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2011 News Archive

Secretary Napolitano Announces Implementation of National Terrorism Advisory System

April 20, 2011—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today announced the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)—a robust terrorism advisory system that provides timely information to the public about credible terrorist threats and replaces the former color-coded alert system.

As part of today’s announcement, Secretary Napolitano released a public guide outlining the new system to the American public, along with an example of an NTAS Alert that would be issued to the public if the government were to receive information about a specific or credible terrorist threat.

“The terrorist threat facing our country has evolved significantly over the past ten years, and in today’s environment – more than ever – we know that the best security strategy is one that counts on the American public as a key partner in securing our country,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The National Terrorism Advisory System, which was developed in close collaboration with our federal, state, local, tribal and private sector partners, will provide the American public with information about credible threats so that they can better protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Under NTAS, DHS will coordinate with other federal entities to issue detailed alerts to the public when the federal government receives information about a credible terrorist threat.

NTAS alerts provide a concise summary of the potential threat including geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat, actions being taken to ensure public safety, as well as recommended steps that individuals, communities, business and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to a threat. NTAS Alerts will include a clear statement on the nature of the threat, which will be defined in one of two ways:

·         “Elevated Threat”: Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States

·         “Imminent Threat”: Warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States

Depending on the nature of the threat, alerts may be sent to law enforcement, distributed to affected areas of the private sector, or issued more broadly to the public through both official and social media channels—including a designated DHS webpage (www.dhs.gov/alerts), Facebook, and via Twitter @NTASAlerts. NTAS alerts and posters will also be displayed in places such as transit hubs, airports and government buildings.

NTAS threat alerts will be issued for a specific time period and will automatically expire. Alerts may be extended if new information becomes available or as a specific threat evolves.

On Jan. 27, Secretary Napolitano announced the new NTAS system during her “State of America’s Homeland Security” address—kicking off the 90-day transition period with state and local governments, law enforcement, private and non-profit sector partners, airports, and other transportation hubs. In July 2009, Secretary Napolitano formed a bipartisan task force of security experts, state and local elected and law enforcement officials, and other key stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the color-coded alert system. The results of this assessment formed the basis of NTAS.

DHS encourages citizens to follow NTAS Alerts for information about threats and take an active role in security by reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities through the “If You See Something, Say Something” public awareness campaign.

For more information on the National Terrorism Advisory System or to receive NTAS alerts, visit www.dhs.gov/alerts.

Posted 04/20/11

National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Public Guide (pdf)

Comprehensive Study Reveals Patterns in Firefighter Fatalities

ScienceDaily (Apr. 12, 2011) — While the number of fires is on the decline, firefighter deaths are not -- and a new University of Georgia study helps explain why.

Researchers in the UGA College of Public Health found that cultural factors in the work environment that promote getting the job done as quickly as possible with whatever resources available lead to an increase in line-of-duty firefighter fatalities.

"Firefighting is always going to be a hazardous activity, but there's a general consensus among firefighting organizations and among scientific organizations that it can be safer than it is," said study co-author David DeJoy, of the Workplace Health Group in the College of Public Health. "As a society, we ought to make the effort to make it safer."

The research, published in the May edition of the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, examined data gathered from 189 firefighter fatality investigations conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health between 2004 and 2009. Each NIOSH investigation gives recommendations directed at preventing future firefighter injuries and deaths. The researchers looked at the high-frequency recommendations and linked them to important causal and contributing factors of the fatalities.

The four major causes they identified were under-resourcing, inadequate preparation for adverse events during operations, incomplete adoption of incident command procedures and sub-optimal personnel readiness.

DeJoy and his colleagues analyzed the investigations in terms of the core culture of the firefighting profession. Firefighting culture should not be construed as one of negligence, said DeJoy, but one based on a long-standing tradition of acceptance of risk. A job that relies on extreme individual efforts and has too few resources leads to the chronic condition of doing too much with too little, he said.

"If you get used to taking risks, it's easy to take a little more risk," DeJoy said. "Most of the time when we take risks, like walking across the street or driving a car, nothing bad happens. This level of risk gets ratcheted up and becomes part of normal activity." Acceptance of risk becomes extremely perilous in a situation in which adverse events can happen at any time and margins of safety are very thin, he added.

Firefighter deaths dropped in the 1970s and 1980s, largely due to improvements in protective clothing, breathing equipment and radio communication, explained DeJoy. In the last decades, fatality numbers actually edged upward while the number of fires has gone down, he said. On average, more than 100 firefighters die on the job in the U.S. each year, which is three times higher than the fatality rate for the general working population. "There's a lot of interest to see what is going on," DeJoy said.

The number one cause of death identified in the study was not smoke inhalation or traumatic injury, but cardiovascular events. Eighty-seven of the 213 deaths examined in the study were cardiac-related. Deaths from cardiovascular events resulted in two predominant recommendations from the researchers: the need for improvements in medical screening and the need for wider adoption of mandatory fitness/wellness programming.

Many of the recommendations can be traced to a lack of finances, said DeJoy. Not only does under-resourcing affect the ability of a fire department to acquire innovative technology, it can lead to a shortage of personnel at a fire, compromising rapid intervention and the ability to maintain command and control functions during operations, he said.

