The 462nd meeting of the Massachusetts Institute of Fire Department Instructors was hosted by the Sherborn Fire Department and held in the functional new training room of their recently renovated fire station. The program was provided by Dan Meloche of Better Products Co. Dan  provided an excellent presentation of Ice Rescue techniques which included a brief but powerful video showing three selective ice rescue incidents. Dan also demonstrated some self-rescue maneuvers, explained proper scene management, and showed a few of the simple products available to assist during these challenging  incidents. The training topic was very informative and the members that braved the frigid cold temperature on this January morning all agreed that it was a great meeting.

Following the training portion of the meeting, 2nd Vice President Mark Roche presided over a brief business meeting due to President Michael McLeieer and 1st Vice President Scott Maker attending an "Arson/Juvenile Firesetter Conference" in Michigan. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for former MIFDI member Les Spaulding who died on January 2, 2003. Les was a member of MIFDI from 1979-1985. The Secretary's report was omitted due to Secretary Ed Morgan attending an important meeting in his community. Treasurer David Jardin was also unable to attend due to major fire in neighboring Canton, however, Lt. Brad Newbury filled in for Dave and provided a treasurer's report as well as collecting a few dues checks! Past President Norm Aubert was voted and approved to attend the FDIC conference as the MIFDI delegate.
Past President Norm Aubert was nominated for one of the Board of Directors positions which is customary for the outgoing president. The names of Robert MacKendrick, Randy Sherman, and Richard Gomes were re-nominated to serve on the Board of Directors, provided they each accept the nomination. A formal vote will be held for these positions at a future meeting. Finally, a special note of thanks to member Walter Ellis for his many dedicated years of service to this     organization and we wish him well and hope to see him again soon attending the meetings.
Again our thanks are extended to Dan Meloche for his presentation. For more information on his products, check out the Better Products advertisement in this       Bulletin or on the MIFDI website. We also extend our thanks to Chief Neil McPherson and the members of the Sherborn Fire Department for their hospitality.

The Secretary’s report:  No report as of press time.

The Treasurer’s Report:
Checking Balance 1/1/2003   = $1221.08
Checking Balance 1/21/2003 = $1945.05
BILLS PAID
February Newsletter                 $105.00 Mike 1/27/03
January Meals (over)                 $  44.67 Mark 01/27/03
TOTAL                                    $149.67

MIFDI Stickers Cost $750.00                        MIFDI Clothing collected $350.00
Collected                    $  39.00                         Purchased                        $286.00
                              - $711.00                                                                $  64.00
                                                          Owed to Treasurer for mailing      $  21.00
                                                                                  Current Profit       $  43.00
Total Members          = 137                             Income Membership
Dues Paid thru 2003  =   65                             December $   387.50
Dues Paid thru 2002  =   43                             January     $1,100.00
Dues Paid thru 2001  =   29           Active 27 X $25.00 = $   675.00
                                                      Retired 2 X 12.50   = $     25.00
                                                      Total in arrears        = $   700.00
This total in arrears would bring all members current to 12/31/2002
The total is actual, not estimated.

Mailings: Home  = 83
              Work  = 17
              E-Mail = 37

Treasury Balance as of 01/27/2003  =  $2,106.88

Respectfully submitted 01/27/2003
David M. Jardin
MIFDI Treasurer
Deputy Fire Chief—Stoughton

Thank you to the membership for your support.

OLD BUSINESS:
 

NEW BUSINESS:
 

COMMITTEES:
The Historical Committee - consists of Steve Perrson, Ira Hoffman, and Richard Gomes. Nothing to report.

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

Public Relations Committee  - consists of Mr. Ira Hoffman and Michael McLeieer.  Nothing to report.

MFTC UPDATE:   Steve Persson

MFA UPDATE:  Norm Aubert, Jr.

FEBRUARY MEETING:
The 463rd M.I.F.D.I. meeting will be held the 4th WEDNESDAY, February 26th, 2003 and will be hosted by the Merrimac Fire Department. Patrick O’Connor from Northeast Rescue Systems will present the latest in innovations in turnout gear outer shells and thermal liners.  We will be meeting in the Hose Company meeting room located on the first floor in the rear of the bays. The station is located at 16 E. Main St. (Rt. 110).  Station Phone: (978) 346-8211.

