The 452nd meeting of the Massachusetts Institute of Fire Department Instructors was called to order at 10:10 hours and was hosted by DFS/ Mass Fire Academy on Wednesday, January 30th, 2002, with 25 members present.

BUSINESS MEETING / MFA UPDATE
Fire Marshal Steve Coan spoke on the history of MIFDI and his appreciation for our organization. He also informed the members that DFS is involved in many new areas of training since 9/11, and has been working with Public Safety Secretary James Jajuga’s office in developing several new programs. Secretary Jajuga is soon to announce the “SATURN” program, which will allow all emergency services workers to receive the same training. This will become a requirement of any community receiving federal monies.

The Marshal also announced that the Federal Firefighters Grant will be increased by 200 million this year bringing the total grant to 300 million. The S.A.F.E. Program has also been funded again for the upcoming year.

Also announced was the planned $25 million expansion of the Fire Academy which will include new classrooms, more parking, a dorm area, new training areas and an auditorium.

There is a major re-writing of the National Fire Code in progress, which NFPA will adopt and help with training people in the new codes. Building codes are also slated for a change but will not affect the fire and sprinkler codes.

Lastly, Marshal Coan announced that there is a new engine/pumper coming for the Academy.

In answering questions from our members, Marshal Coan confirmed that there will be “cross training” for police and firefighters in areas common to both our public service agencies.

Following the Marshal’s departure, an impromptu motion was made and seconded (passed) that MIFDI purchase lunch for our 2 guest speakers, Bob Looma and Jim Blanchard of DFS/MFA.

DFS/MFA instructor Bob Looma addressed MIFDI members on 2 new fire officers programs offered by the Academy; the “F.O.S.T.” Program, (Fire Officer Supervisory Training), and F.O.T.T. Program, (Fire Officer Tactical Training). The F.O.S.T. Program is a 2-week course and is more academically based, while the F.O.T.T. Program is a 3-day program and is more “hands on”. Officers must attend F.O.S.T. before being allowed to attend F.O.T.T.

DFS/MFA Instructor Jim Blanchard addressed the MIFDI members on the Fire Academy’s fitness program. There are 12 certified physical fitness trainers on staff at the academy and the program is designed specifically for firefighters. Many good aspects of this training were brought to light and Jim’s address was very informative.

President Norm Aubert called the business meeting to order after a brief lunch break.

Comments on the MIFDI web-site:  MIFDI is the only private organization to be listed on the DFS web-site.

The World Trade Center video is in the custody of Merrimac Fire at this time.

Elections were held with the following results:
(Board of Directors, Dec., 2003 term expiring):
George Churchill, Lieutenant, Brockton Fire.
Chris Kelley, Deputy Chief, Concord Fire.
Don Brown, Captain, Plymouth Fire.

President:  Norm Aubert, Captain, Massport Fire
1st Vice President:  Michael McLeieer, Firefighter/Instructor, Merrimac Fire
2nd Vice President:  Open, to be posted on the MIFDI web-site & in the bulletin.
Secretary:  Ed Morgan, Deputy Chief, North Andover Fire

ANY MEMBER WHO IS INTERESTED IN THE VACANT POSITION OF 2nd VICE PRESIDENT,
Should send their letter of interest & background to MIFDI President Norman J. Aubert, Jr.
(e-mail: a220892@aol.com) or US Mail: 14 Hidden Way, Chelmsford, MA 01824.

The Secretary's report was not read due to the absence of the secretary.

The goal of MIFDI is to have this organization over 200 members strong by the end of this year.  Please spread the word about our organization to members of the fire service and tell a friend.

OLD BUSINESS:
· Dave Jardin met with A-1 Embroidery of Stoughton and all items we get from them will be embroidered; hats, tee-shirts, sweatshirts, golf shirts and wind breakers. All items will be ordered as needed. We will not be stocking these items. An order form will be placed on the web page to be down loaded, printed and mailed to Dave for items to be ordered.

The Treasurer’s report was read.

Balance = Current Bal $1,772.92 after Jan 2002 newsletter mailed (140 newsletters)
$275.80 - $25.00 Jim Potts Dues = $250.80 Paid R. Gomes $750.00 for FDIC

Total membership = 128
New mailings after vote to not send membership that expired in 2000
Home = 86
Work = 18
E-mail = 24
Mailing for Feb 2002 (104 newsletters)

Jan 50/50 raffle Profit $30.00
Collected                   $115.00
Prize                          $  55.00
Lunch/Instructors       $    8.00
Labels & Mailing       $  22.00 Cash to Treasurer

Dues are coming in slow.  Still waiting for responses from Advertisers
Respectfully Submitted, David M. Jardin

NEW BUSINESS:
· Mark Roach suggested the possibility of a new design of the MIFDI logo. We will put any new designs on the web-site and let members vote for the design they like the best.
· Mark Roach called for a moment of silence for long time member Dick Hay, who recently passed away.
· It was motioned, seconded and passed that Rich Gomes attend the FDIC in Indianapolis in place of Norm. Motioned, seconded and passed was an appropriation of $750 for his expenses.