DeJoy acknowledged that there is a certain amount of subjective interpretation that goes into analyzing incident investigations. In addition, NIOSH investigations are not mandatory and can be refused by a fire department. NIOSH also mostly investigates deaths involving career, or paid, firefighters, although a majority of firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers and a majority of line-of-duty deaths involve volunteers. DeJoy said he hopes NIOSH will do more investigations of volunteer firefighter fatalities, as those organizations may have the greatest need for evaluation and technical assistance.

Source: ScienceDaily (April 12, 2011)

Note: Published article on study may be purchased from Accident Analysis & Prevention (Volume 43, Issue 3, May 2011, Pages 1171-1180).

Posted 04/13/11

New Presidential Policy Directive - Principles and Five Overarching Goals of Preparedness

On March 30, President Barack Obama signed a new Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) on National Preparedness.  The Directive outlines the President's vision for strengthening the security and resilience of the United States through systematic preparation for threats to the security of the Nation, including acts of terrorism, pandemics, significant accidents, and catastrophic natural disasters.  The Directive replaces Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8) (2003) and HSPD-8 Annex I (2007).

The Directive emphasizes three national preparedness principles:

·         An all-of-Nation approach, aimed at enhancing integration of effort across Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial governments; closer collaboration with the private and non-profit sectors; and more engagement of individuals, families and communities;

·         A focus on capabilities, defined by specific and measurable objectives, as the cornerstone of preparedness.  This will enable more integrated, flexible, and agile "all hazards" efforts tailored to the unique circumstances of any given threat, hazard, or actual event; and

·         A focus on outcomes and rigorous assessment to measure and track progress in building and sustaining capabilities over time.

The Directive calls for the development of an overarching National Preparedness Goal that identifies the core capabilities necessary for preparedness, defined as a spectrum of five broad efforts:

·         Prevention - those capabilities necessary to avoid, prevent, or stop a threatened or actual act of terrorism;

·         Protection - those capabilities necessary to secure the homeland against acts of terrorism and manmade or natural disasters;

·         Mitigation - those capabilities necessary to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters;

·         Response - those capabilities necessary to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs after an incident has occurred; and

·         Recovery - those capabilities necessary to assist communities affected by an incident to recover effectively.

The Directive also calls for development of a National Preparedness System to guide activities that will enable the Nation to achieve the goal; a comprehensive campaign to build and sustain national preparedness; and an annual National Preparedness Report to measure progress in meeting the goal.

This action recognizes that our national response to a wide range of events, from the 2009-H1N1 pandemic to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, has been strengthened by leveraging the expertise and resources that exist in our communities.  All of us can contribute to safeguard our Nation from harm, and we must continue to lean forward together to prepare for all hazards.

Brian Kamoie, JD, MPH

Senior Director for Preparedness Policy

National Security Staff

The White House

202-456-5730 

BKamoie@nss.eop.gov

Posted 04/13/11

2011 Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Service and Fire Apparatus Procession

Dear Fellow Firefighters,

Every year the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation has a memorial service to honor firefighters that have fallen in the line of duty. I would like to take this opportunity to invite your membership to come out and participate with us.

On May 7th, 2011, The Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation will be sponsoring a Memorial Service and Procession of Fire apparatus in Celebration of the lives of ALL firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the lives and property of the people in our communities here in Colorado. We would be honored to have you attend the Memorial Service, as well as bring fire apparatus to join in on the procession.

Part of the memorial service includes the sea of blue. This is an area that the firefighters are gathered in their class A uniforms to provide an amazing backdrop to the memorial. The sea of blue is a very touching part of the memorial to the families of the fallen and dignitaries that attend. Obviously, the more firefighters that we have participating the better the sea of blue will stand out. One of our goals is to fill that sea to overflowing to show the families of our fallen the support that they have from the fire service community in Colorado.

Along with firefighters to fill the sea of blue, we need apparatus to participate in the procession that precedes the memorial service. Please share this information with your membership and come out on May 7, 2011 and show your support for our brothers and sisters that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Fire Apparatus will gather and stage on Garrison street south of Alameda in Lakewood on the morning of May 7th, starting at 9:30 am.  There will be staging coordinators on hand to direct your crew.  The apparatus procession will begin at 10:30 am and will head north on Garrison to Alameda; east on Alameda to Allison Parkway then south on Allison Parkway to the end near Belmar Library.

For those attendees not riding on apparatus there is parking available to the NE of the memorial, in the shopping center parking lot. Honor Guard members riding to the event on apparatus should be left off at the Memorial. Prior to the apparatus moving to the staging area.

A memorial service will follow the parade and will begin at 11:00 am. Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the Memorial for a time of fellowship and support to our families of the fallen firefighters.  Dress code for this occasion is “your department” uniform or Class A's if possible.

To Confirm your participation, we ask that you contact Rachael Nelson Deputy Memorial Coordinator (Colorado Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation Board Member)  @ 720-490- 6227 or email her at rnelson@coffrt.org. 

1.    Number of apparatus you will bring

2.    Number of People you will bring

3.    Will any Honor Guard members from your department be attending?

4.    Who can we list as the contact person for your department? Their name, telephone number, and email address.

Please confirm your participation no later than April 27, 2011 to allow us time to prepare this event.

Posted 04/10/11

Recommendations on Homeland Security and Emergency Management Improvements

CSFCA President Steve Pischke

CSFCA Members,

We are being provided with a unique opportunity to improve Colorado’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management programs.  In order to ensure that this process adequately considers the needs of the Colorado fire service it is important that we have your input.  Unfortunately, the window of opportunity to provide input is relatively short.

