SOP'S / SOG'S

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and standard operating guidelines (SOGs) are meant as resources that contain important techniques, policies, concepts, strategies, and regulations that employees need to be efficient, safe, and in compliance. They also allow organizations to integrate departmental duties and to keep coherent practices. 
Fire department SOPs/SOGs should be developed by a team that can accurately take all affected viewpoints into account when drafting policies and procedures. These teams generally should consist of emergency responders, safety program representatives, managers, labor union representatives, regional response aid representatives, legal counselors, and local government representatives. 
Fire department SOPs/SOGs should cover a wide range of areas, including general administration, employee health and assistance, preparedness and planning, public education and information, building inspections and code enforcement, and any special programs the department would want to implement.

At times, there are no "tactful" methods for implementing change on the job. Too often, it takes a catastrophic event to spur change. Your job is to avoid the catastrophic event that will drive change. Implementing SOGs or SOPs takes a lot of research and pre-planning to prepare for the changes, especially since change is very difficult for those steeped in the traditions of the fire service. This is made even more difficult if there has been no adverse event forcing change. 
 
You can find helpful sample operating guidelines here: http://www.iafc.org/micrositeVCOSorg/Resources/SOPlist.cfm
 
Helpful Articles: 
http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/2008/12/fire-service-court-implementing-sogs.html
 
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7550304_fire-department-standard-operating-procedures.html 
http://operationalguidelines.com/services.html