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Annual Meeting
October 15-17, 1998
Connecticut Fire Academy
Welcome and Introductions
Connecticut State Fire Academy Director Adam Piskura welcomed the 43 members and guests (representing 41 member organizations) in attendance and briefed all on the agenda. Jeff Morrisette, State Fire Administrator, welcomed participants to Connecticut as part of the Connecticut Fire Academy 25th anniversary. Peter Carozza, Jr., Chairman Commission on Fire Prevention & Control also welcomed the group to the state.
Chief John Perry and selected staff of the Mashantucket Pequot Fire Department gave a very informative and interesting overview of the organization and mission of his department.
Steve Edwards (Maryland), President of the NAFTD, welcomed attendees and introduced the officers and standing committee chairs of the association. The two basic objectives of this organization over the last year have been:
Thanks to the efforts of many people, we've been very successful in moving toward attainment of these objectives. President Edwards thanked everyone for all their assistance, cooperation and leadership.
Steve Edwards presented a plaque as a token of NAFTD's appreciation for Doug Forsman for his and Fire Protection Publication's personal and financial support to our organization. Doug received a standing ovation from the members of NAFTD in appreciation of efforts on our behalf.
Updates from National Organizations
Denis Onieal, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy, addressed the group and suggested that the best way to predict the future is by creating it. Increased professionalism in the fire/rescue services holds the key to our future success in making America safe. Dr. Onieal suggested that the fire service follow the medical and other professional models for certification and professionalism. Together, we can set the credentials of professionalism for the fire service and work to ensure a more professional fire service in America.
Dr. Onieal briefed the group on the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel. FEMA Director James Lee Witt is seeking comments about the report until November 15, 1998. Please take advantage of this opportunity and submit comments to the director. Comments can be made directly to FEMA via their web page at www.fema.gov.
Mr. Doug Forsman of FPP/IFSTA updated the group in three areas:
Mr. Tom Kennedy of the Northeastern States Fire Consortium related efforts to obtain more resources for chief fire officer training, obtain access to excess federal equipment, and a share of forfeited drug money (40% now goes back to the federal government).
The Consortium have proposed a 160 hour course for Chief officers, 80 hours fire operations, 80 hours management. They are working for new federal money to fund this training nationally. The Congressional Fire Caucus has agreed to support this effort. Mr. Kennedy also reported that Congressman Pascrell of New Jersey has introduced H.R. 4229 "21st Century Fire and Public Safety Act" to provide $1 billion per year for five (5) years in the form of grants to local fire departments. He asked that participants help to get the fire organizations behind this bill and push for passage in the next congress.
Mr. Roger Baxter and colleagues from the Connecticut State Fire Marshal's Arson Dog Training Program described and demonstrated that accelerant Canine Program. They presented a slide presentation on the program and a live demonstration of the canines in action.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:$5 PM.
October 16, 1998
Connecticut Fire Academy
State Deputy Public Safety Administration George Luther, Director Adam Piskura and staff welcomed attendees and made an informative presentation on the Connecticut Fire Academy administration, training, public education, and certification divisions. Much information was shared and discussed at this session.
The former CFA Director Andy Ouellette was introduced and thanked for his invitation and past service to NAFTD.
Jon Jones, IFSTA discussed the IFSTA Test Bank system that is now available for departments and academies. The system is designed and written by fire experts specifically chosen for their expertise and knowledge. IFSTA maintains the test bank and sends the tests out for administration and then they are returned for grading. For further information please contact IFSTA at your convenience.
Lunch was served at the Air Museum located near the training academy.
After lunch a tour of the Connecticut Fire Academy was conducted. During this time several demonstrations were conducted of the various props and training equipment that is on site. NAFTD members were welcomed to request any curriculum that they were interested in and this was forwarded to their state. This was very much appreciated by all in attendance.
Evening activities included a wonderful boat trip and lovely banquet at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center hosted by the Connecticut Fire Academy and sponsors. You had to be there to really appreciate this experience as it was a superb effort by the personnel from Connecticut. We also need to recognize the many sponsors who supported these events (a copy of the sponsors are included with the minutes). President Edwards presented a plaque from NAFTD to Adam Piskura for his great job in hosting the conference and for the hard work by all of the Connecticut Fire Academy staff on our behalf.
October 17, 1998
Annual Business Meeting at the Mashantucket Fire Station
President Edwards convened the business meeting at 9:00 a.m. He again thanked Connecticut Fire Academy for their excellent hospitality and their success in hosting the conference.
Motion by Randy Novak (Oklahoma), seconded by Dick Arwood (Iowa) to approve the March 20, 1998 minutes of the NAFTD meeting conducted at the FDIC conference.
