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Chiefs Quarterly
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NC Association of Fire Chiefs July 2010 |
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 A Message from the President
Chief Frank Burns
It seems like yesterday that I started my term as President of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, yet my time is winding down fast. It has been my sincere pleasure to work with the current Board, our Executive Director, past Board members, and you, our members.
It continues to be exciting to watch as the Association continues to grow in membership. Your Board is working hard for you. I cannot say enough about the current and past Board members, along with our Executive Director. Each of these has the heart and dedication to change the fire service for the betterment of both paid and volunteer members.
We must continue to work on firefighter safety, health, and wellness. We are killing too many firefighters across the country. With heart attacks being the leading cause of firefighter fatalities, we must make this our top priority. Establishing physical fitness programs for our personnel will help us combat this all too common issue. Safe driving, both to and from emergency scenes, must also be a priority. Wear your seat belt - every time - and take time to slow down and not become a victim to tunnel vision. As leaders we must practice what we preach!
I encourage you to continue to visit our NCAFC website (www.ncafc.com) as you will find great information there. We try to keep the content up-to-date and if there is something you'd like to see on the site, please submit it to our Executive Director. One item you will find on the site is the NCAFC Emergency Response Plan. This plan has been developed over the past 5 years in conjunction with NC Emergency Management, OSFM, and the North Carolina Forestry Service. This plan was developed in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Chiefs in an effort to create a plan that was similar across the Country.
I also would like to thank the committee of this plan for all their hard work and dedication.
We have also been working on a voluntary awards and recognition program. I encourage you to visit ( www.ncafc.com) and review this policy and submit any comments to Chief Rick McIntyre (Jacksonville Fire Department).
We must continue to support the code change for residential sprinklers. This change will save our citizens and our firefighter's lives!
Again, thank you for allowing me to serve as your President. If there is anything I can help with in the future, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Frank |
| Firefighter Health and Safety - "Not just Physical" |
Chief Bob Parnell
Salisbury Fire Department
 I wanted to inform you about a program that we are presently getting off the ground in the Salisbury Fire Department. To help Salisbury Fire Department meet the Life Safety Initiatives, and especially #13, (brief: Firefighters have access to psychological and emotional support) we are building a "best-practices" Salisbury Fire Department Support Team program complete with trained peer counselors, fire service aware professional clinicians and a user-friendly, easy system for firefighters to participate in when they feel like they want/need such support services. This is much more than an EAP program and it is geared specifically for firefighters and the firefighter culture in which they work, which, as we know, is unique to any other group of workers anywhere. The program is molded similar to Charleston's support team. The reason I bring this to the North Carolina Chiefs is that it is not desirable or required that a department suffer a LODD incident to recognize the need for a support program. In fact, it is more productive and effective that a program be in-place prior to any stressful event for the health and emotional well-being of our fire department members. Generally, programs we are most familiar with are EAP and CISDs, both reactive. Some, in fact, have deemed CISDs ineffective for the fire service, and we experienced CISD failure here because the CISD is conducted in groups. Apparently firefighterswon't effectively talk/disclose/vent/admit emotional stresses or weaknesses in large groups. Good fire chiefs are focused on doing the right thing for their members, always, even in tough budgets. The thing about our program is that it will cost us very little as we are working within the City's existing EAP contract. I think agencies that don't have EAP contracts could do the same thing with County Mental Health offices and other known and existing resources. If you or any other North Carolina Chiefs would like to "sit in" or otherwise observe/participate as we build and grow our program over the next 12 to 18 months, please let me know- I will include you in on all available aspects. |
| Chief Jeff Cash Honored with the E. James Monihan Director's Award |
Left to right: NVFC Chairman, Phillip C. Sittleburg, Second Vice Chairman, Jeff Cash, and First Vice Chairman, Jack Carriger. | The National Volunteer Fire Council's (NVFC) Board of Directors honored Chief Jeff Cash with the E. James Monihan Director's Award. Cash, who is the Second Vice Chairman of the NVFC and the Director from North Carolina, was recognized for his extraordinary involvement in the NVFC and for going above and beyond in his service and commitment to the Council.
