2009 archive

2008 archive

2007 archive

Legislation Introduced in Response to MRSA Crisis (12/21/07)

Congress Passes FY 2008 DHS Appropriations Funding: Includes Increased Funding for FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs (12/20/07)

Homeland Defense Equipment Reuse Program (12/18/07)

Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association Unveils Travel Website (12/18/07)

CSFCA President Briefs Joint Budget Committee on the “State of the Colorado Fire Service” (12/12/07)

Colorado First Responder Authentication Credentials (COFRAC) - Policy on Background Check Adjudication (12/04/07)

Message Concerning Email Addresses (11/09/07)

Division of Fire Safety Announces Leadership Conference Sponsorship Awards (11/07/07)

USFA Releases Mitigation of Cooking Fires Report (11/07/07)

Second Semester National Fire Academy Application Period is Now Open (11/01/07)

Loveland’s Sunridge Garage Fire & Explosion Information Release (10/31/07)

Application Period Open: Fiscal Year 2007 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (10/18/07)

Department of Justice Updates Policy on PSOB Benefits (10/08/07)

Collective Bargaining Bill Introduced in Senate (10/02/07)

Fire Agencies to Study Consolidation (09/28/07)

The IAFC and the USFA Develop Report on Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Firefighters and EMS Responders (09/24/07)

Berthoud Extrication Challenge - September 21-23, 2007 (08/14/07)

MSEC / CSFCA Wage and Benefit Survey Available (08/07/07)

Department of Homeland Security Opens Application Period for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Services (SAFER) Grants (07/27/07)

Division of Fire Safety Adopts Emergency Rules for School Safety Inspections and Plan Reviews (07/23/07)

U.S. House Passes H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 (07/18/07)

2007 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Observance/Fire Apparatus Procession (07/17/07)

Fire Service Calls on Congress to Investigate PSOB Program (07/12/07)

Gov. Ritter Announces Major Changes to Colorado Homeland Security Programs (07/12/07)

NIOSH releases the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Report on the Line-of-Duty Death of Denver Fire Lieutenant Rich Montoya (07/11/07)

Police, Fire Families Fight for U.S. Death Benefit (07/10/07)

2008 Emergency Response Guidebook; Electronic Version will be Available (07/10/07)

Westminster Public Safety Recognition Foundation – 5th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament (07/10/07)

Gov. Ritter Announces Chris Olson as Director of Division of Emergency Management (07/03/07)

Greater Brighton FPD Selects New Chief (06/02/07)

USFA Announces New Web-based Online Training System (06/25/07)

USFA and the National Volunteer Fire Council Release Comprehensive Guide to Retention and Recruitment (06/20/07)

Nine Charleston Firefighters Perish in Blaze (06/19/07)

FEMA Announces Membership of National Advisory Council (06/19/07)

Auditors Report Reveals Abysmal Enforcement of Fire and Life Safety in Schools by State Agency (06/13/07)

Aurora Names Interim Fire Chief (06-05-07)

Chief Greg Cade Confirmed As U.S. Fire Administrator (05/25/07)

IAFC Encourages You to Meet with Federal Legislators (05/25/07)

Residential Fire Sprinklers Receive Unprecedented Support at Building Safety Hearing (05/23/07)

Member Alert: Urge President Bush to Implement Hometown Heroes Act (05/18/070

USFA Emphasizes Support for Residential Fire Sprinklers (05/17/07)

2007 Safety Stand Down Resources Now Available (05/16/07)

Teller County Fire Chiefs' Open (05/15/07)

Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation – 10th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament (05/14/07)

First Semester National Fire Academy Application Period Is Now Open (05/13/07)

Burglar Alarms Emitting Smoke Causing Concern for Fire Chiefs (05/11/07)

Public Safety Leadership Institute Created (05/07/07)

Legislative Session Ends Early (05/04/07)

2007 Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Service

Reminder — FIRE Act Grant Applications Due May 4 (04/27/07)

Only 8 Days Remain in FY2007 Fire Grant Application Period (04/27/07)

DHS Awards Almost $4 Million in Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (04/24/07)

IAFC Asks President Bush to Examine PSOB Program (04/23/07)

DHS Announces $29.1 Million Available For National Preparedness Training Initiatives (04/17/07)

Cancun Fire Department in Need of Equipment Donations (04/14/07)

4th Annual Fairways To Heaven Event (04/14/07)

Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night in Honor of NFFF (04/11/07)

Columbine Memorial in Need of Contributions (04/07/07)

2007 AFG Application Period Now Open (03/30/07)

Apprenticeship Program in Need of Host Departments (03/29/07)

Kentucky Will Require Fire-Safe Cigarettes (03/27/07)

Gov. Ritter’s Budget Office Releases First Economic and Revenue Forecast (03/26/07)

Gov. Ritter Announces Agenda for "Bridges To The 21st Century" Transportation Summit (03/26/07)

Harvard Medical School Study on Firefighter Deaths from Heart Disease (03/22/07)

Underwriters Laboratories Moves Closer to Completing E85 Fuel Dispenser Requirements (03/22/07)

Safety Officers Denied On-Duty Death Benefits (03/21/07)

National Effort to Eliminate Novelty Lighters (03/20/07)

Keep Going Hall of Fame Looking for Firefighters (03/16/07)

IAFC Releases Strategic Plan (03/15/07)

Fire Service Award for Excellence 2007 (03/14/07)

Four Years Later - A Second Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service (03/12/07)

Preparing for Disasters, Natural or Otherwise (03/09/07)

Genesee Fire Protection District Adopts Resolution (03/07/07)

2007 International Fire Fighter and EMS Safety Stand Down (03/05/07)

2007 Edition of NFPA 1600 Released (03/03/07)

Proposed Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws Adopted (03/03/07)

PASS Performance Issues Addressed in New Edition of NFPA Standard (02/28/07)

PASS Device Safety Issue (02/28/07)

Olme Resigns as Fire Chief (02/28/07)

The Trouble With Ethanol (02/14/07)

Legislation Introduced in Response to MRSA Crisis

December 21, 2007 - As a devastating drug-resistant staph infection known as MRSA affects patients in hospitals, first responders such as police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel, schoolchildren and other individuals in public places across the country, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has introduced a package of legislation to combat the crisis. 

Congress Passes FY 2008 DHS Appropriations Funding: Includes Increased Funding for FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs

December 20, 2007 - Last night, Congress passed the fiscal year (FY) 2008 omnibus appropriations bill. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law. 

The approximately $550 billion omnibus spending bill for the federal government—excluding funding for the Department of Defense that was passed before Thanksgiving—includes funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  

This legislation includes a number of successes for America’s fire service; it includes an increase of more than $75 million for the SAFER grant program, an increase of $13 million for the FIRE grant program, a $50 million increase for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants, a $7.5 million increase for Urban Search and Rescue Teams and level funding for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). 

The legislation also appropriates $2.8 billion to prevent and fight wildland fires, including $300 million emergency funding; it returns funding in FY 2008 to nearly $6 million for the Rural Fire Assistance program in the U.S. Department of the Interior and provides level funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Volunteer Fire Assistance program. 

“The IAFC is thankful for the commitment of Congress to meet the needs of America’s fire and emergency medical services,” said IAFC President Steven P. Westermann. “These are very positive numbers, especially considering the president’s intent to hold the line against spending,” added Chief Westermann. 

Below are some of the highlights of the legislation.

1) DHS Funding: The bill includes the following funding levels:

$ In Millions

	FY 2007	President’s FY 2008 Budget Req.	FY 2008
USFA	46.8	43.3	43.3
FIRE Grant program	547.0	300.0	560.0
SAFER Grant program	115.0	0.0	190.0
UASI Grants	770.0	800.0	820.0
SHSGP	525.0	250.0	950.0
Emergency Management Performance Grants	200.0	200.0	300.0
Urban Search and Rescue Teams	25.0	25.0	32.5
Communication Grants	0.0	0.0	50.0

The FY 2008 USFA funding does not include $3.5 million for the Noble Training Center in Anniston, Ala., which has been transferred to the Emergency Management Institute. The omnibus appropriations bill does include an extra $1 million to develop a web-based version of the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) to improve the timeliness and accuracy of NFIRS data and identify national trends in fire and emergency medical services. 

2) Wildland Fire Programs: The omnibus appropriations bill includes $2.8 billion to prevent and fight wildland fires, including $300 million in emergency funding. Specifically, the bill appropriates the following levels for the following programs:

$ In Millions

	FY 2007	President’s FY 2008 Budget Req.	FY 2008
Rural Fire Assistance	0.0	0.0	5.9
Volunteer Fire Assistance	13.8	17.0	13.8

Overall, first responder grant programs will receive $4.1 billion in FY 2008, which is $1.8 billion above the president’s initial budget request and $693 million more than in FY 2007.  Yet, this is still down from a high of $4.8 billion in FY 2004, even as homeland security preparedness costs continue to rise. 

Homeland Defense Equipment Reuse Program

Emergency responder agencies can acquire, at no charge, radiological detection instrumentation, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), e.g., Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and turnout gear, and safety, response and recovery equipment, vehicles, and apparatus through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Grants and Training (G&T) Homeland Defense Equipment Reuse (HDER) Program.  These equipment resources can potentially enhance ESS critical infrastructure protection activities as well as organizational readiness.

The program is the result of a partnership that includes the Department of Energy, the U.S. Navy, and Health Physics Society.  The groups provide excess radiological detection instrumentation and other equipment, as well as training and technical support, to responder agencies throughout the nation.  To assist responders in the proper operation and maintenance of their radiological, chemical, and biological detection and response equipment, G&T’s Domestic Preparedness Equipment Technical Assistance Program provides detailed technical information and hands-on operation and maintenance training.

Local support for the equipment is also available through a partnership with the Health Physics Society.  Volunteers from the Society’s local chapters perform initial operability checks on equipment shipments, conduct field checks and basic maintenance for the equipment, provide hands-on refresher training, and serve as a local source of expertise.

The HDER Program uses G&T’s existing relationship with State Administrative Agencies to administer the program for local responder organizations.  Requests can be made quarterly, and an inventory list of available equipment is provided at the start of each calendar quarter.  Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) suggests that emergency agencies examine the additional information, including contacts, in the HDER Fact Sheet.

Posted 12/18/07

  Homeland Defense Equipment Reuse (HDER) Program Fact Sheet

Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association Unveils Travel Website

How far would you go to support a cause you believe in? Our full service travel website can take you further than you ever dreamed possible, while helping to raise new funds for the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association.

The Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association has entered into an agreement with YTB Travel Network, a leading on-line travel agency, to provide our own travel website. You, your family and friends, as well as any member of your department, their families and friends can take advantage of this website.

Just book your personal and business travel through our website, http://www.ytbtravel.com/cofirechiefs.  Not only will you find the same airlines, hotels and rental cars, and the same low rates offered by other websites, but our travel site can do so much more. 

Everytime you book travel, a generous portion of the commissions you generate will be given directly to the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association.

This is a great way to help your Association and take advantage of great deals on airfare, hotels, rental cars, vacations, and other travel services at no additional cost to you.

Ready to take your travel further?  Visit http://www.ytbtravel.com/cofirechiefs.

Posted 12/18/07

CSFCA President Briefs Joint Budget Committee on the “State of the Colorado Fire Service”

December 12, 2007 – On December 11^th, CSFCA Douglas Forsman briefed the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) of the Colorado Legislature on the “State of the Colorado Fire Service”.  The purpose of this briefing was to inform the JBC on some of the more pressing issues facing the Colorado fire service in its efforts to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect Colorado’s citizens and institutions from all types of emergencies.  Joining Chief Forsman in this meeting was Chief David Parmley, CSFCA Vice-President, and Paul Cooke, CSFCA Executive Director.  Download the briefing paper (pdf)

Senator Moe Keller (District 20-Jefferson County), Vice-Chairman of the JBC, chaired the meeting in the absence of JBC Chairman, Representative Bernie Buescher (District 55-Mesa).  All other members of the JBC were in attendance, including: Rep. Jack Pommer (District 11-Boulder); Rep. Al White (District 57-Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt Counties); Sen. John Morse (District 11-El Paso County); and Sen. Steve Johnson (District 15-Larimer County).  Mr. Craig Harper, the JBC Analyst for public safety was also in attendance.

Chief Forsman opened his presentation with an overview of Colorado’s fire problem, noting that, “while the impact of fire in terms of lives and property loss is significant, the overall impact on the Colorado economy (in terms of lost jobs, business and tax revenues, long term medical care, and escalating insurance premiums) is estimated to be three-quarters of a billion dollars annually.”  Chief Forsman noted that the Colorado fire service is doing a lot to prevent these losses, “but much more needs to be done.”

Chief Forsman provided the JBC with a profile of the Colorado fire service, noting that “of the approximately 395 fire departments in the state, 62% are all-volunteer departments, 27% are a combination of career and volunteer, and only 11% are fully-paid departments.”  He also pointed out that approximately 63% of the firefighters in the state are volunteers.  Chief Forsman then briefed the JBC on the expanded role of the fire service, noting that it has evolved into “an all-risk, all-hazard response organization.”

The discussion of the expanded role of the fire service elicited discussion from Sen. Keller regarding the impact of “lift assist” calls on fire departments.  She advised those present that she has been working with the West Metro Fire District and the Department of Public Health and Environment to address the growing problem of assisted living facilities relying on the fire department to respond when an elderly person has fallen and needs assistance back to bed, and is otherwise uninjured.  Chief Forsman thanked Sen. Keller for her efforts in this area.

The next topic presented by Chief Forsman was the difficulty being faced by volunteer fire departments across the State in their efforts to recruit and maintain volunteer firefighters.  He thanked the JBC for the support provided for firefighter pensions and accidental death and disability, but indicated that “additional funding assistance for volunteer recruitment and retention incentives could have a significant positive affect on this problem.”

Chief Forsman then shifted his discussion to the State’s role in fire safety, noting that “while the provision of fire prevention and control has historically been the responsibility of local government, the state has a role to play in reducing the fire problem, both in terms of central leadership and in the funding of statewide programs that promote the safe and effective delivery of services.”  He then noted that “a coordinated and effective approach at the State level does not exist in Colorado.”

Chief Forsman indicated that the Division of Fire Safety is charged with meeting some of the statewide fire safety responsibilities, but that it has been plagued with insufficient resources since its creation, and that many of its programs are cash-funded by local fire departments.  He advised the JBC that “the Division’s responsibility to provide firefighter training, to coordinate resources in the event of a major incident, to administer the fire incident reporting system, and to certify firefighters and hazardous materials responders cannot be met when the State provides no funding for these activities.”

Chief Forsman identified the programs of the Division of Fire Safety that were in need of funding from the State General Fund.  These were:

·         Provide funding to the Division of Fire Safety to allow it to continue its administration of the Emergency Resource Mobilization Plan and ROSS.

·         Provide funding to the Division of Fire Safety to allow it to continue its administration of the National Fire Incident Reporting System.

·         Provide funding to the Division of Fire Safety to replace the certification database program.

·         Provide resources within the Division of Fire Safety to coordinate a statewide firefighter and first responder training program.

He expressed the desire of the CSFCA for favorable action by the JBC to address these critical needs.

Following the formal briefing, members of the JBC asked several questions of the panel.  Of particular note, Rep. White inquired on the potential for the “Big Fire” as a result of the beetle kill.  Chief Parmley responded that “the threat of the “Big Fire” in Colorado’s wildland urban interface areas is real and will be with us for quite some time as the needles fall from the trees and the trees fall and litter the forest floor.”  He indicated that there is immediate need to find uses for the timber while it is still salvageable.  Both he and Chief Forsman noted that the CSFCA has had meetings with members of Colorado’s Congressional Delegation to address this concern.