Background Information

At the March 4^th CSFCA General Membership meeting, CDPS Executive Director Jim Davis, DFS Director Kevin Klein, GOHS Director Larry Trujillo, and CDEM Director Hans Kallam discussed Gov. Hickenlooper’s desire to identify opportunities to improve Colorado’s Homeland Security (HS) and Emergency Management (EM) programs.  This was partially in response to the recommendations of the Hickenlooper Transition Team report on Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

[See: Hickenlooper Transition Team Report HLS-DEM]

The Administration officials provided an overview of the Scope and Milestones of the process.  They reported on the creation of the “HS/EM Change Committee” to receive and review stakeholder input, discuss issues and formulate recommendations for the Administration to consider.  The meeting also provided an open forum for the attending members to ask questions and give feedback to the Administration officials.  

As indicated by the Administration officials, the first round of input was due to the HS/EM Change Committee by March 18, 2011 followed by a series of conference calls that were held on March 22-29^th.

I appointed a workgroup, chaired by Chief Joe Bruce of North Metro Fire Rescue and CSFCA’s Representative on the SAHAC, to provide the Association’s formal input in the HS/EM Change Committee process.

[See: CSFCA’s initial letter to the HS/EM Change Committee]

As a result of stakeholder input received to date, both in writing and via conference calls, the HS/EM Change Committee drafted the recommendations below.  Your review of these recommendations would be appreciated.  If you have any comments regarding these recommendations, please send them to the HS/EM Change Committee by April 17th at: change.committee@googlegroups.com.  So we can maintain a “finger on the pulse” of the needs of our members, please also copy the CSFCA Executive Director on your comments at: paul@colofirechiefs.org, who will compile them for use by the CSFCA Board.

HS/EM Change Committee 1st Draft Recommendations

Message from the HS/EM Change Committee:  “From the feedback, we heard consensus on areas that needed improvement along with areas that are achieving varying levels of success which some groups would prefer not change.  The recommendations below attempt to capture changes that will improve efficiency, effectiveness and elegance (customer service) at the local and state level using a “form follows function approach,” toward improving state government.  The focus is on outcomes, or in other words, the “WHAT” should be changed, not “How, Who or Where.”” 

Acronyms:  Homeland Security (HS), Emergency Management (EM), Public Health (PH), Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC), State All Hazards Advisory Committee (SAHAC), Governor’s Office of Homeland Security (GOHS).

Topic 1:  Grant Administration, Training and Exercises

Recommendation 1)  Move current state grant administration of federal HS, EM and Department of Justice (DOJ) grants under a single grant administration and management process in order to take advantage of efficiencies of scale, leverage existing grant management systems that have been fully developed and streamline the application process.

Recommendation 2)  Develop a grant clearinghouse that helps coordinate state and federal grants under a single entity in order to leverage grants, ensure efficiency, enhance unity of effort and avoid redundancy.  This includes all HS, EM, PH, DOJ, Agriculture, DOLA and other grants related to homeland security, emergency management and first response.  The clearinghouse should use the process identified in recommendation one, (above) to facilitate finding the best fit for grant applicants.  Sector specific subject matter experts will continue to be an integral part of the allocation process.

Recommendation 3)  Move current HS, EM, and PH training and exercise programs under a single coordinating entity. Sector specific subject matter experts will continue to develop and deliver training and exercise for specific disciplines within the coordinating entity.

Recommendation 4)  Create a single training and exercise calendar and point of contact accessible to all stakeholders.

Recommendation 5)  Consolidate training and certification information management systems (e.g., CO-Train, CitizenServe and other systems), to the extent possible.

Topic2:  Risk Communications, Information Sharing and Systems

Recommendation 6)  Put all State HS/EM/PH emergency related public risk communications under one process and a single entity for coordination and information distribution.

Recommendation 7)  Assign a single reporting entity and standardized information sharing process for all State level HS/EM/PH related emergencies / incidents (ensure that stakeholders vertically and horizontally are integrated, e.g.,  Governor, State Agencies, Local Entities, Private Sector, Federal Partners, Regional Response Coordination Center, National Operations Center, etc.

Recommendation 8)  Establish a single process for identifying, developing and updating Prevent and Protect related information products produced and distributed by the CIAC.

Recommendation 9)  Establish an entity (committee) of state and local users to review existing and evolving HS/EM/PH operating and information systems to issue state guidance on purchasing, use and overall integration of these systems.  This entity must ensure we have the right information systems, that they are interoperable, be led by the users of the systems and supported by the Office of Information Technology. 

Topic 3:  State Level Emergency Response

Recommendation 10)  Establish a standardized and understood process for identifying the State Lead for state level HS/EM incidents based on agency responsibility, governors designation and the existing doctrine (e.g., State Emergency Operations Plan, State Resource Mobilization Plan). Consolidate multiple state emergency operating plans as much as is practical.

Recommendation 11) Establish an entity of state and local stakeholders to oversee and seek improvements in the state wildfire preparedness and response systems and processes. Seek improvements efficiency, effectiveness and elegance focusing initially on:

a)    Initial Attack

b)    All Hazards response structure

c)    Wildfire responsiveness in the Wildland Urban Interface

d)    Dispatch System recognizing and using locally available response resources.

e)    Structure of the Colorado State Forest Service

Topic 4:  State HS/EM Governance

Recommendation 12)  Establish a single governing body to oversee and guide all state level HS/EM/PH related preparedness, mitigate, prevent, protect, respond and recovery actions (an Oversight Board that includes representation from a conglomerate of stakeholders). This governing body would oversee the strategy, policy and execution of the State’s HS/EM programs and replace existing multiple state level boards with overlapping concerns and personnel, e.g., GEEERC, SAC, SAHAC, CIAC Board, CEPC, etc.

