Mark Your Calendar with These Important Events!
Fire Commission Meeting
April 8, 2008
Pinecroft-Sedgefield Fire Department
under OSFM Sections
Eastern Association Meeting
April 10, 2008
Havelock Tourist and Event Center
NC Fire Prevention School
April 14-18, 2008
National Guard Training Center
Kure Beach, NC
Classes offered: Basic, Intermediate,
Advanced and Graduates
For more information, contact
**FULL--NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED**
Western Association Meeting
April 16, 2008
Catawba Co. FF Museum
at 6:30 p.m.
Piedmont Association Meeting
April 23, 2008
Albemarle, NC
NC Fallen Firefighters Memorial Dedication
May 3, 2008
Raleigh, NC
NC Fire and Rescue Instructors Conference
May 7-10, 2008
Crown Plaza Hotel and Resorts
Asheville, NC
For more information contact
A World Safety Conference and Expo
June 2-5, 2008
Las Vegas, Nevada
Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs Conference
June 19-21, 2008
Chattanooga, TN
Fire/EMS Safety Health and Survival Week
June 22-28, 2008
July 8, 2008
Pinecroft-Sedgefield Fire Department
under OSFM Sections
Eastern Association Meeting
July 10, 2008
Location TBA (Robeson County)
Western Association Meeting
July 16, 2008
Cherryville FD
at 6:30 p.m.
International Association of Fire Chiefs-
Fire Rescue International
August 14-16, 2008
Denver, Colorado
NC State Firemen's Association/
NC Association of Fire Chiefs
Annual Conference
August 29-31, 2008
Winston Salem, NC
For more information, contact
October 1 - 4, 2008
Raleigh Convention Center
Raleigh, NC
Eastern Association Meeting
October 9, 2008
Location TBA (Wilmington area)
Western Association Meeting
October 15, 2008
Balsam Willets Ochre Hill VFD
at 6:30 p.m.
Eastern Association Meeting
January 9, 2009
Clayton Fire Department
North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs
Mid Winter Conference
February 6-8, 2009
(golf tournament on February 5, 2008) Wrightsville Beach, NC
Fire and Life Safety Educators Conference
February 8-12, 2009
Hilton Hotel
Greenville, NC
Eastern Association Meeting
April 9, 2009
Location TBA
Eastern Association Meeting
July 9, 2009
Location TBA
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********************* Residential Fire Sprinklers:
Education Still the Focus
by Chief David Douglas
Greensboro Fire Department
The Committee on residential fire sprinklers continues to meet with representatives of the Building Code Council (BCC) and its' sub-committee the Residential Standing Committee to bring about a change in the residential building code; however, education of our firefighters and the public continues to be our best initiative for short-term success.
Members of the Committee along with other fire service representatives attended the February 12th meeting of the Residential Standing Committee (RSC) in Raleigh. It is noteworthy that the Committee allowed significant time - a little more than 3 hours - for this initial discussion on the many issues revolving around our request for residential fire sprinklers. Alan Perdue a BCC member and Director of Emergency Services in Guilford County gave a brief "introductory" class to the members of the RSC that included the video of the Marble Mountain test and moderated a question and answer session between the RSC and fire service representatives.
There is reluctance on the part of the RSC and the BCC to allow Appendix P to remain in the Residential Code. Appendix P would allow local jurisdictions to enact a residential fire sprinkler ordinance. BCC Chairman Dan Tingen stated that his vision for the Code was for it to be a unified code and that he feared if local jurisdictions began adopting Appendix P it would sanction too many local requirements thereby creating confusion among contractors and installers.
RSC Chairman David Smith stated his support for residential sprinklers while at the same time maintaining that he was still not in favor of mandating them by code. Chairman Smith did say, however that his knowledge of residential sprinklers could be enhanced and pledged his committee would continue to research sprinklers as well as involve our Residential Sprinkler Committee in future discussions.
Since our initiative began we have acknowledged that a code change would be a long term endeavor and that we must begin an aggressive education program to assure our success. Our firefighters are our front line in fire suppression and they should also be in the front of the line for education. Engage your local Homebuilders Association and civic organizations to allow you time to give a presentation about residential fire sprinklers. If you have the opportunity to speak to the media about a residential fire in your jurisdiction and you know that residential fire sprinklers would have been effective
. . . say just that! Don't treat this as an adult only subject, start young check out: www.sprinklersmarts.org. If we are to be successful in our efforts to mandate residential fire sprinklers we must be successful in our education efforts.
