School (162 S School St.)
Wednesday, May 20, from 6-8 p.m. at Reed-Custer Elementary School (162 S School St.)
Where are the community engagement workshops held?
Our Planning for a Safer Future workshops will take place at Reed-Custer Elementary School (162 S School St.).
What topics will be covered in the Planning for a Safer Future process?
Our first community workshop will provide an overview of the Braidwood Fire Protection District and the challenges we need to address. The following workshops will take a deeper dive into those challenges based on feedback from workshop participants.
I missed a workshop. Is there a way to see what was covered?
Yes! All of the Planning for a Safer Future community engagement workshops are thoroughly documented. For information about each workshop, visit braidwoodfire.org.
If I can’t attend a community engagement workshop, is there a way to provide my input and suggestions?
Yes, throughout the process we will be offering surveys, open house events and more to give everyone in the community the opportunity to provide feedback. Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for more information.
I have a question. How can I find out more?
To learn more, email cjude@braidwoodfire.org.
