Afdca.org



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The Capital Bulletin

Information for Fire District Commissioners, Secretaries, Treasurers & Chiefs

Editor, Tom Rinaldi June 1st 2019

Life doesn’t get better by chance, it gets better by change!

Capital shorts:

• Our sincerest sympathies to Mike McEvoy and his family on the death of his brother.

• Action Needed! - Amendment to the cancer legislation Page 4

• Only 11 Days Remaining in this legislative session – Updated Scorecard Available

• The volunteer fire service will take another bashing if bill S5206/A7133 is allowed to pass. The bill will require minimum qualifications by the STATE to serve as a fire chief in any combination fire department, fire district or fire protection district that employs six or more paid firefighters. It is currently on the Committee agenda for Tuesday April 30th. This takes away home rule jurisdiction!!

• Got News? Let me know what you have so that we can share with the group.

Capital Area association news:

The Capital Area Association wants to take this opportunity to thank all of the Fire Districts who continue to support your local Capital Area Association.

Remit payments to AFDCA 596 Boght Road Cohoes, NY 12047

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Capital Area Dues are payable and Business Sponsors will be required to renewed for 2019!!!

Ads are being updated in the Bulletin. Thank you for your continued support.

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Meeting Dates: Not until-September 5th, October 10th, November 7th (elections) and January 4th, 2020 at the West Crescent Station. Everyone is always invited and all are encouraged to attend!!! We don’t want to make this a club that comes under the control of one area or County, the only way to keep that from happening is to get involved, come to the meetings and participate.

Meetings: Currently all meetings will be held at the West Crescent Fire Station, which is centrally located to the 8 counties represented by the Association. Food is served for the convenience of the attendees.

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The Capital Area has logo ware for sale, long and short sleeve polo shirts. Contact President John Meehan to purchase shirts.

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Remember that the Capital Bulletins are archived for 6 months on the Capital Area Website – see Capital Bulletin Archives.

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The 2019 Officers:

President John Meehan

1st VP Alan Hodges

2nd VP Tom Rinaldi

Directors: in addition to the 1st and 2nd VP, Les Bonesteel, Tom Wood, Joyce Petkus, Ed Woehrle and Mike Podolec

Secretary – Treasurer: Jan Turcotte; Deputy Alicia Hodges

Sergeant at Arms: Tom Wood

state association news:

Can’t make it to the Annual Meeting or Fall Leadership Summit? Your budget won’t support spring or fall training? Would you like some professional training in your area of the State? The State Association is here for you.

• The State is Offering Training in your Neighborhood – Just Contact Cathy DeLuca to Schedule

o We need people in the seats, commissioners, secretaries, treasurers, chiefs.

o You provide a location, we will provide the instructors.

o We will work to find sponsors for the supporting food.

o At Minimal cost to the attendees.

• Courses available?

o Introduction to Apparatus and Fleet Vehicle Evaluation & Planning

o Introduction to Fire Service Conflict Resolution

o Introduction to Human Resources for the Volunteer Fire Service

o Ask the Attorney!!

o Secretary and Treasurer’s training courses.

Contact Cathy DeLuca at cdeluca@afdsny to schedule your regional training, we’re coming to YOU!.

[pic] The “New and Improved” On-Line Commissioner’s 6 hour training is available on the State Association web site. The training has been completely revamped for better and easier viewing.

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ASSOCIATION TRAINING contact

Cathy Deluca

AFDSNY Program Coordinator

PO Box 496

Selkirk, NY 12158

(C) (518) 275-6585

program.coordinator@

Association Web Site

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The Fall Leadership Summit and Fire Expo

Wednesday October 2nd through Saturday October 5th 2019

Niagara Falls Convention Center/*Sheraton Niagara Falls

*A Marriott International Property

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DON’T JUST COMPLAIN - SPEAK UP FIRE SERVICE!

Tell Congress To Act on This

The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) exempts nominal volunteer recruitment and retention incentives (including LOSAP) from being subject to federal income tax. VRIPA (H.R. 1241/S. 1210) specifically makes property tax benefits and up to $600 per year in other incentives exempt from federal income taxation and reporting requirements. Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators using the NVFC's Legislative Action Center and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 1241/S. 1210 today!

 Take Action or copy and paste this web site into your Browser:



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Tell Congress to restore AFG and SAFER grant funding!

The leadership of the House Fire Services Caucus is circulating a sign-on letter asking House appropriators to restore funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs to $405 million each in FY 2020. Use the NVFC's Legislative Action Center to contact your U.S. Representative to tell them to co-sign the AFG/SAFER funding letter!

 Take Action 

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Tell your U.S. Representative to make nominal volunteer benefits tax-free!

On February 14, 2019 Representatives John Larson, Mike Kelly, Bill Pascrell, and Peter King introduced the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (HR 1241), which exempts nominal volunteer recruitment and retention incentives from being subject to federal income tax. Contact your U.S. Representative and ask them to co-sponsor HR 1241.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

2019 NYS Fire Service Alliance Issues of United Concern

See updates to these Bills

On December 8, 2018, the NYS Fire Service Alliance met in Troy, New York for the purpose of developing the list of legislative priorities for the 2019 legislative session. All the major fire service organizations were represented, and the following is a list of agreed upon major initiatives:

□ Chapter Amendments to GML 205cc, clarifying or modifying as appropriate the verification requirements so that benefits may be extended to intended firefighters with five years of interior service to their respective departments. (S4173 GAUGHRAN/A5957 GUNTHER) Passed the Senate, awaiting action in the Assembly LOCAL GOVT COMMITTEE

□ Emergency Medical Cost Recovery, allow fire departments and districts currently unable to recover the cost of providing pre-hospital EMS service from insurers, Medicare and Medicaid in a similar manner as for-profit, not-for-profit and municipal providers are able to recover costs. (S3685A BROOKS/A1778 JONES) Advanced to 3rd Reading for the Senate in the Local Govts Committee in the Assembly.

□ Seek an increase in VFBL/VAWBL benefits temporary and total disability (corrected) and seek parity with worker’s compensation benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers in the event they are injured in the line of duty. (S4631 GAUGHRAN/A5895 MAGNARELLI) Reported to the Senate Finance Committee on 5/6/19

□ Pursue legislative and administrative actions for building owners who perform modifications or conversions without obtaining the prescribed permits for single or multi-family occupancies which endangers the welfare of the occupants and fire or emergency responders in the pursuit of their duties. (S1714 BROOKS/A3343 ZEBROWSKI) & S4938 CARLUCCI/A2128 ZEBROWSKI & S1401 CARLUCCI/NO SAME AS) No Movement

□ Establish a prohibition on the sale of upholstered furniture which employs the use of carcinogenic flame-retardant chemicals. (S1367 RITCHIE/A6260 GUNTHER) 5/29 Out of the Assembly Committee and Referred to the Codes Committee

Also discussed at the December meeting were the following issues and ideas presented by the fire service organizations which will be pursued individually by the organizations. While these issues are considered important to the individual organizations, it was decided that advancing these proposals by the individual organizations may produce positive outcomes through the legislative process. These additional proposals are:

Additional legislative initiatives endorsed by the members of the Fire Service Alliance:

o Work to prevent the removal of residential sprinkler protection from the building codes adopted by the State.

o Insure increased transparency for the process of conducting annual fire inspections for public and private schools (S4663 CARLUCCI/A1906ZEBROWSKI).

o Endorse legislation for the creation of career and technical education opportunities for both fire and EMS disciplines.

o Support the increase the maximum annual contribution under defined contribution LOSAP plans from the current $700 to $2100.

o Support legislation to enable authorities having jurisdiction the option to create, form, consolidate or otherwise merge fire companies or departments on a countywide, regional or cross-jurisdictional level to “right-size” provision of services across a broader tax base, geographical area and or population contingent upon the development and approval of a master plan by the residents affected.

