Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Mon, Mar 15, 2010, 9:25 A
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations relative to Temporary Shelters
Fire Code provisions relating to Approved Temporary Shelters
As approved by the BFPR on 11-5-09
10.13 (8) Special provisions for certain places of worship which have been issued a valid Certificate of Occupancy for use as a temporary overnight shelter from the cold pursuant to 780 CMR , The State Building Code.
1) A place of worship which has been issued a valid Certificate of Occupancy for use as a temporary overnight shelter from the cold in accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR, the state building Code, shall not be deemed in violation of the provision of 527 CMR, as a result of such temporary use, as long as the facility meets the following conditions:
(a) The temporary shelter is in possession of a valid Certificate of Occupancy for such temporary use which has been reviewed and approved by the head of the fire department in accordance with 780 CMR.
(b) The approved temporary shelter is used, occupied and operated in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in said Certificate of Occupancy and said certificate of occupancy is posted in a conspicuous location.
(c) In addition to the terms and conditions specified in the Certificate of Occupancy, the following fire safety requirements shall be applicable:
1. The building which houses the approved temporary shelter shall have no known existing or outstanding violations of 527 CMR or M.G.L. c. 148.
2. The approved temporary shelter possess a written document which has been approved by the head of the fire department which states the allowable occupant load, bedding diagram, location of all exits and of aisles leading thereto and the designated evacuation meeting point or points. A copy of such plan shall be kept on the premises and posted near the main entrance. The responsible persons identified in the application of the temporary certificate of occupancy shall maintain the condition of the shelter in accordance with the approved layout.
3. The employees, volunteers or attendants of the temporary shelter shall be trained and drilled in the duties that they are to perform in case of fire, panic or other emergency in accordance with the provisions of 527 CMR 10.13(3)(a). During all hours of overnight activation of an approved temporary shelter, employees, volunteers and attendants shall be awake and alert.
4. No person shall be permitted to smoke within the temporary shelter. Smoking may be allowed outside in an area approved by the Head of the Fire Department.
5. A document shall be posted, in a location approved by the Head of the Fire Department, containing an accurate number of sheltered occupants on a nightly basis. Such document shall also contain the names of all workers and volunteers who are overseeing or assisting in the shelter usage on a nightly basis. In the event of an evacuation, a copy of the document shall be in the possession of the person in charge at a designated meeting point.
Fire Code provisions relating to Approved Temporary Shelters
As approved by the BFPR on 11-5-09
6. The temporary shelter shall maintain a working landline phone that must be accessible to initiate a call for assistance in the event of an emergency. A cell phone is not acceptable for compliance with this requirement.
7. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in accordance with 527 CMR 31.04(1). For purpose of compliance with 527 CMR 31.04, the dwelling unit of an approved temporary shelter shall be considered that portion of the building used for sleeping purposes.
8. An approved temporary shelter shall feature working and approved smoke detectors in accordance with the requirements of the State Building Code, 780 CMR, if applicable. If smoke detectors are not currently required under 780 CMR, the shelter shall, at a minimum, feature approved working smoke detectors in accordance with the provisions of 527 CMR 32.00. Such smoke detectors shall be installed in any room or area used for sleeping purposes and in any room or area directly adjacent to said sleeping area.
(d) The head of the Fire Department shall be notified, in writing, at least 48 hours prior to the actual activation of an approved temporary shelter and shall be notified, in writing, upon the termination of such activation.
(e) As a condition to use and occupation of an approved temporary shelter pursuant to 527 CMR 10.13 (8), The operator of any such shelter shall allow the head of the fire department or any person to whom the head of the fire department may delegate, the authority to enter the shelter during any hour of operation to determine compliance with the provisions of 527 CMR or M.G.L. c. 148.
(f) The provisions of 527 CMR 10.13(8) shall not impede the ability of the head of the fire department to take any reasonable action to protect persons or property under the authority of any provision of M.G.L. c. 148 or 527 CMR.