The briefing was concluded by Chief Forsman thanking the JBC for the opportunity for the CSFCA to present its concerns and indicating the Association’s willingness to address any follow-up questions that may arise.

Colorado First Responder Authentication Credentials (COFRAC) - Policy on Background Check Adjudication

At the CSFCA Annual Meeting in Breckenridge on November 29^th, Micheline Casey, Director of Identity Management for the Governor's Office of Information Technology made a presentation on the Colorado First Responder Authentication Credentials (COFRAC).  Ms. Casey also presented the proposed Policy on Background Check Adjudication.

Click here to download a copy of the COFRAC presentation.

Click here to download a copy of the proposed Policy on Background Check Adjudication.

Click here to download a copy of FEMA’s senior policy analyst testimony to Congress on November 15th regarding FEMA’s direction on first responder credentialing and resource typing.

For questions concerning the Colorado First Responder Authentication Credentials (COFRAC) or the proposed Policy on Background Check Adjudication, contact:

Micheline Casey, Director

Identity Management

Governor's Office of Information Technology

micheline.casey@state.co.us

Posted 12-4-07

Message Concerning Email Addresses

November 9, 2007 - Today I went through the process of “cleaning up” Email addresses that I use to distribute member correspondence.  Those Email addresses that consistently “bounce” back because the user is not known to the ISP were deleted from the list (a total of 46).  However, those Email messages that bounce because of one of the following error messages were left in the list:

·      The message exceeded the maximum size the user accepts.

·      Disk Quota Exceeded. Message cannot be delivered because the recipient has exceeded their disk space limit for email.

If you are not receiving the Member Updates from the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association, please check to ensure that:

1.  Your Email system accepts messages from “coloradofirechiefs.org”; and

2.  Your mailbox is not full.

Then send an Email to me at paul@coloradofirechiefs.org with your name, department and position, and I will get you added to the list.

Please also note that before deleting Email addresses I verified them against the State’s Resource Mobilization Database at www.co-mobilization.org.  Thus, if I had the wrong Email address for you, it is likely that the Division of Fire Safety also has the wrong Email address.  To correct this, send a message to Marlinda Acevedo at the Division of Fire Safety at marlinda.acevedo@cdps.state.co.us.

Thank you,

Paul L. Cooke

Executive Director

Division of Fire Safety Announces Leadership Conference Sponsorship Awards

November 7, 2007 – The Colorado Division of Fire Safety is pleased to announce the award of sponsorships to attend the 16^th Annual Colorado State Fire Chiefs Leadership Conference to be held in Breckenridge, CO on November 30 - December 1, 2007.

The Division received a total of 45 sponsorship applications.  These applications were evaluated based on completeness, demonstrated need, benefit to the community served, and whether the applicant was the recipient of a previous sponsorship.

This year’s sponsorships are to be awarded to:

·         Marshall Cook, Acting Fire Chief, Lamar Fire Department

·         Chris Bornholdt, Emergency Operations Deputy, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

·         Tony Aspromonte, Fire Chief, Mancos Fire Protection District

·         Mike Harvey, Fire Chief, Plateau Valley Fire Protection District

·         Julia Davis, Assistant Fire Chief, Hasty-McClave Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service

·         David W. Jiles, Fire Chief, Big Thompson Canyon V. F. D.

·         Scott Mefford, Deputy Chief, Genesee Fire and Rescue

·         Gene Stanley, District Fire & Medical Chief, Southern Park County Fire Protection District

·         Bob Kittridge, Fire Chief, El Paso County Wildfire Crew

Sponsorships cover the cost of attendees’ conference registration fees and lodging.  Meals and mileage are the responsibility of the department and/or the individual receiving the sponsorship.

Questions concerning the sponsorship awards should be directed to Theresa Staples at the Division of Fire Safety, at (720) 852-6735 or theresa.staples@cdps.state.co.us.

USFA Releases Mitigation of Cooking Fires

Report

November 7, 2007 (Emmitsburg, MD) - The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announced today the completion of a report and accompanying educational tools on behavioral mitigation of cooking fires. The report, Behavioral Mitigation of Cooking Fires Through Strategies Based on Statistical Analysis, and accompanying educational videos and presentation are the result of a USFA partnership with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to develop sound, research-based recommendations for behavioral mitigation strategies to reduce cooking fires in the United States and the resulting injuries and deaths.

"Protecting people from fires and preventing fires are central to NFPA’s mission," said James M. Shannon, NFPA President and CEO.  "We were especially pleased to partner with USFA on this project because cooking fires wreak havoc on thousands of lives each year – they are the leading cause of fires in the home.  What has been learned through this project will further strengthen NFPA’s efforts to minimize cooking fires."

Unattended cooking is the single leading factor contributing to cooking fires.  According to the USFA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data, from 1999 to 2003, cooking equipment had been left unattended in 37 percent of the reported home cooking equipment fires overall and was a factor in 45 percent of the deep fryer fires and 43 percent of the range fires.  In addition, unattended equipment was a factor in 42 percent of the cooking fire deaths and 44 percent of the injuries. 

Some type of combustible material too close to the cooking equipment was a factor in 13 percent of home cooking fires, 24 percent of the associated deaths, and 12 percent of the associated injuries, making heat source too close to combustibles the second leading factor contributing to ignition for home cooking fires, after unattended equipment.  Finally, 55 percent of the people who were injured in U.S. home cooking fires were injured when they tried to fight the fire themselves.

"We are keenly aware cooking continues to be the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.  These materials are expected to help people to understand the importance we place on this fire safety activity,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade.  "Through this partnership with NFPA, we plan to reduce the fires from this cause, prevent injuries and save lives."

The project recommends educational messages for safe home cooking that address several behaviors including:  staying alert and watching what you are cooking, keeping things that can catch fire apart from heat sources, knowing what to do if you have a cooking fire and your clothes catch fire, properly installing and using cooking equipment, preventing and treating scalds and burns, and having working smoke alarms.

A copy of the report and educational tools can be downloaded from the U.S. Fire Administration website at: www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/other/cooking-mitigation.shtm.

Second Semester National Fire Academy Application Period is Now Open

November 1 marked the opening of the second semester fiscal year (FY) 2008 application period for the U. S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA). The application period runs from November 1 through December 31, 2007. The second semester includes those courses scheduled for delivery April 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008.

The second semester 2007-2008 schedule can be found here.

Interested applicants are reminded that in addition to the course specific selection criteria and course specific prerequisite requirements, they must also have ICS 100 and ICS 200 level training in order to be considered for any NFA course.

The application period for the first semester 2007-2008 academic year (10/1/07 - 3/31/08) is closed but applications for courses with vacancies are being accepted. Applications for course vacancies must be received at least six weeks before the course start date for the applicant to be considered for the course. Vacancies within six weeks of the course start date shall only be filled from the established wait list, so it's important to apply early.

To view first semester courses with vacancies, click here.

For more information or to download an application, go to: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/about/attend/apply.shtm.

Loveland’s Sunridge Garage Fire & Explosion Information Release

October 31, 2007 - On Saturday, October 27^th at 21:28, a first alarm assignment (3 Engines, 1- 105’ Quint, Battalion Chief and a Thompson Valley EMS Paramedic Unit) were dispatched to the 4400 block of Sunridge Drive in north Loveland on a report of a residential structure fire. Quint 5 arrived on scene within three minutes and reported heavy smoke showing from the garage portion of a two story single family home. The Quint 5 crew met with the homeowner who stated that a propane tank was on fire and that everyone was out of the structure.

The Quint 5 Crew entered the front door of the home with a 1.75” attack line; the walk-in door to the garage was just inside the front door of the house. Battalion 1 arrived on scene and established Command. Quint 5 reported heavy smoke, no visibility and moderate heat in the garage; they were unable to advance more than five feet into the garage due to the high volume of storage in the garage. Command advised the Crew to pull back out of the garage and hold the fire to the garage portion of the structure.

The Engineer from Quint 5 and the Crew of Engine 4 were ordered to cut an access hole in the garage door, while Engine 1’s Crew stretched a second attack line to the front of the structure. At approximately 21:35 the Engineer from Quint 5 was in the process of cutting the access hole with a circular saw, the crew from Engine 4 was positioned on the driveway approximately half way between the garage door and the street. The Engine 4 Crew was in the process of donning their SCBA masks and gloves.

At 21:36 an explosion occurred blowing out one side of the garage door and engulfing the three firefighters operating in the driveway in a fireball. The three firefighters were thrown by the explosion to the end of the driveway. The firefighters were immediately attended to by Thompson Valley EMS personnel and two of the firefighters were transported to the Medical Center of the Rockies, the third firefighter (the Quint 5 Engineer) was un-injured.

Once the explosion occurred Command requested a second alarm and an addition EMS unit. A 2.5” line was deployed to extinguish, the now heavy fire in the garage. The fire was declared under control at 21:54. During the overhaul several large propane tanks were located in the garage. Units remained on scene for several hours completing overhaul work. The Loveland Fire Prevention Bureau is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire and explosion.

The Quint 5 Engineer was fully bunkered out with SCBA on at the time of the explosion, one layer of his hood was burnt and his portable radio antenna was melted, but he sustained no injuries. The Engine 4 Crew was still in the process of donning their SCBA masks and firefighting gloves at the time, these two firefighters sustained first and second degree burns to their hands. They were treated and released from the hospital later that night. They should return to full duty within 30 days.

For more information contact: Greg Ward, C Shift Battalion Chief, Special Operations, Loveland Fire Rescue at wardg@ci.loveland.co.us or (970) 962-2477 – Fire Station 1.

IAFC and the U.S. Department of Transportation Partner to Create Hazardous Materials Fusion Center

Fairfax, Va., Oct. 30, 2007 –The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHSMA) to lead the development of a new data center that will collect and analyze hazardous-materials incident data in order to enhance first-responder tactics, operations, policy and training.

The Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Fusion Center (Hazmat Fusion Center) will build a secure, web-based network to facilitate information sharing for first responders training for and responding to hazardous materials incidents. This knowledge-base will help ensure that hazmat incidents are handled safely and securely. It will be the first such hazmat data center for the first-responder community, but both the effort to create it and the results it will produce will encompass a broader range of stakeholders. It will provide crucial knowledge for all decision makers on the transportation and delivery of hazardous materials.

“Our new partnership will help us do a better job accessing and sharing information to improve the safety of hazardous materials transportation,” said PHMSA Acting Administrator Krista Edwards.  “It will prevent accidents and improve our capability to respond to those we cannot prevent.”

Under the agreement, IAFC will spearhead the project, providing program management, technical advisors and subject matter expertise, and will establish initial data-collection efforts. The cooperative agreement is for a one-year period, with options to renew for four additional one-year terms. Year One of the program will focus on establishing the data center’ technical and human elements from the ground-up.

“The IAFC is proud to be a part of this landmark project with the Department of Transportation,” said IAFC President Chief Steven P. Westermann, CFO. “The days of moving forward on program policy decisions and technical solutions without data are over. The fire and emergency service, government and industry will finally have the national-level information they need to create effective, data-driven practices for response and mitigation to hazardous materials incidents.” 

The Hazmat Fusion Center will serve three purposes.

1. Information collection, which will include:

• Developing a central location for the collection of information on the nation’s hazmat teams (location, capabilities, equipment, etc.)

• Creating a repository for hazmat incident reporting on a secure web portal and a toll-free phone number for incident reporting

• Forming Regional Incident Survey Teams (RIST), which will be deployed to serious hazmat incidents to collect information on first-responder activity

• Developing a method for increased communication and trust-building among the nation’s first-responder hazmat community

• Incorporating information from various sources (utilizing the Enterprise Approach of the U.S. Department of Transportation), including federal agencies and the private sector

2. Analysis of information collected, which will include:

• Developing effective practices, planning tools and resources for first responders

• Creating after-action reports from RIST-investigated hazmat incidents

• Providing recommended requirements for equipment and training for hazmat teams

• Identifying trends and patterns for the prevention and mitigation of hazmat incidents

• Interpreting data to assist the development of high-tech hazmat response equipment and training

• Ensuring that multi-agency reporting is streamlined so a redundant reporting system is not created

3. Dissemination of information and analysis, which will include:

• Recommendations for safely responding to hazmat incidents

• Training materials for first responders (such as quarterly curriculum materials, training drills, conferences, and email blasts)

• Identification of the most frequently shipped and most hazardous materials

• Data-based recommendations to industry and transporters for improved safety of shipping containers and processes

• Data for use inclusion in national-level decision-making processes

Established in 1873, the International Association of Fire Chiefs represents the leadership of over 1.2 million firefighters. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. 

Smoke Alarm Recommendations Reissued

Fairfax, Va., Oct. 29, 2007 – News of the house fire that tragically took the lives of seven university students in South Carolina this weekend has further spurred the discussion on the efficacy of certain types of smoke alarms, as well as some speculation regarding the alarms involved in the blaze.  

Department of Justice Implements Plan to Enact Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act

October 23, 2007 – The Department of Justice unveiled a new strategy to streamline the claim review process and address the backlog issue related to the Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefits Act at a recent hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The Hometown Heroes Act of 2003 states that the families of public safety officers who suffer a fatal heart attack or stroke while in the line of duty may qualify for survivor benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program.

Families of three fallen firefighters testified at the hearing, detailing the difficulties they faced in attempting to claim survivor benefits from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The result: two denied claims, one pending claim and a combined five years of delay.

In a statement issued at the hearing, Domingo Herraiz, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance which administers the PSOB program, vowed, “We have taken and will continue to take steps to decrease the time it takes for survivors to be given an answer on their claims.” Those steps include additional PSOB staff, a case management system that enables claimants to track the status of their case, outreach to public safety agencies and—most importantly—a plan to expedite the claims process.

As of October 4th, DOJ reported 202 pending cases, 21 approvals, 57 denials and 26 appeals. The department has been criticized for major delays in processing claims and for rulings that, in the words of Herraiz, are “too restrictive.”

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated that the DOJ is “delaying implementation of the law and disregarding the clear will of Congress to grant surviving families death benefits in a timely, fair manner.”

Herraiz recently addressed the semi-annual meeting of CFSI’s National Advisory Committee regarding the issue. “I am not pleased with our progress over the last year,” stated Herraiz, who admits that the claim review process has taken longer than expected. “It’s time for me to accept responsibility. I can take charge of my organization and I will fix it,” he promises.

The department states that the initial backlog is the result of a complete revision of PSOB regulations following the implementation of the Hometown Heroes Act. The regulations were finalized in September of last year. DOJ maintains that most claims currently under review are waiting to receive additional evidence from the agency for which the public safety officer worked, causing additional delay.

Herraiz calls the internal issues at the DOJ a long-standing problem—one that he plans to resolve. “You will see a big change. In three months, I guarantee a difference with the Hometown Heroes claims. We can do better and we will do better.”

In an attempt to enact these changes, DOJ released two policy memorandums relating to the processing of survivor benefit claims.  The memos, signed by Director Herraiz, clarify the definitions of two terms contained in the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act of 2003. 