State Budget Proposals endorsed by members of the Fire Service Alliance:

o Advocate for the increase of an annual tax exemption from the current $400 helping incentivize becoming a member of the volunteer fire service. (S1222 RITCHIE/A3479 ZEBROWSKI)

o Advocate for a sales tax exemption on smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers to incentivize the purchase of these safety related items. (A1229 ROSENTHAL/NO SAME AS)

The order in which these proposals are presented are not relative to their importance.

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Action Needed! - Amendment to the cancer legislation

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR PASTE THE FOLLOWING LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER:



FASNY's 2019 Legislative Priorities as well as the AFDSNY include an amendment to the presumptive cancer law that clarifies who must be covered and what documentation is necessary. 

 

As local departments have been working to implement the program and secure coverage for their members, a technical issue has arisen. There is a true need for an alternate documentation of eligibility. Departments have had records lost or destroyed over the years due to relocation or changes in department organization. Additionally, older interior firefighters may not have been required to take a fit test as currently required, precluding from the statute those potentially most exposed to toxins over their volunteer history. This legislation would deem as sufficient proof a signed statement from the firefighter’s department Chief or the authority having jurisdiction’s Chief Administrative Officer which attests to said firefighter’s compliance with the eligibility requirements.

 

This amendment is necessary to ensure all members receive the coverage they need.

 

The Senate version of the legislation (S.4173, sponsored by Senator Jim Gaughran) was favorably passed by the NYS Senate Standing Committee on Local Government in early April, and is now waiting on the calendar to be passed on the floor.

 

The Assembly version (A.5957, sponsored by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther) is still in the NYS Assembly Standing Committee on Local Governments. 

 

Now is the time to express to legislators how crucial this amendment is in securing coverage.

 We need everybody to write their assembly member and show that this matters to us. Let's make sure everyone who should be covered is covered.

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The 2020 NYS Fire Service Alliance Issues of United Concern meeting will be held on Saturday December 7th 2019 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, NY and will be hosted by FASNY.

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Who’s Doing What? - Look beyond your own walls!

Program Note from State Chiefs – Fire 2019 in Syracuse

The venue for the General Session, including the Keynote Address by Syracuse University Head Football Coach Dino Babers and the NYSAFC Memorial Service, has been changed to The Oncenter War Memorial Arena – Memorial Hall (across the street from The Oncenter exhibit areas).

Here’s what you need to know for the convention:

• Schedule of Events

• Parking – seven lots/garages have been designated for event parking. Nominal parking fees apply. Discounted $5 daily rate will be charged at the Oncenter Garage, across the street from the venue.

• Free shuttle service available from designated hotels. Shuttle Schedule (to/from The Oncenter and hotels with NYSAFC room blocks):

Wednesday, June 12: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 13: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Friday, June 14: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 15: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Full Term Registration for entry to the exhibits and education programs will be available through Gate 1 (Main Entrance) at the Box Office Registration Area.

• Purchase One Day Tickets for entry to the exhibits at Gates 1 and 2 or get them for free from our vendors before the event. Get in touch with them for more information!

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OSC Approved Fire Commissioner Training – Down to the last three in person classes!!

At the State Chief’s Expo in Syracuse – Register on Line at still plenty of seats left.

Instructor : Association Council Joe Frank (9am at the On Center, 800 S. State Street, Syracuse, NY 13202

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State Chief’s 2019 SEMINAR SERIES - TACTICAL TASKS AND TIPS IN TRUCK WORK

Start Date: October/11/2019 7:00 PM EDT  End Date: 10/11/2019 10:00 PM EDT

Venue Name: Queensbury Central Fire Department

Location:17 Lafayette Street Queensbury, NY  United States  12804

Contact: Sue Revoir,Email: srevoir@ Phone: 800-676-3473

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State Chiefs offers hands on training during FIRE 2019 in Syracuse; for Registration and Fees Check their Web Site

The following hands on training will be offered this year, registration is required: Advanced Thermal Imaging Ops, Advanced Vehicle Extrication, Aggressive Interior Attack, Fire Behavior on the Inside, Fire Flows and Water Supply, Hoarder Fires, Machinery Rescue Ops, Multifaceted Elevator Rescue, Rapid Intervention and Truck Company Essentials.

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Regional Hands-On Training – Flashover

In late 2012, NYSAFC began offering its Regional Hands-On Training – Flashover program at locations across New York state. The three-hour program includes a one-hour lecture, followed by two hours of hands-on training in a mobile flashover simulator with some of the nation's most seasoned fire instructors.

Student Prerequisites: 

Firefighter I OR Basic Firefighter and Intermediate Firefighter OR Firefighting Essentials and Initial Fire Attack. Each student must provide a signed “Authorization Letter” from the chief of his/her department (a sample letter will be provided with each student’s registration confirmation). Student must complete lecture portion of this program to participate in Hands-On Training segment.

PPE Requirements: 

Turnout coats and helmets will be provided to avoid heat and smoke damage to students’ department gear. Each student must bring bunker pants, hood, gloves, SCBA, and one spare cylinder.

How to Host a Program in Your Region:

Complete and submit a Regional Hands-On Training Host Registration Form, which outlines all host responsibilities. Training will be provided in New York state only. Programs will be scheduled based on availability of the association’s flashover unit.Email NYSAFC with questions regarding Flashover Hands-On Training.

September 14-15, 2019

Saratoga County

Host: Greenfield Fire District

Program Details and Registration Form

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FASNY 2019 Youth Days

June 29th in Niagara Falls at the Niagara Wheatfield Training Facility

July 13th in Cortland at the Cortland County Regional Training Center

Youth Day is an excellent opportunity for young firefighters to gather for valuable hands-on training and the priceless camaraderie that comes with being part of the firematic brotherhood. Teens make rounds to different stations consisting of hazmat, roof rescue, hose relay, maze, hose work stations and more in small groups led by professional instructors using state-of-the-art training facilities. To register follow this link:

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FASNY is proud to now offer our members online training classes.

If you haven't accessed your online account yet, please visit our login page and click "Forgot your password?" to get started!

Join FASNY and VFIS for Four Live Webinars designed to help your department meet the annual OSHA Training Requirements. The first session begins March 2, so sign up today! These unique one hour seminars will be offered on line three times throughout the year to maximize your opportunity to participate.  They will assist you and your department in meeting the Annual OSHA Training Requirements. 