Don LeBlanc of NFPA was introduced and presented a brief update of NFPA codes and standards administration. He reported that the National Volunteer Fire Council has appealed the decision of the Standards Council regarding NFPA 1200 to the NFPA Board of Directors.
With regard to Job Performance Requirements (JPRs), Don reported that Ed Kirtley will be leading a task ground to look at JPRs within the NFPA Professional Qualifications Technical documents. President Edwards will send a letter to NFPA President Miller requesting that NAFTD be included in this JPR review process.
The promulgation of pro qual standards and parallel -- and sometimes conflicting -- standards, guides, and recommended practices for the same job by NFPA was discussed.
President's Report:
Steve Edwards discussed the primary goals of developing and formalizing our organization, and becoming more assertive as an organization in making sure our collective voice is heard. He thanked everyone for their support and work toward the accomplishment of our organizational goals. We are being included on national issues where we should be and this is very encouraging. We have good momentum and we need to continue on our current path.
The fiscal health of our organization is an important issue. We are in good financial position and with continued good management we will have the necessary resources to conduct business as we see fit.
President Edwards did discuss that when the word is put out for the membership to respond on an issue, then we need to do so. When we ask for something (such as a letter or phone call), all members need to follow through. Recommend that each of us send a letter to Director Witt detailing the accomplishments that we've made in our states in the anti-terrorism area, in order to keep his attention on this issue.
President Edwards intends to meet with the President of the National Association of Emergency Managers to establish a dialog and work to improve relationships. All members should work at our state levels to improve working relationships with state emergency managers.
Vice President's Report:
Steve Lutz reported progress and that he is available to assist as necessary.
Secretary's Report
Steve Willis asked that all update the information on the NAFTD roster that is being circulated. An updated list will be distributed with the minutes of the conference.
Treasurer's Report:
Randy Novak submitted and explained the Financial Report. The president thanked Randy for his efforts to get us back on firm footing.
Motion by Richard Jaehne (Illinois), seconded by Tim Dunkle (Pennsylvania) to set membership dues for fiscal year at $75.00. Motion passed.
Motion by Rock Mason (New Hampshire), seconded by Bruce Piringer (Missouri) to accept the treasurer's report. Motion passed.
Report of Standing Committees
Nominations and Elections:
Rick McCullough (Saskatchewan) had no report due to no scheduled activity regarding elections.
Finance Committee:
Discussion involving the tax and corporate status of NAFTD was conducted by Randy Novak. Motion by Adam Piskura (Connecticut) and seconded by Joe Murabito (Delaware) to follow the informal approach (501-C-6 filing_ for the Association. Motion passed
Motion by Joe Murabito (Delaware) and seconded by Vic Bergeron (Vermont) that the Finance Committee audit the books on at least an annual basis. Motion passed.
Membership Committee:
Joe Murabito (Delaware) reported that the Association had 34 dues paying members from United States and 7 from Canada. Of the 16 non-members from USA, 7 are in attendance at this conference and will become members. Virginia and West Virginia are in transition, and Ohio will be contacted and encouraged to join. Members also were encouraged to contact Alaska, Arizona, North Dakota, and New Jersey to suggest they join.
FEMA Blue Ribbon Panel
Steve Edwards (Maryland) who served as the Vice Chair of the Blue Ribbon Panel briefed the association on the process and final recommendations of the panel. The report was distributed to all members through the mail, and is on FEMA's website. The report makes 34 recommendations that were a consensus of the 13 national organizations invited to participate.
The report will be out for a 30-day comment period. All NAFTD members are encouraged to comment by mail or through the web page. After the review of the comments, Director Witt will put together a 2-year implementation plan to deal with the recommendations of the report.
Motion by Steve Lutz (Utah) and seconded by Rick Mason (New Hampshire) to strongly encourage the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel to Director Witt. Motion passed.
Location of 1999 NAFTD Conference:
Bill Frost (South Carolina) offered to host next year's conference in Columbia, South Carolina. Motion by Tom Forbes (Arkansas) and seconded by Dick Arwood (Iowa) for South Carolina Fire Academy to host the 1999 NAFTD conference. Motion passed.
Report on State Fire Training Program Survey:
Dick Arwood (Iowa) reported that the survey is not complete as yet, although much information has been collected. Dick briefed the conference on the status and the information collected to date. He will also be making a presentation at the TRADE meeting in November. Not every state returned their surveys and some of the information reported back may have been confused. Dick expects to have the report completed by December of this year. Various NAFTD members complimented Dick on his efforts and expressed an interest in the final report when it is available.
NAFTD Spring Meeting:
The spring meeting of the NAFTD will be in conjunction with the FDIC Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana on Friday, March 19th at 1 p.m. Ivan Nevil (Indiana) will secure a room for the meeting in the convention hall. FDIC will provide complimentary registration for any NAFTD member state, province, or territory who desires to attend the conference.