The Hometown Heroes Act, which was unanimously passed by both houses of Congress and signed into law by President Bush in December of 2003, stated:

“if a public safety officer dies as the direct and proximate result of a heart attack or stroke, that officer shall be presumed to have died as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty, if--

(1)   that officer, while on duty--
 

(A) engaged in a situation, and such engagement involved nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical law enforcement, fire suppression, rescue, hazardous material response, emergency medical services, prison security, disaster relief, or other emergency response activity; or

(B) participated in a training exercise, and such participation involved nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activity…

(3) such presumption is not overcome by competent medical evidence to the contrary.

The manner in which DOJ was defining the term “nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activity” has caused some concern among survivors and the public safety community at large.  In several cases, DOJ has denied benefits to the survivors of public safety officers who have died in the line of duty from a heart attack or stroke based at least in part on the assumption that the emergency activities the officers were undertaking were “routine” for a public safety officer. 

“I believe it is safe to say that any firefighter or law enforcement officer will tell you no emergency situation is ever ‘routine,’” stated Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute.  “Our nation’s public safety officers put their lives on the line every day.  A situation which they may encounter on a regular basis can quickly escalate into a catastrophic situation.  While the men and women of our nation’s fire service are often prepared for almost any situation, the stress involved in their jobs is anything but routine and can take an enormous toll both physically and mentally.”

The new DOJ policy memorandum clarifies the meaning of the term “nonroutine stressful or strenuous activity” and specifically states that “Responding to an emergency call shall presumptively be treated as non-routine.” 

Many survivors have also expressed concern over how DOJ has implemented the phrase “competent medical evidence to the contrary” in past decisions.  The Department has often asked for as much as ten years of medical records and some survivors have reported infinite requests for more medical records from DOJ staff.  The new policy memorandum clarifies that medical records shall only be requested if the information provided in the claim file suggests factors outside of the line of duty may be responsible for the heart attack or stroke.  The memo further clarifies that “medical-history records requested of the claimant will be reviewed for mitigating evidence in favor of the claim.”

“While we believe this a positive development in resolving this issue, there is still more work to be done,” said Mr. Webb.  “It is now up to DOJ to implement the new policy and to make it work.  Too many families have been left out in the cold waiting for DOJ to do what Congress unanimously intended for them to do.  It is imperative that fire service continue to monitor the situation to make sure the families of our public safety officers are treated fairly and their claims are processed efficiently and as Congress intended.”

Application Period Open: Fiscal Year 2007 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

The Department of Homeland Security recently posted the FY07 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants Program Guidance on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Website. The application period opened on October 22, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).  Applications for these grants must be received by November 30, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
 

FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and

related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations, firefighter safety and mitigate high incidences of death and injury. Examples of the types of projects supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile fire setter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs.

The applicant tutorial is available through the www.firegrantsupport.com Website.  The tutorial will provide you with valuable grant information and will walk you through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications.  In addition, the applicant tutorial will provide an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria.  Applicants who have questions regarding the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants opportunity should contact the help desk as soon as possible at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. 

During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume, demand, holidays and urgency to complete the FP&S Grants application period and processing for FY07.

The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grants Program Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.

FY07 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants Program Guidance – visit www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/guidance/.

FY07 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants FAQs – visit www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/faq/07/.

Posted 10-18-07

Department of Justice Updates Policy on PSOB Benefits

On October 5, 2007, the Department of Justice issued two policy memorandums to the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program, which it claims will significantly change the determination process for applications made under the Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefits Act.

The new policy, which is effective immediately, clarifies the language of the law and is intended to fix the problems that have been plaguing the determination process. As of Thursday, a total of 202 Hometown Heroes claims were pending, with 21 approved and 57 denied. A total of 26 appeals had been filed.

First, the memorandum states that classification for routine and non-routine activity will not be dependent on the department or public safety agency claiming it to be so. It now means that a firefighter responding to an incident will be considered non-routine due to the amount of stress the firefighter undergoes when performing the activity.

Previously, the Department had denied claims in which firefighters suffered a fatal heart attack during emergency response, with the justification that emergency response does not necessarily constitute, "nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical" activity.

Second, no medical history records will be requested of claimants in cases where nothing in the claim file suggests that either something other than the line of duty may have caused the fatal heart attack or stroke or that it was more likely than not that the heart attack was imminent. Unless information in the claim file suggests that the deceased person knew or should have known of the presence of heart disease and aggravated the condition by his or her own behavior, then a coroners report suggesting a previous condition will not be considered.

The Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association (CSFCA), which had joined the IAFC and other national fire service groups in lobbying the President for changes and had contacted the Colorado congressional delegation, welcomed the new guidelines.  "I am pleased the Department of Justice has gotten the message and it appears will be implementing the Act as Congress intended," said CSFCA President Douglas P. Forsman.

The Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program is a one-time payment of nearly $303,064 to the families of fallen public safety officers. The Hometown Heroes Act, which was signed into law in December 2003, was intended to make it possible for public safety officers who die from heart attack or stroke caused by participation in emergency response to qualify for the program.

Up until now, DoJ's interpretation of the law has been at odds with the intent of Congress. DoJ has placed the burden of proof that the physical activity the officer engaged in was nonroutine or stressful on the applicant and has denied claims in which firefighters suffered a fatal heart attack during emergency response, with the justification that emergency response does not necessarily constitute "nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical" activity. As of October 4, a total of 202 Hometown Heroes claims are pending, with 21 approved and 57 denied. A total of 26 appeals have been filed.

Posted 10-08-07

Collective Bargaining Bill Introduced in Senate

October 2, 2007 – S.2123, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, was introduced in the Senate on October 1 with bipartisan support. Led by Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA), 10 Republicans and 11 Democrats joined together as original sponsors of the legislation.

The strong showing of bipartisan support was essential to moving the legislation forward, since major legislation requires a supermajority 3/5 vote to pass the Senate. Having 10 Republicans listed as original sponsors is a signal that the legislation has sufficient support to reach the 3/5 threshold and overcome a filibuster.

S.2123 was assigned to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which is chaired by Senator Kennedy. The Committee could either take up the legislation directly or seek to attach it to some other legislation moving through the process.

The companion to this Bill, HR 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007, was overwhelmingly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 17, 2007.

To download a copy of S.2123, click here.

Fire Agencies to Study Consolidation
Chief Qualman to Lead Both Agencies During Study

For more information contact: Becky O’Guin, Parker Fire District 303.906.8189 or
Andy Lyon, South Metro Fire Rescue, 720.488.7221, pager 303.826.4110

September 28, 2007 – The Parker Fire Protection District and South Metro Fire Rescue have agreed to jointly fund a study to look at the possibility of consolidating services. Such consolidation could range from sharing various resources and programs to a complete integration of the two departments into a new entity. Additionally, the boards of directors of both fire agencies announced last night that Parker Chief Dan Qualman will lead both agencies, at least through the consolidation study period.

“The Parker Fire District already provides fleet maintenance services to South Metro and Parker is joining with South Metro in a new dispatch authority at the end of the year,” according to Parker Chief Dan Qualman. “We think it makes sense to look for ways to improve the quality of our service and for ways to provide service in a more cost effective manner that over time may save our residents money,” Qualman said. He added, “Until we do a comprehensive study, we won’t know if any type of consolidation makes sense.” 

The boards of both organizations have passed a resolution in support of the study and agreed to share costs, estimated to be about $30,000. Emergency Services Consulting, Incorporated, (ESCi) will conduct the feasibility study. “We share borders with the Parker Fire District and already work with them in a number of ways, such as fleet services, dispatch, and hazardous materials and technical rescue responses” says South Metro Chief Mike Dell’Orfano, “so it makes sense to take a look at all areas and see how we can work together more effectively.”

Beginning October 15, Chief Qualman will take over from Dell’Orfano as interim chief of South Metro, while continuing in his role as Chief of the Parker Fire Protection District. According to a statement from the boards, “Chief Qualman is well-known for his leadership abilities and reasoned judgment, assets that will benefit both departments.” The statement goes on to say “We owe a tremendous and sincere sense of gratitude to Chief Mike Dell’Orfano, whose calm leadership of South Metro for the past four months brought stability and a sense of purpose to the organization.” Dell’Orfano will continue to be involved in the executive leadership of South Metro. While expressing confidence in the ability to merge the two departments “for the benefit of our taxpayers and our employees”, the boards recognize that such a merger is not a foregone conclusion, which is why a thorough feasibility study must be done.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by March 1, 2008. “What comes next after that really depends on what we find out during this study process,” says Dell’Orfano. “At the very least I believe our organizations will learn more about each other and, through that process, will discover ways to strengthen what is already a good working relationship,” Dell’Orfano said.

The men and women of the Parker Fire District and South Metro Fire Rescue provide emergency medical, fire suppression, and fire prevention services to the people living and working in Arapahoe and Douglas counties. 

South Metro Fire Rescue covers 76 square miles and includes; the cities of Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Centennial and Lone Tree; as well as much of the Denver Tech Center and Inverness; Park Meadows; Centennial Airport; and the communities of Castle Pines Village, Castle Pines North, and Louviers. For more information, visit www.southmetro.org.

Parker Fire District serves a 100 square miles and includes; Centennial, Lone Tree, the towns of Parker and Foxfield, Meridian and Inverness Office Parks and Centennial Airport. For more information visit www.parkerfire.org.

The IAFC and the USFA Develop Report on Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Firefighters and EMS Responders

Fairfax, Va., Sept. 24, 2007 - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announce the release of The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Fire Fighters and EMS Responders. This new report is based on a comprehensive literature review of fatigue and sleep deprivation in other industries (primarily the transportation and medical fields) and features applications to the fire and emergency services as appropriate, along with useful mitigation strategies. A resource section is included.

“This is an in-depth culmination of available sleep-deprivation research that, if taken seriously, should keep the fire chief awake at night,” said IAFC President Chief Steven P. Westermann. “The research can apply to any busy station, volunteer or career, with any of the traditional schedules, not just the newer 48/96 schedule. The report ends by providing several recommendations, not the least of which is how to spot sleep deprivation.”

This program is a result of a partnership between the IAFC and USFA, with assistance from the faculty of Oregon Health & Science University. In addition to the report, a self-guided, computer-based training program has been developed.

“We were pleased to work closely with the IAFC on this initiative,” said Chief Gregory B. Cade, U.S. Fire Administrator. “We have long known the stresses long-term operations place on all firefighters. The impact of sleep deprivation is an important issue to the health and safety impacts on members of the fire service and the residents they protect.”

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Fire Fighters and EMS Responders and related training materials are available on the IAFC website at www.iafc.org/sleep. 

Information about this program may also be found on the USFA website at www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/safety/sleep_deprivation.shtm.

USFA Releases Annual Report on Firefighter Deaths

2006 Saw 106 firefighters Killed While on Duty

August 14, 2007 – For two decades, the National Fire Data Center has kept track of firefighter fatalities and conducted an analysis of the fatalities that occur each year. Through the collection of information on the causes of firefighter deaths, the USFA is able to focus on specific problems and direct efforts towards finding solutions to reduce the number of firefighter fatalities in the future. This information is also used to measure the effectiveness of current efforts directed toward firefighter health and safety.

The specific objective of the study Firefighter Fatalities in the United States is to identify all of the on-duty firefighter fatalities that occur in the United States and to analyze the circumstances surrounding each occurrence. The study is intended to help identify approaches that could reduce the number of deaths in future years.

Overview of Findings

106 firefighters died while on duty in 2006:

·         77 volunteer firefighters and 29 career firefighters died while on duty.

·         There were 6 firefighter fatality incidents where 2 or more firefighters were killed, claiming a total of 17 firefighters' lives.

·         22 firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass, or wildland firefighting.

·         Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 61 firefighters.

·         36 firefighters died while engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.

·         15 firefighters died while responding to or returning from emergency incidents.

·         9 firefighters died while they were engaged in training activities.

·         20 firefighters died after the conclusion of their onduty activity.

·         Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death for 2006, with 50 firefighter deaths.

·         19 firefighters were killed as a result of vehicle crashes.

The 2006 report on firefighter fatalities in the United States may be downloaded here.

Berthoud Extrication Challenge

September 21-23, 2007

The Berthoud Fire Protection District is proud to host an educational automobile extrication challenge including a TERC sanctioned regional competition.  Instructors from around the country will conduct training sessions to share a broad perspective of techniques and skills, leading up to a competition to wrap up the weekend.  To ensure that everyone gets tool time enrollment will be limited- don’t get left out! 

Posted 08-14-07

MSEC / CSFCA Wage and Benefit Survey Available

For the sixth year, Mountain States Employers Council, Inc. was requested by the Colorado State Fire Chief’s to act as a third party data collector to conduct a salary and benefits survey for fire protection agencies throughout Colorado.  The survey has been compiled and published and is ready for distribution.

In addition to compensation data, this survey also collects data for benefits and personnel practices in fire departments for four employee categories – commissioned, non-commissioned, volunteers, and part-time.

The cost of the Wage and Benefits Survey are:

CSFCA Member, Survey Participant           $275

CSFCA Member, Non-Participant               $375

Non-CSFCA Member                               $475

Additional Copies                                   $  25

For a copy of the Wage and Benefits Survey, contact Paul L. Cooke, Executive Director at 720-874-8116 or paul@coloradofirechiefs.org.  Copies have been shipped to those members who requested a copy in advance.

The CSFCA expresses its sincere appreciation to those departments that participated in the survey.

Posted 08-07-07

Department of Homeland Security Opens Application Period for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Services (SAFER) Grants

July 27, 2007 - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted today the Program Guidance document for the FY2007 SAFER Grants at the website for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program - www.firegrantsupport.com.

Under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, Congress appropriated $115 million for SAFER Grants. DHS has also made available today an online applicant tutorial, Frequently Asked Questions and other materials to assist applicants in their preparation of competitive applications for these grants.

Beginning July 30, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin accepting applications for SAFER Grants. The deadline for receipt of the SAFER Grant applications will be 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 31, 2007.

The applications will be automated and will be accessible from the website for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program atwww.firegrantsupport.com. The website also provides useful information on the SAFER Grants' priorities and processes that are discussed in the Program Guidance. A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available, and will be updated, as the program staff learns about the areas of inquiry.

An applicant tutorial on the SAFER Grant, designed to instruct users regarding the preparation and submittal of competitive applications, is also now available at www.firegrantsupport.com. Applicants who have questions regarding the SAFER Grant opportunities should contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov.

During the SAFER application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (EDT), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume and demand.

Eligible applicants for SAFER Grants include fire departments (for the hiring of firefighters) and state or local organizations as well as volunteer and combination fire departments (for volunteer recruitment and retention grants). Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the SAFER Program Guidance, and utilize all other assistance materials available on the AFG Website.

The SAFER Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Division of Fire Safety Adopts Emergency Rules for School Safety Inspections and Plan Reviews

July 23, 2007 - The State Division of Fire Safety has just adopted emergency rules in order to implement the changes mandated by HB06-1158 (The School Safety Bill).  Once these take effect, a fire official will need to be certified by the State in order to perform plan reviews or inspections on schools.  IF A LOCAL JURISDICTION DOES NOT HAVE ANYONE CERTIFIED AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL, THE STATE WILL ASSUME THAT RESPONSIBILITY.  THIS APPLIES EVEN FOR MAINTENANCE (ANNUAL) INSPECTIONS.

There are three certification levels:

1.      (CO) Fire Inspector I is the minimum requirement to perform maintenance (annual) inspections on schools.  At least one person on the maintenance inspection team will need to be certified by the State at this level or higher.  Anyone holding a valid and current IFC Inspector I or UFC company inspector certification meets the requirements of this level.