• Firefighter Wellness and Safety : Stay In the Game

o Know your environment, The Concept of staying safe, risk management and health and fitness

• Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health : SCBA

o The need for PPE and overview of selection, donning and maintenance. The need for accountability and the use of PPE as it relates to tool use and safety

• Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health: PPE

o An overview of SCBA – including: Selection; Use; Maintenance; limitations; DeCon; Donning and Doffing as well as health risks of not using SCBA. Program will also address cancer concerns as well as identifying the IDLH environment and NFFF life safety initiatives

• HazCom: You have a Right to Know

o Identification of hazardous operations and environments, the need for situational awareness, workplace violence Bloodborne Pathogens concerns awareness and Safety Data Sheets.

The Webinars can be completed by individual firefighters at home, at the station, or you can participate as a company drill.

GRANTS

NYS ENCON Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Volunteer Fire Assistance

2019 VFA Grant Information

Program Summary

The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant (VFA) program is made possible by the Federal Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978. The grant is a 50/50 matching funds program. Its purpose is to make funds available to rural fire companies for the purchase of wildland firefighting equipment such as portable backpack pumps, Nomex protective clothing, hand tools, hard hats, hose, portable radios and dry hydrants.

Fire departments eligible to apply may receive grant funding up to $1,500 for the purchase of firefighting equipment. Fire departments are required to equally match (50/50) the amount of the grant award. As an example, a fire department is required to spend up to $3,000 on the purchase of approved firefighting equipment in order to be reimbursed an equal grant amount up to $1,500.

The application deadline is June 28, 2019.

Complete information about the program at:

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Is a regional AFG application right for your project?

By Jerry Brant

A regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application is an opportunity for a fire department or a non-affiliated EMS organization to serve as a host and apply for funding on behalf of itself and any number of other participating AFG-eligible organizations. Eligible regional activities are Vehicle Acquisition and Operations and Safety (but only for Training, Equipment, Wellness and Fitness, and PPE activities).

If your area is debating a regional application , here are four question to help in making the correct decision: 

Will the regional application result in a cost savings to participating departments? 

Will the regional application support regional efficiency? 

Will the regional application increase interoperability? 

Will the regional application benefit more than one municipality? 

If you answered yes to all four of these questions, then your project meets the qualifications of a regional application.  

How to develop your regional application 

If you decide to proceed with a regional application, keep in mind that some parts of the AFG application will pertain only to the host department, and other parts will encompass all the participating agencies. The questions in the Applicant Information section should be answered only about the host department. Questions in the balance of the application should be answered with totals from all departments that are involved in the project. This includes items such as the population covered by the proposed application, number of Firefighter Is and IIs, the call volume statistics for the past three years and the apparatus and seating matrix.  

All the narratives for the application should include information that pertains to all the departments. Specifically, the financial need narrative must include details on all the participating departments and their financial situations, including how a regional grant would help their financial outlook. All narratives should also provide detailed information on the regional activities and how they would increase interoperability and regional efficiency. 

In addition, the application narratives should provide specific details, fully explaining the distribution of any grant-funded equipment or grant-funded contracted services, as well as the responsibilities between the host and the partner organizations.  

In the Characteristics section of the application, the regional host must include a list of all the AFG-eligible participating organizations benefitting from a proposed regional project, including points of contact for every regional partner and each organization’s Employee Identification Number (EIN).   

Agreement needed 

The host applicant and participating partner agencies must execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the host and all participating organizations. The agreement should specify the individual and mutual responsibilities of the participating partners, the participant’s level of involvement in the project(s), the proposed distribution of all grant-funded assets and/or contracted services, and the participating partner’s EIN numbers. Any entity named in the application as benefiting from the award must be an eligible AFG organization and must be a party to the MOU. The MOU must be executed by all involved parties before the application is submitted.  

All participants of a regional applicant must be compliant with all AFG requirements, including being current with past grants, closeouts and other reporting requirements. Upon notification by the AFG Program Office, the host agency shall not distribute any grant-funded assets or provide grant-funded contractual services to non-compliant partner organizations. The host and the delinquent partners will be notified by the AFG Program Office of their specific deficiency.  

Choosing the host organization 

If the partnering departments decide that a regional application is the best choice for your project, then a decision needs to be made as to which department will act as host for the application. This is a conclusion that should be reached after reviewing which partner has the time, experience and capabilities to properly prepare and submit the application and successfully administer it if your grant is awarded. More specifically, select a department that has the time to plan the application, gather all the participants information, coordinate market research, develop the narrative statements and have the application completed in enough time for the partner agencies to review it before submission.  

If your department is considering serving as a host for a regional application, keep in mind that if awarded, the host department will be responsible for all aspects of the grant. This includes, but is not limited to, cost share, accountability for the assets, and all reporting requirements in the regional application.

BEST PRACTICES

Town considers giving firefighters housing priority

By Jean-Paul Salamanca

Southold Town officials said they are considering giving top priority to local volunteer firefighters who are seeking affordable housing.

Southold Supervisor Scott Russell, who suggested the idea at the town board’s May 21 work session, said volunteer firefighters provide a vital service and he would further discuss a proposal with the board in the future.

“One of the biggest challenges we have is keeping firefighters here,” Russell said in an interview May 22. “What we’d like to do is create enticements and make sure if there are local firefighters that would like to step up and help the community, we’d like to find them a place to live.”

There are limits to how much priority towns can give due to state and federal anti-discrimination housing rules, but Russell said there may be an opportunity to create priorities under certain circumstances and he has directed town attorney William Duffy to look into it.

A similar proposal has been floated in Hempstead Town, where officials have been working on rezoning areas of the town that would give firefighters and members of the military preference in future affordable housing construction.

Affordable housing options or projects had been scarce in Southold for several years, and the town’s priority list of individuals seeking affordable housing had not been updated in years, Russell said.

However, the construction of Vineyard View — a 50-unit affordable housing complex in Greenport set for completion in May 2020 — has sparked new interest for people seeking affordable housing options, he said.

Town fire officials said they would welcome preference for volunteers.

“Anything that helps young people get started in the Town of Southold is a wonderful thing, and the fact that they’re going to help people that are giving back to the community is even better,” Southold Fire Department Assistant Chief Carlisle Cochran Jr.  said.

Cutchogue Fire Department Chief Thomas Shalvey Jr.  said his department — which has roughly 100 volunteers — has lost volunteers in the past because they couldn’t afford homes in Southold.

Shalvey said the proposal may not immediately help his department because there were no nearby affordable housing options in Cutchogue, but it could help attract new volunteers in the future if nearby housing options do open up.

“I couldn’t see where that would hurt us,” Shalvey said.

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Do you have a best practice SUCH AS A YOUTH OR BUNK IN PROGRAM you want to take credit for it; Share your story here!