Resources are available to assist you with education or presentations on residential fie sprinklers please contact Assistant Chief David Douglas with Greensboro Fire Department at (336) 373-2032 or Assistant Chief Frank Blackley with Wilmington Fire Department at (910) 343-3939 with any questions or request and we will assist you in making contacts, acquiring information or answering your questions.
Resources are listed below to obtain more information about residential sprinklers:
· www.firesafehome.org
· www.fireteamusa.com
· www.homefiresprinkler.org
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If You Have Time & Money to Waste Purchasing Vehicles & Equipment, Don't Read This Article!
by Chief R. Allan Cain, Cary Fire Department
If 'piggybacking' is unfamiliar to you and 'group purchasing' sounds like the perfect cause of a migraine headache, you might be surprised to learn that these two purchasing methodologies are saving some jurisdictions (counties, municipalities and individual volunteer departments) thousands of dollars and months of administrative time.
Consider the time and effort many jurisdictions expend developing, bidding, responding to questions, evaluating and awarding bids for capital projects. North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.) 143-129, while expressly prescribing the bidding process for capital projects, also provides some remedy for that effort. Paragraphs (9) and (9a) of 143-129 allow a jurisdiction to bypass those bidding requirements and purchase from contracts established by any agency of the state or federal government, if the vendor is willing to extend the same or a more favorable price and terms to the local government. This exemption is known as the 'piggybacking' exemption. If one decides to piggyback, the statute requires the governing board to award the bid contract under this exception.
A number of jurisdictions regularly utilize the piggyback exemption. However, many more are not aware of this practice or the benefits. This year, our department was authorized to replace a truck company and we piggybacked the contract for a City of Raleigh aerial apparatus that was awarded almost a year prior. We estimated a savings of $42,000 in product price because the Raleigh bid was awarded in FY07, but was still valid because the bid price was valid for one year. Also, piggybacking Raleigh's contract saved 30-60 days of administrative time by eliminating staff time to bid, evaluate and award the contract.
Lenoir Fire Chief Ken Briscoe indicated that in 2006, his department piggybacked a contract for a Sutphen Quint. They actually found two municipalities with current quint bids and one of these bids met all of Lenoir's specifications. Since that purchase, Lenoir has also piggybacked another contract for sanitation vehicles.
Probably the most experienced piggybacking jurisdiction in the state is the City of Fayetteville. Fire Chief Bennie Nichols and Special Projects Director Craig Hampton report that in the last four years, Fayetteville has purchased 8 fire units while saving thousands of dollars. Chief Nichols likes the piggybacking method because it allows the department to purchase their desired make of apparatus and standardize their fleet. Mr. Hampton adds that in addition to the monetary savings, the city saves administrative time and as a result, the City can take delivery of the units much sooner. That's right, 8 units in 4 years average out as a six month project timeline and they save money to boot.
While these examples cite municipalities, any jurisdiction can capitalize on this bid exemption even if for some reason you're not required to bid. Along with all of the advantages, Departments may need to do some research to see just what equipment or apparatus is being purchased. This requires a little networking, but that's what the NCAFC and NC Chiefs' Yahoo group is all about. Also, minor changes or exemptions are allowed under this methodology, just as long as the purchaser is not substantially changing the scope of the specification.
Another money saving method used by a number of departments is group purchasing. This process is based on the principal of purchasing power generally defined as the greater the quantity of goods or services purchased, the lower the unit price and thus a lower total price is paid for those goods and services.
Fire Chief Len Needham of the Bahama Fire Department has utilized group purchasing power for 10 years. He states that when he knows his department will be purchasing equipment or apparatus, he instructs his vendors to alert him when another department or jurisdiction is making a similar purchase. Chief Needham is then able to maximize his purchasing power in conjunction with the other Department by increasing the quantity of equipment purchased. He also indicated the department is often able to save enough on the purchase to offset or eliminate shipping costs.
Another example of using group purchasing power is Wake County. Utilizing the county's fire protection contract to organize and control equipment and apparatus purchases, county fire departments and the fire marshal's office participate in various committees which develop equipment and apparatus specifications. Along with the base specification, optional features are also specified and included in the purchase bid so departments can select options and tailor the apparatus and equipment to their particular operating needs. As a result, every department in the county purchases the same make and model fire apparatus and the same fire fighting protective clothing from the same bid contract. New Hanover County offers another example of group purchasing for apparatus and certainly many other successful models exist.