2.      (CO) Fire Inspector II is the minimum requirement to perform construction inspections on schools. (NOTE: inspections of sprinkler systems fall under the suppression program.)  At least one person on the construction inspection team will need to be certified by the State at this level or higher.  Anyone holding a valid and current IFC Inspector II or UFC Fire Inspector certification meets the requirement for this level.

3.      (CO) Fire Inspector III - Plans Examiner is the minimum requirement to perform construction plan reviews on schools.  (NOTE: reviews of sprinkler systems fall under the suppression program.)  A person certified to this level must sign off on any plan review.  Anyone holding any of the following combinations of certifications meet the requirement for this level:

• ICC Fire Inspector II and IFC Plans Examiner

• ICC Fire Inspector II and ICC Building Plans Examiner

• ICC Fire Inspector II and 2 years minimum documented plan review experience

• Uniform Fire Inspector and UBC Building Plans Examiner

• ICC Fire Inspector II and UBC Building Plans Examiner

Those not meeting all of the certification requirements for a particular level may still become certified by: a) completing a written test proctored by the DFS or, b) demonstrating equivalent experience and education as indicated in the attached rules.

IF YOU OR YOUR DEPARTMENT INTEND TO PERFORM INSPECTIONS OR PLAN REVIEWS IN SCHOOLS, YOU MUST BECOME CERTIFIED!

The emergency rules and an application for certification are found below.

If you have any questions, please forward them to Rob Geislinger at the address below.  He will answer them as best he can.  If he cannot, he'll forward them to the DFS.

Rob Geislinger, Secretary
Fire Marshal's Association of Colorado

c/o Parker Fire Protection District
10235 Parkglenn Way
Parker, CO 80138
(720) 274-3704

Email: rgeislinger@parkerfire.org

2007 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Observance/Fire Apparatus Procession

Dear Local Fire Department:

As the liaison between the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the International Association of Fire Fighters, we would like to request the honor of your participation in this year’s observance. The Memorial Observance will take place Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 1:00 pm in Colorado Springs.

Your department’s attendance at the observance will help the United States and Canada honor our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the line of duty this past year. We would ask your department to commit a piece(s) of fire apparatus and personnel to take part in the procession that will occur before the ceremony begins.

The procession will take place in two sections:  The first section is sponsored by the Wind & Fire Motorcycle Club, Rocky Mountain Chapter. Fire apparatus will accompany the fire fighter motorcyclists from Lakewood to a designated staging area in Colorado Springs following a brief ceremony at the Colorado Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial site. The second section of the procession is sponsored by the Colorado Springs Professional Fire Fighters Union. It will depart from the staging area in Colorado Springs and will arrive at Memorial Park just prior to the commencement of the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Observance. 

This year’s procession is shaping up to be one of the largest to date, with the IAFF Motorcycle Group incorporating this event into their inaugural National Rally. We look forward to a strong representation of Colorado fire apparatus as well! The attached pages indicate apparatus staging locations, staging/departure times, and the procession routes.

Fire departments who can commit fire apparatus to either section of the procession must complete and return the registration form (below)to ffmprocessionsignup@iafflocal5.com, or complete a registration form found on our website at www.iafflocal5.com.  Registration must be submitted no later than August 31, 2007. Individuals interested in riding their motorcycles in either section of the procession must register independently at www.ridetoremember.org/form.html.

Respectfully,

Kevin L. Simpson
Colorado Springs Professional Fire Fighters Local 5
5835 Lehman Drive, Suite 201
Colorado Springs, CO  80918

Please send all replies to:  ffmprocessionsignup@iafflocal5.com.

Posted: July 17, 2007

Fire Service Calls on Congress to Investigate PSOB Program

Fairfax, Va., July 12, 2007 – In a Capitol Hill press conference held yesterday, July 11, IAFC President Chief Jim Harmes called on Congress to investigate the implementation of the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act by the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

RELATED: Focus on the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act

Gov. Ritter Announces Major Changes to Colorado Homeland Security Programs

July 12, 2007 – Gov. Bill Ritter today announced a major overhaul of Colorado’s homeland security structure to strengthen and better coordinate state operations and ensure compliance with federal spending guidelines.

The changes include creating the position of Governor’s Homeland Security Coordinator, to be filled by retired Colorado National Guard Maj. Gen. Mason Whitney. In addition, former state Auditor Joanne Hill will oversee homeland security’s financial component, and Kent Smiley, currently director of safety programs for the technology services division with the city and county of Denver, will direct the Governor’s Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government (COOP/COG) programs.

Upon taking office in January, Gov. Ritter directed his administration to conduct a detailed review of homeland security and emergency management programs. The ongoing review, along with federal audits, have identified continued flaws in the administration of the programs.

“One of state government’s most critical responsibilities is to do all we can to keep Coloradans safe and secure and to respond to emergencies,” Gov. Ritter said. “I can think of no better person than Gen. Whitney to lead this effort, which will include crafting a unified state strategy, helping us maximize dwindling federal grant dollars and creating a sustainable homeland security program. I’m honored that he is returning to once again serve the people of Colorado.”

Currently, the Departments of Local Affairs and Public Safety share responsibility for homeland security programs, along with a coordinating body, the All Hazards Senior Advisory Committee (SAC). The review by Gov. Ritter’s administration found this structure inadequate and the responsibilities too diffused to handle a serious terror incident in Colorado. The review also found that federal homeland security grant processes have been flawed, and changes to comply with federal laws and guidelines are critical, particularly because of shrinking federal resources to all states.

“We concluded that a central coordinator, reporting directly to me as Governor, was the best way to ensure that our programs are effective and efficient,” Gov. Ritter said.

Whitney, who retired from the National Guard earlier this year, will serve as homeland security coordinator under a one-year, $120,000 contract. He will manage a statewide planning process, overseeing policy and strategy development, federal grants, and collaboration among state agencies, the Governor’s Office, legislature and the private sector. He begins Aug. 1 and will report to the Governor.

Whitney served as adjutant general of the Colorado National Guard from 2000 to April 2007. He served as a member of the Governor's Emergency Response Committee, as vice chairman of the SAC and an ex-officio member of the Governor's Expert Epidemic Emergency Response Committee.

Hill, under a one-year, $107,000 consulting contract, will scrutinize homeland security grant standards and audits. She starts Sept. 1 and will provide financial information and opinions, review internal controls, and evaluate compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Hill served as Colorado state auditor from 2001 to 2006. She currently is director of the National Nuclear Security Administration Audits Division, Inspector General’s Office.

Smiley will join the state Aug. 1 to revise and redevelop the Governor’s COOP/COG plans, which are designed to maintain basic government services and functions in the face of a disaster or terrorist incident. Smiley will be housed in the Colorado Office of Information Technology with a salary of $100,000 a year.

Salaries for Whitney, Hill and Smiley will be paid out of federal homeland security grants.

These appointments follow the hiring of Chris Olson as director of the Colorado Division of Emergency Management. The division will work closely with Gen Whitney and continue its historic function of coordinating responses to natural disasters such as floods, fires, snow storms and tornadoes.

U.S. House Passes H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007

July 18, 2007 – Earlier today the House passed H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007.   The bill, which passed 314 - 97, guarantees collective bargaining rights for every state and local police, firefighter, emergency medical technician, corrections officer and other first responder. 

Specifically, the bill requires that the Federal Labor Relations Authority, within 180 days of the Act’s passage, determine whether each state’s law:

1.               grants public safety officers the right to form and join a labor union;

2.               requires that public safety employers recognize the employees’ labor organization;

3.               provides for bargaining over hours, wages and the terms and conditions of employment;

4.               provides for an impasse resolution process; and

5.               requires that state courts enforce the rights established by H.R. 980.

If any state fails to meet these requirements, even if the state currently has collective bargaining procedures in place, the state would be required to comply with H.R. 980 within 2 years of the effective date.

A similar bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate by Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) very shortly, though it is unclear as to how quickly the Senate will act given its pressing appropriations schedule and given that there are only a little over two weeks to go before the August recess.

For a copy of H.R. 980, click here.

NIOSH releases the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Report on the Line-of-Duty Death of Denver Fire Lieutenant Rich Montoya

July 11, 2007 – The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Report:

F2006-19 May 14, 2006 Career Lieutenant Dies in Residential Structure Fire – Colorado.

Summary

On May 14, 2006, a 61-year-old male career Lieutenant (the victim) was fatally injured at a residential structure fire as a result of smoke inhalation. Dispatch had reported a residential two-story structure fire with possible trapped victims. The victim’s engine (E9) was first on the scene followed shortly by a ladder truck, where they encountered heavy smoke pouring out of the back of the residence.

The victim and two fire fighters from E9 entered the structure in a fast attack mode while fire fighters from the other apparatus rescued a civilian. The victim and fire fighters donned their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) once inside the smoky kitchen. Then the victim and fire fighters advanced the attack line through the first floor of the house and up the stairs where they encountered high heat and zero visibility.

After further advancing into what the victim and fire fighters thought was a hallway (it was actually a small bedroom), they concluded that they were not in the fire room. They felt heat and believed they had fire in the attic above them, so they backed out to regroup at the top of the stairs. The two fire fighters assumed the victim was nearby. Both fire fighters ended up exiting the structure, within minutes of each other, when their low air alarms went off. Other fire fighters heard a personnel alert safety system (PASS) alarm when they were on a landing just below the top of the stairs.

The Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) was activated but the fire fighters who had reported the PASS alarm also took the initiative to find the victim. They located the victim underneath a mattress and pulled him to the doorway near the top of the stairs. The RIT progressed to the top of the stairs and extricated the victim to the yard where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed. The hospitalized victim succumbed to his injuries on May 21, 2006.

NIOSH investigators concluded that, to minimize the risk of similar occurrences, fire departments should:

·         ensure that team continuity is maintained

·         ensure that officers and fire fighters follow established standard operating guidelines regarding SCBA donning on the fireground

Although there is no evidence that the following recommendations could have specifically prevented this fatality, NIOSH investigators recommend that fire departments:

·         ensure that all fire fighters are trained on proper radio discipline and operation to communicate with the Incident Commander (IC)

·         ensure that the Incident Commander receives pertinent information (i.e., location of stairs, number of occupants in the structure, etc.) from occupants on scene and information is relayed to crews during size-up

For a copy of the complete report, click here.

Police, Fire Families Fight for U.S. Death Benefit

July 10, 2007 - When volunteer firefighter Lee Purdy died in 2000, minutes after manning a pumper engine at a building fire, a lucrative U.S. government death benefit did not cover his heart suddenly stopping in the line of duty. His wife Sharon successfully campaigned in 2003 to expand the benefit to strokes and heart conditions suffered by police officers, firefighters and paramedics, but scores of grieving families have been left in limbo by the Justice Department. 

RELATED: Focus on the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act

2008 Emergency Response Guidebook; Electronic Version will be Available

Two federal agencies joined forces to give fire fighters and other emergency responders instant access to information that will help them – in the first critical moments of an incident – determine the best way to safely contain hazardous materials spills and battle chemical fires.

Emergency responders will for the first time have electronic access through laptops and personal digital assistants (PDAs) to the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) under the new effort between the U.S. Departments of Transportation (DOT) and Health and Human Services (HHS). The guidebook is the go-to reference for first responders to help them quickly identify hazardous material classifications, determine the best response, and protect themselves and the general public immediately after an incident.

“This new digital tool will give our police, fire fighters, and other emergency responders first on the scene the information they need to make the rapid-fire decisions necessary to protect the public and themselves,” said Ted Willke, PHMSA associate administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.

The new electronic guidebook is being made possible by a new agreement signed between DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the HHS’s National Library of Medicine.

The library developed special software to give emergency responders access to the guidebook through PDAs as well as Windows-based laptops and desktops. The software application, called the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER), will be available later this year.

The 2004 version of the ERG (and eventually the 2008 version) can be found at http://hazmat.dot.gov/pubs/erg/gydebook.htm. Although not available yet, the printed version of the 2008 ERG will be available at this link (where the 2004 version is still available).

For more on WISER, visit http://wiser.nlm.nih.gov.

Posted: July 10, 2007

Westminster Public Safety Recognition Foundation – 5th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament

The 5th Annual Westminster Public Safety Recognition Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament will be August 27, 2007, at The Heritage at Westmoor, 10555 Westmoor Drive in Westminster.  Download a golfer registration/sponsor form here.

Posted 07-10-07

Gov. Ritter Announces Chris Olson as Director of Division of Emergency Management

July 3, 2007 – Gov. Bill Ritter and Susan Kirkpatrick, executive director of the Department of Local Affairs, today announced the selection of Chris Olson as director of the Division of Emergency Management.

Olson has served as the director of the City of Englewood’s Department of Safety Services since 1997. He has been with the City of Englewood for more than 30 years, where he has progressed through the ranks from firefighter, paramedic, fire officer, Deputy Director, to his most recent position. He also is the former president of the Denver Civil Service Commission, where he worked closely with the City Council, Mayor's Office and various employee, government and community groups on the selection, promotion and discipline of fire and police officers.

“Chris Olson’s commitment to emergency management, his longtime experience in public safety and service to the community, make him an excellent choice for leading the Division of Emergency Management,” Gov. Ritter said. “I believe his background will help elevate the critical and valuable work this division provides to our state.”

The Division of Emergency Management is one of five divisions within the Department of Local Affairs. The division is responsible for the state's comprehensive emergency management program, which supports local and state agencies. Activities and services cover the four phases of emergency management: Preparedness, Prevention, Response, and Recovery for disasters such as flooding, tornadoes, wildfire, hazardous materials incidents and acts of terrorism.

“I am very honored to be serving in this statewide capacity. I look forward to working with Gov. Ritter and Executive Director Kirkpatrick in carrying the governor's emergency management strategy forward,” Olson said. “This division is known for its strong partnerships with local communities and I am looking forward to the important work ahead."

Olson officially takes his post on July 30.

Greater Brighton FPD Selects New Chief

July 2, 2007 – The Greater Brighton Fire Protection District wishes to announce the appointment of Mark Bodane as the new Fire Chief for the GBFPD.  After an extensive national search, conducted by CPS Human Resource Services of Sacramento, California, Chief Bodane was selected from a field of 43 applicants for the position.

Mark Bodane has been in the fire service since 1976.  He is currently Fire Chief for the Carol Stream Fire Protection District, Carol Stream, Illinois.  He has 21 years of executive fire experience and is a highly respected member of the District and community.  Chief Bodane holds a Master of Science in Management, he is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer program of the National Fire Academy, and he has been named as a Designated Fire Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence.  Chief Bodane has extensive experience in leading a fire department as it transitions from a combination to career department.  He is looking forward to both the future of the GBFPD and to living in Colorado. 

Mark Bodane is married to Mary Bodane, and they have three children.  His swearing-in will be in August. 

USFA Announces New Web-based Online Training System

Emmitsburg, MD (June 25, 2007) – The U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Academy is pleased to announce the launch of a new Web-based online training system - NFAOnline. NFAOnline provides an easy, one-stop Web site where fire and emergency services personnel, first responders, emergency management personnel, and the general public will find free training and education programs that they can complete at their own pace.

"Now is the time for us to embrace the future and improve our education through distance learning," said NFA Superintendent, Dr. Denis Onieal. "NFAOnline provides another option to help further the professionalism of the nation's fire and emergency services and strengthen their ability to combat all hazard emergencies."