(g) The use of a temporary overnight shelter from the cold under the provisions of 527 CMR 10.13(8) shall not be allowed after June 15, 2010.
Memorandum
To: Heads of Fire Department
From: Stephen D. Coan
State Fire Marsha
Date: November 19, 2009
RE: Special provisions for certain places of worship used as Temporary Overnight Shelter from the cold.
Introduction:
As the cold winter season is approaching, I bring to your attention two new regulations that have been approved, on an emergency basis, by both the Board of Building Regulations and Standards and the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations. These regulations allow certain approved places of worship to be used on a limited basis as temporary overnight shelters from the cold. The intent of the amendments is to provide provisions to balance the obvious harm created by exposure to extreme cold, with the basic public safety concerns reflected in the fire, building and health codes.
A summary of the regulations is provided within this document. However, it is important for you to review the actual regulations in detail prior to implementation in one’s respective communities.
Board of Building Regulations and Standards (780 CMR State Building Code):
The Board of Building Regulations and Standards has adopted an emergency amendment to the State Building Code (780 CMR) section 3111 – Temporary Overnight Shelters for Protection from the Cold. This section completes a section in the State Building Code that allows for a church or house of worship to apply for a temporary change of use and sets the conditions and requirements for such use. The various sections are summarized as follows:
Section 3111.2 of the State Building Code limits the application to a facility that is designed or used primarily as a church or house of worship for religious services or instruction, which is owned or operated by a religious organization under U.S.C. section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revue Code.
The State Building Code limits the temporary overnight shelters for protection from the cold to the following:
• Between September 15 and June 15; and
• For not more than 35 days; and
• For not more than 7 consecutive days.
These limits are separate from other emergency situations such as a state of emergency declared by the Governor or an emergency deemed detrimental to public health pursuant to MGL c. 17 s. 2A. The State Building Code sets the criteria for submitting an application for approval of the Temporary Certificate and its issuance. During this process it is imperative that the local Building Inspector, Fire Chief and local Board of Health agent work together during the permit review process.
Temporary Certificates are to be issued for a period not to exceed one year. Applications for renewal are to be reviewed in accordance with the requirements set forth in a new application. It requires notice, prior to the use, at least 48 hours in advance with specific information and similar notification at the time of termination.
As a condition to its approval the local Building Inspector, Head of the Fire Department or local Board of Health may enter the premises to determine compliance with the regulation.
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (527 CMR State Fire Code):
The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations have adopted emergency amendments to 527 CMR 10.13(8): Special provisions for certain places of worship which have been issued a valid certificate of occupancy for use as a temporary overnight shelter from the cold pursuant to 780 CMR, the State Building Code.
This provision of the State Fire Code are dependent upon the issuance of a valid Temporary Certificate under 780 CMR by the local Building Inspector. If the Certificate is not issued under 780 CMR, the provisions of 527 CMR are not applicable. The provisions of 527 CMR 10.13(8) are briefly described below, but again, the actual regulation shall be reviewed in detail for compliance:
• No outstanding violations of 527 CMR or MGL 148
• Possession of a written document, approved by the Head of the Fire Department showing: allowable occupant load, bedding diagram, location of all exits and aisles leading to a designated evacuation meeting point.
• The attendants shall be trained and drilled in the duties that are to perform in case of fire, panic or other emergency.
• No person shall be permitted to smoke within the shelter. A designated area outside approved by the Head of the Fire Department may be approved.
• A document shall be posted, in a location approved by the Head of the Fire Department, containing an accurate number of sheltered occupants on a nightly basis, which includes the names of all workers or volunteers. In the event of an evacuation, a copy shall be in the possession of the person in charge at a designated meeting point.
• The shelter shall maintain a working landline phone that must be accessible in the event of an emergency. A cell phone is not acceptable for compliance with this requirement.
If you have any please contact the Code Compliance and Enforcement Unit at 978-567-3375 or in Western MA at 413-587-3181.
