MARYLAND FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION FALL MEETING

NOVEMBER 10, 2007

 

The Fall Meeting of the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association was called to order by President Robert Small at 1200 hours at the Glenn Dale VFD.  The opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were given by Assistant Chaplain Margaret Gouty.  MFCA officers present were President Small, 1st Vice President Jack Gout, Asst. Secretary Ron Watkins, Membership Secretary Kara Small, Asst. Chaplain Margaret Gouty, and Regional Director Rick Blair.  Secretary Jackie Olsen, Treasurer Leonard King, and Chaplain John Hoglund are excused at this time. 

 

The organization was welcomed to the Glenn Dale Volunteer Fire Department by Chief Harvey Woods. Past Presidents attending were Ron Watkins, Paul Sterling, and Joe Robison.  Guests attending included Maryland State Firemen’s Association President Paul Sterling, MSFA 1st VP Frank Underwood, and 2nd VP Roger Powell, Maryland State Police Aviation 1s Sergeant Lewis, and MIEMSS representative Phil Hurlock. 

 

The Minutes from the September 27, 2007 Board of Directors meeting were presented for approval.  It was MOVED by Joe Robison, 2nd by Hugh Owens to approve the minutes.  PASSED   

 

President’s report – President Small reported he has been very busy over the past several months working with legislative leaders in an effort to get the fire service into the bill for slots in Maryland.  He attended the National Fallen Firefighters Weekend in Emmitsburg, and has attended several other events representing the Association.

 

Vice President Gouty reported he spent the weekend of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, and has attended several other meetings throughout the State.

 

Secretary’s report – given by Asst. Secretary Ron Watkins – The Secretary’s office has taken the minutes of the meetings of the Association, received and handled all communications directed to the Association, and written letters as directed.

 

Chaplain’s report – given by Margaret Gouty – The Chaplain’s office has been making visits and sending cards out to those of our  members that have been on the sick list since our last meeting.

 

 

 

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Membership Chairman’s report – Kara Small reported she is going back to an older system to try to keep track of our membership.  She is also taking over certifying MFCA tag applications.

 

COMMITTEES

Statewide Alert Committee – Rick Hemphill reported they are still busy, and have been working to try and get West Virginia into the system.

 

MFCA Web Site – Please E-mail Rick Hemphill if you have anything to be placed on our Web site.

 

National Fallen Firefighters Weekend – Margaret Gouty thanked all that helped out with the activities at Emmitsburg over the first weekend in October.  She had received many good comments.  Our people handled many small situations, such as split families, etc, and did a great job.

 

Volunteer and Career Officers Section – International Association of Fire Chiefs – David See reported on the activities of the VCOS.  Pete Melitis also commented on some of the activities of the Eastern Division of the IAFC.  One of the items mentioned was a “succession” plan developed by the Shreveport FD to help move younger people through the ranks of the fire department.  The incidents that have been happening concerning the treatment of the volunteer officers of the Kentland VFD in Prince George’s County was discussed at some length, as it was brought up at the Eastern Division.  The IAFC has stated that it opposes any form of harassment of volunteer OR career personnel involved in the Kentland issue.

 

700 mgHz program – Ed Woods reported on the State-wide interoperability feasibility committee.  Grant money totaling 44 million dollars have been requested, with Maryland entitled to 21 million dollars of grant money. The committee’s next meeting will be on November 16 by conference call to start to prioritize needs.  The 700 mgHz program is in the works at the Federal level.

 

Vice President Gouty thanked the Glenn Dale ladies for fixing our lunch and refreshments.

 

At this point, the Order of Business was suspended for the MFCA Miss Fire Prevention contest.

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Contestants for the title of MFCA Miss Fire Prevention were as follows:

Jordan Fairbank, escorted by Neal Lednum and representing Tilghman VFD of Talbot County

Jessica Huber, escorted by Robert Huber and representing the Hampstead VFD in Carroll County

Stacie Jaret, escorted by Scott Legore and representing the Winfield Community VFD in Carroll County

Megan Hiltz, escorted by Frank Underwood and representing the Lineboro VFD in Carroll County

Jodie Lynn Blades, escorted by Scott Rowe and representing the Queen Anne-Hillsboro VFC of Talbot County.

