Informal Provisions for Contracted Services

Providing contracted fire and EMS services to private interests can create unique circumstances.  Your organization occasionally provides standby services for schools and other public events.  These services have been generally provided through verbal agreement with the contracting party. 

However, without the benefit of any written agreement, the expectations of your organization as the service provider and the contracting party who will receive the services may not be the same.  This is of particular concern with “for profit events” and competitive sporting events.  There is no clear delineation of service expectations and it is unknown if the customer expects full protection for spectators and participants or if the service expectations are exclusively for the participants.

To reduce the risk of liability associated with extended services, your organization should develop either formal contracts or letters of understanding for contracted services.  The primary purpose of the contract or letter of understanding is to have the contracting party explain service expectations and your organization to explain how you intend to meet those expectations.

Prior to your releasing the letter of understanding or contract, you should have the document reviewed by legal counsel.