The award was presented during the NVFC's Spring Board Meeting in Alexandria, VA, on April 30. Jack Carriger, NVFC First Vice Chair and Director from Oregon, spoke on behalf of the Board as he bestowed the award to Cash.
"I'm very privileged tonight to present this award to a person who sets an example for all of us," Carriger said. "Jeff Cash is involved in just about every aspect of our organization. The values and standards he sets and the way he leads by example is to be admired. This award is to be given when a person truly sets themselves above, and Jeff Cash certainly does this."
"This is an honor and I appreciate it," Cash said as he accepted the award. "The man it's named for is my mentor. When I came to the Council 13 years ago, Jim Monihan took me under his wing." He went on to recognize his community, his department, and most of all, his wife, Cynthia for her constant support. "She's the one who really deserves this," Cash said.
In addition to his responsibilities as Second Vice Chair of the NVFC, Cash is directly involved in many of the NVFC's initiatives. He leads the NVFC's grant-writing workshop at conferences across the country, is an active member of the National Junior Firefighter Program Advisory Group, participated in the NVFC's retention and recruitment video project, recorded several informational audio and video podcasts, facilitated many events and presentations on behalf of the NVFC, has written articles to help publicize the NVFC's initiatives, and much more. He is always willing to assist or provide information to other Board members, NVFC staff, or general members of the fire and emergency services.
The E. James Monihan Director's Award is presented by the NVFC Executive Committee to a fellow Board member whose contributions have gone beyond the normal expectations. The award is named after founding Board Member and former NVFC Chairman Jim Monihan, who actively served on the NVFC Board and Executive Committee until his death in 2009. |
| Camp Celebrate 2010 | |
Fire Chief David L. Nance, State President
NC Firefighters Burned Children Fund
Fire Chief, Northwest Pocket Fire Department
 Where to begin, Camp Celebrate, first of all, was the first of its kind anywhere in the nation and it began back in 1981. Camp Celebrate is a camp for burned children ages 7-15 where they can come and be a part of a great thing without any worries of anyone pointing, whispering, or treating them differently.
Camp Celebrate was held again this year at the wonderful YMCA Camp Kanata in Wake Forest, NC. The staff there welcomed us with open arms and worked with our volunteers side by side for the entire weekend.
In the past, support for Camp Celebrate, came from a lot of the departments from across the state and Chapters of the Firefighters' Burned Children Fund. This year, the NC Jaycee Burn Center was given a very generous grant from ConAgra, another reason why I did not beat the doors asking for support, but wait until next year. Next year is going to be our 30th Anniversary.
Camp began for many volunteers on Thursday with orientation. All this time, the Firefighters from Wake Forest Fire Department were preparing rib-eye steaks, grilled shrimp, and all the trimmings for us. At supper, we all sat and enjoyed this meal along with the members of Wake Forest Fire Department as a time of reflection and fellowship.
Friday, we began getting ready for the campers, decorating and getting their cabins just right for their arrival. Shortly after noon several of us set out for Triangle Town Center and greeted some 20 Fire Engines, Ladders and other various fire service vehicles. After the kids arrived and loaded, the trucks paraded down Capital Blvd all the way to Wake Forest where they were welcomed by over 70 volunteers (several in which were fire service) from across North Carolina. Jan Parker and Chief Larry Stanford of Raleigh FD did a great job with the parade. Later, campers and counselors took part in firefighter relays and water games hosted by the wonderful members of Stony Hill and Wake Forest Fire Departments. Man ole man, what a blast everyone had. As the evening turned dark, it was dinner then camp fires and smores. Lights out and a new day arising.
Saturday, the campers spent all day doing a lot of different events from swimming to the alpine towers climbs, laser tag, field games, arts and crafts, archery, fishing, canoeing. Then finishing it up with a good ole fashioned "Ho Down" with the DJ Angier Firefighter Eric Byrd, his wife and some of his members and they promised to come back next year. Rain, yeah, we had it, everyone knows that it is not camp without rain. However, it did not dampen the party that was going on. The younger campers turned in for story book readings, make-believe campfires, and stories.