Board of Visitors report:
Billy Frost (South Carolina) reported on the activities of the NFA Board of Visitors. Billy is on the Board as the Director of the South Carolina Fire ACademy, but does look after the interests of state training programs. Much of the Board's work has been directed at the Blue Ribbon Panel Report. There is a need to comment on and support Blue Ribbon report now and comment on specific budget issues when the budget is released in January. Plans are to meet with Director Witt to develop a comprehensive operations plan to meet the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon report.
Student manual support is part of the proposed budget, but may be reallocated funds from another part of the budget.
Members then engaged in general discussion of Billy Frost's report. Explained that the BOV is responsible for recommending to the administration how budgeted monies should be used for program operation. Billy was thanked for his work on our behalf as a member of the BOV.
FDIC ADvisory Committee report:
Tim Dunkle (Pennsylvania) reported that 184 presentation proposals have been submitted for the FDIC. Tim has reviewed 55 proposals with an 85% recommendation rate. FDIC is offering free registration to the conference for each state training director.
National Board on Fire SErvice Professional Qualifications report:
Bruce Piringer reported that a joint conference with IFSAC will be held Dec. 4-5, 1998 at Sionger Island, FL. This conference will focus on the many aspects of certifications systems. Airport is West Palm Beach and please attend if you can.
New Business:
Steve Edwards (Maryland) made a brief report on FEMA's materials on Y2K issues involving computer hardware and software in the year 2000. All states were encouraged to ensure that they have no problems in this area.
Steve Edwards (Maryland) made a brief report on the IAFC "Designated Chief Officer" program and that it will probably impact everyone's programs regarding training at some point in the future.
Dick Jaehne (Illinois) made a report on an Illinois project to identify issues for their fire service and presented these to political candidates for Governor and other state and federal offices. They are also conducting a regional training survey. Training issues were identified and future planning will relate to this. A very informative report that was appreciated by the membership.
CFSI National Advisory Committee membership. Steve Edwards (Maryland) recommended that we become a member of this group as it will make us more visible regarding a number of issues. We can handle the dues via contributions from the NAFTD membership. This organization also provides for significant networking opportunities, particularly on legislative issues that may concern us. Victor Bergeron (Vermont) moved and Rick Mason (New Hampshire) seconded that we become a member of CFSI. Motion passed.
Discussion was held regarding the NFPA seeking partnerships for training and certifying Fire Inspectors. The cost if $175 per candidate. Several states are considering this offer and will pass all costs onto students. This is causing confusion at the state level since NFPA is not a certifying body. Entities using this program think they can automatically receive reciprocity and this is not correct. Art Cota (California) moved and Rick McCullough (Saskatchewan) seconded that a letter be sent to George Miller of the NDPA indication our objection to NDPA demonstrating a conflict of interest by developing the standard and then certifying to the Fire Inspector standard. Motion passed.
Randy Novak (Oklahoma) reported that we are listed as a co-sponsor for NFPA's fall conference at no cost and that we worked on developing the educational program for this conference. Randy also reported that IFSTA has available in their warehouse many copies of the Company Officer program. Two free copies are offered to each state training director, additional copies are available for $50 each. Call the 800 order number to get these programs.
Billy Frost (South Carolina), Art Cota (California) and Tom Forbes (Arkansas) will prepare a curriculum survey to be distributed to states to identify and locate available course materials. They will attempt to have this completed prior to the spring NAFTD meeting.
Billy Frost (South Carolina) initiated a discussion on the issue of National Board on Fore Service Professional Qualifications and IFSAC merging into one certification body. Several members commented on the issue. Most people present were in favor of one system. Bruce Piringer (Missouri) recommended that states write the leadership of both organizations and indicate their desire for one system. Victor Bergeron (Vermont) moved and Alan Walker (Louisiana) seconded that we send a letter to both organizations supporting a merger and indicating that they get together and move on to a single certification system, using the best of both systems in the process. Motion passed.
Adam Piskura (Connecticut) raised the issue of supporting the Pascarrel bill. He feels that it is important for us to strike now and get what we can get. TRADE Region 1 supports this issue in concept and Adam feels that we should support it in concept too. Discussion followed. Adam Piskura (Connecticut) moved and Steve Lutz (Utah) seconded that this organization take an official position that the fire service actively seek funding for fire fighters and equipment from the federal government similar to that given to hire police and teachers. Motion passed.
Adam Piskura (Connecticut) requested an explanation of what was happening with NFPA 1200. Steve Edwards (Maryland) gave a brief description. Discussion ensued that while we have strong feelings on this issue that since it dealt primarily with fire department deployment and not training that we would not take an official position at this time.
Motion to adjourn by Rick McCullough (Saskatchewan) seconded by Dick Arwood (Iowa). Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
October 15, 1998