Topic5:  Private Sector / NGO Integration

Recommendation 13)  Integrate the Private Sector into all aspects of the State’s HS/EM Programs (e.g., Recommendations from Topics 1, 2 and 4 of this document).

Here are the revised milestones for this change process: 

April 17:  Suspense date for latest Stakeholder comments

April 21:  Executive Directors of DPS, DOLA and GOHS review recommendations.

May 2:  Executive directors present recommendations to the Governor’s Office

Again, this is an important opportunity to improve Colorado’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management program.  Your input is critical to ensuring local fire service needs are considered in the change identification process.  

Thank you for your involvement in this important process.

Steve

Steven J. Pischke, President    

Colorado State Fire Chiefs' Association

Dep. Chief, Mountain View Fire Protection District

Email: spischke@colofirechiefs.org

Posted 04/08/11

Crystal Fire Update - Chief Bob Gann, Rist Canyon VFD

The Crystal fire - at least the private part where the residences were - is in RCVFD's response area.  We are hanging on right now - hoping to get through the today with predicted high winds and Red Flag.  Conditions are a little better than the night it blew - but not a lot.

I wanted to pass on to all cooperating agencies RCVFD's sincere thanks for the help being provide throughout this incident.  This is clearly the biggest event in RCVFD's 36 year history.  This photo - which came off of 9 news - gives a sense of the fire last Saturday night.  It was taken somewhere over Ft Collins looking west.  At that time this was taken, my best guess is that I (and our crews, plus LCES, USFS, CSFS) were pretty much right in the center trying to maintain public safety.  The right side was the ‘spot fire’ (not a real good description of something that went to some hundreds of acres in a couple of hours).  The left is the main fire.  This does give a sense of the winds we were experiencing.  We clearly were not doing anything about the fire (except some minor spot fire work near a couple of structures).  We were moving the people.

I’m headed back to the fire area in a few.  RCVFD (and other local agencies) are now in an IA/support role for the Type 1 team and the crews – which are doing an outstanding job.  Feel free to share this.

Bob Gann, Fire Chief

Rist Canyon VFD

Posted 04/05/11

Crystal Fire on InciWeb:  http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2161/

4th Annual Firefighter Appreciation Night

at Coors Field

to benefit the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Friday, May 13th, 6:40 PM
Colorado Rockies vs. San Diego Padres
 

"Come out and enjoy a night at the ballpark while at the same time paying tribute to Colorado's firefighters and raising funds for the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation."

Choose:

·         $38 Outfield Box Tickets - $20 of that going towards the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation

·         $25 Pavilion Tickets - $10 of that going towards the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation

·         $25 Mezzanine Tickets - $10 of that going towards the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation

·         $21 Upper Reserved Infield Tickets - $7 of that going towards the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation

·         $17 Lower Reserved Outfield Tickets - $6 of that going towards the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation

To order tickets click on this link: Firefighter Appreciation Night, Friday, May 13th, 6:40 PM vs. San Diego Padres [Use Special Offer Code: FIREFIGHTERS]

Note: There is a 10% “Group Ticket Fee” for sales made through this link. To avoid this fee you may contact Jason Regan at 303-312-2227 or Email to reganj@coloradorockies.com. 

Passing of Fire Chief (ret) Verne Witham

The following message is distributed on behalf of Fire Chief Glen E. Silloway, Fort Carson Fire and Emergency Services, via Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association, with regrets . . .

Fire Chief (ret) Verne Witham

It is with deep sadness that I report that Verne A. Witham, our retired Fire Chief, passed away Saturday afternoon. He had been in a long and tough battle with cancer.  As the Fort Carson Fire Chief for over 30 years he was extremely progressive leader, took great pride in the department and was an icon in Federal Fire Service.  He will be greatly missed by many.  Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts.

Service Arrangements are as follows: Friday February 4th at 10 am. The location will be at the Living Hope Church, 640 Manitou Blvd. Colorado Springs. It is off of Uintah St. and 17th. There will be a Celebration of Life to follow, location to be announced. The family has requested no flowers please. Donations can be made to the Manitou Springs Fire Dept. or the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Any agency wishing to provide apparatus in a static display of honor at the church please contact glen.silloway@us.army.mil.  Apparatus will need to be staged on site no less than 0930.

Sincerely,

Glen E. Silloway, Fire Chief

Fort Carson Fire and Emergency Services

Tel: (719) 526-4343

Email: glen.silloway@us.army.mil

The Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Chief Verne Witham, as well as to the members of the Fort Carson and Manitou Springs Fire Departments.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

In Memory of

Verne A. Witham

Verne Alfred Witham passed away January 29, 2011 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He passed peacefully from this life surrounded by his beloved family and friends.

Verne was born on March 5, 1939, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He married Judy Boshart, in May 1962. They settled in Manitou Springs and raised their two children who were the light of his life. Verne had an illustrious and proud career serving those in the community in many capacities, most notably as the Fire Chief of Ft. Carson.

Verne is survived by his loving wife, Judy; daughter Kelly and son-in-law Peter Szentmartoni; their daughter Amanda and her husband Michael Wupper; son Brad Witham and his daughters Riley and Roxanne Witham; sisters Karan A. Arnold and Jacqulynn S. Witham, and many members of his extended family.