NFAOnline provides a user-friendly, state-of-the art training system with technical support and the ability for the student to immediately print a certificate and transcript. The primary effort of NFAOnline is to make available training and materials for the fire service, particularly those unable to attend resident courses in Emmitsburg, Maryland .

There are currently eight courses available on the new NFAOnline. Additional courses are in development and will be added in coming weeks. Course subjects include fire prevention, fire service supervision, incident management (ICS 100 and ICS 200), emergency response to terrorist incidents, and emergency medical services.

To enroll in NFAOnline, visit www.nfaonline.dhs.gov and select New Students.

USFA and the National Volunteer Fire Council Release Comprehensive Guide to Retention and Recruitment

Emmitsburg, MD (June 20, 2007) - The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), has released an in-depth guide on two of the biggest challenges facing the volunteer fire and emergency services – retention and recruitment. Retention and Recruitment for the Volunteer Emergency Services: Challenges and Solutions (Second Edition) addresses the primary challenges departments face regarding retention and recruitment. In addition, the guide outlines proven solutions to overcome these challenges to retention and recruitment of volunteer first responders. This valuable resource is designed for all volunteer and combination departments who are experiencing retention and recruitment challenges.

"Volunteer firefighters comprise two-thirds of the estimated 1.2 million firefighters in this country," said Acting Assistant Administrator Charlie Dickinson. "Maintaining these front-line responders through retention and recruitment is paramount to America's safety and security. Communities across the nation continue to find creative ways to support and maintain these critical community first responders."

Among the challenges identified and addressed in the new guide are time demands, training requirements, increasing call volume, changes in the "nature of the business," changes in sociological conditions, leadership challenges, federal legislation, internal conflict, higher cost of housing, aging communities, and the effects of the decline in volunteers. The text contains a thorough and insightful look at each of these issues and provides examples of solutions that have worked in volunteer organizations across the nation. There is also an expansive Appendix section that contains further information such as study results, statistics, sample documents, references, and additional resources.

"Retention and recruitment remains a challenge for our volunteer fire and emergency medical services," said Philip C. Stittleburg, Chairman of the NVFC. "Statistics show that the number of volunteer firefighters has declined as much as 10% over the last 20 years. Yet our nation relies on the volunteer fire and emergency services now more than ever. It is our hope that this guide helps departments overcome the hurdles they face in recruiting and retaining volunteers."

The USFA and NVFC originally teamed up in 1998 to release the first edition of the guide. This second edition has been enhanced with new research and current issues the emergency services face in the 21st century. A new curriculum based on the guide is also being developed for Retention and Recruitment Seminars. This program will be offered by the NVFC at state association conferences across the nation.

A hard copy of this publication will be available through the USFA Publications Center in September 2007.

To download a copy of Retention and Recruitment for the Volunteer Emergency Services: Challenges and Solutions (Second Edition), click here.

Nine Charleston Firefighters Perish in Blaze

CSFCA President Urges Colorado Fire Service to ‘Stand Down’

June 19, 2007 – Nine Charleston firefighters were killed in a collapse Monday night in a massive blaze at a sofa store and warehouse, one of the worst firefighting tragedies in the last 30 years.

``Sadly, this tragedy serves as a reminder to all of us of the extreme dangers firefighters face”, says Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association President Douglas Forsman.  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Charleston Fire Department and the families of the firefighters that lost their lives.”

It is significant to note that this tragedy occurred at a time that much of the fire service is focused on safety.  The 2007 International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down started June 17, and continues through June 23, 2007.

The Stand Down, themed “Ready to Respond,” focuses on preparing firefighters and EMS personnel for their daily duties by reviewing their training and the proper use of equipment to ensure safe response, mitigation and return from all emergency situations.  Failure to remain cautious can cause routine activities to become hazardous, as has been shown in the many fire service and emergency medical service line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

Chief Forsman urges Colorado fire departments to participate in the Stand Down by focusing on firefighter safety, particularly in the areas of pre-emergency tasks, routines and preventable behaviors.

In 2006, 105 firefighters died in the line of duty.  With the tragedy in Charleston, this year’s toll is already at 56.  The purpose of the Stand Down is to reduce these deaths and injuries by calling attention to safety practices and improving them.

Only five other major emergency incidents, including two explosions and a wildfire, have claimed more than six firefighters at one time in the past 30 years:

·         July 23, 1984: A massive explosion at the Union Oil Company refinery in Romeoville, Ill. - the result of a propane gas leak in a cracking tower - killed 19 people, including ten members of the company's fire brigade.

·         Nov. 29, 1988: Six firefighters in Kansas City, Mo. were killed instantly as they approached a semi-trailer from which smoke had been seen coming from. The trailers were loaded with explosives. The blast left two large craters in the ground.

·         July 6, 1994: While operating at a major wildfire on Storm King Mountain near Glenwood Springs, Co., 14 wildland firefighters were killed when shifting 70-mph winds trapped them and the fire swept over their position.

·         December. 3, 1999: A fire at the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse in Worcester, MA, claimed the live of six firefighter's that were operating inside the structure when conditions rapidly deteriorated.

·        September 11, 2001: 343 FDNY firefighters were killed when the twin towers of the World Trade Center collapsed, following a terrorist attack.

About the Charleston Fire Department

The City of Charleston Fire Department is an ISO Class I rated department consisting of 19 fire companies located throughout the city. The Fire Chief supervises 3 Assistant Chiefs and 12 Battalion Chiefs, who command three shifts and work 24 hours on and 48 hours off. The 3 Assistant Chiefs cover five areas - uptown, downtown and West Ashley, James Island, Daniel Island, and John's Island. The remainder of the Fire Department staff consists of Captains, fire drivers and firefighters. A Captain is in charge of each station, with a fire driver and two firefighters in his company.

Russell Thomas, Chief
City of Charleston Fire Department
46-1/2 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
thomasr@ci.charleston.sc.us

For more information about the 2007 International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down go to: www.iafc.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=306.

FEMA Announces Membership of National Advisory Council

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator David Paulison today announced the membership of the National Advisory Council.

The council advises the Administrator of FEMA on all aspects of preparedness and emergency management in an effort to ensure close coordination with its partners across the country.

"These experts in the field of emergency preparedness and response will bring new and unique perspective to the Department," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.  "We welcome their service and look forward to their valuable contributions and innovative ideas in emergency management."

"The men and women nominated to serve on the National Advisory Council are recognized experts across the range of emergency management disciplines," said Administrator Paulison.  "Their extensive knowledge and diverse points of view will be a great asset as they advise us on how we can best respond to natural and manmade disasters together."

The development of the National Advisory Council was set into motion by the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006.  Members are appointed by the Administrator and represent a geographic and significant cross section of officials from emergency management and law enforcement, and include homeland security directors, adjutants general, emergency response providers from state, local, and tribal governments, private sector, and nongovernmental organizations.

The Council is being instituted to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of the federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.  Specifically, the Council will focus attention in the development and revision of the national preparedness goal, the national preparedness system, the National Incident Management System, the National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies. 

The Council intends to hold quarterly meetings each year.  Pending final approval of disclosure forms that must by law be submitted by certain appointees, the first meeting is expected to be convened this fall.

Proposed Membership:

CATEGORY:  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

·         Dr. G. Kemble "Kem" Bennett (TX) - Vice Chancellor for Engineering and Dean of the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University.

·         Joseph Bruno (NY) - Commissioner of the New York City Office of Emergency Management

·         Albert Ashwood (OK) - Director of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management & President of the National Emergency Management Association

CATEGORY:  EMERGENCY RESPONSE

·         Stephen Cassidy (NY) - President of the Uniformed Firefighters Assoc. of Greater New York.

·         Kurt Krumperman (AZ) - Corporate Senior Vice President for Rural/Metro Corporation, the second largest provider of emergency and non-emergency ambulance services in the U.S.

·         Cathey Eide (CA) - Special Programs Coordinator for the Oakland Fire Department, EMS Division.

CATEGORY:  PUBLIC HEALTH

·         Dr. Christina Lynn Catlett (DC) - Executive Director of The George Washington University Center for Emergency Preparedness & Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University Hospital.

CATEGORY:  EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROVIDER

·         Angelia Mary Elgin, R.N. (MO) - Instructor at the IHM Health Studies Center, St. Louis Community College, Fire Academy; Licensed, Registered Professional Nurse, St. Louis University Hospital; Firefighter/ Paramedic, University City Fire Department

CATEGORY:  HEALTH SCIENTIST

·         Dr. Kenneth Miller (CA) - Medical Director of the Orange County Fire Authority; Assistant Medical Director of the Orange County Healthcare Agency/Emergency Medical Services; Co-Director of the University of California-Irvine School of Medicine EMS & Disaster Medical Sciences Fellowship

CATEGORY:  IN-PATIENT MEDICAL PROVIDER

·         Dr. Robert Gougelet (NH) - Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

CATEGORY:  STANDARDS SETTING

·         Robert Connors (MA) - Director of Preparedness for Raytheon Company.

·         James Paturas (CT) - Deputy Director of the Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response.

CATEGORY:  INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION

·         Ann Beauchesne (DC) - Executive Director, Homeland Security Division, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

CATEGORY:  CYBER SECURITY

·         Phillip Reitinger (WA) - Critical Infrastructure Protection Team with Microsoft Corp.

CATEGORY:  COMMUNICATIONS

·         David Barron (DC) - Assistant Vice President (Retired) for Federal Relations/National Security at the BellSouth (ATT) Corporation.

CATEGORY:  DISABILITIES

·         Hilary Styron (DC) - Director of the Emergency Preparedness Initiative within the National Organization on Disability.

CATEGORY:  SPECIAL NEEDS

·         Irene Collins (AL) - Executive Director of the Alabama Department of Senior Services.

CATEGORY:  STATE GOVERNMENT

·         John William "Bill" Libby (ME) - Major General and Adjutant General and Commissioner of Defense for the State of Maine.

CATEGORY:  LOCAL GOVERNMENT

·         Susanne Torriente (FL) - Chief of Staff and Assistant County Manager for Public Safety, Information and Technology, for Miami-Dade County.

CATEGORY:  TRIBAL GOVERNMENT

·         Charles Kmet (AZ) - Emergency Management Administrator for the Tohono O'Dham Department of Public Safety.

CATEGORY:  STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL

·         John Wesley Hines (MS) - Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives and its Gaming; Insurance; Juvenile Justice; Military Affairs; Ports, Harbors & Airports; Public Health & Human Services and Public Utilities committees

CATEGORY:  LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIAL

·         Dr. Michael Brown, FACOG (ND) - Mayor of Grand Forks

CATEGORY:  TRIBAL ELECTED OFFICIAL

·         Phillip Martin (MS) - Tribal Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

FEMA ADMINISTRATOR SELECTIONS

·         Joanne Hayes-White (CA) - Chief of the San Francisco Fire Department.

·         Nancy J. Dragani (OH) - Executive Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.

·         Albert Najera (CA) - Chief of the Sacramento Police Department.

·         John Didion (WA) - Sheriff of Pacific County.

·         Mark Malcolm (AR) - Pulaski County Coroner

HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE (EX OFFICIO)

·         Dr. Richard "Dick" Andrews (CA) - Senior Director of Homeland Security Projects, NC4

OFFICER OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (EX OFFICIO)

·         Peter Verga (DC) - Principal Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense, U.S. Department of Defense.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Posted: June 19, 2007

Auditors Report Reveals Abysmal Enforcement of Fire and Life Safety in Schools by State Agency

Fire Chiefs Continue to Express Concerns

CENTENNIAL, June 13, 2007 – For years the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association (CSFCA) has repeatedly sounded the alarm that there was little or no enforcement of building and life safety codes in the construction or remodel of public schools in Colorado by the State Division of Oil and Public Safety.  Thus, the report released Monday by the State Auditor’s Office, which found the Division’s record of enforcement nothing short of abysmal, comes as no surprise to the fire chiefs. 

Aurora Names Interim Fire Chief

Aurora (CBS4) – The City of Aurora has named an interim fire chief nearly three weeks after Chief Casey Jones resigned.

John Scott is scheduled take over the job June 9 until a permanent replacement is announced.

"He has extensive experience in fire service including hazardous material and technical rescue response, program development, long range planning, training and leadership," city officials said in a prepared statement.

Scott is a 26-year veteran of the Aurora department.

“John is well respected among his peers, subordinates and his supervisors," Deputy City Manager Frank Ragan said. "I believe he will be a strong team player, a conscientious manager and will work to maintain the Aurora Fire Department at the highest operating level.”

Jones left two weeks after the city suspended him in the face of evidence he was playing golf on city time and accusations he had an affair with a subordinate.

The selection process for a new fire chief is expected to take five to six months.

Posted 06-05-07

Chief Greg Cade Confirmed As U.S. Fire Administrator

Fairfax, Va., May 25, 2007 - Today, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to confirm the nomination of Chief Gregory B. Cade to serve as U.S. Fire Administrator.

“Chief Cade is an experienced fire-service leader dedicated to improving the safety of America’s firefighters,” said IAFC President Chief Jim Harmes. “The IAFC endorsed Chief Cade’s nomination and looks forward to working with him in his new capacity at the U.S. Fire Administration.”

A 40-year veteran of the fire service and long-time IAFC member, Chief Cade spent the last eight years serving as fire chief and emergency-services coordinator for the community of Virginia Beach, Va. During this time, he has managed 19 fire and rescue stations and has led several hundred firefighters and emergency-response personnel. In addition to his duties at the local level, Chief Cade has also served on the National Urban Search and Rescue Team Advisory Board and as a sponsoring agency chief for Virginia Task Force 2. Chief Cade also has received national recognition for his involvement in municipal government.

President Bush nominated Chief Cade on December 5, 2006, and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee reported his nomination favorably to the full Senate on April 18, 2007. Cade succeeds former U.S. Fire Administrator and current FEMA Administrator, Chief R. David Paulison. Paulison was IAFC president from 1996-1997.

IAFC Encourages You to Meet with Federal Legislators

Fairfax, VA, May 25, 2007 - Your federal legislators are at home in their districts next week for the Memorial Day recess. The IAFC encourages you to make appointments with them to talk about fire-service issues. You can visit them in their home offices or invite them to your fire stations to show them your apparatus and equipment and let them meet your personnel. 

Residential Fire Sprinklers Receive Unprecedented Support at Building Safety Hearing

Rochester, NY (May 23, 2007) – At a public hearing held yesterday by the International Code Council, there was an unprecedented level of support shown for residential fire sprinklers. A proposal to modify the International Residential Code in favor of fire sprinklers in single-family homes secured the support of well over half of the voting members present. Only because of a procedural requirement for a supermajority vote of two-thirds, as opposed to a simple majority, was the sprinkler proposal not adopted.  

Member Alert: Urge President Bush to Implement Hometown Heroes Act

May 18, 2007 - CSFCA President Forsman urges you to contact your U.S. Representative and Senators and ask them to sign onto the Etheridge/King/Leahy/Specter letter expressing concern about DOJ’s implementation of the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act. 

RELATED: Focus on the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act

USFA Emphasizes Support for Residential Fire Sprinklers

Emmitsburg, MD (May 17, 2007) - The national support for residential sprinklers has been a long and important project for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Since our enabling legislation passed in 1974, the USFA has been organizationally charged with improving the life safety risk from fire for the United States. Fire sprinklers and smoke alarms are, and will continue to be, among the most important planks of the USFA.

