29th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
29th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend to be Held October 2-3, 2010
105 Fallen Firefighters to Be Honored
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Fire Administration announce that the 29th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg on October 2-3, 2010. A plaque with the names of 80 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2009 will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located here on the National Fire Academy campus. Military firefighters who died while performing firefighting duties from 1981-2009 are among 25 from previous years who are also being honored. The plaques surrounding the Memorial, which was established in 1981, will contain the names of more than 3,400 firefighters.
» Read: The Full Article on Weekend.FireHero.org
» Watch: Join Us for the 2010 Memorial Weekend
How You Can Honor Our Fallen Firefighters:
» Remembrance Banner: Share a Memory or Tribute
» On Your Website: Display the Memorial Widget
» Download: 2010 Memorial Weekend Wallpaper
» Pay Tribute: Issue a Proclamation
» Honor: Lower the U.S. Flag; Sound the Siren
Tell Us About Your Traditions!
We'd love to hear how you observe the national Memorial Service for fallen firefighters or take time out to honor fallen firefighters in your community. We'll be creating a special page to share your ideas, traditions, and resources with other departments across the U.S. Email Us Today to Share Your Story!
Fire Departments Can Apply for FY2010 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently accepting applications for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant program. The application period will end September 17th. Fire departments having financial difficulty in meeting minimum first response staffing standards for fires and other emergencies are the target organizations for SAFER grants. Congress approved $420 million in SAFER funding for FY2010.
Complete information on the application process, including a tutorial video featuring Elizabeth Harman, Assistant Administrator of the FEMA Grants Program Directorate, can be viewed by clicking here.
Deputy Fire Chief James M. Finn, Ret. - Boston Fire Department
FINN,James M. (Ret. Deputy Chief, BFD) of Roslindale, September 1, 2010. Beloved husband of Shirley I. (Quigley) Finn. Loving father of Patricia A. Londergan of Norwood, James M. Finn, Jr. of Walpole, William F. Finn of Norwood, John J. Finn of Readville, and the late Theresa M. Papetti. Also survived by 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Loving brother of Marjorie Gill of Roslindale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in The Holy Name Church West Roxbury on Saturday September 4, at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours have been omitted. Interment private. WW II Army Veteran. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445. www.lawlerfuneralhome.com Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 617-323-5600
RESPONSES DUE TOMORROW 8 SEPTEMBER IN ORDER TO ASSURE THE FOOD ORDER!
NEXT MEETING: CLAMBAKE - WEDNESDAY, 15 September, 2010 – 10:00 AM – American Legion – 20 Main Street – Sandwich, MA
NOTE: NO EMS this month –
10:00 AM FCAM – Business Meeting
DIRECTIONS: www.mapquest.com ???
From Boston and Points West
Route 3 over the Sagamore Bridge
Take first exit, at bottom of ramp turn right onto Route 6A East
Stay on Route 6A for 1.3 miles, bear right onto Route 130
Stay on Route 130 for 1/10 of a mile
American Legion is on your right.
From Mid and Lower Cape:
Route 6 West to exit 2
Left onto Route 130
Stay on Route 130 for 2.6 miles
American Legion is on your left
PHONE: 978-682-2272 FAX: 978-682-2668
EMAIL: FCAMSECTREAS@comcast.net
FCAM – P.O. Box 97 – North Andover, MA 01845
MEETING ONLY___ MEETING/COFFEE+ ONLY ($3) ___
COFFEE & MEAL ($40.00) ____ LIFE MB.($20.00)____
Check off Lobster______________ or Steak _____________________
NAME (PLEASE PRINT) __________________________________
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS BY Wednesday 8 September 2010
No reservations will be taken after this date due to the need to order appropriately for the clambake.
Please send notification if you have to cancel you will be invoiced for the meal. Thanks!
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 7:56 P
Position Available - Assistant Fire Chief - Town of Sudbury
Assistant Fire Chief
Town of Sudbury
The Town of Sudbury seeks a qualified fire service professional to serve as Assistant Fire Chief. This management level position reports to the Fire Chief and involves technical, administrative and supervisory responsibilities. Knowledge of all aspects of fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical service operations and departmental administration is essential. The successful candidate will possess superior leadership, administration, interpersonal, oral and written communication and organizational skills, and computer proficiency.