Funeral services will be held at Living Hope Church, 640 Manitou Blvd., Colorado Springs, on Friday, February 4 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Manitou Springs Fire Dept., and the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce.

By Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.

Posted 02-01-11

CSFCA/FMAC Response to IAFC's Proposed Changes to NFPA 72

On Friday, January 14, 2011, those of you that are members of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) received an “IAFC Call to Action” Regarding NFPA 72 and Commercial False Alarms by email.  The “Call to Action” brought to member attention that IAFC has submitted a series of proposals via the NFPA code change process to update NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, with the stated intent to provide solutions to the problems caused by the number of false alarms in commercial facilities.  The “Call to Action” provided a link to a fact sheet that outlines the IAFC proposal to NFPA 72.

Also this past Friday, the CSFCA Board of Directors heard a presentation by David Lowrey in his capacity as President of the Fire Marshal Association of Colorado (FMAC) on FMAC’s opposition to the IAFC’s proposed changes to NFPA 72.  FMAC requested that the CSFCA support their position on the proposed changes.

Specifically, on the IAFC proposal to allow up to 90 seconds for the supervising station to verify an alarm before notifying the fire department, it was argued that this proposal was not fixing the problem of reducing the number of unwanted or nuisance alarms.  Further, by delaying the response, you can actually be increasing the risk to fire fighters and the occupants of the building in a fire situation.  Eliminating emergency response to fire alarms will only allow the owner of the system to ignore a dysfunctional fire alarm system.  Occupants of the building will become more complacent in not evacuating and in an actual fire situation; emergency response personal will be delayed responding to the building allowing the fire to possible double in size. 

On the IAFC proposal concerning point ID communication, it was argued that:

·         many buildings simply don’t need an addressable type fire alarm system to meet the requirements of the governing code for that area;

·         any jurisdiction has the legal right to amend their adopted code to require point ID if that’s their preference;

·         the requirement for point ID for all buildings will certainly increase the cost of the fire alarm systems; and

·         there is no technical justification for increasing the cost of fire alarm systems for a building that is required to only monitor a sprinkler system, elevator recall or duct detectors.  

Note:  Please see the letter from CSFCA and FMAC to NFPA’s Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems Technical Committee for a full discussion of the basis for opposition to the proposed changes.

Following discussion, the CSFCA Board of Directors voted unanimously to sign a joint letter with FMAC to NFPA’s Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems Technical Committee in opposition to the IAFC proposals.  The CSFCA and FMAC believe that unwanted and nuisance alarms can be reduced significantly through proper design, installation, acceptance commissioning, and on-going inspection, testing and maintenance as outlined in NFPA 72.

This action is in advance of the NFPA 72 Technical Committee meetings later this week.

Questions or comments concerning this action may be directed to the CSFCA Executive Director.

Posted 01-18-11

Letter from CSFCA and FMAC to NFPA’s Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems Technical Committee in opposition to the IAFC proposals

IAFC Member Alert
Contact: IAFC Strategic Services Department
703-273-0911 • www.iafc.org

Call to Action:  NFPA 72 Code Hearings
The Time to Lead on Commercial False Alarms is Now

Fairfax, Va., January 14, 2011... The IAFC is calling on fire and emergency service leaders to take action now to address the quiet, but pervasive, threat of false alarms in commercial facilities. We need your leadership to get the facts and ensure national-level discussion at the NFPA 72 code hearings in San Diego next week.

IAFC has submitted a series of proposals via the NFPA code change process to update NFPA 72 with the specific intent to provide solutions to the problems caused by the number of false alarms in commercial facilities. The proposals aim to take a comprehensive approach to address both the root cause of the issue (reducing false alarms) and the protocols for response to such calls. The IAFC has created a fact sheet (pdf) that outlines our proposal to NFPA 72 and dispels the myths circulating by opponents.

The proposals center around four main concepts:

·         A 90-second verification delay identical to current residential code and including an opt-out provision if a chief doesn’t feel the delay is optimal for the locality

·         Recommendation for point ID capability

·         Adding a 45-second minimum to pressure change in retard chambers

·         Maintenance of the alarm systems by an approved professional

Before discussion even begins, these proposals have drawn vocal opponents. We are calling on fire service leaders to learn the facts, dispel the myths and provide the opportunity for open and professional dialogue. We owe our personnel and our public nothing less.

Posted 01-18-11

Outgoing President Chris Riley administered the oath and installed the new CSFCA President and Vice-President, Deputy Chief Steve Pischke and Chief Mike Morgan, respectively.

New CSFCA President and Vice-President Installed

At the January 14, 2011 Board of Directors meeting, outgoing President Chris Riley administered the oath and installed the new CSFCA President and Vice-President.  Deputy Chief Steve Pischke of Mountain View Fire Protection District was installed as President and Chief Mike Morgan of the Rifle Fire Protection District was installed as Vice-President.

Deputy Chief Pischke has been in the fire service for 30 years. He began his career with the Littleton Fire Department, where he served for 7+ years and was then Fire Chief of the Silverthorne Fire Protection District for 4 years. Steve spent his next 10 years with West Adams County FPD/North Metro Fire Rescue, 9 of which as Division Chief of Fire Prevention, before moving on to Mountain View, where he has been for nearly the past 9 years. Steve has served the Association as the Vice-President for the past two years and the Chairman of the Legislative Committee.