Firefighter LODDs – health - safety

Firefighters Better Able to Track On-The-Job Exposures to Deadly Carcinogens and Other Toxins [pic]

Firefighters on the front lines protecting their communities now have a valuable tool for recording and providing evidence of work-related exposures to help protect them against deadly cancers and other occupational hazards in the fire service. The new National Fire Operations Reporting System (NFORS) Exposure Tracker is now available as an app for firefighters, paramedics or officers to create a personal diary for logging exposure and incident details in a private, encrypted and secure online environment. "This valuable tool will help provide firefighters with the documentation they need to show on-the-job exposure to a toxic soup of carcinogens and ensure they have the resources to get healthy and return to work," says Harold A. Schaitberger, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The NFORS Fire Fighter Exposure Tracker was developed through a partnership with the IAFF, the International Associations of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) and other fire service experts and is funded by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters grant program and the Ramsey Social Justice Foundation.  

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So far this year there have been 8 fire fighter LODDs reported nationally.

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The Hartford has insured approximately 10,000 firefighters statewide, for additional information access the website at:

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According to Firefighter Close Call web site there were a total of 76 LODD in 2018!!

Keep all of our first responders in our great nation, their families and their extended families in your thoughts and prayers. Pray that your agency never has a line of duty death.

tHE CHIEF’S CORNER

A new generation is shaking up the fire service

By: Linda Willing

Just as fire departments are getting used to working with millennials, another generation is coming along. This generation is significantly different from their predecessors and will require some adaptations in leadership and management for them to contribute to their fullest.

The newest generation, born after 1995, is just now entering the workforce. They have been called “iGen” by author and researcher Jean Twenge, an expert on generational differences. In her book “iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy – and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood,” Twenge discusses some key characteristics of this generation, including the fact that these young people are the first to have lived their entire lives connected to the world via the internet and social media.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS A WAY OF LIFE

In general, members of the youngest generation at work are by far the most inclusive and socially tolerant of all previous generations.

For members of this new generation, total and constant connection isn’t even a choice; it’s just the way things are.

Ms. Twenge’s book uses statistically valid surveys and demographic research tools to draw general conclusions about the youngest generation. Of course, such generalizations do not apply to everyone, but rather show trends among large groups. Through this research, a few important aspects of this new generation can be identified.

One of the key differences in this generation is that most of their social interaction takes place virtually rather than face-to-face. Whereas previous generations hung out together in person, this generation experiences most of its social interaction online or via social media platforms, such as Twitter or Snapchat.

For fire departments hiring these young people, it means that they may not have fully-developed social skills. They may lack expertise and confidence with in-person communication and conflict resolution.

DIVERSITY, JOB SECURITY EXPECTED BY NEW GENERATION

In general, members of the youngest generation at work are by far the most inclusive and socially tolerant of all previous generations. They accept diversity as a fact of life and expect the workplace to be fair and welcoming to all. They will not be attracted to organizations that do not share these values.

One of the most striking survey findings was the youngest generation’s attitude about safety. In general, people in this generation are less entrepreneurial than their predecessors and more averse to risk taking. They want security and safety in their lives, and therefore may be more attracted to stable employment versus the job-hopping behavior that was expected during the Internet boom. They may be more motivated by extrinsic factors in employment, such as benefits and job security, instead of opportunities for individual glory or achievement.

It is not surprising that this generation might have a different attitude regarding safety than those who preceded them. The oldest members of this generation were in preschool when the Columbine High School shooting took place and in first grade when 9/11 occurred, ushering in an era of similar violent acts in public spaces and preventative measures taken in response. This world is the only one they have ever known.

This generation is also much less secure in themselves than previous ones. One complaint that employers have about millennials is that they grew up in an era when everyone received a trophy for participation, and that they all felt entitled to praise and reward for simply doing what was expected of them.

Whereas millennials might need praise, members of iGen need reassurance and support. The bigger world seems less secure to them, but so does their personal life. Studies show that social media has led to higher rates of bullying among young people all the way into college. FOMO, or “fear of missing out,” is a real concern when every aspect of life is documented and shared. This young generation seeks inclusion more than recognition.

COOPERATION A KEY CHARACTERISTIC OF NEW GENERATION

While some of these traits create challenges for employers, and specifically fire departments, they also create opportunities.

The newest generation at work wants to be part of a team. They are willing to work hard and will take direction. They may need more reassurance and support than previous generations, but they are also motivated to follow rules and respect others in the workplace, and they are loyal when their needs are met.

They are driven by a desire for safety, and thus will embrace an emphasis on safety culture in the emergency services. They may be easily distracted and have a shorter attention span than older firefighters, but are also willing to be led by example.

It is tempting to only see the challenges and negative aspects of any new generation that comes along. This has been true since ancient days; even Aristotle complained about the younger generation: “They have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things.”

But organizations that indulge such complaints do so at a price: their own future. This newest generation at work is the only one you get. It is up to those with experience and wisdom to help them prepare for the challenges they face.

The rewards for such efforts are large. As Jean Twenge comments in her book, “Managers who can give them some security, along with some nurturance, may well find themselves with the hardest-working group of young people to come along in a decade or even two.”

Designing BUILDINGS or APPARATUS

Building Codes, the ADA & Your Fire Station

Brian Harris and Forest Hooker share a brief history of building codes and how they apply to station design.

Building codes and local, state and federal laws can present a labyrinthine path to securing the approvals, permits and compliance with legislation required to commence construction of a new or renovated fire station or emergency facility project and to mitigate lingering liability. While your department or district’s architect (and code consultants if on the team) should be the lead for navigating jurisdictional requirements, this article will provide fire service representatives insight into compliance complexities, interpretations and risks.

Code basics

Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) adopt, amend and enforce model codes at the local level. Prior to the year 2000, the model code landscape in the United States consisted of three main regional codes: the National Building Code on the East Coast and in the Midwest, the Uniform Building Code in the West, and the Standard Building Code in the Southeast (now collectively known as the Legacy Codes).

The International Code Council (ICC) launched the International Codes Series (I-codes) at the end of the 1990s as a singular replacement for the regional model codes. In addition to the International Building Code (IBC), the series includes volumes for Fire, Mechanical, Existing Buildings, and others. The ICC publishes revised I-codes every three years, and AHJs review, amend and adopt the new codes on their own schedule. Your AHJ’s website is the place to start to find codes and amendments in effect, but bear in mind that the codes are scoping instruments and make reference to an alphabet soup of published standards, methods and tests for achieving compliance (e.g., ASTM, UL, NFPA, ISO).

A fundamental difference between the legacy codes and the IBC is the classification of building use. The legacy codes typically classified buildings based on a single use while the IBC classifies buildings based on occupancy types. As a result, a single building now often contains multiple occupancy classifications. So, whereas a fire station would be considered a Type B (Business) under the Uniform Building Code, it may now look like a mix of B (Business), R (Residential) and S (Storage, which includes garages). The IBC then provides provisions for separating individual occupancies (fire-resistive construction) or designing with restrictions for non-separated occupancies. The IBC also began to increase incentives for using NFPA fire sprinkler systems, for example, allowing for larger building areas and reduced fire-resistance ratings where required between spaces.

Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. The law scopes a series of standards for accessibility for the disabled (e.g., 2010 ADA Standards). Requirements for fire stations as public buildings are scoped under Title 2 of the Act, and public facilities are subject to higher accessibility standards than commercial and residential developments.

The ADA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), but the DOJ is not involved in local building permitting. Instead, the local AHJ assesses accessibility compliance based on IBC scoping and a separate accessibility standards document titled the ANSI/ICC A117.1. The DOJ reviews accessibility requirements based on complaints or local government audits—after a project has been built. 

While the ICC and ADA have worked to align their standards, the answer to the question of who’s in charge of accessibility enforcement is both the local and federal government. So, convincing a local building official of an interpretation of an accessibility requirement is no guarantee the DOJ wouldn’t find an issue during an audit years from project completion. 

Energy code adoption and requirements vary greatly in scope between states and AHJs. Stricter energy codes will drive higher construction costs but can offer dividends in savings over the operational life of a facility. In addition to the environmental benefits, more efficient energy use means a reduced long-term cost of ownership, which is why some cities are implementing Net Zero Energy building policies, where a facility must produce as much energy as it uses on a net annual basis. Recent examples include Salt Lake City Fire Stations 3 and 14.

Code considerations for fire stations

Inclusion of an NFPA fire sprinkler system will allow for greater allowable area, height and a reduction in separation and other code requirements. In the state of Washington, sprinkler systems are required for fire stations by law. If your AHJ offers the choice, then you and your team will need to evaluate code breaks, costs, safety considerations, and the example you want to set in your community.

With a sprinkler system, most fire stations can take advantage of the non-separated mixed occupancy IBC approach in lieu of fire-resistive separations between varying occupancies. This will save cost and generally allow for a more open and efficient station (e.g., fewer doors to get from a bed to an apparatus). However, your team will need to understand separation requirements outside of the building code. For instance, Washington State also requires a 1-hour separation between apparatus bays and sleeping rooms. This makes some sense, in a home, and the International Residential Building Code requires a 30-minute separation between a garage and living areas.

The IBC provides a tiered approach for the required structural performance of a building, and as an “essential facility,” fire stations are subject to the strictest structural requirements. While an office building is required to be built to protect life in the event of a disaster, which means the occupants survive but the building may be condemned, a fire station must be designed to protect life and be immediately occupiable post-disaster. This means a fire station will be better able to resist the shaking of an earthquake or the high winds of a hurricane. The code also maps out exposure risks, so, for example, if you’re in seismic or hurricane country, more dollars will go into the structure of your station. 

With a few exceptions for building support spaces, fire station facilities, as Title 2 Public Buildings, are required to be fully accessible for disabled staff and the public. Accessibility requirements extend to the building site, including accessible parking stalls for cars and vans as well as an accessible pedestrian path from the public right-of-way to the building entrance. ADA standards touch most every aspect of design, from the maximum opening force of the front door to the exact width of a shower stall. Building elements such as hallways and restrooms require additional square feet for maneuvering and fixture clearance requirements.

While optional for single-story stations (but a poor appropriation of public dollars!), elevators are required as part of the accessible path of travel for multi-level stations. Cogent arguments have been made for why some areas within a fire station should not be considered public or accessible, like a sleeping room. And similarly, convincing cases have been made relative to the mandatory fitness requirements for staff (able-bodied). Nonetheless, the ADA law is clear: Spaces are not exempt based on a policy that excludes persons with disabilities from certain work, and a fire facility is considered a public building in its entirety.

So, what does this look like practically: An injured firefighter on light duty may make use of an office space; a student in a wheelchair can be included in a station tour and see where a firefighter sleeps; or an elected official with a walker may tour the facility. 

The DOJ does recognize certain spaces used by first responders are “non-transitory residential.” They have published guidance that supports an “adaptable” approach to kitchens and bathrooms in the crew area. This allows for kitchen sinks to be placed at standard height (36 inches) as long as provisions are made for lowering the sink to ADA height (34 inches) should it ever be required. Shower stalls can be installed without seats and grab bars, as long as blocking is provided in the walls should these elements need to be installed. We’ve found local building officials generally inclined to accept the adaptable approach when provided with the DOJ guidance document. If your architect is unaware of the approach, you can now clue them in! 

The application of building codes and accessibility requirements for the addition and/or remodel of a building adds additional complexities. Most AHJs have adopted the International Existing Building Code for this project type, and the ADA concept of “disproportionality” provides a 20 percent ceiling for the portion of project construction cost applied to accessibility upgrades.

Interpretations

A measure of the room for interpretation of the IBC is the two-volume set of commentary that the ICC publishes to help illuminate the meaning of code requirements. This is the space where your architect will need to provide guidance while applying the codes to your building design, for instance, when classifying an occupancy type for a kitchen (is it residential or business?) or assigning the maximum occupancy of a training room (will it ever be standing room only?). It is important to be aware that plans-examiners (who review plans prior to permitting) and building inspectors (who review for compliance during construction) are typically separate jobs by separate individuals with varying degrees of experience. A building inspector may cite non-compliance with the code on an item where no permit review comments were provided. When this happens during construction, it can be a challenge to appeal and, if unsuccessful, expensive to correct.

How to mitigate this risk?

Document all code interpretations during permit review: Your architect should provide a code analysis as part of the permit submittal. Dialogues with the building officials regarding compliance need to be documented.

Hire experienced design professionals: Your team must understand the code requirements salient to your specific project type.

In preparation for this article, we sat down with Codes Unlimited (CU), experts in the code world, and discussed the evolution of building codes and when to add a code consultant to your team. CU noted that as codes have evolved, both the complexity of requirements and areas for interpretation have increased. Sometimes it takes several code cycles for a requirement to be clarified. For instance, is a single-occupant firefighter sleeping room part of an R-2 or an R-3 dormitory occupancy? (We do believe the 2018 IBC and Commentary will provide the clear answer to this question.) CU points out that a code consultant can add an expert to your team who can negotiate compliance paths and document understandings reached with AHJs on behalf of the owner. Code consultants are seasoned professionals who bring clarity and decisiveness to answering code questions, and guide owner thinking about which safety investments provide the best value and reduce the most risk. 

In conclusion

We hope this article has shed some light on the evolving complexity of building codes, their application to fire stations and emergency facilities, and the gray area for interpretation. Districts and departments rely on the professional services team to lead the way through the code maze, secure approvals and permits, and obviate construction and occupancy compliance risks. So, their most important decision is selecting the right team for the project.

A final thought: Codes provide the minimum requirements for life safety. Samir Mokashi, founder of CU, offered, “Safety is an important design value; our experience is that the building occupants assign a higher value to it than what the designers or program managers assume.” 

You may elect to exceed a safety requirement, or you may recognize lobbying for a liberal interpretation of a code requirement may save upfront dollars but reduce safety and increase exposure to risk over the life of your facility. There are many important considerations for owners whose business is safety!

the legal department & FAQs

The Need For CDL License Revisited

By Joseph Frank, ESQ

Whether or not commercial driver’s licenses are required for the non-emergency operation of fire vehicles has come up again and needs the following clarification. Unfortunately, the statute that governs driver’s license requirements, Vehicle and Traffic Law § 501, establishes the exemption in a very confusing manner. The language of the statute provides for the emergency operation exemption and then references a federal statute. What it does not make clear is that the federal statute is the basis upon which states are permitted to provide exemptions from commercial driver’s license requirements for the operation of fire vehicles by firefighters.