The Sudbury Fire Department consists of 34 full time personnel, with a headquarters and two substations and a budget of $3.1 million. The Assistant Chief will also assume responsibility for the fire department in the absence of the Fire Chief. Minimum requirements: associate’s degree in fire science, bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration or related field preferred; 10 years of firefighting experience, 3 years of supervisory and/or command experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Fire officer certification preferred.
Salary $72,492 to $78,287 DOQ.
Letter of interest and resume to
HR Director,
278 Old Sudbury Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 12:30 P
Seminar Suicide Intervention & Prevention: What EMTS and Firefighters should know
Sponsored by Community Health Network Area 9 and Luk, Inc.
Funded by the MA Department of Public Health
Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act
SAMSHA Grant # U79SM57402-05
SUICIDE INTERVENTION & PREVENTION:
WHAT EMTS AND FIREFIGHTERS SHOULD KNOW
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
Pre-registration required for this free workshop. Deadline to register is Friday, September 3, by 4:00 pm.
Location: City Hall Auditorium, 25 West Street, Leominster
Registration/coffee: 0830-0900
Program: 0900-1515, lunch is included
Approved by MA OEMS for 5 EMT continuing education hours at all levels.
Program Description: Every year, more than 30,000 Americans take their own lives. Another 500,000 visit emergency rooms for self-inflicted injuries. EMTs are frequently called to respond to these deaths and injuries. Suicides and suicide attempts take an emotional toll beyond those of unintentional injuries. Any sudden death is a shock to the family and friends of the deceased, as well as to bystanders and EMS personnel. The shock to family and friends is compounded when the death/injury is self-inflicted, provoking strong emotional reactions.
Appropriate response of EMTs and First Responders in these situations can make a difference for the family and friends of a person who attempted or completed suicide. The patient with self-inflicted injuries may be confused and distraught, requiring both medical and emotional support. Simultaneously, responding to these challenging situations can also take a toll on the emotional health of professional rescuers.
In this workshop Dr. Feldman will discuss the role of EMTs in prevent
ing suicide, provide a foundation for understanding suicidal behavior, present information and communication techniques important for responding to suicide calls, discuss the impact of suicide calls on EMTs and suggest intervention techniques for suicidal behavior involving EMS personnel. The workshop will be interactive and incorporate material to facilitate participation by attendees.
Registration: To register, please contact Marie Zbikowski, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, by phone or email, no later than Friday, September 3 at 4:00 pm. Please register early. You will receive confirmation. A wait-list will be established.
Phone: 978-829-2450
Email: MZbikowski@luk.org
Program Faculty: Barry N. Feldman, Ph.D. is Director of Psychiatry Services in Public Safety and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the UMass Medical School. He provides senior leadership to UMass Memorial Healthcare and the Medical School to address
Sponsored by Community Health Network Area 9 and Luk, Inc.
Funded by the MA Department of Public Health
Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act
SAMSHA Grant # U79SM57402-05
strategic planning and the management of clinical services provided to individuals
working in public safety (fire, EMS, police) and emergency medicine personnel. Dr.
Feldman is a licensed clinician with expertise in suicide prevention, trauma recovery,
substance abuse and crisis intervention stabilization services—primarily for emergency
responders and their families. He also consults to On-Site Academy, a non-profit
residential treatment/training center serving EMS, law enforcement and other public
safety personnel. Previously he served as the Primary Clinician for the Boston Police
Peer Support Unit, and worked with the Boston Police Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
Team.
Dr. Feldman is an experienced educator in suicide prevention, who regularly provides
related training to the UMass Psychiatry Department’s clinical staff. He also conducts
workshops and in-service trainings for emergency responders, law enforcement,
healthcare providers and educators on the topic of suicide. He is an approved trainer for
the American Association of Suicidology, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center and is
a certified trainer for the international Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Dr. Feldman
also serves as Co-Chair for the MA Coalition for Suicide Prevention.
MA OEMS Continuing Education Approval # 108266 5 hours, all levels
You must attend the entire program and sign the OEMS roster in order to receive
continuing education credit.