"Since 2001, then USFA Fire Administrator R. David Paulison and I have made it a point to endorse local sprinkler ordinances, and recruit all fire service leaders to embrace sprinklers in all commercial and residential properties," said Acting USFA Assistant Administrator Charlie Dickinson. "Every firefighter in this nation, running into buildings people are running from, knows first hand the lives smoke alarms and sprinklers are saving across this nation."

The USFA is pleased to report that the number of fire incidents, fatalities, and injuries has declined over the past 25 years. However, at the same time, the USFA finds the loss of 2,570 lives in 2005 in one- and two-family homes to be unacceptable, and in many cases, preventable.

The USFA knows smoke alarm education and other public outreach programs are practical, effective, and proven approaches to reducing fire incidents, fatalities, and injuries and acknowledges that, tragically, some homes are still without working smoke alarms. As a result, the USFA continues its support of all fire departments and citizens to ensure that every home has and maintains working smoke alarms. However, USFA believes that this is only part of the solution.

Residential sprinkler installation is another part of the solution to further reduce residential fire incidents, injuries, and fatalities. The National Fire Protection Association reports that when sprinklers are present, the chances of dying in a fire are reduced by one-half to three-fourths and the average property loss per fire is cut by one-half to two-thirds when compared to fires where sprinklers are not present.

Together with smoke alarms, sprinklers cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 82%, relative to having neither. The need to install residential sprinklers in homes has been proven to result in lower fire damage and little or no spread of the fire from the room where it started. When coupled with a working smoke alarm, there is a potential for a dramatic decrease in the over 2,500 residential fire deaths that occur each year in America.

For further information regarding the efforts and programs of the USFA, visit: www.usfa.dhs.gov

Teller County Fire Chiefs' Open

June 15, 2007

Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, Ft. Carson

This is Teller County Fire Chiefs' Association annual training fundraiser.  Proceeds will go towards building a regional training facility. 

Posted 05-15-07

Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation – 10th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament

The 2007 Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation 10th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament will be June 20th, at Saddle Rock Golf Course, 21705 E Arapahoe Road in Aurora.  Download a golfer registration form here.

Posted 05-14-07

First Semester National Fire Academy Application Period Is Now Open

Emmitsburg, MD – May 1 marked the opening of the first semester fiscal year (FY) 2008 application period for the U. S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA). The application period runs from May 1 through June 30, 2007. The first semester includes those courses scheduled for delivery October 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008.

"The variety of courses being offered during the first semester covers all 11 NFA curriculum areas and includes a mix of 10-day and 6-day delivery options," said NFA Superintendent Dr. Denis Onieal. "It’s the United States Fire Administration’s mission to enhance the ability of the Nation’s fire and emergency services community to deal more effectively with fire and related emergencies. These National Fire Academy programs clearly support this effort."

In addition to 8 two-week sessions and 8 six-day sessions, the schedule includes one session of the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP). The VIP session is scheduled for February 17 – 22, 2008, with 6 different courses being offered.  The VIP is an intensive six-day educational opportunity designed specifically for volunteer and combination department emergency services personnel.

Applications should be postmarked between May 1 and June 30 in order to be considered for the first round of placement into the classes.  View Application Procedures/Download Application

Interested applicants are reminded that in addition to the course specific selection criteria and course specific prerequisite requirements, they must also have ICS 100 and ICS 200 level training in order to be considered for any NFA course.  To assist in meeting this requirement, the NFA offers the following two courses:

·         Q462:  ICS 100 – Introduction to Incident Command System for Operations First Responders

·         Q463:  ICS 200 – Basic Incident Command System for Operational First Responders

Posted 05-13-07

Burglar Alarms Emitting Smoke Causing Concern for Fire Chiefs

Fairfax, VA (May 11, 2007) – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is concerned about a new burglar alarm system that deploys dense smoke to incapacitate an intruder. The systems are sold on the premise of protecting a property by having a blinding smoke screen quickly fill an area when a burglar alarm is activated. In turn, the blinding smoke may likely activate a smoke/fire alarm; this would precipitate a fire department response. 

more  (pdf)

Public Safety Leadership Institute Created

The Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, County Sheriffs of Colorado, and the Colorado State Fire Chiefs have partnered with the Institute for Leadership and Organizational Performance at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business to bring the latest knowledge and best practices of leadership, communication, and collaboration to the Public Safety Community. 

Posted: May 7, 2007

Legislative Session Ends Early

The First Regular Session of the Sixty-Sixth General Assembly, which began on January 10th, ended on Friday, May 4th, with lawmakers finishing a record five days early.

The CSFCA supported 8 bills and 6 have been signed into law or will likely be signed or become law.  Only two bills supported by the Association were lost, for a 75% approval percentage.  The Association did not actively oppose any legislation this session, but monitored a number of bills for impact on the fire service. 

Posted: May 4, 2007

2007 Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Service

The 2007 ceremony to remember Colorado’s fallen firefighters will be Saturday, May 19th at the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF) Memorial in Lakewood.

The Colorado Fallen Firefighters Memorial will begin with a fire apparatus parade at 10:30 a.m. starting at Garrison and Center in Lakewood then proceed to the Memorial via Allison Parkway. The Memorial ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in Belmar Park. 

Reminder — FIRE Act Grant Applications Due May 4

More than $490 million in federal grant funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, also known as the FIRE Act Grant program, will soon be distributed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to departments for equipment, training, communications, apparatus and other critical needs. The application period will remain open until May 4 at 5 pm EDT, and departments may apply for grant funding online through the AFG at www.firegrantsupport.com. 

Posted: April 27, 2007

Only 8 Days Remain in FY2007 Fire Grant Application Period

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program office is reminding fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical organizations that eight days now remain in the FY2007 fire grant application period. The application period for AFG began March 29, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and ends 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 4, 2007. If you have started an application, please be sure to complete it and submit it before the deadline. All applications must be submitted (hit the submit button in the online application) to be considered for a grant award.

AFG makes available competitive grants for equipment, training, firefighter and first responder safety and response vehicles. AFG applications are automated and accessible via the AFG web site: www.firegrantsupport.com. This website contains important information on the AFG, including the FY 2007 funding priorities and program guidance, a web-based tutorial on the application process, a listing of frequently asked questions, and other materials. Fire departments that have questions regarding this grant opportunity should contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, Help Desk hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT. Additional help desk hours may be added if demand is high.

Eligible applicants for the FY 2007 AFG are limited to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations operating within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Interested applicants may submit two separate applications - one for each program area below:

·        Operations and Safety Program Area: Eligible activities for fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations are limited to training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

·        Vehicle Acquisition Program Area: Eligible apparatus available to fire departments under this program area include, but are not limited to, pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.

The FY 2007 AFG will also allow eligible applicants to submit an additional application for a regional project in which multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction benefit directly from the activities implemented with the grant funds.

Posted: April 27, 2007

DHS Awards Almost $4 Million in Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

Union Colony Fire Rescue Authority Awarded $36,172

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2007) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the first round of Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants, awarding 52 grants totaling almost $4 million to fire departments and fire prevention organizations throughout the United States.

Under the FY 2006 program, FP&S will award approximately 300 awards totaling $27 million to fire departments and other eligible organizations to reduce losses from fire and fire-related hazards. FP&S projects focus on preventing fire-related injuries to children, seniors, firefighters, and other high-risk groups. FP&S also supports innovative fire prevention solutions and research on improving firefighter health and safety.

"Every year, fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined," said FEMA Administrator David Paulison. "These grants support critical efforts to protect the public and firefighters from death or injury due to fires that could be prevented."

FP&S awards support projects in two categories:

·         Fire Prevention and Safety, such as public education, arson prevention/awareness, code enforcement/awareness, wildfire prevention/education, juvenile fire setter intervention, burn prevention, media/PR campaigns, sprinkler awareness, or smoke alarm distribution.

·         Firefighter Safety Research and Development, such as data collection and analysis projects; sociological projects and problem-focused technology studies that address firefighter safety, wellness, fitness, or health.

FP&S is part of FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which is a key component in a comprehensive and coordinated effort to strengthen the Nation's overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards. For the list of FP&S grantees, as well as additional information on the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) and Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs, see the Website at www.firegrantsupport.com.

Union Colony Fire Rescue Authority Awarded $36,172

With the FEMA announcement came word that the Union Colony Fire Rescue Authority, in Greeley, has been awarded $36,172 from the Department of Homeland Security’s (United States Fire Administration) Fire Prevention and Safety grant program to establish a pre-teen fire safety education program.

The grant award money will be used to purchase a portable interactive theatre kiosk that can be set up in public venues such as malls, schools, libraries, recreation centers and city buildings. The interactive theatre is automated and integrates a computer with a physical model of a house to illustrate fire safety topics. The user chooses a topic from a menu of fire safety topics and then a curriculum is delivered to the user who then interacts with the pre-programmed “class”. Once it’s set up, it requires no fire personnel staffing to deliver fire safety education.

The overall goal of the program is to reach pre-teen aged members of the community and reduce the overall fire death statistics in Greeley and surrounding areas by 50% by the year 2015.

Posted: April 24, 2007

Westminster to Host Firefighter Combat Challenge

Greetings Fire Chiefs,

Westminster is hosting a Firefighter Combat Challenge event on Saturday, July 28.  We would like to invite all firefighters in Colorado and the region to this event; the competition is open to all current and retired firefighters and offers the chance to qualify for the World competition.  Please review the information below for details.  Could you please share the information with your troops?  We would love to have them join us this summer – someone has to come in second to the Westminster team!  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jim Cloud, Fire Chief

Westminster Fire Department

You’re invited to compete in the Paul Davis

Firefighter Combat Challenge

The Firefighter Combat Challenge® attracts hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments each year at more than 25 locations and is seen by millions of people worldwide.

The Challenge seeks to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate the profession's rigors to the public. Wearing "full bunker gear" and the SCOTT Air-Pak breathing apparatus, pairs of competitors simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by performing a linked series of five tasks including climbing the 5-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 lb. "victim" as they race against themselves, their opponent, and the clock.

Paul Davis Restoration and the Westminster Fire Department are hosting a regional Firefighter Combat Challenge in Westminster, Colorado on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at the Westminster Promenade, located northwest of Denver off Hwy. 36.

Participants compete to qualify for the World Firefighter Combat Challenge in a variety of categories. Active and retired firefighters who are members of an organized first responder (Fire-Rescue or EMS) unit any where in the world are eligible to enter. Categories include relay, team, tandem, individual under 40, individual over 40, women, and more.

In addition to the Combat Challenge, the Westminster event offers a Kiddie Combat Challenge activity, booths, and a great location with entertainment, restaurants, and easy access to hotels.

This is your chance to participate in a world-class event!

Download flyer for more information.

Posted 04-24-07

IAFC Asks President Bush to Examine PSOB Program
Major Fire-Service Organizations Express Concern about Program

Fairfax, Va., Apr. 23, 2007 - The IAFC, joined by other major fire-service organizations, called on the White House to examine concerns over the administration of a federal program designed to compensate the families of public-safety officers who die in the line of duty. 

DHS Announces $29.1 Million Available For National Preparedness Training Initiatives

Release Date: April 17, 2007

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: FEMA Public Affairs, 202-646-4600

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the availability today of $29.1 million to eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, national associations, higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, and private sector businesses as a part of the 2007 Competitive Training Grant Program (CTGP). This program awards funds to competitively selected applicants to develop and deliver innovative training programs for high priority national homeland security training needs.

CTGP provides funds to support training initiatives that are national in scope and further the department’s mission of preparing the nation to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from catastrophic events. The emphasis this fiscal year is on the development and delivery of courses in one of the following five focus areas:

• Public communications

• Executive leadership of homeland security programs

• Intergovernmental coordination and planning

• Managing homeland security risks

• Legal issues in preparation, response, and recovery

Eligible entities must apply for funding through the Grants.gov portal, accessible at www.grants.gov, no later than 11:59 pm EDT on May 4. Registering with Grants.gov is a one-time process, but first time registration could take 3-5 business days to validate, confirm, and receive a user name and password. It is highly recommended to start the registration process as early as possible.

Since 2003, CTGP has developed more than 40 training programs targeting areas like community outreach; vulnerable populations and special needs; intelligence, information sharing, and fusion centers; cyber-terrorism; agriculture; regional collaboration and continuity of operations planning; transit, port and infrastructure protection; rural communities; law enforcement; and mass casualty.

For further information on CTGP and other DHS programs, visit www.dhs.gov.

Cancun Fire Department in Need of Equipment Donations

Denver Establishes Collection Point

The Fire Department of Cancun, Mexico has significant need for PPE and other equipment to protect its firefighters and the residents and

visitors to their city.  In an effort to assist the firefighters in Cancun, Chief Trujillo of the Denver Fire Department has agreed to distribute the list of needed equipment, establish a collection point, and coordinate the delivery of the equipment to Cancun.

Following is the list of equipment requested by the Cancun Fire Department, as provided by the fire department.  While it is not clear what some of these items, the list came without further explaination.

25 – portable radios

150 – personal protection equipment (helmets, boots, braces, safety vest, gloves,  etc.)

1 – equipment with cascade to fill the cylinders of air compressd for 4 tanks at the same time.

120 – hoses of 1-1/2" standard rope NH

75 – equipments respiratory protection masks MSA (Scott)

12 – water bombs of 18 hp (kholer)

30 – sucking pipes of 1-1/2" rigid hoses 9.8 feets each.

1 – draft turbo with all the accessories

30 – 1-1/2" curtain sutter pythons with graduation

1 – assembler to repair  hoses (100 houp to repair hose of 1 1/2")

200 – liters of light water AFFF

10 – sets of dispensers

10 – bifurcations with a 2 1/2" input and 2 1/2" outputs

20 – reductions with a 2 1/2"input and 1 1/2" outputs

150 – anti-gas masks with filter

5 – smoke extractors

5 – electrical plants

2 – portable cisterns of 20,000 litters capacity each one

10 – poles

5 – extension stairs

5 – flooding stairs

5 – carbon extinguisher

984 – feet  of tubular tape

4 – complete diving equipment

6 – rescue aquatic equipment (view finders, cords, vests, lifejacket, rigid stretchers, medicine kit of first aid, etc.)

4 – pips with capacity of 10,000 litters each one

3 – cars with water bombs

6 – pickup trucks

2 – compact cars

Misc. tools of urban rescue team, vertical rescue, hydraulic equipment.

The drop off point for equipment donations is Denver Fleet Management located at 5440 Roslyn St. Bldg B, Denver.

The point of contact is Division Chief Robert Tade at 720-913-3446 or robert.tade@ci.denver.co.us.

Posted: April 14, 2007

4th Annual Fairways To Heaven Event

April 14, 2007 - Fairways To Heaven is a charitable entity created to honor and provide funding for the scholarships established in honor of Ryan Stables. The 4th annual Fairways To Heaven event is slated for July 22 and will feature as our speaker a true American hero – Jay Jonas, Battalion Chief with FDNY, and one of only 14 survivors from the 9/11 tragedy who escaped the twin towers collapse. 

Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night in Honor of NFFF

Baskin-Robbins is kicking off to the summer season early with a special 31-Cent Scoop Night celebration on May 2, 2007. Ice cream lovers have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite Baskin-Robbins flavor for only 31 cents while paying tribute to local heroes. On May 2, Baskin-Robbins is partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

As part of the event, Baskin-Robbins will support these local firefighting heroes by making a donation of $100,000 to the worthy organization. Participating Baskin-Robbins stores will also help raise additional funds for local firehouses by inviting fire departments to the event to collect donations. In addition to 31-Cent Scoop Night, NFFF is a recipient of a $250,000 grant given by the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation. Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation’s mission is to serve those who serve others, especially in times of crisis. Dunkin’ Brands is the parent company of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ Donuts.