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Sun, Mar 14, 2010, 7:57 A
Funeral Arrangements for Chief Robert Gaucher - Shrewsbury
Arrangements for Shrewsbury Fire Chief Gaucher
Calling Hours:
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
4:00pm-8:00pm
Britton Funeral Home
648 Main Street
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Brittonfuneralhomes.com
508-845-6226
Funeral:
Thursday, March 18, 2010
12:00noon
St. Mary’s Church
640 Main Street
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Liturgy of the Word
Laid to Rest:
Mountain View Cemetery
Boylston Street – Route 140
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Mercy Meal: (immediately following cemetery service)
Maironis Park
52 South Quinsigamond Avenue
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
508-755-0040
Chief Robert Gaucher - Shrewsbury died yesterday after suffering a heart attack. He had been out of work for several weeks following a stroke. Details of the funeral arrangements will be posted as they become available.
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Fri, Mar 12, 2010, 6:00 A
Safety, Health and Survival Week 2010: Fit for Duty
Safety, Health and Survival Week 2010: Fit for Duty
Fairfax, Va., Mar. 11, 2010...Today the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters announced the theme for the 2010 Safety, Health and Survival Week: Fit for Duty.
Safety, Health and Survival Week (Safety Week) is a collaborative program sponsored by the IAFC and the IAFF, coordinated by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the IAFF Division of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine, in partnership with more than 20 national fire service organizations.
Fire departments are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activity during Safety Week and instead focus entirely on safety, health and wellness-related training and education until all shifts and personnel have taken part. An entire week is provided to ensure each shift and duty crew can spend one day focusing on these critical issues.
With more than 50 percent of fire fighter line-of-duty deaths caused by health and fitness-related issues, both organizations believe it’s imperative that there be a concentrated effort in implementing wellness and fitness programs.
Safety Week’s Fit for Duty theme will cover a variety of topics that are extremely important to all fire fighters and EMS personnel. The program will assist fire departments with implementing their own programs to prepare fire fighters and EMS personnel with healthy habits that reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and certain cancers, thereby increasing the chance for a longer and healthier life.
While departments are encouraged to identify activities tailored to their specific community, recommended areas of concentration include:
General Health and Wellness
Food and Nutrition
Fitness
Stress Management
Smoking and Smokeless-Tobacco Cessation
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Infectious Diseases
Suicide Prevention
During the week, departments are also encouraged to support comprehensive fitness assessments, medical screenings and educational programs that build and maintain medically and physically fit personnel and help in reducing health and fitness-related deaths or injuries.
Planning tools and resources are currently available on the Safety Week website courtesy of the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section. Check out the Resources > Health and Wellness webpage for specific resources on this year's areas of concentration.
Additional information can also be found on the IAFF’s Health, Safety and Medicine’s website. Online resources in a variety of topic areas are available online year-round to support continuous efforts to promote personnel safety, health and wellness programs.
CALL FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
We seek submissions for new SOPs, policies, articles, program summaries, program descriptions, etc., on this year’s areas of concentration. The preferred format for submission this year is a URL link to a departmental or organizational website, in order to facilitate a timely posting of new resources and provide visibility to departments contributing to the program. If a link isn’t available, PDF documents will still be accepted.
If you have submitted resources for Safety Week in the past, there’s no need to resubmit the same information. However, if you have updated your resources or have new ones, we would like to add them to the website. If appropriate, please note that your submission is an update of a resource currently posted on the Safety Week website.
By providing resource links for use in conjunction with the Safety Week and overall fire/EMS safety efforts, you acknowledge that you:
Have the authority to do so without infringing on copyright or ownership of the resources.
Give the IAFC permission to post these links/resources on the IAFC's public website.
Understand that the IAFC posts these links on the IAFC's website for use by public visitors to promote safety practices in the fire and emergency service, but the IAFC does not control who uses the resources or how they are used. The goal is to provide tools and resources that fire and emergency service professionals can customize for use in their area. Please do not send resource links that cannot be used in this fashion.