Chief Morgan began his fire service career in 1986 as a volunteer firefighter for the Rifle Fire Protection District. He was hired as Fire Marshal, the first employee of the District, in 1991, and served in this capacity until 1996, when he was appointed the District’s first paid fire chief. The first paid responders were hired in 1999 and the District now consists of 22 full-time, 30 part-time, and 20 volunteer personnel, serving an area of about 411 square miles with a population of approximately 21,000, out of three fire stations.

The President and Vice-President are the only elected officers of the CSFCA and are elected to serve a one-year term. The appointed officers of the CSFCA are the Secretary and Treasurer, who are nominated by the President and appointed by the Board of Directors. Once appointed, the Secretary and Treasurer serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors or until the end of the President-elect’s term of office.

The remaining appointed members of the CSFCA Board of Directors are the nine Regional Representatives (Directors). Regional Representatives are nominated by the President and appointed by the Board of Directors. Once appointed, the Regional Representatives serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors or until the end of the President-elect’s term of office.
 

Posted 01-18-11

Related:  CSFCA Board of Directors for 2011 Named

CSFCA Board of Directors for 2011 Named

At the January 14, 2011 Board of Directors meeting, CSFCA President Steve Pischke nominated and the Board confirmed Andy Marsh, Fire Chief of Federal Heights Fire Department to serve as CSFCA Treasurer for 2011.  Ken Watkins, Fire Chief of the Grand Junction Fire Department was appointed to serve as the CSFCA Secretary.

The remainder of the 2011 CSFCA Board of Directors were also appointed and installed at this meeting.

Regional Representatives (Directors)

The Regional Directors that were appointed or reappointed to serve the 2011 term of office are:

Northeast Region – Barry Schaefer, Fire Chief, Platte Valley Fire Protection District
Northwest Region – Dave Vroman, Fire Chief, Gypsum Fire Protection District              

North Central Region – Andrew Marsh, Fire Chief, Federal Heights Fire Department

San Luis Valley Region – Don Chapman, Fire Chief, Alamosa Fire Department

South Region (and Immediate Past President) – Chris Riley, Fire Chief, Pueblo Fire Department
South Central Region – Dave Ury, Fire Chief, Black Forest Fire Protection District

Southeast Region – Aaron Eveatt, Fire Chief, La Junta Rural Fire Protection District

Southwest Region – Larry Behrens, Fire Chief, Los Pinos Fire Protection District

West Region – Bob Pistor, Fire Chief, Montrose Fire Protection District

Section Representatives

The President (or Chairperson) of each of the CSFCA Sections also have a seat on the Board of Directors as the Section Representatives.  The CSFCA Section Representatives are:

Combination Fire Chiefs’ Section – Bruce Mygatt, Fire Chief, Boulder Rural Fire Protection District

Volunteer Chief Officers Section – David DeTray, Fire Chief, La Veta Fire Protection District

Wildland Fire Section – Jeff Berino, Deputy Chief, Lake Dillon Fire Rescue

Fire Marshals Association – David Lowrey, Fire Marshal, Boulder Fire Department

Fire Training Officers Association – Mark Schuman, Battalion Chief, North Washington Fire Protection District

Fire & Life Safety Educators – Sherrie Leeka, Safety Educator, Westminster Fire Department

Colorado Fire Mechanics Association – Gary Aranda, Southwest Adams County Fire Rescue

Denver Metro Fire Chiefs – Mike Pattarozzi, Fire Chief, Englewood Fire Department

Colorado Fire Chaplains Association – Ken Rice, Chaplain, Lake Dillon Fire Rescue

The complete list of the CSFCA Board of Directors for 2011 with contact information may be downloaded here.

Posted 01-18-11

President-elect Steve Pischke and Vice President-elect Mike Morgan

New CSFCA President and Vice-President Elected

At the 2010 Annual Meeting of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association held on December 2, 2010 in Keystone, the members assembled elected a new President and Vice-President.

Deputy Chief Steve Pischke of Mountain View Fire Protection District was elected President and Chief Mike Morgan of the Rifle Fire Protection District was elected Vice-President.

Deputy Chief Pischke has been in the fire service for 30 years. He began his career with the Littleton Fire Department, where he served for 7+ years and was then Fire Chief of the Silverthorne Fire Protection District for 4 years. Steve spent his next 10 years with West Adams County FPD/North Metro Fire Rescue, 9 of which as Division Chief of Fire Prevention, before moving on to Mountain View, where he has been for nearly the past 9 years. Steve has served the Association as the Vice-President for the past two years and the Chairman of the Legislative Committee.

Chief Morgan began his fire service career in 1986 as a volunteer firefighter for the Rifle Fire Protection District. He was hired as Fire Marshal, the first employee of the District, in 1991, and served in this capacity until 1996, when he was appointed the District’s first paid fire chief. The first paid responders were hired in 1999 and the District now consists of 22 full-time, 30 part-time, and 20 volunteer personnel, serving an area of about 411 square miles with a population of approximately 21,000, out of three fire stations.

The President and Vice-President are the only elected officers of the CSFCA and are elected to serve a one-year term. The appointed officers of the CSFCA are the Secretary and Treasurer, who are nominated by the President and appointed by the Board of Directors. Once appointed, the Secretary and Treasurer serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors or until the end of the President-elect’s term of office.