It is difficult to interpret the statute and come to the true meaning of the statute for purposes of determining license requirements for fire vehicle operation without reviewing the history of the development of the statute. Such a poor job was done in amending the statute that its meaning is not readily understandable.

If we go back to 2009 the issue of commercial driver’s licenses and firefighter operation of fire vehicles was an extremely contentious issue. The fire service was demanding that the State Legislature finally definitively state that firefighters were not required to possess commercial driver’s licenses in order to operate fire vehicles during emergency and nonemergency operation.

The matter was finally settled in May of 2009 by amendment of the statute on the eve that year’s Memorial Day parades as volunteer firefighters threatened to boycott the parades because of restrictions on nonemergency operation of the fire vehicles. At that time, the statute was amended as part of the annual budget bills and the language related to the federal waiver statute was included in the state statute to justify firefighters operating fire vehicles for nonemergency purposes without possession of commercial driver’s licenses.

In summary, Vehicle and Traffic Law §501 does provide for an exemption from commercial driver’s license requirements for firefighters operating fire vehicles during emergency and nonemergency operation. Of course, nonemergency operation relates to operation of the vehicles for a proper government purpose of the fire district or fire department. The language of the statute is confusing, but the legislative intent as established by the legislative history is clear.

There are 20 Complete Editions of FAQs on the State Association Web Page - -

You must have a log in under the Member Center to access the FAQs, any member of a dues paying fire district can obtain an individual log on account, just request it through the web page.

Disclaimer: The legal opinions published here by the Association of Fire Districts are meant to provide guidance for fire district commissioners. The materials available are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individual author at the time the facts were presented and based on the law then applicable. The information contained in these opinions is not guaranteed to be up to date. The information provided is not legal advice. Since legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing on this site should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel. The authors assume no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained herein and disclaim all liability in respect to such information. You should not act upon information in this publication without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted to practice in your jurisdiction.

Building and fire CODE STUFF:

Fire Deaths in 1 & 2 Family Dwellings without Sprinklers

New York State 33 + 00 =33

96 year old Female, Buffalo, NY, Erie County

Nationally 624 + 17 =641

New York & Pennsylvania are tied for 2nd place in the most 1&2 family home fatalities in the nation, Illinois is #1.

In 2018 in New York State 87 friends, neighbors and relatives perished in fires in 1 & 2 family dwellings; nationally the total is 1466.

FINANCIALLY SPEAKING

[Fire Districts can request regional training by the State Association through their regional directors consult with our web page at ]

Outside of New York State

Kentucky fire department at lowest number of firefighters in years (Career Depts Struggle with Staffing Also) [pic]

One extra body makes a difference when responding to a fire. Paducah's fire chief says it takes everyone on a shift to respond to a fire. A report by the International Association of Firefighters, a union representing firefighters in the U.S. and Canada, says the city of Paducah is recommended to have 24 people per shift. That would relieve pressure on current staff and increase overall response times to all incidents. Currently, the department has 15 firefighters and one assistant chief on each shift. The report says with current staffing, Paducah Fire responds to about 30% of its emergency calls with four firefighters within four minutes. The report says they could increase that to about 80% with nine more people on a shift. "If we were able to add a person to that, that would allow us to get to that number quicker, get to those jobs quicker, and create that efficiency," said Paducah Fire Chief Steve Kyle. Before the fire department and city can consider the IAF's recommendations, they're trying to reach national fire staffing standards.  

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Volunteers firefighters can have free rent and free college tuition. So why are there so few in Pa.?

By: Diana Nelson Jones

How do you persuade someone to train 200 hours to be prepared to step out of bed in the middle of the night and rush to the station for a siren ride to a burning building that may take hours to extinguish, with the added stress of potential casualties?

For no pay.

“And then drag into work on two hours of sleep,” said Bill Jeffcoat, chief of Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Company #7. “I still haven’t figured it out.”

The only thing more strained than staffing in the world of volunteer firefighting is funding, so much so that every year, politicians, policy advocates and firefighters describe a deepening crisis.

n Pennsylvania, 38,000 volunteers fight fires today compared to 60,000 in the early 2000s and 300,000 in the 1970s, according to a recent study by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

The decline coincides with the waning importance of the fire hall as a town’s center of activity and the loss of industry that once made volunteers available in shifts, said state Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego, who calls volunteer first responders “a special breed.”

Another reason, say some, is a dwindling spirit for public service in general.

The Congress of Neighboring Communities commissioned the study, which offers solutions, such as paying some first responders to staff volunteer stations; paying drivers; and creating a county pool of paid professionals to farm out to municipalities with low manpower.

It could not be determined how many females volunteer as firefighters in the county or state. Steve Imbarlina, the county’s assistant chief of emergency services, said the county does not track demographic information. Nationally, about 4% are women, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Some fire stations use free room and board at the station to recruit, including several in Monroeville and one in Ross. In 2016, Penn Hills #7 invested in a neighboring building. Several downstairs tenants’ rents pay the mortgage and support the station. Upstairs is a free residence, with several bunks for transient volunteers.

Even the lure of free college tuition has not rallied enough people to the cause. In the 10 years that Community College of Allegheny County has offered free tuition to any student who will commit to five years of service to a volunteer company in the county, the highest number of recruits was 53 in 2013. CCAC has capacity to serve 200 a year, said Elizabeth Johnston, a CCAC spokeswoman.

In the past five years, 285 volunteer firefighters received a CCAC scholarship, she said. They have served in 74 volunteer departments in the county, she said, adding, “They save the county $60 million a year, so they are a great investment.”

So far in 2019, the program has recruited five new students.

“It is insane that more people do not take advantage of that,” said Mr. Jeffcoat, a 20-year veteran of fire service, having started as a junior firefighter at age 16. “There are no junior firefighters at our station now.

“I’ve gone to high schools with pamphlets and information,” he said, referring to the Fire VEST scholarship, short for Volunteer Education, Service and Training. “But not enough people sign up.”

Matt Brown, Allegheny County chief of emergency services, echoed Mr. Jeffcoat’s surprise: “People join the Army and National Guard for the college. For fire departments, it can be recruitment or a retention tool.”

Mr. Trego said he has heard a variety of estimates of the value of volunteer first responders in the state, one being $6 billion. “I don’t know if that’s accurate, but I can tell you there is no cookie cutter solution for the entire commonwealth.”

Mr. Brown said departments are testing ways to be more efficient, including joining forces, but county-based solutions, such as a pool of firefighters, would require funding for a county fire department and a pool coordinator.

Allegheny County has 130 municipalities and 170 fire departments. All but a few are volunteer. Almost all are 501c3 nonprofit entities, separate from the municipality, although some municipalities provide support. Penn Hills gives $55,000 a year for each of six companies, Mr. Jeffcoat said.