Sunday, a few more great events and then it was time for the campers to begin to pack their things, closing ceremonies, and then the families came in to get their kids and enjoy a wonderful BBQ Buffet.
Camp Celebrate is now over for 2010, but the planning for 2011 has begun. We invite you, the entire fire service of North Carolina, to get involved not only with Camp Celebrate, but all other wonderful events held by the NC Jaycee Burn Center and the Baptist Burn Center at Wake Forest University Hospital.
There is no excuse for any Fire Chief or his / her firefighters not to know about our Burn Centers and their events. To learn more visit www.ncjayceeburncenter.org, www.ffbcf.org or the ww.wfubmc.edu/burncenter Take the challenge Chiefs, learn more of the Burn Centers and their events and get involved by volunteering to serve as a Camp Counselor or just good ole plain support.
Thank you NC Fire Service for all you do for these kids and the events of the Burn Centers here in our great state. If I can assist any of you please do not hesitate to contact me at anytime.
Please click here if you would like to watch a video at Camp Celebrate. |
| Gateway Initiative Met - Chief 101 | |
An Email Message from Chief Dean Coward, Treasurer NCSFA
This past weekend on Friday night and Saturday in Lenoir, the first Chief 101 class was held at Caldwell Community college. As you know, this was a Gateway goal. From the interest shown during the class and the comments at the end, it was a great success. Chief Mullen and Derrick Clouston did a wonderful job presenting the topics and it was very well received. There were 16 chiefs/company officers there and 6 others including myself and some members of the Chiefs' Board who came for the inaugural session. Their spring board meeting was held Friday in Lenoir. Everyone in attendance echoed the need for the class and the need to make it required in some fashion. Everyone also agreed that it was not just for chiefs, but should be also offered to those possibly assuming that role in the future. The consensus was that the name should be changed to encourage more participation down the ranks. One chief even suggested bringing some of his board members to help them gain insight into the responsibilities of the office.
I was very pleased with the class. I have been interested in a class like this since coming on the board because I know first-hand of the confusion and wrong information out there in rural departments. Derrick hit all the major topics all the way down to OSHA compliance and gave resource information for further research. Chief Mullen, in his quiet, inspiring way, gave a great talk Friday night about the chief's responsibilities and role in the department. They were a great team and the only problem I see is that we will wear them out teaching this class as many times as it probably needs to be offered. Hat's off to them and others at OSFM for their hard work in organizing this class. |
| 2011 Mid Winter Conference | |
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Embassy Suites Hotel and Concord Convention Center
Concord, North Carolina
Telephone 1-800-EMBASSY
(Let the hotel know that you are attending the Chief Conference when making your reservation)
$139.00 per night
Includes cooked breakfast each morning and;
Manager's Reception (two free beverages and snacks) each afternoon
Make your reservations early
MID WINTER CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Preconference Training Sessions
Golf Tournament - Rocky River Golf Course
February 4 - Sunday, February 6, 2011
Opening Ceremony/Agency Updates
General Sessions
Vendor Displays
Fire Chief of the Year Banquet - Saturday evening February 5, 2011
Take Advantage of Early Conference Registration - $40.00 ($50.00 after January 1, 2011)
We look forward to seeing at the Embassy Suites and Concord Convention Center |
| South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo | |
Click Here to Register for the Conference. |
| Upcoming Events | |
2010 |
August 11 - 14,2010 - Annual Conference - Raleigh Convention Center
2011
February 3 - 6, 2011 - Mid Winter Conference - Embassy Suites, Concord
February 7-10, 2011 - Fire and Life Safety Educators Association - Sheraton Chapel Hill
May 4-7, 2011 - NC Society of Fire/Rescue Instructors - Crown Plaza Resort, Asheville
August 10 - 13, 2011 - Annual Conference - Raleigh Convention Center
2011 - Executive Development Program - Charlotte Fire Training Center - Date TBD
2012
February 2012 - Mid Winter Conference - Location TBD
August 1 - 4, 2012 - Annual Conference - Raleigh Convention Center |
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North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs
P. O. Box 7893
Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Telephone/Fax (252) 200-4425 |  |
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