 

After each contestant appeared before the organization and answered questions chosen at random, Miss Stacie Jaret was declared the MFCA Miss Fire Prevention for 2007-2008 and Miss Jessica Huber was declared Runner-up.  Miss Jaret’s address is 6029 Fairfield Lane, Sykesville, MD  21784. Her phone numbers are (Home) 410-549-9476 and (Cell) 443-340-9110.

 

The meeting resumed with a report from MSFA 1st Vice President Frank Underwood.  He noted that their organization had been working in Annapolis to try and get some extra funding for the MSFA by being included in the slots initiative being debated, asking for a 5% cut of any funds achieved through slots if the initiative in enacted.  The MSFA Trustees are also trying to increase the amount of funding they have to work with in caring for the spouses and children of line-of-duty death firefighters and rescue personnel.  An increase in the State Income Tax Subtraction program is being requested.  The MSFA is moving forward in an effort to establish an Executive Director position.  They are also working to get a State-wide physical program for firefighters and rescuers.  As it can be seen, increasing the funds of the MSFA is an important consideration, as prices for almost everything have increased over the past several years, but income has remained static.  The Association is proposing to increase dues by $75, to $200.00 for member companies.  They are still working with the NFPA Standard 1403 – some want to see this standard enacted into law.  On the MSFA Low Interest Loan, they are  discussing the MEMA funding level.  Secretary Leonard King, who recently suffered a stroke, is getting treatment at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore.  Leonard, who also is our Treasurer, still complains of numbness and inability to move on his left side.  He is hoping to get to Kernan Rehab Center to continue his therapy.

 

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Maryland State Police – 1st Sergeant Lewis reported relief that they have made it through the worst part of summer and early fall, and are hoping to see a lessening in the number of severe trauma calls.  They have received five (5) 800 mgHz radios that will allow the helicopters to speak directly to the units on the ground at emergencies they respond to.

 

MIEMSS – Phil Hurlock thanked all of the participants in the MFCA Miss Fire Prevention contest.  He noted that flu season is upon us and encouraged all emergency response people to get the flu shots.  It is important to keep our people healthy so that we can continue to help others.  He also called attention to several upcoming EMS seminars throughout the State.

 

MEMA – Terry Thompson reported that all regions are now fully staffed.  They have been working with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security.  Core goals have been set, and these given to various groups for their input.

 

OLD BUSINESS

None presented

 

NEW BUSINESS

None presented

 

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Joe Robison noted that 2nd VP David Smarte has received an assignment from his work that has taken him out of the country for an undetermined period. PP Robison MOVED that a temporary 2nd Vice President be elected to fill this position. Seconded by Hugh Owens, the motion was PASSED. 

 

President Small opened nominations for the position of 2nd Vice President.  Nominated were Jeff Thompson, Hugh Owens, and Rick Blair.  Margaret Gouty MOVED to close nominations.  This was Seconded by Ed Woods and PASSED.  The election was held, and Jeff Thompson was the winner. ( Thompson 14, Blair, 5, Owens 2, two blank ballots received) MFCA Past President Joe Robison swore in Jeff Thompson.  A MOTION was made by David See, Seconded by Hugh Owens to destroy the ballots.  This was PASSED.

 

Frank Underwood reported that the Lakes and Straits VFC in Dorchester County has indicated a need for firefighting equipment and tools.  See Frank if you can help.  He also

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commented that the Heroes Tax Relief Bill has passed the House of Representatives.  An E-mail has been sent out and contains the details on this Bill

 

Hugh Owens reported that the speakers for the Chief Officers Seminar have been finalized.  All are urged to sign up when the registration comes open.  The Seminar will be held March 1 and 2, 2008.

 

Chief David See reported that the T-Mobile phone people have been in contact with the Salisbury FD, to arrange to replace the cell tower on their site.

 

Terry Thompson brought up that some of the legislators are still trying to privatize the helicopter transport system in Maryland, supplanting the MSP, as the replacement fund needs so much money.  He suggested we get together with the MSP and develop a plan to counteract this effort.

 

President Small presented Bill Hildebrand with a Certificate of Appreciation for his support of the MFCA.  Bill was not able to attend the meeting in August when the awards were given out.

 

A MOTION was made by Ron Graf to adjourn, seconded by David See.  Benediction was given by Asst. Chaplain Margaret Gouty, and the meeting was adjourned at 1345 hours. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Ron Watkins, Asst. Secretary