Please e-mail Scott Maker @ scott.maker@merrimacfire.com or phone (978) 346-4731, ext. 3 with your reservation NO LATER THEN MONDAY, FEB. 24th so we may have a head count for lunch.  Lunch will consist of sandwiches, chips and beverage and should cost less then $10.00 per person.

SCHEDULE:
0900 Coffee and pastry - 0945 Board of directors
1000 Presentation / Business Meeting - 1200 Lunch (on-site)

DIRECTIONS:
From I-495: Take Exit 53 - Broad Street. Head toward Merrimac (NOT MERRIMACPORT). The fire station / police station will be at the end of Broad Street @ East Main Street (Rte. 110). PLEASE PARK ON THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SIDE OF THE BUILDING & ALONG SIDE THE BUILDING TO THE REAR, NOT IN FRONT OF THE FIRE STATION.

Remember to tell a friend about MIFDI and our website at www.mifdi.org.  Let’s keep our membership growing.

Stay safe,
Michael McLeieer

Fire budget cut: Training eliminated in Framingham
By Norman Miller
Friday, January 24, 2003

FRAMINGHAM -- The Fire Department's training department has been eliminated and a civilian employee will be laid off due to the drop in the town's state aid, Fire Chief Michael Smith said.

"Basically, we're suffering the same thing everyone else is facing," said Smith. "The town manager is faced with an awesome task of balancing the budget. We anticipate everyone is going to be hit, and we made this change."

A civilian support administrator will be laid off next week, Smith said. The newly created training department essentially will be eliminated when training officer Paul Barlow is returned to regular duty as a captain.

"We just created this position, and we worked very hard to get it," said Smith. "It's not that it's not needed, we need the training division. But the main mission is to put out fires, and I had to put him back on the floor."

Smith said the town faces a $400,000 deficit in this year's budget. Next year, with state aid cuts, the town could lose even more money.

Because of that, Smith said cuts needed to be made.

There's no way to go," said Smith. "We can't ask taxpayers to pay any more than they already pay, and I have an obligation to give them the service they paid for. We can't take the phone off the hook."

Smith said he did not have the exact amount the department will save, but said Barlow would take a pay cut and another $14,000 would be saved from the layoff.

Because of the cut, a lot of the equipment the department has received as part of Homeland Security grants will be underused, the chief said.

"All of the Homeland Security stuff, (federal grants) is for equipment and training, it's not for personnel," said Smith. "If they're serious about all of this stuff, they have to give us personnel. You can give us all of the fancy equipment that you want, but if we don't have the people, it's going to sit in the garage."

Smith said he hoped the cuts were all the department had to do, but didn't think so.

"I don't think it's over," said Smith. "Again, when the final numbers come out, we'll know. There's always a possibility of more. I'm going to do everything in my power to deliver all of the services we're supposed to.

"No one likes it."

                                 William F. Dailey, Sr.

who passed away on January 22, 2003 at age 74, ironically, on the day of the 462nd MIFDI meeting. Bill was a long time member of MIFDI and served as President in 1988.

Bill was born on July 19, 1928. After serving in the United States Army, Bill was originally appointed as a firefighter on the Winthrop Fire Department. He subsequently joined the Chelsea Fire Department on December 26, 1962, promoted to Lieutenant May 15, 1973, and  retired on October 24, 1987 as an Acting Captain. After his retirement, Bill worked for Blanchard Fire Apparatus which is the local distributor for Pierce Fire Apparatus. Bill and his wife recently moved to Florida.

The officers and members of MIFDI offer our sincere condolences to Bill's wife Diane, his five children, and his three loving grandchildren. May he rest in peace.