COMMITTEES:
The Historical Committee - consists of Steve Perrson, Ira Hoffman, and Richard Gomes. Richard Gomes noted he got together with Steve Perrson and they need photos and also want to look at talking with the older people involved with MIFDI.  Norm mentioned he’d like to see all the past presidents since 1959 listed as well as where they are from and where they are now.

The Bi-Law Committee - consists of Norm Aubert, C. Randall Sherman, Mort Shurtluff, Chris Kelly, Brian Ash, and John Cummings.  Norm had nothing to report.

Public Relations Committee  - consists of Mr. Ira Hoffman and Michael McLeieer.  Michael reported the web site is now updated with member department links as well as a listing of the District Training Committees, and showed a power point presentation of the web-site. The severe weather cancellation banner was pointed out as well as the links page and other page additions, much to the advantage of those members without access to the web. E-mail notices will be sent to those who don’t get a bulletin to let them know the expiration date of their membership. 22 members now receive the bulletin via e-mail. 134 are still mailed every month.

MFA UPDATE:  -  (see Marshal Coan’s report above)

Also, a reminder to visit the DFS website for the procedures for class cancellations due to severe weather.  MIFDI will also post this information on the MIFDI website – www.mifdi.org.

Minutes respectfully submitted by,
Michael McLeieer, 1st Vice President

MFTC UPDATE:   Steve Persson –
· Norm Aubert submitted the minutes from the last MFTC meeting held January 9th, 2001 to be posted in the MIFDI minutes.
·  The Academy recently returned from a two week vacation, during which apparatus, the station and classrooms were cleaned, lesson plans were updated and CD’s added.
· The P.T. Program has been completely revamped. There will be a lead instructor and a PT Instructor when recruits perform PT.
· The Academy will schedule a PT Powerpoint presentation for members of the Fire Training Council.
· January 22nd was the start up date of class #149 / Graduation April 5th, 2002
· There are 553 names on the list to attend the recruit academy, 91 actual names listed, (after class 149), 38 call/volunteer on the list.
· Jon Jones met with the Council last month and met with the Metro Chiefs in early January. The Council’s mandatory training sub-committee will work closely with Mr. Jones to achieve the end results.
· Site security at the Academy will be increased. Visitors will sign in/sign out. ID’s must be worn for those that need them.
· There has been a restoration of most of the 2002 budget. There is still a hiring freeze statewide. The 2003 budget does not look good at this time.
· A new Engine is being purchased for the Academy with this budget money. This will replace the Maxim pumper from Cambridge.
· There will be a 4% raise for instructors.
· With grant money, the following programs are proposed: A program on the chemistry of hazardous materials (2 weeks), A program on Incident Command and a program on Incident Command for Incident Response to terrorism, (both lasting 6 days).
· There is a $12M bill from the Governor for fire and police
· There is a possibility of $20M more from the legislature.
· There is a possibility of $26M for fire department use for training/equipment for terrorism.
· There is a hoax anthrax bill being submitted from the Fire Marshals’ Office.

Some Tips on The Use of Ground Ladders
By John McNamara, retired

The 12’ small extension ladder is for interior use, usually to gain access to the attic.  This ladder should always be brought in to the building when ceilings are being pulled.

The 14’ roof ladder is used to open a roof or placed on a roof to support a F.F.

The 24’ extension ladder is used to reach the roof of a one story building or the window sill of a second floor window.

The 35’ extension ladder is used to reach the roof of a 2 story building or the window sill of a third floor window.

The 40’ extension ladder is used to teach the roof of a 3 story building or the window sill of a 4th floor window.

The 50’ extension ladder is used for everything else.

The first number on the ladder tells you the number of firefighters needed to raise it, the limit of the number of firefighters allowed on the ladder, the number of firefighters needed to carry it and the number of floors it will reach (residential buildings).  For example:  a 24’ ladder would be carried and raised by 2 firefighters, climbed by just 2 firefighters to reach a second floor window.

The choice of the ladder also depends on the distance between floors and the slope of the ground away from the building.

If the ladder is raised to a window, it should not extend in more than one rung or it will block the window opening.

If a ladder is raised to a roof, the tip of the ladder should be at least 3 to 5 rungs or feet above the roof.  It makes it a lot easier to get off and on the roof using the ladder as a support.

The best climbing angle for a ladder is 75 degrees.  The pawls (or locks) should be checked and the halyard tied off before it is climbed.

The fly section of a ladder should always be away from the building when placed against it.  When carrying a ladder to a building the firefighter at the butt end gives the commands.

Ladders and the halyards should be checked on a regular basis and tested according to the department and/or NFPA standards.