Mr. Trego’s state office gets grant requests from about 2,200 volunteer companies, his estimate of how many there are. The state raised the grant pool several years ago from $25 million to $30 million, he said, which was “maybe just enough to maintain the heating bills.”

Volunteer services depend on state grants, low-interest state loans, public donations and fund-raisers — hoagie sales, fish fries, bingo, bake sales and raffles for anything from a freezer full of meat to a Disney vacation. One fundraiser at Penn Hills #7, a gun raffle that sells 1,000 tickets, raises $35,000, which is 5% to 10% of the operating budget, Mr. Jeffcoat said.

“I have to constantly bug people for money,” he said, adding that donations from a letter campaign to residents decline every year. “We have a fill-the-boot day once a year, and I stand in traffic asking for spare change. I hate it and I hate asking my members to do that. It shouldn’t have to come to that.”

Imbalance of equipment

Another finding in the Pitt report is a disproportion of equipment in comparisons between Allegheny County and New York City. With a population eight times smaller, Allegheny County has double the number of fire engines and only six fewer aerial trucks. Aerial trucks cost about $1 million each.

Mr. Trego said it might be time for a comprehensive community study of what equipment and how many people are needed, the number of companies and areas they are protecting:  “I’m not saying we have too many, but a strategic outlook might be called for.”

Mr. Jeffcoat, who works as a 911 dispatcher for the county, said the aspect of firefighting that would daunt most people is what draws a person to volunteer for the task.

“It’s hard for an outsider to understand this,” he said, “but all we want to do is run fire calls. If I could just do that, life would be perfect.”

“We thrive on the fire calls,” said Mr. Imbarlina, who spent 27 years as an active member of the Unity fire department in Plum.

The volunteer first-responder is both an altruist and an adrenaline junkie. The commitment can also run in families.

“Of 330 employees in our emergency services,” Mr. Brown said, “everyone has either been a volunteer or has a family member who has been.”

Alex Popko has fought fires with companies in the center of the state, as well as in Wilkins and Penn Hills. He lives in station #7’s dormitory and works for pay as a 911 county dispatcher.

Firefighting, he said, “seemed like a cool thing to do. Ever since I was a kid, my family has been involved in community service. When I started, my love for it grew right away. There’s an adrenaline rush.”

“A lot of people who do ambulance also do this,” said Larry Zamora, first captain at Penn Hills #7. “There are 230 to 240 people at the county 911 call center and at least half are also first responders. It can be fun, but it takes a special person to stick with it.”

Mr. Jeffcoat said his 41-man roster has a fairly wide age range, but a growing number have trouble running up five flights of stairs for an elevator emergency

“If we don’t recruit,” he said, “our young guys will soon be our old guys.”

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Proposed tax credits might help attract volunteer firefighters in southeast Wisconsin [pic]

As communities in southeast Wisconsin continue to grow, so does the need for volunteer firefighters. Fire Chief Tim Allen of the Union Grove Yorkville Fire Department has been in the business for decades, so firefighting is in his blood. "I grew up in this business. My dad did it for 34 years, so I have been here since I have been a kid," said Allen. He said over the years he has noticed the number of volunteer firefighters decrease and the call volume increase. Allen said the reason the number of volunteers across the state and nation is decreasing is due to the increase in training. "Everybody is facing the same problems. I haven't heard of anybody that says, 'Oh, we got a ton of people,' " said Allen. To help recruit and retain new volunteer firefighters, state Sen. Patrick Testin and lawmakers proposed a bill called the B.R.A.V.E Act. "We have roughly 863 fire departments here in the state of Wisconsin, and 701 rely solely on volunteers and an additional 100 rely on part-time volunteers. The vast majority of our fire departments are dependent on men and women who volunteer their time to protect our communities," said Testin.  

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NC county fire dept. debuts state-of-the-art drone at structure blaze

By: Chris Berendt

The Sampson County Fire Marshal’s Office has a game-changing piece of aerial technology that allows for more efficient fire suppression and improved safety for those attacking flames from the ground.

Sampson County Office of Emergency Management has been the beneficiary of grants from local electric membership corporations, specifically South River EMC and Four County EMC, that were used to purchase state-of-the-art drones. One purchased last year through a South River grant was utilized at a commercial structure fire for the first time Sunday.

“That was the first time we were able to deploy that,” said Sampson Deputy Fire Marshal Joshua Deaver. “It was awesome. Being able to actually get up there and see where the heat was coming from was an incredible tool.”

In the wake of an unfortunate incident that ravaged a maintenance shop at Jackson Farming Company in the Autryville area, emergency officials said the deployment of a drone equipped with FLIR (forward-looking infrared) was a silver lining that displayed vast capabilities for future response.

FLIR cameras — typically used on military and civilian aircraft and more regularly becoming part of arsenals at local law enforcement and first responding agencies — use a thermographic camera that senses infrared radiation emitted from a heat source. The ability to use that technology is a boon to local officials, who said they are able to better coordinate overall response to an emergency situation, such as Sunday’s large-scale, four-alarm fire.

“With those fires, smoke is coming from everywhere inside a structure,” said Deaver. “With this (technology), we’re not sending firefighters in there blind, so there is a huge safety aspect where this benefits.”

About 70-75 fire personnel were on the scene at the peak of Sunday morning’s fire suppression efforts at the farming operation on Ernest Williams Road, led by primary responding agency Clement Volunteer Fire Department. Nearly all of Sampson’s 18 fire departments responded, along with units from two other counties.

As fire trucks doused the building with water, Deaver and fellow Deputy Fire Marshal Prentice Madgar deployed the drone equipped with DJI Mavic Pro’s top-of-the-line camera.

Deaver and Madgar are both U.S. commercially certified drone pilots, a prerequisite to flying any drone in emergency response. They each underwent online training and passed an aeronautics test at a Federal Aviation Administration-approved testing center in Fayetteville that gauged their knowledge on air space regulations, operating requirements and procedures for safely flying drones.

The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office has access to similar technology, which has aided in manhunts and missing persons searches. An alleged gunman trying to flee from a shooting in Turkey was apprehended in August 2018 when sheriff’s authorities utilized a similar drone, along with a K9 unit on the ground.

The Fire Marshal’s Office has utilized its drone with woods fires and in missing persons searches, proving useful in each. With woods fires, especially, a source and a direction of travel can be easily deduced through thermal images from above. Sunday’s incident took that usefulness to the next level.

“This is the first commercial structure fire where we have used it,” said Deaver, “and that’s where it will come in the best use.”

The fire originated in a 80-foot-by-180-foot maintenance shop, which contained various equipment, including a includes a pickup, tractor, spreader, hauler, three forklifts and a bevy of equipment parts and about 1,000 gallons of motor oil. The fire was ultimately contained, as firefighters worked to work for the rest of the morning to extinguish hot spots.

By noon, most mutual aid units were released from the scene and the Regional Response HazMat Team from Fayetteville said there was no danger to the general public.

The Sampson County Fire Marshal’s Office received assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. That is typical when the loss is estimated to be on a large scale.