February 8, 2003, Lt. Paul Bernard Scholarship Fund Conference at Bristol Community College, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River. Guest speaker FDNY B.C. John Salka.  Topics include; World Trade Center Program, & "Get Out Alive".
For info contact; www.bernardscholarship.org

February 13-15, 2003, SPAAMFAA 2003 Winter Conference, Richmond, VA.
For more info contact; www.odhfs.org

February 18-20, 2003, Firehouse World Exposition & Conference, San Diego, CA.
For more Info contact; www.firehouseworld.com

February 18, 2003, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Class #157 begins.

March 28, 2003, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Class #156 Graduation Ceremony will be held at the M.F.A. Fire Station at 1:30pm.

March 31 - April 5, 2003, F.D.I.C. (Fire Department Instructors Conference),
Indianapolis, Indiana. For info contact; www.fireengineering.com

Water and ice rescue emergencies are considered by many to be very challenging incidents. With proper equipment, S.O.G's., and training, we can reduce the risks to our members and achieve a successful rescue as opposed to a recovery operation.

Upon recept of a call for an ice rescue, fire departments must respond with proper resources including, enough manpower, water rescue suits, rope, and rescue sled. It is important to establish Incident Command and notify Dispatch and responding units as to the location of the Command Post. Any ice rescue will need a minimum of 8-10 people utilized the following way; Incident Commander, Safety Officer, Primary Rescuer, Secondary Rescuer, Two-Man Back Up Team, and Four-Man Shore Crew.

The I.C. will need the following resources as well; Police for traffic and crowd control, E.M.S. with Advanced Life Support, nearest LZ for MedFlight, availability of dive teams if nesessary, and anyone that may be familiar with the lake or pond as to currents, depths, hazards, etc. Night operations will require adequate lighting.

The incident should be divided into three zones simular to those used with Haz-Mat incidents. A Red or Hot Zone should include the shore line, this area is reserved for the immediate rescue personnel. A Yellow or Warm Zone should include the nearby parking area, this is for staging equipment, EMS and other resources. The Green or Cold Zone would be the other side of the street for spectators, and news media.

The most important issue is with the safety of the rescuers. These incidents are not only physically demanding, they are highly stressful, particually when children are  involved. Members performing the rescue MUST be tethered in addition to the sled.   It is best to color code the ropes using simple rymes as "Red To The Sled" and "Yellow To The Fellow". The rope should have minimum tensile strength of 2000 lbs.

Last but certainly not least, you must establish immediate contact with the victim(s) and maintain contact throughout the entire incident. Your first question to the victim MUST be; "ARE YOU ALONE"? Be alert for signs of Hypothermia. The average body temperture of a person cools 30 times faster in water than in air. When the victim begins to slur their speach and/or reduces their movements, time is running out. When a recovered victim requires resuscitation, remember the old EMS adage, "The person is not dead until they are warm and dead". Basically what that refers to is that resuscitated victims of cold water incidents have a high success rate of a full recovery. When in doubt, resuscitate!

Finally, when animals are involved, which is frequently the case, the I.C. must weight the risk to the rescuer. A dog snare should always be used to avoid making physical contact with the animal, and never leave the safety of the rescue sled for animal rescues.

Lieutenant Brad Newbury - Stoughton Fire Department

MIFDI
Attn: David Jardin, Treasurer             It's time to renew your dues.
52 Willow Street
Stoughton, MA 02072-1027

*Dues are $25.00 per year for Active Members -

*$100.00 per year for Associate members (which includes a 1/4 page of advertising in the MIFDI Bulletin and on the MIFDI website).

*Retired members dues are $12.50 for one calendar year (January 1 through December 31).

This forum is an extension of the Guest Book on the MIFDI Web-site, and provides our members a way to ask questions and get answers about problems encountered in the Fire and EMS service. If you would like to reply to a question, pose your own question or submit an article for publication in the MIFDI bulletin, but have no internet capabilities, you may do so in writing to: Michael McLeieer, President - MIFDI, PO Box 507, Merrimac, MA 01860-0510.    Fax # (978) 346-8430.  Faxing or e-mailing of articles is preferred.  Please e-mail articles in MS Word format to michael.mcLeieer@merrimacfire.com

FEBRUARY: Merrimac Fire Department

MARCH:       DFS/MFA, Stow, MA

APRIL:         TBA