Group purchasing does require a greater desire and ability from the participants to develop consensus specifications. However, many examples exist where the consensus specification yields the same quality product at a better price currently paid or a better quality product at the same price currently paid. Either way, unless one is only satisfied by purchasing the same brand name without considering alternatives, the result is a win for those that use and pay for the product.
In summary, whether you represent a municipal or volunteer fire department, when planning to purchase apparatus and equipment you may save considerable time and money for your purchases if you consider piggybacking a purchase contract that has already been awarded or by participating in group purchasing initiatives. Unless of course, you have more time and money than you need. | |
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A Message from the President
Chief Bill Walker
There's a lot going on with the NC Association of Fire Chiefs. We have just completed our Mid Winter conference. It was by far the best we have had yet. I have heard nothing but great comments about the conference. This was the last year we will be in Atlantic Beach. Next year we will move to Wrightsville Beach.
The Board has been busy over the last couple of months. We have completed out strategic planning and are trying to make changes in our direction, in accordance with what our membership has told us at the chief's roundtables we have hosted.
I have just returned from the Southeastern Fire Chief's first president's forum in Chattanooga along with Chief Teeters from Greensboro and Chief Taylor from High Point who also represented North Carolina. All the states in the southeast were represented to discuss the current concerns from each state and to share information. It was amazing to see all the different people and organizations getting behind the residential sprinkler code change, not only for the International Code but for the individual states and municipalities across the southeast as well.
By the time this goes to print, we would have already represented the Association at Gateway Eight. I am really looking forward to it. We also have board members planning on attending the CFSI and working "The Hill" along with the NCSFA Board.
The board has met with the NC State Fireman's Association's Board to discuss the concerns within our own state. We also have plans on additional meetings throughout the year. It is great to see and be part of, the two boards working closely together for the benefit of the North Carolina Fire Service.
This article would not be complete without talking about "Safety Starts at the Top". As Chief Officer's we either write or approve our departmental safety standards. The question is, are we following the rules ourselves? Our firefighters are looking at us to see if we are doing what we are telling them to do. Are we wearing our seatbelts? Are we operating under ICS and maintaining command in one identifiable location? If we are not doing it, how can we enforce the rules? And worse, what if someone gets hurt while we are not being safe? "Safety Starts at the Top" We must practice what we preach and make sure everyone else does also. It only takes a second for an accident to happen and a lifetime to deal with it. Let's focus on abiding by our own safety policies, incorporating these policies in our training programs, and enforcing the safety regulations we adopt in order to reduce the chance of a preventable accident. |
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A Message from the Executive Director
Kenneth G. Mullen
This is being written on Saturday, March 1, 2008 and so far this year we are 2 for 2. In this case, it is not a good statistic. Two firefighters have died this year, one in January and one in February, while responding to an emergency. The crash investigation revealed they were not wearing a seat belt.
Straight from the General Statutes, President Bill Walker was exactly right when he recently responded to a request for anyone who had a departmental seat belt policy:
§ 20-135.2A. Seat belt use mandatory.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in G.S. 20-137.1, each occupant of a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts shall have a seatbelt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this State.
The title of the statute has a key word in it that we seem to bristle at every time it is used or mentioned, but in this case the decision is made for us, and it is law. "Mandatory" means what it says. It's not a little bit mandatory, it's the law. If there is a fire chief out there who does not want to be accountable for enforcing the law then he can blame it on the elected officials in Raleigh.
The statute reads, "each occupant of a motor vehicle" shall have a seatbelt properly fastened . . . when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway". There are some exceptions in the statute, but the statute does not exempt firefighters.
I can hear it already, "what about the school buses', 'what about prisoners in the back seat of patrol cars', 'what about all the police officers that don't wear them". Well, you know, they should be, but rather than looking outside, we need to be looking inside at what we can do something about. I won't get into what my Mama's response was when I use to use the excuse, "because someone else is doing it", but you know (it had something to do with a sandwich).
Speed and not wearing seat belts is killing our firefighters. There are many factors involved in setting a speed limit - two of those are road design and congestion. Why would we allow and continue to encourage our firefighters to drive above speed limits when we know the road is not designed for speeds higher than what is posted. Roads that are not designed for higher speeds, fire engines that have gotten so large that in some cases there is only 51/2"of clearance on each side (less from mirror to mirror), loaded with water and equipment, with a driver and passengers who are not wearing seat belts has the potential for disaster every time they leave the station.