To partner with a local Baskin-Robbins for the event, contact baskinrobbins@schneiderpr.com. To learn more click here.

Posted 04-11-07

Columbine Memorial in Need of Contributions

The shootings at Columbine High School in Jefferson County Colorado on April 20, 1999 touched us all. The Columbine Community, the Denver Metro Area and the Nation were in shock and disbelief that such a senseless act could take place in our community. At first, there was an outpouring of flowers, notes, poems, ribbons, stuffed animals, pictures and other objects brought to Clement Park to pay tribute to those that died, were injured or traumatized. From that initial outpouring of emotions and disbelief came the concept of establishing a permanent public memorial near the high school, a memorial that would serve to honor those innocent victims but also provide a historic record of this tragedy and to deliver a message of hope for many generations to come.  “Columbine” continues to be a constant reminder in our everyday lives.   

To date, over $1,300,000 in cash and in-kind construction services has been raised toward the completion of the $1,500,000 Memorial.  Construction work started in the fall of 2006 and the Memorial project is now 50% complete. The final funding campaign now underway, seeks to raise the last $167,000 needed to complete the project.

Please consider making a contribution to the project. Donations of any amount are needed and we would graciously accept any amount you could contribute.  

With on-going construction progress we anticipate a formal Memorial dedication later this summer.  However without this final funding, construction of the Memorial could be significantly delayed. In order to complete construction for a summer dedication, full funding must be completed by April 30, 2007.

Thank you for your consideration and continued support!  Donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.columbinememorial.org or sent to:

Columbine Memorial

C/O Foothills Foundation

PO Box 621788

Littleton, CO 80162-1788

Extras

Columbine Memorial Flyer

C2C Ride MAY 12th, 2007  Flyer  Website

Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Columbine Memorial Fund

Posted 04-07-07

2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grants
Application Period Now Open. E-Grant System Now Available To Accept Applications.

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Grants and Training (G&T) will begin accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) beginning March 29, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) with the deadline for receipt of the applications no later than May 4, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. The AFG, which will be distributed in phases throughout FY 2007, will ultimately award approximately $492.3 million.

Interested applicants can access the FY 2007 AFG application through the AFG website (www.firegrantsupport.com), the U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA) website (www.usfa.fema.gov), and the Grants.gov website (www.grants.gov). This website contains important information on the AFG, including the FY 2007 funding priorities and program guidance, a web-based tutorial on the application process, a listing of frequently asked questions, and other materials. Fire departments that have questions regarding this grant opportunity should contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, Help Desk hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT. Additional help desk hours may be added if demand is high.

Eligible applicants for the FY 2007 AFG are limited to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations operating within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Interested applicants may submit two separate applications for consideration under each of the following two program areas:

·        Operations and Safety Program Area: Eligible activities for fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations are limited to training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

·        Vehicle Acquisition Program Area: Eligible apparatus available to fire departments under this program area include, but are not limited to, pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.

The FY 2007 AFG will also allow eligible applicants to submit an additional application for a regional project in which multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction benefit directly from the activities implemented with the grant funds.

Posted: March 30, 2007

Apprenticeship Program in Need of Host Departments

The Colorado Fire Mechanics Association introduced a program to get apprentice mechanics into Colorado Fire departments at the Chief's Conference in Breckenridge last October.  We now have three students out of Pickens Technical School available for full or part time work beginning on April 2.  These students are finishing their second year of mechanics classes and are ready to begin training with journeyman mechanics to enter the fire service.  I would like to place these men at the earliest possible opportunity so we don't lose them to another field. 

We have proposed a salary of $8.00 per hour as a starting point, with raises dependent on the apprentices learning ability and performance.  At this rate, the cost to the department will be approximately $450 for a forty hour week.  I feel this is a bargain, and these men can be a great addition to many departments around the state.  Right now, I can place them near the Metro area, or we can work an arrangement to provide living quarters and a salary equal to the previously mentioned rate of pay. 

Details of this program can be found here. 

Please contact the Colorado Fire Mechanics Association if your department can host one of these apprentices.  Again, I would hate to lose these gentlemen to another field of mechanics.   Thank you.

For more information contact: Jay Powell, chairman at 720-865-3850 (work), 303-870-6370 (cell) or E-mail: jpowell@co-fma.com.

Posted: March 29, 2007

Kentucky Will Require Fire-Safe Cigarettes
Legislation signed by Governor Fletcher will help protect Kentuckians against cigarette-ignited fires

March 27, 2007 (Frankfort, KY) — Today, Kentucky became the eighth state to mandate that all cigarettes sold in state will be “fire-safe.”  These cigarettes are less likely to ignite fires when dropped or discarded. The tremendous danger posed by cigarette-ignited fires was demonstrated in Kentucky last month when a fire started by a smoldering cigarette in a Bardstown home took the lives of 10 members of the same family. Cigarette-ignited fires are the leading cause of home fire deaths in the United States, killing 700 to 900 people annually.

Governor Ernie Fletcher signed the legislation into law today, requiring that all cigarettes sold in Kentucky as of April 2008 be low-ignition strength (or fire-safe) as established by recognized standards. The use of cigarettes that have a reduced propensity to burn when left unattended will help prevent tens of thousands of cigarette-ignited fires each year.

“Fire-safe cigarettes have proven to be an effective way to protect against these types of fires and provide a huge leap forward in fire protection for Kentuckians,” said James M. Shannon, president of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — coordinator of the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes. “We applaud Governor Fletcher and the Kentucky State Legislature for providing the people of this state with a higher level of safety.”

“Requiring the sale of fire-safe cigarettes throughout Kentucky will lessen the chances that a tragedy like the Bardstown fire will happen again,” said Shannon. “Kentucky, a leading tobacco producing state, is sending a clear message - lives can be saved by altering the ways cigarettes are made. Every state in the country should require the same for its citizens.” 

According to the state fire marshal’s office, more than one-third of all structure fires in the state of Kentucky in recent years were caused by cigarettes. From January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2006, 70 percent of the fatalities, 56 percent of the civilian injuries, and 46 percent of the firefighter injuries suffered in Kentucky structure fires were from fires caused by cigarettes.

Kentucky will join New York, Vermont, California, Illinois, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Utah in mandating the sale of “fire-safe” cigarettes only. Fire-safe cigarettes are also mandated throughout all of Canada. Several other states across the country are considering such legislation this session.

Source: http://www.nfpa.org/newsReleaseDetails.asp?categoryid=488&itemId=33634

Related:

Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes

Kentucky Bans Traditional Cigarettes

Gov. Ritter’s Budget Office Releases First Economic and Revenue Forecast

Gov. Bill Ritter’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting released its March 2007 economic and revenue forecast on March 20, 2007, the first forecast since the Ritter administration took office in January.

The five-year forecast period covers the current fiscal year (2006-07) through fiscal 2010-11.

"Colorado’s economy continues to strengthen in concert with broader national economic conditions," said Todd Saliman, director of Gov. Ritter’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting. "Although some sectors are faring better than others, aggregate indicators like the unemployment rate, retail trade and wage growth have continued at positive, sustainable levels."

Highlights from the Revenue Forecast:

·        The forecast shows a significant increase in individual income tax growth for 2006-07 from the December forecast (2.7 percent in December; 6.6 percent in March).
 

·        The forecast shows a $19 million decrease in the December sales-tax revenue forecast of $2 billion to reflect the impact of the holiday snow storms.
 

·        Total general fund revenues for 2006-07 are forecast to be $7.4 billion, up $165 million from the December forecast.
 

·        The forecast shows transportation funding through SB 97-1 and HB 1310 transfers totaling $1.3 billion for the five-year forecast period, up from the December forecast of $437.6 million.
 

·        The forecast shows revenue for capital construction for fiscal 2006-07 at $275 million, a $74.6 million increase from the December forecast.
 

·        Under the provisions of Referendum C, the state is projected to retain $5.35 billion from fiscal 2005-06 through 2009-10. TABOR refunds will resume in 2010-11, with a projected refund of $30.8 million.

Highlights from the Economic Forecast:

·        Colorado’s unemployment rate for 2006 was 4.3 percent, well below the 5 percent rate in 2005 and reflective of 52,800 new jobs added to the economy. The rate for 2007 is forecast to be 4.4 percent.
 

·        The 2006 consumer price index for the Denver-Boulder-Greeley area increased 3.6 percent after posting a 2.1 percent increase in 2005. The inflation forecast for 2007 is a 3.2 percent increase and for 2008 a 2.7 percent increase.
 

·        Colorado wage and salary income rose 7 percent through the third quarter of 2006 and is forecast to increase 6.3 percent in 2007 and 6 percent in 2008.

The complete March 2007 Revenue Forecast is available by clicking here.

Posted: March 26, 2007

Gov. Ritter Announces Agenda for "Bridges To The 21st Century" Transportation Summit

Ritter also names 30-member transportation panel as well as technical advisory committee

Gov. Bill Ritter today announced the full agenda for his upcoming "Bridges to the 21st Century" Statewide Transportation Summit on April 5, including presentations by U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Tyler Duvall, Dr. Marty Wachs of the Rand Corp. and many other transportation experts.

Registration for the summit is now underway. The summit is open to the public but pre-registration is required. Participants can register online by going to http://www.wtscolorado.org/ or mailing a $40 check to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Terry Huddleston, Transportation Summit, 4201 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222. Registration also will be accepted at the door from 8 to 9 a.m. April 5. The summit is being held at the Colorado Convention Center, Korbel Ballroom, 700 14th St.

CDOT Executive Director Russell George will deliver opening remarks at 9 a.m., followed by Gov. Ritter, who will deliver the charge and mission to the new Colorado Transportation Finance and Implementation Panel. "Colorado’s transportation system is at a crucial crossroads," Ritter said. "Our primary sources of federal and state transportation revenues are not keeping pace with rising maintenance and construction costs. Demand and population also are on the rise.

"We must explore new ways to prioritize our transportation needs and secure sustainable funding sources for a 21st Century transportation system," the governor added. "Our quality of life, our economy and our future require a multi-modal transportation network that allows us to safely and efficiently move people, goods and services. This panel will set us on the road to overcoming our challenges, and the first step will be the ‘Bridges to the 21st Century’ summit."

In addition to presentations by Duvall and Wachs, the summit will outline transportation needs and funding challenges at the state, county and municipal levels. The agenda includes five breakout sessions:

·         What are the options? CDOT Study on Revenue Options.

·         Measuring the Pulse. Electronic voting exercise.

·         Is Today as Good as it Gets? Presentation on current levels of service and outlook over the next 10 years.

·         Brainstorming a Transportation Vision for Colorado. Presentation by the authors of the "Transportation Principles."

·         Transportation, Livable Communities and the New Energy Economy.

Gov. Ritter today also signed an Executive Order formally establishing the Colorado Transportation Finance and Implementation Panel.

"The panel will enable us to determine project priorities and identify strategies to fund those projects," the Executive Order states. "The panel will evaluate current spending practices; assess the transportation fiscal structure, funding and priority-setting processes; and propose new funding mechanisms and priorities for existing and future projects."

In addition to the April 5 statewide summit, the panel will hold regional meetings around the state over the spring and summer. It will submit a final report recommending project priorities and funding strategies in November.

Ritter last month named the three co-chairs of the panel. Today, he named the remaining members as well as a technical advisory committee:

Panel Co-Chairs
Doug Aden, Colorado Transportation Commission Chairman
Cary Kennedy, Colorado State Treasurer
Bob Tointon, President, Phelps-Tointon, Inc.

Panel Members
Ray Baker
Charles Bedford
Joe Blake
Mike Cheroutes
Ken Conyers
Cas Garcia
Bill Elfenbein (RTD Board Member)
James Hume
Mick Ireland
Leslie Jones
Joe Kiley
Carl Maxey
Mark Mehalko
Tony Milo
Dale Mingilton
Kevin O’Malley
Michael Penny
Joe Rice (State Representative)
Cathy Shull
Paul Smith
Vivian Stovall
Dan Stuart
Ed Tauer (Mayor of Aurora)
Will Toor
Stephanie Takis (State Senator)
Glenn Vaad (State Representative)
Melanie Worley

Posted: March 26, 2007

Harvard Medical School Study on Firefighter Deaths from Heart Disease

March 22, 2007 – The New England Journal of Medicine today published the Harvard Medical School study “Emergency Duties and Deaths from Heart Disease among Firefighters in the United States.”  Following is an abstract of the study.

ABSTRACT

Background.  Heart disease causes 45% of the deaths that occur among U.S. firefighters while they are on duty. We examined duty-specific risks of death from coronary heart disease among on-duty U.S. firefighters from 1994 to 2004.

Methods.  We reviewed summaries provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the deaths of all on-duty firefighters between 1994 and 2004, except for deaths associated with the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Estimates of the proportions of time spent by firefighters each year performing various duties were obtained from a municipal fire department, from 17 large metropolitan fire departments, and from a national database. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for death from coronary heart disease during specific duties were calculated from the ratios of the observed odds to the expected odds, with nonemergency duties as the reference category.

Results.  Deaths from coronary heart disease were associated with suppressing a fire (32.1% of all such deaths), responding to an alarm (13.4%), returning from an alarm (17.4%), engaging in physical training (12.5%), responding to nonfire emergencies (9.4%), and performing nonemergency duties (15.4%). As compared with the odds of death from coronary heart disease during nonemergency duties, the odds were 12.1 to 136 times as high during fire suppression, 2.8 to 14.1 times as high during alarm response, 2.2 to 10.5 times as high during alarm return, and 2.9 to 6.6 times as high during physical training. These odds were based on three estimates of the time that firefighters spend on their duties.

Conclusions.  Certain emergency firefighting duties were associated with a risk of death from coronary heart disease that was markedly higher than the risk associated with nonemergency duties. Fire suppression was associated with the highest risk, which was approximately 10 to 100 times as high as that for nonemergency duties.

To read the complete study, click here.

Underwriters Laboratories Moves Closer to Completing E85 Fuel Dispenser Requirements
UL to Be Ready to Accept Products for Testing by Year-End 2007

Northbrook, Ill., March 22, 2007 – Underwriters Laboratories (UL) announced today its progress toward completion of research and validation of UL's safety certification requirements for E85 fuel dispensing equipment. Once the research is finalized and the science established, UL expects to be prepared to accept products for evaluation and certification. UL currently expects to finalize research and publish certification requirements by the end of the fourth quarter of 2007 and, immediately thereafter, accept E85 dispensing equipment for investigation to the safety requirements and certification of compliant equipment.

UL develops safety standards for more than 19,000 product types including gasoline and fuel dispensing systems. E85, a highly concentrated blend of ethanol and gasoline, is becoming popular as an alternative energy source and, to accommodate this trend, UL has been working to establish safe dispenser standards that guard against the significantly different corrosive effects of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) as compared with both gasoline alone as well as the 10 percent ethanol blend commonly available in the U.S. today.

Working with the Department of Energy (DOE), UL is engaged in an intensive scientific research program intended to advance public knowledge about the long-term effects of highly concentrated ethanol on the components of E85 dispensers and the subsequent effects on fire and environmental safety.

"Safety is of the utmost concern to the U.S. ethanol industry and we are committed to ensuring our product can safely be delivered to the public," said Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, the national trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry. "Through the continued cooperation between our industry, the Department of Energy and UL, we hope to expeditiously bring to a close any questions about the safety of E85. UL's certification of E85 dispensing pumps is critical to the growing use of higher ethanol blends."

