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Information Technology

Information Technology

About Information Technology

UFA Information Technology (IT) supports the mission of the organization by providing expert and comprehensive information technology and communications support to field personnel and administration. This enables them to save lives, protect property and strengthen community relationships. We provide this support in a professional and fiscally responsible manner. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • End-user desktop support
  • Server support
  • Software support
  • Special projects
  • Security monitoring and design
  • Network connectivity and administration
  • Communications support, including radios and peripherals
  • Hardware installation and connectivity for all apparatus in the field

Division Leader

Business Technology & Intelligence Manager

Ginger Watts

Organizational Structure

FY20/21 Accomplishments

  • Versaterm, the new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) was implemented successfully, including communications and network infrastructure upgrades, security improvements, and process evaluation to ensure reliable connectivity between UFA, Salt Lake City and VECC
  • A Mutual Aid Report was designed, prepared, and shared with municipalities to demonstrate the mutual aid shared throughout the Salt Lake Valley
  • Data analytics has been expanded to create a central repository for all UFA data for specialized reports for business and field operations
  • Implemented security measures, including device encryption and security software to monitor and detect malware and ransomware
  • Established a security awareness baseline by conducting email phishing tests
  • Implemented mandatory security awareness training for all employees
  • Implemented agency wide security changes that significantly increased positive responses on the National Cyber Security Review (NCSR) survey for FEMA SHSP funds from the State over last year
  • Windows 7 machines were replaced, further reducing security risk
  • Testing and evaluation of ruggedized devices was conducted to determine the most appropriate device for apparatus and the most fiscally responsible manner for procurement
  • Implemented Darkhorse, the data analytics software used to predict future station locations and utilized for several projects
  • ESRI GIS infrastructure was upgraded and Survey 123 was implemented in Prevention for online business inspections
  • The payroll system, Kronos, was upgraded to remove Adobe Flash
  • The Information Technology Governance Group (ITGG) was established and includes representation from Operations, Medical, Finance, Emergency Management, and Information Technology. This group reviews IT initiatives and policies for business and purchasing continuity, in addition to making IT decisions that are collaborative and comprehensive for the organization
  • The effort to bring software licensing into compliance was continued and is ongoing
  • Environmental monitoring with alerts was installed at the EOC in areas where IT infrastructure needs to be at appropriate temperatures and conditions
  • IT assets that were no longer viable were disposed of responsibly from EOC and Logistics Division
  • Papercut was implemented to track copier usage within Administration and new Sharp copiers were installed agency wide

FY21/22 Action Items

  • Procure and install Mobile Data Terminals (MDT’s) in all front-line apparatus to replace existing tablets with on-going hardware issues no later than October 2021
  • Install and maintain new Cradlepoint modems to enable MDT connectivity and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) no later than October 2021
  • Refine performance and metric driven program to document and encourage team member excellence (including recognition/reward program structured around industry certifications, ticket completion measurements, correctness of work, and customer compliments) by July 2022
  • Continue to enhance the Backup & Disaster Recovery plan for systems and infrastructure by December 2021
  • Refine/augment UFA systems documentation to include functional network topology, network maps, detailed server descriptions, and use/criticality levels by December 2021
  • Establish and maintain a 3-5-year IT strategic plan for equipment replacement and software upgrades by February 2022
  • Establish Policy & Procedure documents that outline use/governance of UFA IT systems including (but not limited to) security, acceptable use and general IT policies by March 2022
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