Understand that their availability on the website does not constitute endorsement of any kind by the IAFC.
Email your current resources to safety@iafc.org by Friday, March 26, 2010. In your email, please indicate which of the 2010 areas of concentration (listed above) the resource references
Keep watching the Safety Week website and the IAFC Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages for continuing updates to this year’s program and planning resources. Remember to visit the IAFF’s Health, Safety and Medicine’s website for more information on health, wellness and safety programs or contact the IAFF by email at safety@iaff.org for additional resources.
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Thu, Mar 11, 2010, 7:02 P
CFSI 2010 Events and Dinner - April 28/29 2010
The following is the list of attendees for the CFSI dinner and events. Some of the Executive Board have personnally paid to bring members of thier family to the dinner and the New England Assciation of Fire Chiefs is paying for thier members. We send the tickets in as group so that we can sit together as a group from Massachusetts.
Prior to sending in the tickets I am asking that you review the list. The top half is the list of those going to CFSI dinner on the night of April 29th.
The bottom of the list are those attending the Massachusetts Legislative Breakfast at the Member Room in the Library of Congress on the morning of the 29th and going to Arlington National Cemetery for the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknows by our delegation which includes Chief Tom Coulombe- President FCAM - Chief Chief Parrott, Ret. - Saugus - Past Pres. FCAM - Past Secretary/Treasurer - WWII Veteran --- Chief Joseph LaCroix - Newton - Vietnam Veteran - Chief Ray Godin - Turners Falls whose two sons have served in the recent wars in Iraq.
The Association thanks Brad Preston of VFIS of New England for sponsoring the dinner tickets for the three members of the contigent - Chief Parrott, Chief LaCroix and Chief Godin and incoming 2nd VP - Chief Ostroskey.
We also thank Mark Grabowski of CRS - Complete Restoration Solutions - 165 Front Street - Chicopee for his $500 donation to support the legislative breakfast.
I will be sending in a check for all of the tickets after the 17 March General Membership meeting of FCAM. I will send in the seating and get people with their group as much as possible. If you need to change tables you can do so at the dinner. If you have not sent in your check for the tickets, please do so. If you are not on the list and should be let me know even if you are not going to the CFSI dinner - we need an acurate head count for the breakfast.
Thanks
2009 CFSI List of Attendees
Plymouth County Fire Chiefs
Timothy Travers, Ret.
Western Mass Fire Chiefs
James Dolan
Ray Godin
Francis Nothe
Craig Pedercini
Chief Sintoni
Walter Tibbets
New England Association
Of Fire Chiefs
Richard K. Wehter
FCAM
Robet DiPoli, Ret.
Thomas Coulombe
Kathleen Coulombe
Brian Coulombe
Alan Roy
Cheryl Roy
Alfred Morrissette, Ret.
Daine Morrisette
Kevin Robinson
Paul Zbikowski
Marie Zbikowski
Gerard Dio
Barnstable County Fire Chiefs
Harold Brunelle
Robert Crosby
Mark Dellner
District 6
Richard Harris
Chief Leo Gaudette
Hampden County Fire MAA
Michael Morrissey
Eric Madison
Richard Brady
Mark Babineau
Donation by Brad Preston VFIS
Peter Ostroskey
Chief George Parrott
Chief Ray Godin
Chief Joseph LaCroix
Norfolk County Fire Chiefs
William Scoble
Richard Ranieri
William Kingsbury
Edward O'Brien
Bristol County Fire Chiefs
Chief Andrew Murray
Chief Scott Jepson
Chief Peter Burke
Essex Fire Chiefs
Harold Roeder
Metro Fire
John Nash
Frank Giliberti
Gerald Reardon
David Butler
James Blanchard
John Grant
Eugene Doherty
Kevin Murphy
Paul Totolano
William Middlemiss
Charles Fothergill
Dennis Carmody
Charles Foley
John O'Brien
Paul Flannagan
Richard Delorie
Robert Jefferson
Peter Skerry
Paul Buckley
Jack Chandler
Attending CFSI Events but not dinner as part of the Massachusetts group through FCAM
Chief Brian Legendre
Chief Timothy Francis
Chief Robert Pray
Chief Tom Stone
Chief John Alcaidinho
Chief George Andrews, Ret.