The remaining appointed members of the CSFCA Board of Directors are the nine Regional Representatives (Directors). Regional Representatives are nominated by the President and appointed by the Board of Directors. Once appointed, the Regional Representatives serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors or until the end of the President-elect’s term of office.

President-elect Pischke and Vice President-elect Morgan will be sworn in and assume their duties at the Board of Directors meeting on January 14, 2011, as will the appointed members of the Board.
 

Posted 01-11-11

Special Assessment Approved to Balance 2011 CSFCA Budget

At the CSFCA Annual Meeting held on December 2, 2010 in Keystone, CO, the members assembled approved the 2011 Budget for the Association which had been recommended by the Board of Directors.   In a related action, CSFCA membership approved a one-time special assessment, intended to balance the 2011 CSFCA Budget.  According to CSFCA President-elect Steve Pischke, “this special assessment is intended to make the budget whole, with the caveat that the Association will study and come up with a plan that will provide for a sustainable organization for now and in the future. 

The one-time, special assessment that was approved by CSFCA membership to go out with the 2011 dues notices is:

Volunteer Fire Departments:          $50

Combination Fire Departments:       $100

Career Fire Departments:              $200

Unfortunately, for the past two years, the CSFCA has had to “dip” into its fund balance in order to operate the Association.  This, coupled with a down-year in revenue last year, created the situation where the Board was looking at a 2011 budget that would be significantly in the red.

Prior to recommending the special assessment, the Board had evaluated a proposed increase in membership dues, however, it was decided that the entire dues structure needed to be examined instead of simply passing on a dues increase.  It was pointed out that the special assessment would be coupled with appointment of a “Budget Work Group” that would be tasked with examining the long term financial stability of the organization.  According to President-elect Pischke, “work group members will be asked to think ‘outside the box’ as it relates to the budget and how we do business.”

The Budget Work Group appointed by President-elect Pischke is:

Chief Larry Donner, Boulder Fire Department

Chief Dan Qualman, South Metro Fire Rescue

Dep. Chief Don Lombardi, West Metro Fire Rescue

Chief Ken Watkins, Grand Junction Fire Department

Chief Marshall Cook, Lamar Fire & Ambulance Service

Chief Mike Morgan, Rifle Fire Protection District

Chief Rich Graeber, Upper Pine Fire Protection District

Paul Cooke, CSFCA Executive Director (ex-officio)

The Budget Work Group will begin meeting in this month and welcomes input from any CSFCA member.

Download 2011 Adopted Budget here.

Posted 01-11-11

USFA Releases Provisional 2010 Firefighter Fatality Statistics

EMMITSBURG, MD — The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announced today there were 85 on duty firefighter fatalities in the United States as a result of incidents that occurred in 2010, a 6 percent decrease from the 90 fatalities reported for 2009. The 85 fatalities were spread across 31 states. Illinois experienced the highest number of fatalities (9). In addition to Illinois, only New York (8), Ohio (8), Pennsylvania (7), and Kansas (5) had 5 or more firefighter fatalities.

Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines noted that "When evaluating the trend in on duty firefighter fatalities over more than three decades, the past two years have seemed to reflect a possible change in the firefighting culture of the United States where ‘Everyone Goes Home’, including all firefighters."  Gaines then added, "Working closely with our partners, USFA will continue every effort to be sure that when it comes to firefighter health and safety this downward trend in on duty firefighter deaths continues."

Heart attacks and strokes were responsible for the deaths of 51 firefighters (60%) in 2010, nearly the same proportion of firefighter deaths from heart attack or stroke (58%) in 2009.

Nine on duty firefighters died in association with wildland fires, about half the number that died in association with wildland fires in 2009 and a third of the 26 such fatalities in 2008.

Forty-eight percent of all firefighter fatalities occurred while performing emergency duties.

Eleven firefighters died in 2010 as the result of vehicle crashes, down substantially from 16 deaths in 2009, and for the first time since 1999, none the of the deaths involved aircraft. Four firefighters in 2010 died in accidents involving firefighters responding in personal vehicles. Seven firefighter deaths involved fire department apparatus; one of which was a double firefighter fatality incident.

These 2010 firefighter fatality statistics are provisional and may change as the USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify the names of firefighters reported to have died onduty during 2010. The final number of firefighter fatalities will be reported in USFA's annual firefighter fatality report, expected to be available by July.

For additional information on firefighter fatalities, including the annual fatality reports from 1986 through 2009 and the Firefighter Fatality Retrospective Study 1990–2000, please visit the USFA website at: https://www.usfa.dhs.gov/index.shtm.

Posted 01-06-11

Download 2010 Firefighter Fatality Provisional Statistics (PDF, 11 Kb)

Link to Firefighter Fatality Retrospective Study 1990–2000

Link to Annual Fatality Reports from 1986 through 2009

NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training Project

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Electric Vehicle Safety Training project is a nationwide program to help firefighters and first responders prepare for the growing number of electric vehicles on the road in the United States. Providing firefighters and first responders with the information they need about electric vehicles will be critical to their safety and crucial to the public’s acceptance of these vehicles.

This program will provide first responders with information they need to most effectively deal with potential emergency situations involving electric and hybrid vehicles. Part of this NFPA project includes reviewing and helping to disseminate automobile manufacturer’s emergency response guides (ERG) for hybrid-electric and all electric vehicles.

The Nissan LEAF, a fully electric vehicle, will soon be released to the public, and Nissan has provided a First Responders Guide for firefighters and first responders to safely respond to emergency incidents involving the LEAF. Please assist NFPA in distributing this guide to firefighters and first responders. 