Continuing Education Program Coordinator: Deborah A. Clapp, EMT-P
MDPH EMS for Children
For program content/approval questions about this presentation, please contact Deborah
Clapp @ Deborah.Clapp@state.ma.us or 617-624-5088
Good morning : In my quest to upgrade / replace an aging fleet, I am asking if anyone has an engine that they are trading in or replacing? I am looking to decommision an Engine whose availability is trully a day to day proposition. I realize that some departments are purchasing new equipment and didnt know if this would free up some exisiting apparatus .
Good afternoon ; I am looking for any information from those of you who have purchased Ferrara engines or ladder trucks. Can you give some of the pros and cons of this manufacturer
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 3:01 P
USFA & IAFF Develop Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety
USFA and the International Association of Fire Fighters Develop Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety
August 24, 2010
USFA Media Contact:
(301) 447-1853
Emmitsburg, MD – The United States Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), announces the release of Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety which highlights the results of a U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ) supported initiative to enhance emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety for firefighters and law enforcement officers.
“With vehicle crashes and emergency responders being struck on the roadway being a major cause of on-duty fatalities, it is important for all first responders to avail themselves of these programs to reduce this tragic cause of death,” said Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. “We are grateful for the U.S. Department of Justice’s support of this emergency vehicle and roadway safety initiative which benefits the fire service and law enforcement alike.”
“The number of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in vehicle crashes and as the result of being struck by vehicles as they work at the roadside is disturbing and unacceptable,” said IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger. “The purpose of this program is to provide information to all emergency responders that will make their jobs safer.”
The goal of this project is to provide a basic guide for all law enforcement officers and firefighters to improve their level of safety at work. The document discusses training, policy development, education, and technology to enhance emergency vehicle and roadway safety operations.
Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety is available on the IAFF’s website.
Further information on USFA’s emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety projects may be found on the USFA’s website.
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 5:40 A
Harvad Firefighters’ 1st Annnual Ken Harrod Memorial Bike Ride
The Harvard Firefighters' 1st Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Bike Ride
On May 4, 2010, the Harvard Fire Department and entire Harvard community lost a great man when Ken Harrod unexpectedly passed away.
A lifelong resident of Harvard and a 45-year member of the Harvard Fire Department, Ken was always helping others out in any way that he could. He was a great mentor to all in the department, and loved by all for his patience, skill, charity and kind manner.
There are 3 different courses to choose from: 32 mile, 16 mile and 2 mile. There will be food provided by the Harvard Lions. T-shirts and gift bags will be provided to the first 300 registered riders.
Funds generated from this event will support a number of different causes, including:
The Harvard Firefighters’ Benevolence Fund
The Harvard Firefighters’ Scholarship Fund
The Harvard Firefighters’ Equipment Fund
The Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program
The Harvard Firefighters’ Family Crisis Fund
Advance online registration is $25, with family discounts available for 3 or more riders (must all register at the same time). Day-of-event registration is $30 per person. If you are not a rider but wish to donate to the Harvard Firefighters Association, please send a check to:
Harvard Firefighters Association
P.O. Box 613
Harvard, MA 01451
Attn: Bill Berthoud, Event Treasurer
9AM @ Harvard Fire Station, Sept 11
13 Ayer Road, Harvard
Course lengths of 2, 16 & 32 miles
Complete info and online registration is available at http://harvardfire.com/bikeride
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 3:27 P
Retirement Party for Chief Bill Judd - So. Hadley Fire District #1
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE RETIREMENT OF
Chief Bill Judd
Friday September 17th, 2010
Cocktails 6:30 PM Dinner @ 7:00 PM
Come join the party Friday 17, 2010 Get Tickets by September 10th
K of C “Castle of Knights”
1599 Memorial Drive Chicopee , MA
Tickets: $30.00 or Couples $50.00
Get Tickets from: District # 1 Station @ 532-5343
Chief Brian McClaflin @ 265-1953 or Firefighter Bob Blaney @ 627-0574
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 9:09 A
Posting of two applications for Associate Membership
The following persons have applied for Associate membership in the Association; John Mulligan, Director of Business Development - Intermedix Corporation and Peter Haddad - Fire Billing Project Manager - Intermedix Corporation.
