Town software sparks interest from other municipalities

Until recently, Longboat Key firefighter/paramedics had to flip through a large, three-ring binder to get the information that would help them make the best split-second decisions possible.

The binders include information such as stairwell locations, building construction details and the gallons per minute that a fire hydrant could pump.

But because of new software applications developed by the town’s Information Technologies Department in collaboration with the Fire Rescue Department, firefighters can now access what they need with a tap or two on an iPad.

Now, other municipalities are taking note.

The Florida Local Government Information Systems Association recognized the software as “Best Application Serving a Public Organization’s Business Needs,” at a July conference, where IT Director Kathi Pletzke demonstrated the software to more than 100 people.

Several expressed interest in purchasing the software for their municipalities, which could lead to a new source of revenue for the town.

According to Pletzke, software that was on the market when Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi first joined the department three years ago didn’t have the features the department needed. For example, interactive maps with different views can help it determine if it can use its 75-foot ladder.

“The team didn’t see anything that had the factors they required,” Pletzke said. “The town has a full-service IT department, so I asked to take a crack at it.”

Dezzi assigned the town’s three deputy chiefs to lead development teams and provide direction. Over a year-and-a-half, the IT and Fire Rescue departments developed a total of three modules.

One of those allows for paperless access of many internal records, such as schedules, fleet information and training.

The third module allows firefighters to complete inspection forms on iPads, rather than returning to the station to do them.

The IT Department has worked to develop similar programs for Longboat Key police who now complete records electronically in the field.

The programs could cut costs, but more importantly, they make it easier for firefighters and police to complete records, giving them more time to spend helping people in the community.

Website to reboot
The town is giving longboatkey.org a makeover that will debut Nov. 1. Many of the website’s features are available on the current site, but the website will have a new look, with less information on the home page and more information available through tabs for each department.