To support this program, UL is investing in facility upgrades and scientific investigation. UL has four concurrent initiatives underway intended to serve as input methodologies to eventual ethanol dispenser certification requirements:

• Information Outreach: UL has approached more than 75 academic, manufacturing and governmental stakeholders for the purpose of gathering technical information. UL has also thoroughly reviewed at least 175 technical articles and research reports.

• Research Test Program: UL's research test program includes a 2500-hour static conditioning test ongoing through September 2007. Test results are expected to assist UL in determining the necessary protocols for adequately evaluating potential degradation of dispenser materials from exposure to E85.

• Field Observations: Field observations of E85 installations are underway in the U.S. and Brazil (which has an extensive ethanol fuel distribution infrastructure) through March 2007. Results are expected to provide UL with real-life performance data for E85 dispensers in the marketplace. A U.S. field observation report was published in February 2007.

• Product Harvesting: Since November 2006, UL has been collecting dispenser components used to dispense ethanol-blended fuels in the U.S. and Brazil. Components from harvested dispensers are undergoing analysis for material compatibility effects of ethanol blends.

UL expects to have substantially completed its research work by the end of 2007. The knowledge gained from this research will enable UL, through its accredited Standards Technical Panel process, to lead creation of a consensus standard for E85 dispensing equipment. Consensus Standards-developed in collaboration with industry, consumer and governmental interests-have a long history of providing both public safety and rapid market access for new technologies such as E85.

In order to facilitate availability of listed E85 dispensers UL plans to begin accepting dispenser evaluation and certification requests immediately after its research is completed and prior to initiating UL's accredited Standards Technical Panel Process. These requests will be considered under provisional certification standards that incorporate the learning from the research program to maximize the fire and environmental safeguards built into these dispensers.

"Public safety is UL's mission and top priority. We therefore take any such concerns very seriously and seek to thoroughly evaluate the impact of new technologies on public safety," said John Drengenberg, UL's Manager of Consumer Affairs. "UL remains committed to developing appropriate requirements to best address safety concerns and ultimately to protect the U.S. public. We look forward to finalizing the E85 dispenser safety requirements and offering the industry a listing program."

Safety Officers Denied On-Duty Death Benefits

More than three years after President Bush signed a law granting federal benefits to families of firefighters, police officers and EMTs who die of heart attacks and strokes on the job, not a dollar has been paid. The U.S. Justice Department has denied all 34 claims that have been decided, and has yet to act on more than 200 others. 

Posted: March 20, 2007

National Effort to Eliminate Novelty Lighters
Lighters Disguised as Toys are the Target

Oregon State Fire Marshal, Nancy Orr, is leading a nationwide effort in calling for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to prohibit the sale and distribution of novelty lighters. Her office has partnered with The Idea Bank to create a video-based web page to gather fire incident data. The web page may be viewed at:

www.theideabank.com/psa/NoveltyLighters.html

In a video message on the website, Orr asks fire professionals, "Do you know of a fire or burn injury involving a child using a novelty lighter? If you do, please complete the incident report form we've provided and email the information to us. Together, we can eliminate novelty lighters and the fire dangers they create."

The sale of novelty lighters has already been banned in Europe. Orr points out that gathering incident reports is pivotal to getting novelty lighters banned in this country. That's because the CPSC requires nationwide data before considering changes to existing regulations.

Posted: March 20, 2007

Keep Going Hall of Fame Looking for Firefighters

Fairfax, Va., Mar. 16, 2007... For the past 20 years, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has had a successful partnership with Energizer®, promoting the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program throughout the United States.

Energizer is now offering fire-service and EMS members an opportunity to enter a contest with significant rewards. Please review the information below to nominate people in your department who exemplify the “Keep Going” spirit of this award. One hundred semifinalists and 10 finalists will be recognized. The grand-prize winner will be inducted into the

Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame and will receive a $10,000 cash prize, plus a $5,000 donation to a charity of his or her choice.

Please see contest information at: http://www.keepgoinghalloffame.com.

IAFC Releases Strategic Plan

March 15, 2007 - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) announced today the release of the final IAFC 2007-2008 Strategic Plan. You can download the PDF document by clicking here.

Fire Service Award for Excellence 2007

The 2007 application period for the Fire Service Award for Excellence is now open. This award, co-sponsored by U.S. Safety Fire Technologies and the IAFC, recognizes innovations and achievements in managing resources to reduce the loss of life and property from fire and other emergencies. This prestigious award was conceived in 1989 by Chief Ronny J. Coleman, IAFC President 1988-1989; and sponsoring partner, Mr. Wayne Boyd, President of U.S. Fire Safety Technologies. Over the years, nominations have come from nearly every conceivable program area: management, fire prevention, personnel accountability systems and minority hiring practices, to name a few.

Seven finalists are recognized at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) each year during a reception hosted by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. The international champion is selected from the seven finalists and presented with the grand prize during a general session at FRI.
 

Please share this message with your division and association members and other fire service colleagues to encourage participation in this most prestigious recognition. There are a great many programs out there that deserve to be showcased!

Application forms are available for download at: Fire Service Award for Excellence

The deadline for applications is 1 June 2007.

Posted 03-14-07

Four Years Later - A Second Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service

A cooperative study between the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Directorate for Preparedness, Department of Homeland Security and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The 2005 Fire Service Needs Assessment Survey used the unaltered survey instrument developed in the first (2001) needs assessment, with the aim of supporting valid timelines on all questions. Once again, America's fire departments rose to the challenge, carefully reviewed their departments' capabilities and described those capabilities in forms submitted to us for use in this study.

Capabilities Reviewed

• Revenues and Budgets

• Personnel and Their Capabilities

• Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement

• Facilities, Apparatus and Equipment

• Communications and Communications Equipment

• Ability to Handle Unusually Challenging Incidents

• New and Emerging Technology

In all, 15,545 fire departments - just over half the total in NFPA Fire Service Inventory database, including all departments protecting communities of at least 50,000 population - were mailed survey forms, and 4,709 responded, for a 30% response rate.

The content of the survey was developed by NFPA in the 2001 survey, in collaboration with an ad hoc technical advisory group consisting of representatives of the full spectrum of national organizations and related disciplines associated with the management of fire and related hazards and risks in the U.S. The survey form was used without modification in order to maximize comparability of results and development of valid timelines.

To download a copy of the complete report or the state specific report, click here.

Posted: March 12, 2007

Preparing for Disasters, Natural or Otherwise
 

Statement of Chief James B. Harmes, CFO
President, International Association of Fire Chiefs
 

Presented to the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee on Appropriations, U.S. House of Representatives
March 9, 2007

Click here

Genesee Fire Protection District Adopts Resolution in Support of HB1031, SB007, and HB1153

March 7, 2007 – At its meeting of February 21, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Genesee Fire Protection District adopted a Resolution in Support of House Bill 07-1031, Senate Bill 07-007 and House Bill 07-1153, all concerning the volunteer fire service in Colorado, and sponsored or co-sponsored By Representative Robert Witwer.

To view the Resolution, click here.

2007 International Fire Fighter and EMS Safety Stand Down

Ready to Respond
June 17–23

Fairfax, Va., Mar. 5, 2007... The IAFC, the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section of the IAFC are pleased to announce the third International Fire Fighter and EMS Safety Stand Down.

This year’s stand down, titled “Ready to Respond,” will be held June 17–23. Expanding the time for the Stand Down from one day to one week allows departments maximum flexibility for participating in the exercise. The Stand Down includes both weekends so all firefighters can take part, whether career or volunteer. In addition to the expanded schedule, emergency medical services have been added because of the integral role EMS plays in emergency response. Fire and EMS departments are urged to save this date and plan to participate in the event.

It is estimated that up to 10,000 fire departments participated in the last International Fire Fighter Safety Stand Down. “Sadly, 106 firefighters died in the line of duty last year. We must continue to take dramatic steps to reduce these alarmingly high firefighter deaths and injuries. We have already lost 18 firefighters this year and we need to do everything within our power to keep our first responders safe,” said IAFC President Chief Jim Harmes. “Use the Stand Down to keep the focus on the safety and well-being of our firefighters.”

The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the EMS Section will be providing recommended activities and resources online at www.iafc.org/standdown. Last year, 21 different national fire-service organizations partnered with us on the effort; once again, we will be contacting these organizations to assist in supporting the Stand Down within their organizations.

For further information or to provide training materials for online posting, contact Shawn Stokes, IAFC assistant to the executive director, at 703/537-4857 or sstokes@iafc.org.

2007 Edition of NFPA 1600 Released
"Prevention" is now a key element
 

March 3, 2007 - The 2007 edition of NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs incorporates changes to the 2004 edition, expanding the conceptual framework for disaster/emergency management and business continuity programs.

Previous editions of the standard focused on the four aspects of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. This edition identifies prevention as a distinct aspect of the program, in addition to the other four. Doing so brings the standard into alignment with related disciplines and practices of risk management, security, and loss prevention.

On January 11, 2006 the Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership (EIIP) hosted a "live chat' presentation on what were then, proposed revisions to the standard with the Chair of the NFPA 1600 Technical Committee, Lloyd Bokman, Emergency Planner with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. A transcript (5 pages) is available here.

NFPA 1600 Free for Download

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has made the new, 2007 edition of NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, free for download.

Download a free copy of the 2007 edition of NFPA 1600.

Proposed Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws Adopted

March 3, 2007 - At the General Membership Meeting of March 2, 2007, the assembled membership (as well as those that voted electronically) voted unanimously to adopt the proposed amendments to the CSFCA Constitution and Bylaws.  Among other things, the revised constitution and bylaws allow for the creation of three new sections of the CSFCA:

• Volunteer Fire Chiefs’ Section

• Wildland Fire Service Section

• Operations Chiefs’ Section

Once created, the president or chair of these sections will serve on the CSFCA Board of Directors.

The revised Constitution and Bylaws adds the Bureau of Land Management’s Colorado State Fire Management Officer, the U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region Fire Director, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rocky Mountain Region Fire Director, and the National Park Service, National Park Service, Intermountain Region Fire Director, as eligible for individual active membership.  It also adds county or municipal emergency managers as eligible for individual active membership.

In separate action, the Board of Directors set the membership fee for these new classes of individual members at $100 per year.

The revised Constitution and Bylaws can be downloaded by clicking on the link below. Questions concerning the revised Constitution and Bylaws should be directed to the CSFCA Executive Director.

2007 Constitution & Bylaws

PASS Performance Issues Addressed in New Edition of NFPA Standard
The 2007 Edition of NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) is now available

In late 2005, NFPA published an alert notice entitled "PASS alarm signals can fail at high temperatures " on the NFPA Web site advising emergency responders, especially fire fighters, of high temperature exposures causing the loudness of PASS alarm signals to be reduced. This reduction in loudness can cause the alarm signal to become indistinguishable from background noise at the incident scene. This problem was brought to the attention of the NFPA Technical Committee on Electronic Safety Equipment by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program.

NIOSH reported that during the investigation of four fire fighter fatalities that occurred from 2001 to 2004, the PASS alarm signals were not heard or were barely audible. The PASS had been certified as compliant to NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS), 1998 Edition, and involved both stand-alone PASS and SCBA-integrated PASS.

Laboratory testing of PASS by the National Institute for Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Fire Research Division has shown that this sound reduction begins to occur at temperatures as low as 300° F (150° C) and affected all PASS evaluated by NIST that were certified to the 1998 edition and earlier editions of NFPA 1982.

The new, 2007 edition of NFPA 1982 is available for free online access here.

Posted: February 28, 2007

PASS Device Safety Issue

February 28, 2007 - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has issued a member alert to provide you with background on the PASS Device Safety Issue and offer IAFC recommendations for PASS device safety in your department.  For a copy of the member alert, click here.

Olme Resigns as Fire Chief

February 28, 2007

STERLING — Fire Chief Bob Olme will be returning to the Colorado mountains after March 16.

Tuesday night Olme announced his resignation as fire chief, City Manager Joe Kiolbasa said.

Olme, who started with the Sterling Fire Department in 1998, was named chief in August 2002.

Olme said he will take an officers position in the Northwest Fire Protection District in the mountains “doing basically what I have been doing here.”

Olme came to Sterling from Monte Vista in south-central Colorado. He said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get back into the mountains and be closer to his fiance and his folks.

Still, Olme said he is proud of his tenure in Sterling and feels he has had a positive impact on the fire department.

“We’ve developed crew resource management, where anyone can run things up or run things down. The greatest thing is we haven’t had any serious injuries. The emphasis has been on safety,” Olme said.

Olme said another achievement has been the solidification of the Sterling Fire Department’s relationship with the Northeastern Junior College Wildfire College and the remodeling of the fire station.

“We’ve done some pretty neat things,” Olme said.

Kiolbasa said Tuesday accepting Olme’s resignation was a difficult and unpleasant task. He did not indicate when the search for a successor would begin.

Credit: Sterling Journal-Advocate

The Trouble With Ethanol

Gas Additive Poses Special Risks

By David White

Ethanol is here to stay. Environmental types insist that it will help keep our water and air clean. Government leaders trumpet its glories as a renewable energy source and a hedge against rising fuel prices. Farmers love it for obvious reasons —subsidies. Now that the leadership in Congress is in new hands, it seems likely that efforts to increase production incentives for ethanol will hasten in the near term.

Once again, sweeping changes are afoot and the fire service is the last to be asked for an opinion. Remember Halon? Likewise, firefighters have been left out of the debate about ethanol. It presents some serious problems for emergency responders. Techniques and resources that have proved effective against hydrocarbon fuel fires such as gasoline will simply not work when applied to a polar solvent such as ethanol. It’s as simple as Chemistry 101. This has yet to register with the proponents of putting corn squeezin’s in your gas tank.

WHAT IS ETHANOL?

Ethanol is known by many names. To chemists, it is ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, made by fermenting almost any material that contains starch or sugar. As such, it has always been in demand. Connoisseurs of mountain-made bootleg liquor will know it best as moonshine, white lightning, hooch, fire water or old stump hole. Ethanol weighs in with a 190 proof wallop. Be warned – ethanol made to be used as a fuel is automatically denatured by adding a small amount of gasoline to it, making it unfit for drinking.

About two billion gallons of ethanol are produced annually in the U.S. A bushel of corn processed yields 2.5 to 2.7 gallons of ethanol and various bi-products. The addition of as little as 10 % ethanol to gasoline increases a gasoline’s octane by 3 points, which means increased performance. Moreover, ethanol’s increased oxygen content ensures that the gasoline burns more completely, thus reducing tailpipe emissions, especially harmful carbon monoxide.

Use of ethanol as a fuel additive is hardly new. During the energy crisis of the 1970s gasoline containing ethanol was marketed as “gasohol.” As far back as the late 1800s, ethanol was widely used as lamp fuel. Today, ethanol is already routinely added to gasoline in New York, Connecticut, California and the Midwest, and makes up about a third of the gas sold in the U.S.

Ethanol’s new demand stems largely from the decision of many states to stop allowing methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) to be used as an additive in gasoline. MTBE, which can contaminate ground water, makes up about 10 percent of every gallon of gasoline with which it is blended. More than 200,000 barrels of MTBE are consumed per day in the U.S. As per toxicity alone, MTBE is not classified as a hazard for the environment. But because it acts as an emulsifier, MTBE increases the solubility o