The Board of Directors has voted to accept their applictions and forward them to the general membership for a vote at the September 15th meeting in Sandwich.
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Fri, Aug 20, 2010, 6:36 A
USFA Releases Fatal Fires in Residential Buildings Report
USFA Releases Fatal Fires in Residential Buildings Report
August 19, 2010
USFA Media Contact: (301) 447-1853
Washington, DC — The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of fatal fires in residential buildings. The report, Fatal Fires in Residential Buildings (PDF, 708 Kb), was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center and is further evidence of FEMA's commitment to sharing information with fire departments and first responders around the country to help them keep their communities safe.
The report is part of the Topical Fire Report Series and is based on 2006 to 2008 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). According to the report, an estimated 1,800 fatal residential building fires occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of 2,635 deaths, 725 injuries, and $196 million in property loss. The leading cause of fatal residential fires is smoking (19 percent) and the leading areas of fire origin are bedrooms (27 percent) and common areas such as living and family rooms (23 percent). In addition, fatal residential fires, which tend to be larger, cause more damage, and have higher injury rates than nonfatal residential fires, occur most frequently in the late evening and early morning hours, peaking from midnight to 5 a.m. Finally, these types of fires are more prevalent in the cooler months, peaking in January (13 percent).
The topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in NFIRS. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information. Also included are recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report or that put the report topic in context.
For further information regarding other topical reports or any programs and training available at the United States Fire Administration, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Thu, Aug 19, 2010, 4:53 P
USFA Releases Vacant Residential Building Fires Report
USFA Releases Vacant Residential Building Fires Report
August 19, 2010
USFA Media Contact: (301) 447-1853
Washington, DC — The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of fires in vacant residential buildings. The report, Vacant Residential Building Fires (PDF, 744 Kb), was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center and is further evidence of FEMA's commitment to sharing information with fire departments and first responders around the country to help them keep their communities safe.
The report is part of the Topical Fire Report Series and is based on 2006 to 2008 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). According to the report, an estimated 28,000 vacant residential building fires occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of 45 deaths, 225 injuries, and $900 million in property loss. Vacant residential fires are considered part of the residential fire problem as they comprise approximately 7 percent of residential building fires. In addition, intentional is the leading cause of vacant residential building fires which are more prevalent in July (9 percent), due in part to an increase in intentional fires on July 4 and 5. Finally, almost all vacant residential building fires are nonconfined and half spread to involve the entire building.
The topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in NFIRS. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information. Also included are recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report or that put the report topic in context.
For further information regarding other topical reports or any programs and training available at the United States Fire Administration, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.
Rick - Sudbury has looked at this but it raises a number of challenging questions. Should residents of Sudbury be charged if they have an accident even though their taxes are already paying for the Fire Department? We don't charge them if their house catches fire (although we do bill for the ambulance). Perhaps an avenue would be to levy a charge if the driver was at fault in the accident. If so, who determines fault? Should we only charge out of town drivers for accidents?
There are several companies out there who specialize in recovering costs associated with motor vehicle crashes. I've spoken to one (Cost Recovery Corporation) and the concept is appealing from a revenue point of view. I didn't pursue it after a discussion with my Town Manager.
We do bill for damage to public property (guard rails; signs; etc.) or haz mat spill caused by a driver. Public law already allows this.
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Thu, Aug 19, 2010, 6:21 A
Fourth Annual Thanks to Yanks dinner
You are invited and please read below......
Hi this is Michael Shain, I am in need of your assistance. I am trying to reach out to families who have loved ones in the military to invite them to a 9/11 tribute dinner (Thanks to Yanks) to thank them for all of their sacrifices. This year's dinner is the fourth annual dinner. For your information, I have attached the invitation to this event. Please understand that I am not requesting a financial donation, but am looking to spread the word to military families. If you could help me with this, I would be most appreciative.It is an important event that acknowledges the sacrifices of so many. I ask and encourage you to forward this invitation to anyone you know who may have a loved one in the military, including any Gold Star families. Thank you in advance for your support.
Warm Regards
Michael Shain
Thankstoyanks.org
Please reserve now.