Chief Ronald Scott, Ret.
State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan
Tim O'Neill
Ed Hurley
Chief Kenneth Willette, Ret.
Chief Robert Pedarzzi
Chief David Jardin
Chief Scott Garland
Ron Scott,Ret.
Brian R. Legendre
Timothy Francis
Thomas Stone
John Alcaidinho
George Andrews, Ret.
Robert Pray
Ron Giovannacci
Jonathan Brickett
Laurence Galante, Ret.
Steve Buote
Richard Rochon
Rober Pedrazzi
Stephen Carter
Chief Jack Parow
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Thu, Mar 11, 2010, 11:17 A
Applications for Deputy Chief Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills be accepted
Centerville-Osterville- Marstons Mills
Fire Rescue & Emergency Services Department
Deputy Fire Chief
The Cenerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Rescue & Emergency Services Department is seeking applications from qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Fire Chief. The Deputy Fire Chief reports directly to the Fire Chief and supervises subordinate officers and administrative personnel in accordance with the organization's policies, rules and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, training, assisgning and directing work, assessing employee performance, initiating continuous improvement initiatives, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing and resolving both employee and customer concerns. Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, project administration and teambuilding skills are esstential to this position.
Residency within the boundaries of the Centerville-Osterville- Marstons Mills Fire District must be established within thirteen months of appointment.
Minimum Qualifications include: possession of a Bachelors Degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Emergency Medical Services, Public Administration, Busines Administration or equivalent experience as deteremined by the Board of Fire Commissioners. Ten years as a full time career member of an organized fire and rescue department. Eight years as a career fire officer, serving in a supervisory role. Completion of either a State certified Chief Fire Officer Program or the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program is highly desireable.
Candidates must possess either a National Emergency Medical Technician Certification or a Massachusetts Emergency Medical Technician Certification at the time of application and must possess a Massachusetts EMT Certification within six months of appointment. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license at the time of application and a valid Massachusetts Drivers License within six months of appointment and must attend and certify the Massachusetts Procurement Officer Training course as required by the district.
The position includes an excellent benefits package and has a salary range between $100,000 and $110,000. Final candidates will be required to participate in an assessment process.
Interested and qualified applicants should forward two copies of a resume and cover letter to Austin Sennett, Deputy Fire Chiefs Search Committee, Centerville-Osterville- Marstons Mills Fire Rescue & Emergency Services Department, 1875 Route 28 Centerville, Massachusetts 02632
Applications postmarked after 14 May 2010 will not be considered.
Place: The Shaw's Center
1 Lexington Avenue
Brockton, MA 02301
Tickets: $ 35.00 per person
It is expected that this event will sell out quickly. Advanced ticket sales are available for Fire Chiefs and close Fire Service associates from Chief Tim Travers until Friday, March 19th, at which time tickets will be made available to the general public. If you would like to take advantage of advanced tickets sales please send a check:
Made payable to: “BFD, Local 144,” to
Chief Tim Travers, Ret.
751 Washington St.
Whitman, MA 02382-1315
And the tickets will be promptly mailed to you. Don’t be left out!
If your group wishes to make a presentation please let me know by emailing travers@nfsa.org.
Captain Lawrence E. Barnes, Jr., Ret. - Lawrence Fire Dept.