For more information on the NFPA Electric Vehicle Safety Training project and for the latest releases on electric vehicle emergency response guides, additional EV information, training programs and a calendar of events, please visit the website - http://www.evsafetytraining.org

Posted 01-06-11

Download Nissan LEAF First Responders Guide

Read Nissan North America's Cover Letter Concerning the First Responders Guide

Larry Trujillo Named Director of Governor’s Office of Homeland Security

January 6, 2010 — Governor-elect John Hickenlooper announced today Larry Trujillo will remain Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security.

Trujillo was appointed to the position by Gov. Bill Ritter in September 2010. He will stay in the job for six months as the Hickenlooper-Garcia administration evaluates the organizational structure of the agency and other emergency management operations, as recommended by the Homeland Security/Emergency Management transition committee.

“Larry Trujillo has built his career working with people and serving our public,” Hickenlooper said. “He is a critical thinker who knows how to work with different agencies at the federal, state and local levels to do what is necessary to keep Colorado communities prepared to deal with unexpected emergencies.”

Trujillo earlier worked as Fire Chief with the Denver Fire Department, one of the largest fire services in the nation. He has more than 28 years of emergency management experience – nearly all of which was in leadership roles providing emergency services at all levels.

“I have enjoyed overseeing the state’s Homeland Security operations and am pleased to stay in this role,” Trujillo said. “I look forward to working with Gov.-elect Hickenlooper and his team to build on the good relationships we have with local, state, federal and tribal agencies throughout Colorado.”

Trujillo was managing partner for a private consulting firm before he became Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security last fall. He also served as Senior Advisor for Convention Safety and Transportation Planning during the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Trujillo joined the Denver Fire Department in 1982 and worked his way up through the ranks before being appointed Chief in July 2003.

Posted 01-06-11

Application Period Opens for DHS Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

Period Runs January 3 - February 4

Fairfax, VA  – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the application period for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants opened at 8 am EST on Monday, January 3, and will close at 5 pm EST on Friday, February 4, 2011.

The DHS has set aside $35 million to fund grant activities in two categories:

The Fire Prevention and Safety Activity: Grants funded by this activity should be designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidents of death and injuries caused by fires and fire-related hazards. Applications for this activity should only consist of projects that can be completed within the one-year grant performance period. Eligible applicants for this activity include fire departments; national, regional, state, local and tribal organizations; and community organizations recognized for their experience and expertise in fire-prevention and safety programs and activities. Both private and public nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for funding in this activity. Activities funded include general education and awareness programs, such as smoke alarm installations and home-safety inspections, code-enforcement and awareness activities, fire- and arson-investigation programs, and national, state and regional programs and studies.

The Firefighter Safety and Research and Development Activity: Grants funded under this activity are research and development programs aimed at improving firefighter safety. Applicants under this activity can propose projects that reflect a period of performance of up to three years. Eligible applicants for this activity include national, regional, state and local organizations, such as academic, public health, occupational health and injury prevention institutions. Fire departments are not eligible to apply for funding in this activity. All projects under this activity must address injury outcomes or their surrogates, such as firefighter fitness or health indicators. The projects may fall into the categories of behavioral, clinical and social science studies; database systems; technology and product development studies; and research regarding the dissemination and implementation of effective programs and products.

Fire departments will have to meet the same cost-sharing requirements based on population that they would have to meet under the AFG grants. The grant guidance discusses these cost-sharing requirements in detail (see pages 14 and 38).

The IAFC encourages interested members to review the FP&S grant guidance. The AFG office also has made available an applicant tutorial and the online application.

Applicants who have questions about the grants can email them to firegrants@dhs.gov or call the help desk at 1-866-274-0960.

Posted 01-06-11

Denver Nuggets 2nd Annual Firefighter Appreciation Night

to benefit the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Wednesday, January 19th, 7:00 PM
Denver Nuggets v. Oklahoma City Thunder
 

Thanks to everyone that came out and supported the Colorado Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation last season. Here are the details regarding this year’s event:

·         Tickets - $40 Corner Loge (normally $80) or $15 Upper Center Balcony (normally $39)

·         $5 from every ticket purchased will go directly back to the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF)

·         Denver Fire Fighters will be passing the bucket in the Pepsi Center courtyard to raise additional funds for the CFFF.

Fun for the Entire Family

·         Denver Nuggets Fan Tunnel – 25 kids will be able to high five the Nuggets before the game on the court – spots will go fast, don’t wait to order and sign your kids up

·         Post Game Shootaround – everyone who purchases tickets will be able to come and shoot on the Nuggets court after the game

·         The Denver Fire Department will be bringing fire engines down onto the Pepsi Center courtyard prior to the game

To order tickets click on this link: Denver Nuggets Firefighter Appreciation Night

For those that cannot make the 1-19 game the Denver Nuggets also have a game available on 2-7 where $5 will still be donated to the CFFF and we will still be able to do a Nuggets High Five Fan Tunnel before the game.

For questions, contact Ben Lucas at 303-405-6184 or blucas@pepsicenter.com.

Previous Posts

Crystal Fire Update - Chief Bob Gann, Rist Canyon VFD

Passing of Fire Chief (ret) Verne Witham

CSFCA/FMAC Response to IAFC's Proposed Changes to NFPA 72

IAFC Call to Action:  NFPA 72 Code Hearings

New CSFCA President and Vice-President Elected