You are cordially invited to a special dinner in honor of military families including Blue Star & Gold Star families, and to pay tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11/01. This is completely a non-political event. It is merely a way of saying THANK YOU for your service and sacrifices. The dinner is free.
When: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Time: 6:00p.m - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Medway VFW,
123 Holliston Street
Medway, MA 02053
Please RSVP by September 8, 2010, please visit www.Thankstoyanks.org or contact
Michael Shain 508-330-8487
Thanks To Yanks
C/O Michael Shain
15 Virginia Drive
Milford, MA 01757
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Tue, Aug 17, 2010, 6:50 P
SAFER GRANT application process begins today
2010 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants application period opens
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces the opening of the FY 2010 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants application period. The SAFER Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate.
In 2010, Congress appropriated $420 million to carry out the activities of the SAFER Grants. The goal of the SAFER Grants is to enhance local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the NFPA and OSHA.
The grants focus on:
The deployment and assembly sections of NFPA 1710 and/or NFPA 1720, and
The respiratory protection section of OSHA 1910
The SAFER application period opens August 17, 2010, at 8 a.m. Eastern Time. DHS will accept applications through September 17, 2010, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Program Guidance document for the FY 2010 SAFER Grants will be posted in the near future on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program Web site, www.firegrantsupport.com.
The SAFER Grant e-applications are automated and accessible through the web site at www.firegrantsupport.com and the U.S. Fire Administration Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov.
An applicant tutorial will be available through the AFG Program Web site at www.firegrantsupport.com. The tutorial provides valuable grant information and walks applicants through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial provides an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria.
Applicants who have questions regarding the SAFER Grants opportunity should contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or via e-mail to firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Thank you,
The Program Office
AFG Program Office | 800 K Street N.W. | Washington | DC | 20472
Looking for communities charging a separate fee for motor vehicle accidents and if so do you have different fee levels depending on severity of accident. IE jaws used etc
The Western Mass Fire Chief's Association is considering the creation of an Executive Director position. To that end, we are very interested in hearing from any other Chief's Associations that have an Executive Director, and/or who have language in thier by-laws regarding an executive director.
Please contact Chief Madison, Longmeadow Fire Department with any helpful information.
Posted by
FCAMSECTREAS
- Sat, Aug 14, 2010, 6:14 A
Massachusetts Firefighter Collapses on Scene; CPR, Defibrillator Used
Massachusetts Firefighter Collapses on Scene; CPR, Defibrillator Used
By Paul Peluso -
Firehouse.com News
..A Lynnfield lieutenant had to be revived yesterday afternoon (Aug. 12) after he suffered a massive heart attack while responding to a brush fire.
Lt. Keith Gauvreau and Capt. Michael Feinberg went into a wooded area on Kimball Lane in search of the reported fire at approximately 3 p.m. when the 48-year-old lieutenant complained he didn't feel well and collapsed.
Luckily, they were in the line of sight of two other firefighters on a nearby apparatus.
"I was in disbelief," Feinberg said. "Training kicked in and we went right to work."
They began administering CPR on Gauvreau and had an AED on him within less than a minute.
It took approximately five minutes before he regained a pulse and about five more minutes before he regained consciousness.
He was then transported to North Shore Medical Center in Salem where he remains in the ICU in stable condition.
Feinberg, who has known Gauvreau for close to 14 years, said that when any incident involves another firefighter, it makes it that much more difficult to respond to.
"Obviously there's a little more emotion involved, but I can't say enough about the crew that worked with me in the efforts. The teamwork was incredible. Everyone did their jobs and did them well."
He said that his long-time co-worker is doing well, but has a long road ahead of him and gave some advice to firefighters who find themselves in the situation he and his colleagues were in.
"Rely on your training. Everyone knows the job that needs to be done. Rely on your training and do your job."
We have had two used ladders and presently are on our third used ladder. There are quite a few good used ladders on line. Our latest acquisition was formerly the Town of Franklin's. The vehicle is a 1985 LTI and had just over 18,000 miles on it. The truck is more than enough for our needs. It probably responds to 6-8 working fires per year. I'm not sure how many times a year that you would be using the unit or what your demographics are, but we have had good luck with the equipment we have purchased.