Captain Lawrence E. Barnes, Jr., Ret. - Lawrence Fire Department - 79 - a resident of Methuen died at his home on Friday, March 5, 2010. Born in Millinoncket, Maine, on June 1, 1930. He was a graduate of Stearns High School, class of 1947. He was a vertan of the U.S. Nave, retired Captain Lawrence Fire Department and served the department from 1956 to 1981. He was a member of Lawrence Local 146 Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, The International Assocaition of Fire Fighters, Reliefs Inn, Lawrence Firefighter Retirees Assocaiton, which he was one of the founders and Trustee, Lawrence Firefighter Mutual Relief Association, Lawrence Firefighters Credit Union, Lawrence Lodge of Elks B.P.O.E. 65, Retirees State, County and Municipal Employee Association of Massachusetts, Arlington Club and Concordia Club. Arrangements: a funeral Mass. will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Tuesday - March 9, 2010 in St. Mary Church in Lawrence. Family and friends may call on Monday, March 8, 2010 from 4 to 8 P.M. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. - 122 Amesbury St., Lawrence. For more information or to send an online condolence, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Resident Trust Fund at the Wingate at Andover, 80 Andover Str, Andover, MA 01841.
District Chief Leo J. McElaney, Ret. - Boston Fire Dept.
McELANEY, Leo J. Of Needham, died on March 1, 2010, at the Tippett Home in Needham. He was born in Boston to Hugh McElaney and Teresa (Driscoll) McElaney on August 3, 1925. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Annette (Galasso) McElaney and his loving children, Hugh McElaney and his wife Tina Chen, Joan Fleming, R.N., and Brian McElaney, M.D. and his wife Patti. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Kara Fleming, Tom Fleming and Laura Fava and her husband Anthony; his sister Louise Petruzzelli; his brother in laws Don Fowler and Frank Galasso and sister in law Pat McElaney and many nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his son in law Stephen Fleming, his sisters Ruth Fowler and Mary Stevens, his brother Dr. James McElaney and his brother in law Paul Stevens. He volunteered for service during World War II at the age of 18 and served with the Coast Guard aboard the USS Pocatello in the North Pacific. Upon cessation of hostilities he served at the Cape Decision Lighthouse in Alaska and was subsequently honorably discharged. He returned to his home in Roslindale and joined the Boston Fire Department in 1948. He served in the Back Bay, Jamaica Plain, the North End and Roxbury. He was awarded the Roll of Merit for his rescue of a fire victim in 1966. In the same year, he was awarded Firefighter of the Month by the Boston Record-American and Sunday Advertiser. He retired with the rank of District Chief in 1985. After private services, he was buried in the family plot at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury. He was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather He was best known for his quick wit and love of nature and for his affection for his favorite dog, Bailey. He will be deeply missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham and the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center of Roslindale for their kindness, care and comfort. Memorials may be made to VNA Care at 5 Federal St., Danvers, MA 01923, to the Tippett Home at 920 South St., Needham, MA 02492 or the Make A Wish Foundation or Humane Society. For obit or to send a note of condolence www.eatonfuneralhomes.com Eaton Funeral Home 781-444-0201
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Fri, Mar 5, 2010, 11:54 A
U.S. Fire Administrator Recognizes Women Firefighters
U.S. Fire Administrator Recognizes Women Firefighters
Washington, DC - Since 1981, this nation has recognized the month of March as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions made by all women to this great nation of ours. I am honored to join with many others in recognizing the countless and unselfish acts of so many women serving their communities in fire and emergency medical services (EMS) organizations as firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
Since women have joined the ranks of the American Fire Service as career and volunteer members, the quality and richness of our culture and honorable profession has been truly enhanced. Their contributions to our previously male-dominated industry have been transforming and compelling in departments and communities across this nation. It has been my observation first hand, both as a metropolitan fire chief and now as the U.S. Fire Administrator, that the fire service is truly a better service provider today in part because of the many women who have heard this special calling to serve their communities.
Every day, these highly trained women are engaged in firefighting, EMS and many special operations as valued participants standing elbow-to-elbow alongside their fellow crew members. Women serving as company and chief fire officers make significant life safety contributions to local departments, state and national fire service associations, and federal fire and emergency management organizations as proven leaders and forward thinking managers.