Florida is nice, but I miss the monthly MIFDI meetings.  If any of you are in this area give me a call.

My address:
5125 Palm Springs Blvd.
Apt. 8-208
Tampa, FL 33647
Tel: 813-866-1155
E-mail: ChiefMc1@aol.com

THE SAFETY RIDING LIST
By Captain Mark Roche - Newton Fire Department

Please click on this link to open the PDF file for the article & form (download will take some time...please be patient).  You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 to open this file.  If you do NOT have Adobe, please click here.

It is with profound regret that I report the death of longtime M.I.F.D.I. member Richard F. Hay who passed this life on January 7, 2002 at age 77.  Dick was a member of M.I.F.D.I. for many years and served a few terms as Vice President.  He was a strong supporter of this organization and stayed active well after his retirement.  Dick was always trying to recruit new members by inviting them to meetings and paying for their lunch, including introducing me to M.I.F.D.I. over twenty years ago.  Many times, and behind the scenes, Dick would hand a roll of stamps or a box of envelopes to our late Treasurer Morris Margolis to help defray costs.  It was only due to recent illness that slowed him from attending meetings during this past year.

Dick retired as a Captain from the Newton Fire Department in 1989 after serving for 42 years.  He loved the fire service and was always thinking of ways to make the job safer.  He wrote articles for many fire service trade publications on topics pertaining to safety, training, or just a few thoughts and ideas.

Dick leaves his wife Ruth, 9 Children, 16 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.  One of his sons, Richard Jr., is also a Captain on the N.F.D. and serves as Treasurer for the Newton Firefighters Association, Local 2759.

A fire department funeral was held for Dick on Thursday, January 10, 2002 at St. Bernard Parish in West Newton.  He was laid to rest at Newton Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, 736 Cambridge St., Brighton, MA. 02136.  May his soul rest in peace.
 

              (from left to right)  Arthur Hallowell,    Morris Margolis,    and Dick Hay

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT:
It is great seeing the increased participation during our monthly meetings, even though some changes have taken place in the fire service since the post September 11th tragedy. Some fire department administrators have made the decision to increase minimum manning by take traditional training day staff and place them on companies.  If your chief or administrator let’s you attend these meetings on company time, then he/she understands the importance on how training fits into the overall picture.  We as an organization need to keep ALL of our members informed in what is happening in Massachusetts through our “Bulletin”, website, and through networking.  Our meetings are more than a day away from the station, or a lunch out with the boy’s, it is the way we can learn from each other, discuss ways to increase the quality of training we provide to our department, and community.  Why re-invent the wheel when we can utilize other department’s training facilities, lesson plans, and expertise of our members that are willing to share the knowledge to outside departments.  Are you looking outside the box?.  For example, Massport is sending me to a DOT/FAA ground control school for a week, so that I can improve our ongoing airfield familiarization training to my members.  In doing this we will be able to ensure that everyone is on the same page and is receiving the same training.  This is not a traditional “firefighter” training class, but one that will build understanding and confidence in a responder, thus having a quicker response during aircraft emergencies.

We have a shared common binding interest and desire for the fire service and enjoy enriching our own knowledge so that we may grow and others may learn.  Even with the changing times in society today, could you say that you are a “Motivator”, someone who steps up to the plate and values equality, harmony, activism and has a true sense of community?  I feel confident that through our networking system we have established, we can solve any training issue or problem statewide.

Congratulations to ALL the newly elected and re-elected Officers and Board of Directors of MIFDI.  I personally would like to thank the body for re-electing me into the position as President for one more year.  I will continue to work with the Marshal, the Academy, and the MFTC, so that we may continue to support the fire service in Massachusetts.  Our numbers may be limited but our voice in the state is not only listened to but also heard.

REMEMBER TO MAKE PHONE CALLS IN SUPPORT OF THE DFS/MFA EXPANSION AND EQUIPMENT PROJECT UPGRADE.  AGAIN, THE BILL NUMBER IS #4603, AND THE LINE ITEM NUMBER IS 8000-9012.

SIDE NOTES:  Get Well, to Deputy Chief John O’Donahue from the Cambridge Fire Department who was injured while inspecting an elevator.

WERE ARE THEY NOW?   If you have any old pictures of MIFDI members and wish to share them, we will post them on the website for nostalgia.

Make sure to visit and tell a friend about the MIFDI dominion website at MIFDI.ORG, or through the DFS/MFA or FSP link.  As usual, if there is anything that the officers and board of directors can do to make “OUR” organization better, please let us know!!!  Please be safe and may Saint Florian always be there to guide you safely.

Norm…
 

DRILL SCHEDULE
FEB:   Fitchburg Fire Department - Speaker:  Jon Jones  Snow Date:  March 6th
MAR: Newton - Yeradi's restaurant - Speaker:  Kevin Garvey from the Lexington Fire Dept re: Terrorism - March 27th.
APR:   Stoughton (tentative)