While an exact cause is not yet known, through the FLIR images it was found that the fire originated in a 48-foot hauler inside the maintenance shop. The total loss of the structure and its contents, including all of the equipment and spare parts, was estimated to be between $1 million and $1.5 million.

“The specific cause is still under investigation,” said Deaver.

While that investigation is continuing, Deaver and others said Sunday offered a look into the future of emergency response, one made possible through grant assistance from South River and Four County. The second drone, courtesy of the Four County grant, has been ordered.

“We just wanted to give both of them a shout-out and a huge thank you,” said Deaver. “This definitely increases our situational awareness and the safety of everyone involved.”

Capital Area 2019 BUSINESS PARTNER’S

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE WWW.

We appreciate your support!!

Please join us at any time to be a business partner and supporter!!

The Association of Fire Districts – Capital Area would like to welcome our business partners for 2018. We will provide them exposure here and will provide space for them to provide educational commentary to help you do your job and make good decisions.

Please Support Those Who Support Us!!

This space is waiting for Your Company to become a Business Partner!!

We are delighted to see these businesses who have partnered with the Capital Area Association and this message is for you! It’s not just about paying a membership and advertising.

If you have information which is educational or informative for fire districts please submit it and we will use it in this Bulletin under the appropriate heading.

We are inviting you to be a full partner and impart your knowledge to all of those who read this newsletter each week.

Explain something, define something, educate us on a standard that you deal with, explain how something works, we have over 1000 readers who want to know.

CLASSIFIED SECTION

FOR SALE

2004 Pierce Lance Custom Rescue Pumper/Tanker

This Custom Rescue Pumper/tanker is actively being used as an emergency response vehicle. *Mileage and hours may increase. Manuals and repair history are available for this vehicle.

Asking Price: $210,000. Interested parties may contact Chief Todd Murray at (518) 376-9709, Wilton Fire District, 270 Ballard Road, Wilton, NY

Clean Title Available

Miles: 30,819*

Hours: 2,412*

Cyl: 6

Fuel Type: Diesel

Engine: Detroit Series 60 (500HP)

Transmission: Allison Model: 4000 EVS P

Transmission Type: Auto

Tire Size/Type: (8) Goodyear Tires - G182 RSD 12R 22.5

(2) Goodyear Tires – G296 MSA 425 65R 22.5

Tire Condition: Good

2 Wheel Drive

Pump: Waterous Single Stage Model: CSUY GPM: 2,000

1,000 gallon Poly Water Tank

Huskey 10 CAFS Foam System

40 Gallon class A Foam Tank

20 Gallon Class B Foam Tank

20 KW hydraulic generator

Additional Features/Equipment:

(2) Electric Reels – One Each Side

(3) Hydraulic Reels

(2) Telescoping Lights both Sides Pump Panel

Light Tower – Will Burt – Night Scan Model NS15-6,000

Cascade System: Space Saver Model 100A (4 storage Tanks – can fill (2) bottles at same time)

Air Conditioning

Arrowstick

Federal Q Siren

Jake Brake

Pump Heat Pan

OnSpot Automatic Tire Chains

(2) AMKUS 240V EF25-XL (power to run jaws)

Akron Auto Tank Fill

Winch: 9,000lbs. Portable Receiver Type

Compressed Air System: Hercules CAFS, 200CFM, PTO Driven

Air Reel DS Rear engine Air system

(2) Compressor Air Valves Pump Panel both sides

Front Bumper Jaws Reel w/75’ Hose

(2) Jaws Reels PS Rear compartment 75’ Hose Each Reel

Deck Gun with Remote Stand and Extra Tips

1,350 feet 1 ¾ inch Hose

800 feet 3 inch Hose

1000 feet 5 inch Hose

500 feet 2 ½ inch Hose Pre-connected in Hose Bed

All Spanner Wrenches Mounted on Truck

List it here!

“Times they are a changin”

Police, firefighters get hands-on training with self-driving shuttles set to debut in Florida community [pic]

A man walked directly into the path of a bus in Lake Nona on Wednesday. The 15-passenger self-driving shuttle came to a halt and let out a loud beep – preventing a collision and turning heads from the firefighters in attendance. The demonstration was part of a training session meant to teach Orlando's first repsonders how to handle emergency situations involving Beep autonomous vehicles, soon to hit the roads in the southeast Orlando community. Beep, an Orlando-based company, plans to introduce the shuttles later this summer. During Wednesday's training, Orlando Fire Department and Orange County Fire Rescue crews, along with Orlando Police Department officers, got hands-on experience with the vehicles, learning how to enter the passenger area and manually operate and disable the shuttles' automated driving system, said Beep CEO Joe Moye. Orlando joins a number of cities adopting autonomous vehicles, including Gainesville, Jacksonville, Detroit and Las Vegas, after city officials studied the technology for years as a solution to mobility and traffic safety.  

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did you know??

Mosquitoes are most prevalent during summer months. Mosquitoes have been on earth for more than 30 million years.

Give it up it’s a losing battle!!

The Capital Bulletin is reaching well over 400+ fire district members and now other members of the fire service weekly, which does not include an unknown number of people that it is subsequently shared with by you!

We have recently added the Central Region to the distribution list.

Membership in The Association of Fire Districts of the Capital Area

Would you like to join the Association of Fire Districts of the Capital Area and join 75 members in 8 counties? Both fire protection districts and Village departments are eligible for membership.

The yearly membership dues (January 1st to December 31st) shall be as follows and shall be based on the annual budget of the Fire District/Organization;

Districts/Organizations with budgets less than $300,000 $100.00 annually

Districts/Organizations with budgets more than $300,000 $150.00 annually

Associate Members $50.00 annually

Business Partners $100.00 annually

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Albany, NY 12205



Brendan Kennedy ext 356

[pic]518-842-2123

106 Hannaford Plaza

Amsterdam, NY 12010



John Lesniewski

HANNIGAN LAW FIRM PLLC

388 Kenwood Avenue

Delmar, New York 12054

P: (518) 869-9911

F: (518) 869-9915

hannigan.pro

Fire/EMS –Municipal Law

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Glatfelter Brokerage Services

56 Clifton Country Rd, Suite 205,

Clifton Park, NY 12065

800.833.8822 x6982

http:/

VFBL Insurances Services

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

Architects & Engineers

3 Lear Jet Lane, Suite 205

Latham, NY 12110

518-765-5105

Dennis Ross, Dir of Emergency Services Market



We invite our business partners to submit educational information to be included in this Bulletin for district commissioners and chief officers

Write me at tom@

Fire Districts Mutual

Insurance

777 Chestnut Ridge Road

Suite 302

Chestnut Ridge NY 10977

1-888-314-3004



[pic]518-842-2123

106 Hannaford Plaza

Amsterdam, NY 12010



John Lesniewski

[pic]

[pic]

518-432-5087

,

[pic]

[pic]

David Farstad, Municipal Banking Officer

652 Albany-Shaker Road, Albany NY 12211

P/F: 518-730-3120

M: 518-506-0075

farstadd@

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