As the nation celebrates Women’s History Month, I ask my fellow fire service leaders, to join me in celebrating the contributions of all women, past and present, in the American Fire Service. On behalf of the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Fire Administration, we are grateful for your dedication and commitment to our mission. We are proud and honored to witness the efforts of all firefighters in service today, protecting their communities.
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Fri, Mar 5, 2010, 11:51 A
Updates from CFSI
Hearings Held on Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2011 Budget
Last week, both the Senate and House of Representatives held hearings on the Obama Administration's Fiscal Year 2011 (FY11) budget for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Secretary Janet Napolitano testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, the House Homeland Security Committee, and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.
Within the DHS budget are many important programs to the fire service including the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER). The administration proposed significant cuts to both programs. Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-8), a longtime supporter of the FIRE and SAFER Grant programs, staunchly defended both programs during the House Homeland Security hearing. "Overall these two programs have been cut by $200 million which is 25% less than what we passed in FY 2010. At a time when we are still fighting our way out of a deep recession and municipalities are being forced to slash public safety budgets everyday, this is exactly the wrong time to cut vital grants programs like FIRE and SAFER."
The House and Senate Appropriations Committees will now begin work on crafting Fiscal Year 2011 spending bills. CFSI will continue to work with members of Congress on funding for these important programs and will continue to provide updates as the appropriations process moves forward.
Senate Approves Nomination of Elizabeth Harman to Head FEMA Grants Office
Elizabeth M. Harman, nominated by President Obama to become Assistant Administrator for FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate, was confirmed by the Senate yesterday by a voice vote. Ms. Harman will manage 55 grant programs, ranging from money intended for the preparedness and post-disaster assistance to state, local, and tribal governments, to security at ports and transit systems.
Harman most recently served as the Director of Training for Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Prior to joining IAFF, she was an instructor at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, the Johns Hopkins University Medical School, and George Washington University. She began her career as a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Bowie, MD, and Fairfax, VA.
CFSI Holds Webinar on Advocating for Fire Sprinklers on Capitol Hill
On Thursday, February 25 CFSI held a webinar titled, "Advocating for Fire Sprinklers on Capitol Hill." Guest speaker Andy Quinn, founding partner of McAllister and Quinn, talked about the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act. Quinn discussed potential strategies for passage of the bill and answered questions regarding the overall outlook for working with Congress in the second session of the 111th Congress. He also urged listeners to contact their members of Congress in support of the bill.
An important legislative initiative for the major fire service organizations, the measure was originally introduced in 2003 following the Station fire in West Warwick, RI that claimed the lives of 100 victims. This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as 5-year property for purposes of depreciation, thus creating an incentive to install sprinkler systems in buildings. To listen to the complete audio of the webinar visit: www.cfsi.org.
Sponsored by Fire Engineering, the CFSI webinar series is an educational resource for members of the fire service. On March 31 at 2:00PM EST, CFSI will host its next webinar featuring Chief Billy Goldfeder. With the 22nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars approaching, the webinar will focus on the event theme: "Making the Right Decision." Chief Goldfeder will offer his insights on firefighter safety and the importance of making good decisions in order to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in the fire and emergency services. Bill Webb, CFSI Executive Director, will host the webinar that will provide ample time for a question and answer session.
Why you should be at the BBRS Hearing on March 9th!!!
Please read the following update from Past FCAM President Tim Travers. Following his report I have reposted the information about the March 9th -BBRS hearing. We urge you to attend this meeting!
An Update from RI.
This morning/Afternoon, the RI Building Code Committee heard public testimony on their amendments to the State Building Code(s) and other related codes. Naturally most of the testimony centered on the 1 and 2 Family Dwelling Code. The committee saw fit to remove Section R 313.1 on sprinkler protection from the code and move it to the Appendix effectively making residential sprinklers non-mandatory. Their reasoning for this was to allow more time to study the issue and re-visit the provision at the next code cycle.