At the 2008 Gateway Conference, Firefighter Safety was considered the number 1 priority by all who attended. It starts with proper training and enforcing safety regulations. It is a known fact that seat belts save lives. When the discussion centered on how many chiefs had actually signed a seat belt declaration, the attendees were shocked to find that there were approximately 40 signed pledges on file.
Let's have a "do over". Even if you have, or think you have signed a pledge, let's start over. Click here to access is the safety/seat belt pledge [Declaration of Commitment] adopted for the 25 in 5 campaign. If you truly want to foster a culture that promotes firefighter safety, sign the form, let your firefighters know you have signed it, and return it in the self addressed envelope included in this mailing. Then promote the use of seat belts at every training session you have. We will keep you updated on how many departments have signed the pledge.
The General Statue refers to G.S 20-137.1, Child Restraint Systems as an exception. On second thought, if we continue to look for excuses and at what others are doing instead of holding our people accountable, maybe we do need to look at that section.
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Conover Fire Chief Mark Hinson Named 2008 Career
Fire Chief of the Year
Conover Fire Chief Mark Hinson accepts the Career Fire Chief of the Year Award from President Bill Walker of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. The Award was presented at the Mid Winter Conference Banquet on Saturday, February 2, 2008 in Atlantic Beach.
Mark Hinson began his fire service career in September 1987. He was a lieutenant in the Troutman Rescue Squad, rescue chief of Troutman from 1992 to December 1999 and Fire Chief of Troutman Fire Department from December 1999 through December 2003. Chief Hinson has been the Chief of the Conover Fire Department since December 1, 2003.
In December 2006, Hinson completed his Associates in Applied Science degree in Fire Protection Technology from Coastal Carolina Community College. He has plans to begin working on his Bachelors Degree in Fire Service Protection through UNCC this fall. Chief Hinson's professional development is best described as a continual work in progress. Chief Hinson continues to pursue formal education and fire service related training, thereby, encouraging his department staff to continue their personal development as well. His willingness to continue to purse his formal education, even though he has reached the position of Fire Chief, speaks volumes about his commitment to the department and his coworkers.
Since beginning his service with the Conover Fire Department, he has been involved with the County Firefighters' Association and he is currently serving as Vice President. He is currently chairing the Equipment Committee and was instrumental in implementing group purchasing in Catawba County.
Chief Hinson is active in his community in the Community Watch program, smoke detector program and the "Watch Dog" program at a local elementary school. Chief Hinson is a member of Mountain Road Baptist Church for the past 30 years. He is an ordained Deacon and is currently serving on the Deacon Board of the church and teaches Sunday School.
From Chief Hinson's nomination form: "If there is one thing that is recognizable with Chief Hinson it is his character. He walks his talk. We know where he stands on his faith and on his principles. We also know that he encourages each member to be the best and get the most from life that we can. Our department is very fortunate to have him and his family as part of our organization." Well said!
Chief Hinson, on behalf of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, "Congratulations" on being named the Career Fire Chief of the Year. You are an inspiration to many. We thank you for your service. |
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Chief Walter M. Gardner, Jr. Named 2008 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year
Chief Walter M. Gardner, Jr. was the recipient of the 2008 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award. Chief Jernigan (the 2007 recipient, right) presented the Award to Chief Gardner at the 2008 Mid Winter Banquet in Atlantic Beach, NC.
Chief Walter Mr. Gardner, Jr. began his fire service career with the Warrenton Rural Volunteer Fire Department in 1973. Since 1973 he has served in many positions including Fire Captain and Secretary. He served as the First Assistant Fire Chief from 1998-2002 and was named Fire Chief in 2002.
He is a 1975 graduate of Chowan College with an Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration and he attended the UNC-G in 1975 through 1977. Chief Gardner holds many fire and rescue certifications
Chief Gardner was appointed by the NC League of Municipalities to serve as the League's representative on the NC Fire and Rescue Commission. The Commission Chairman has appointed him to represent the Commission on the Certification Board and to be the Commission's Ethics Liaison. Gardner is a founding member of the Warren County Firemen's' Association. He has served in many positions in the Association including President from 1987-2002.
