The 454th meeting of the Massachusetts Institute of Fire Department Instructors was called to order at 10:00 hrs. and was hosted by the Newton Fire Department on Wednesday, March, 27 2002.

BUSINESS MEETING:
Deputy Chief Ed Morgan and March Roche from Newton Fire Department introduced Kevin Garvey from Lexington Fire Department; Kevin is a member of the National Disaster Medical System, Swat Medic with the F.B.I., and a Member of the United States Insert Team.  The topic was on terrorism and he discussed Bio-logical, Chemical and Radiological Terrorism.  Kevin mentioned a quote that we all certainly can appreciate "The effect (of Chemical Weapons) is so deadly to the unprepared that we can never afford to neglect the Question".  By General Black, Jack Persing.  Kevin's knowledge and expertise was well received, we thanked Kevin and presented him a Baseball Hat with the MIFDI Logo!

The Secretary’s report:  There was nothing new to report at this time.

The Treasurer’s report was read and the figures are as of 03/27/2002:

127 members
87 = active
28 = retired

12 = associate / advertiser
    4 - paid for 2002
    2 - paid for 2001
Final Notices Sent
Six letters sent to Assoc/ad members per vote taken at last meeting

50/50 Raffle
Collected $  75.00
Prize         $ 38.00
Deposited $ 37.00

Checking Balance as of 03/27/2002 = $1,719.71 (after bills paid)
Bills Paid:
Kim Potts Editor = $206.95
Mike web page 11/01 thru 3/02 & Placque = $73.75
Sample clothing for meeting = $91.50
Total Paid out March = $372.20

50/50 raffle collected $75.00 dollars - $40.00 prize - $35.00 to checking

March meeting dinner $240.00 paid in cash 16 meals @ $15.00/each
Coffee & danish courtesy of Newton Fire Department
THANK YOU from MIFDI to Captain March Roche Newton Fire Department

A clothing order form will be in the April newsletter and web page

Respectfully submitted by
Deputy Dave Jardin
 

OLD BUSINESS:
· Dave Jardin passed a new MIFDI logo design around for everyone to see {click on the link to see the new logo}. It was voted to accept the new design as the MIFDI logo at the February meeting. The logo is too big for a hat, therefore, hats will be with lettering only. It was also decided that tee-shirts will be gray in color and also that the new logo will be made into window stickers as well.  The cost of the Hats & T-Shirts will be $10.00; Golf Shirt $20.00; Sweat Shirt $25.00; and Jacket $45.00.  Thanks to David for his efforts, good job.

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.
 

NEW BUSINESS:
· Fire Chief William Dolan from North Andover requested that the MIFDI Organization provide input or guidance in Rapid Intervention Training Programs that are being offered.  Out members discussed several options and offered suggestions, (i.e.) Barnstable, the Mass Fire Academy and impact series are good programs.  We talked about the importance of standardized training, in order for members to understand as well as be able to perform in other communities, if needed.  This message is the goal of our organization as stated in the mission statement.

COMMITTEES:
The Historical Committee - consists of Steve Perrson, Ira Hoffman, and Richard Gomes. No Report

The Bi-Law Committee - consists of Norm Aubert, C. Randall Sherman, Mort Shurtluff, Chris Kelly, Brian Ash, and John Cummings.  No Report.

Public Relations Committee  - consists of Mr. Ira Hoffman and Michael McLeieer.  No Report

MFA UPDATE:  No Report

Minutes respectfully submitted by,
Ed Morgan – Secretary.
 

APRIL MIFDI MEETING:
Wednesday, April 27th, 2002 at the Cambridge VFW and hosted by the Cambridge Fire Department.  The program will be presented by Captain Steve Boyle from the Cambridge Fire Department, and MFA Impact Program instructor.  He will present the RIT / RIC program.
 

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT:

We recently received E-mail from an associate member that voiced some concerns on the protocol in regards to MIFDI Associate membership dues.  He felt that the increase from $25.00 to $100.00 was not fair for advertisement.  The concerned Associate which I shall call “Joe”, because he informed us that the information in the letter was private and solely for the intended recipients of MIFDI.  Joe informed us that the $100.00 a year for advertising was too expensive and this was what the “Boston Tea Party was all about, No-taxation without representation”.  He has been an Associate member since 1983 and feels that he should have a voice in the organization and be able to vote on matters of personal interest.  Joe has not attended a meeting since 1997.  The increase voted by the membership was both fair and equitable, in that we would advertise in both the “Bulletin” and MIFDI.ORG once the website design is complete. The decision for the rate increases did not happen over night and we did not demand our associate advertisers pay right away or else.  Joe stated that he would resign rather than to pay the increase.  With this I am sorry to say, Joe will be listed in the inactive membership status.  To our other associates that advertise a product or service, we will credit accounts, from January until the webmaster completes the advertisers area on the website.  He has had technical difficulties completing this task.

I take great pride in our organization and I feel that the dedication, integrity, and honesty of our membership are above reproach.  The MIFDI organization in the past few years has become more open to change and continue to strive for improvement, to be user friendly, to both members, and guests.  We have made a commitment to share information about the organization so that others may learn about our mission.  Now with the website, a vendor, can advertise through the Internet.

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.  DON’T LET THIS CAPITOL BUDGET FAIL.

SIDE NOTE: HERE IS A THANK YOU CARD THAT I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL FROM: Bill Hollick. 

Dear MIFDI Members, Thank you for honoring me at my retirement reception with a plaque and good wishes.  The plaque now hangs over my desk in my home office so I will always remember the hardest working people in the fire service – the training officers. Sincerely, Bill.
 
REMEMBER THE USAF FIRE PROTECTION MOTTO:
“The desire to serve, the ability to perform, and the courage to act”
 
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?   If you have any old pictures of MIFDI members from years past and wish to share them, we will post them on the website for nostalgia sake.

Make sure to visit, and tell a friend, about the MIFDI dominion website at MIFDI.ORG, or log on to the DFS/MFA or FSP link.  We added a new website link entitled “Massachusetts Fire Department websites” check it out.  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. See you in Cambridge on the 24th.

Norm…

DRILL SCHEDULE
APR:                  Cambridge Fire Department @ the VFW
MAY:                 TBA
JUNE:                Barnstable