All the of the usual suspects were there and the testimony was much of the same. However, a new twist showed up at this meeting. It seems that the opponents felt it fitting to all wear stickers (about 3 x3 inches) showing a sprinkler head with a red line through the head! This blatant display did not go un-noticed by the fire service in the room. A representative from the SFMO remarked in his testimony that many people are under-educated about sprinklers, as shown by many in the audience who have their stickers on, with the pendent sprinkler pointing upward. A representative from the Providence FD was not so polite, stating that those stickers were an insult to the fire service and to those who have died in fires in the state (This in a state that lost 100 citizens in a nightclub that should have been sprinklered and recently lost 5 people in a single family dwelling fire).
In a related topic, the committee felt it necessary to strike the end of the last sentence of the “Intent” statement from the code (R101.3). This is the part that states “…to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.” Their reasoning was that this was not in previous versions of the code so why add it now. Once again the fire service in the room was incensed.
The testimony in favor of the residential sprinklers came from the NFSA, NFPA, the RI Fire Chiefs Assoc, the RI Fire Marshal’s Assoc, Providence FD & the RI SFMO.
The committee vote was 13 to 3 to move the code as amended (with residential sprinkler provisions in the appendix).
At the end of the day it was; Builders, Building Officials, Realtors – 1; and Fire Safety Advocates and the Fire Service - 0
They did agree to convene a sub-committee to study residential sprinklers and report back to the entire committee in an year. I am not optimistic in the outcome of that report…
Tim
Timothy P. Travers, EFO, CFO
_________________________________________________________________
The Fire Pevention Association of Mass. have responded to our request to have members present at the hearing. FCAM members are asked to attend to show unitied fire service support for the inclusion of residential sprinklers in future codes adopted by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards.
Members of the Phoenix Society - burn survivors will be there to show their support.
This is not a public hearing and the BBRs has allowed only one hour for delivery of the report. Chief George Baker - Mashpee, who was a member of the study committee will the spokesman for FCAM that day.
The presents of the Fire Chiefs and Fire Prevention Officers in force will display our support of residential sprinklers.
(The following is the original posting on this matter)
Chiefs The subcommittee report on 1&2 family residential sprinklers will be discussed and possibly reported out with a recommendation to the full BBRS Board on March 9th. We expect this will not be a favorable report. This is the first step in the process as the new 1&2 family residential code will soon begin to be revised. Therefore I am requesting as much attendance as possible at this meeting to show the fire service support for residential sprinklers.
Thanks
Tom
Here is the info for the BBRS Meeting For Tuesday, March 9th, from Noon - 1 p.m.
What: BBRS Meeting - FCAM is presenting a white paper outlining the Association's position on the installation of residential sprinkler systems in new construction 1 & 2 -family residences.
Who: The goal is to have a visible presence in front of the BBRS to demonstrate FCAM's commitment getting this code adopted by having a large turnout of Fire Chiefs. Other groups, including the American Burn Association and the Phoenix Society, the Fire Prevention Officers Association, and others will also be sending representative.
Where: Wellesley National Guard Armory-NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE-MEETING IS NOT IN BOSTON
Directions: Traveling toward the West on Route 9, Minuteman Lane is 1800 feet from Route 128 (95)
On the right. Traveling East, make “U” turn at the lights 800 feet before Route 128.
Minuteman Lane is 1200 feet toward the West.
Pull into the parking lot and enter through the side door DO NOT USE THE FRONT
DOOR.
Uniform: Regular Work Uniform
FYI: The Fire Prevention Officers Association is issuing the same invitation to their members. We encourage you to allow your FPO to attend this event with you so that their organization is as well-represented as FCAM.
The entire hearing is from Noon - 4 p.m., but the part of the meeting we need to attend is from Noon - 1 p.m. Representatives from FCAM will remain at the hearing as observers after 1 p.m.
Please send an email to Bill Dolan indicating your intention to attend this meeting.
- Mon, Mar 15, 2010, 9:25 A