Chief Gardner is very active in his community. Since being appointed Mayor of Warrenton in 1997, he has been reelected to that post for four consecutive terms. Prior to his appointment as Mayor, he served on the Board of Commissioners. He is a member of the Warrenton Lions Club and the American Red Cross. He has served as a coach in the Warren County Recreation Department and he served in many position with the Warren County and North Carolina Jaycees.
Chief Gardner is a member of Warrenton Baptist Church serving on the Board of Deacons and as Assistant Sunday School Secretary. Chief Gardener received his Eagle Scout in 1972 and he organized Fire Explorer Post 672 in 2007.
Quote from the nomination form: "His leadership and dedication to training and equipping his department to provide the best in professional services is unsurpassed. He has received many awards and honors which reflect on his character and willingness to give of himself to better our community and state."
Chief Gardner, your fire service career and your community involvement reflect your commitment to your fellow man. Thanks for the setting an example for others to follow. |
Intrastate Mutual Aid Stakeholders (IMAS) Update
by Fire Chief Frank Burns, 2nd Vice President, NCAFC
The International Association of Fire Chiefs is working on a Nationwide Mutual-Aid Plan. This task was initiated due to lessons learned from problems during Hurricane Katrina and other emergencies' where the fire service had been deployed. The North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs has chosen to participate in the development the plan.
North Carolina's plan has worked well in the past and the emergency management system has performed well during disasters and is considered a good plan. States participating in the first year of the nationwide plan are Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Montana and California.
In March of 2007, the International Association of Fire Chiefs had the second Intrastate Mutual Aid Stakeholders meeting In Columbus, Ohio. Forty-two states participated in the meeting and all forty-two states are in agreement that there needs to be a uniform Mutual-Aid Plan.
The North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs created a committee consisting of members from the Office of State Fire Marshal (Larry Hughes), North Carolina State Fireman's Association (Chief James Peele), Raleigh Fire and Haz-Mat Association (Battalion Chief A.C. Rich), Charlotte Fire Department (Battalion Chief Kevin Gordon), Greenville Fire/Rescue (Chief Mike Burton) and Salisbury Fire Department (Chief Bob Parnell). Mary Beth Young with North Carolina Emergency Management served as co-chair for the committee with Chief Frank Burns serving as the Chair for the committee.
The committee was charged with reviewing North Carolina's Plan and comparing it with other states, and make recommendation to improve North Carolina Mutual Aid Plan. Working with all the lead agencies of North Carolina and having a plan that is consistent with our neighboring states will help create and develop a national fire service intrastate mutual aid system, allowing the fire service to rapidly activate and deploy resources during a disaster.
The IMAS Plan was completed and presented for approval at the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs Mid Winter Conference on February 2, 2008 at Atlantic Beach NC and can be viewed at www.ncafc.com. The Association voted to approve the Plan and to move forward with the next step in the life of the plan. The committee will be working to create a pocket guide and to develop a table top exercise to test the plan. | |
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Fire &/or Rescue Department Address & Fire Chief Informaion
by Lauren Thompson, Office of State Fire Marshal
The Department of Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshal makes every effort to maintain current department and Chief information. This information is vital to our office and your fire and/or rescue department. Why? If our records are not current, the fire and/or rescue department may not receive pertinent information in regards to grant opportunities, firefighter certifications, fire district rating schedules, special schools, etc.
Fire Chiefs or departmental officers may change on a fairly frequent basis and forwarding mail to the new Chief or designated officers may not occur. It is our policy to maintain the actual fire and/or rescue department mailing address rather than the personal address of a department Chief or Secretary.
If your department has a change in the Fire Chiefs position, a department mailing address, or a change in the department's email address, the following information is needed by OSFM and should be provided on the fire &/or rescue department letterhead:
1) Department name, county, department complete mailing address, phone and fax number, and department email address
2) Fire Chief's name, day and evening phone numbers, and the Fire Chief's email address
This information should be mailed to the attention of Shirley Lofton, NC Department of Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshal, 1202 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27609-1202 or fax: 919-662-4670
Please note, this information should also be provided to the NC State Firemen's Association, 323 W. Jones Street, Suite 401, Raleigh, NC 27603, Attention Melissa Dixon; and the NC Fire & Rescue Worker's Pension Fund, State Treasurer's Office, 325 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, Attention Rhonda Steven; and the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, P. O. Box 7893, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
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Sincerely,
Kenneth Mullen
North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs
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