The 474th meeting of MIFDI was held at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow on Wednesday, March 24,2004.  Cambridge Deputy Fire Chief John O’Donahue gave a presentation on Elevator Changes.  Chief O’Donahue has in depth knowledge of elevator operations particularly as it pertains to the fire service.  He is nationally recognized as one of the foremost authorities on elevators.  He explained that early on in his career he decided to become an advocate for us in the elevator industry. He developed a relationship with F.S. Paine Elevator Company of Cambridge and they “made a corporate decision to train fire departments in elevator operations” as a result.

“All you need is a two-story hydro and you have the makings of a disaster,” O’Donahue said.  He explained that the elevator world is governed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).  ASME’s Standard A17.11 on elevators governs everything we do as firefighters.  The Massachusetts Elevator Board promulgates all regulations pertaining to elevators.  O’Donahue represents the Marshal on the board.  “If the fire service is not involved at the table, others will make decisions for us,” said O’Donahue.  A group known as the “Sounding Board”, which is a group of firefighters from all over the country who provide input and voice their concerns about elevator safety.  I f anyone is interested in jointing this group, contact captain Steve Person of Cambridge FD.  Also, you can log on to www.asme.org for additional information.

O’Donahue explained to the members that Cambridge has two SOP’s on elevator operations.  District Chief Ken O’Donnell of the Boston Fire Department wrote both of these SOP’s.  SOP 15 of Cambridge FD is the 3502 Elevator Key.  It states that the 1st due company should never take an elevator directly to the fire floor.  If the alarm is on the 6th floor or below – always walk.  The other is SOP 15A – Removal of Passengers from a Stalled Elevator has been written for Cambridge FD.

“The number 1 killer of this job is complacency,” said O’Donahue.  “Elevators are  terrible machines.  They crush very effectively,” he said.  The number 1 rule is always “power down” the elevator before any attempt to rescue trapped people.  Lockout, tag-out must be performed.  “This rule must be enforced,” O’Donahue said.   Also, it must be documented.  “Anyone not doing lockout, tag-out is waiting for a day in court.” said O’Donahue. “Whenever possible, leave the people in the car until a licensed mechanic arrives.  Usually there is a two-hour response time.  Try to be patient.” He said. Never “float a car.”

O’Donahue gave a brief history of elevators.  The first elevator was used in ancient Rome.  They used it in the Coliseum to raise the lions and gladiators.  In the 1850’s, Elijah Otis designed and demonstrated an elevator at the Worlds Fair.  It was not originally used for people.

Stoughton Fire Captain Don Jasmin gave an overview of the Mass Fire Academy’s Impact Program Group’s new programs being made available in the Spring of 2004.  Jasmin is the Assistant Coordinator of Impact Programs.  Impact Program Coordinator Bill Millar was also on hand to address the members.

Jasmin told the group that the “Impact Program is changing” and that many programs “are being updated.”  Jasmin explained the purpose of Impact Group is to deliver   programs pertaining to today’s fire service.  These programs are delivered at no cost to local departments and are generally done in service.  Each fire district has an assigned instructor who delivers the training and acts as a liaison to that area.

Some of the new and updated Impact Programs include: Automatic Sprinklers, CNG Vehicles, Confined Space Rescue/Technical Rescue, 3502 Elevators, Common   Emergencies, Class B Foam, Natural Gas Emergencies, Infectious Disease Control, Fire Attack, Rapid Intervention Crew, Firefighter Safety Awareness, Structural    Hazards, Vehicle Fires, Private Operated Vehicles, and Arson Awareness.

Some future programs being worked on include: Flammable Liquids Trailer, Radiation Detection, and Fireground Rehab.  Most Impact programs have OEMS credits.

Jasmin said that behind the scenes a “massive effort” has taken place to re-write the programs.  The Impact group will work with your Training Division, but not take the place of it.
 

Cambridge Deputy Fire Chief John O’Donahue gave MIFDI members a presentation on elevator changes during our March meeting at DFS/MFA in Stow.
 
 

Stoughton Fire Captain Don Jasmin gave an overview of the Mass Fire  Academy’s Impact Program Group’s new programs being made available in the Spring of 2004.

New Business:

• New Business- MIFDI Conference- working on it.  Val Denault will help us.  Maybe in 2005 or ’06.  Please let us know if you have any ideas.
• FDIC- President McLeieer will attend

• Treasurer Jardin was recently appointed Stoughton’s new Fire Chief.  Congratulations, Dave!
• President McLeieer reported he is still working on a joint training conference with MIFDI and MFA. If you have any suggestions, contact Michael. Val Denault offered his assistance in moving forward with this type of training event.
• MIFDI Director Deputy Chief Gomes & 2nd Vice President Captain Mark Roche represented MIFDI at the funeral for Worcester Deputy Fire Chief John MacNamara.
• MIFDI donated $50.00 to the Worcester Fire Department Scholarship Fund in John’s name.

                                                                              Bills paid
Beginning Balances for 1/2004                                 April 04 Newsletter  $105.00 Mike
Checking       $    646.77                                        April 04 Postage      $     3.64 Mike
Savings          $ 1,669.52                                        April 04 WFD-$50.00 DC McNamara
Total             $ 2,316.29                                          Total                       $158.64

50/50 Raffle = Collected $110.00
Winner = Deputy Sullivan - Billerica $ 55.00
Deposit from 50/50 Raffle = $ 55.00
 
 

MIFDI Stickers & Pens Cost   $865.00                 MIFDI Clothing collected $ 364.00
               Collected                  $  98.00                                         purchased $ 354.00
 
 

Owed to treasurer for Mailings  $  19.00- thru April 1, 2004 - includes clothing mailings
                              Labels         $  10.00
                                                $   29.00
 

Total members = 134                                              Mailings
     Dues paid thru 2005 = 4                                     E-Mail - 33         Home - 80
     Dues paid thru 2004 = 66                                                              Work  - 21
     Dues paid thru 2003 = 64                                                                         101
 

Balances as of 4/1/04                                         Membership Totals
Checking       840.44                                          100 - Active - 29 Retired - 5 Associate
Savings         1,670.93
Total         $2,511.37

Respectfully submitted   4/1/2004
David M. Jardin
MIFDI Treasurer
Acting Fire Chief – Stoughton

Thank you to the membership for your support.

MFTC UPDATE: Steve Persson

• Captain Persson had to miss the last meeting.
• MFA Recruit Program Coordinator Bruce Gauvin reported that budget talks are ongoing.
• The new Recruit Class starts next week.

 

COMMITTEES:
The Historical Committee - consists of Steve Persson, 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.

SCHEDULE:
0900 Coffee , 0945 Directors meeting, 1000 Presentation.
1130 Business meeting, 1200 Lunch (off-site at Rick’s Café).

DIRECTIONS:
FROM BOSTON Route I-93 South:

• Take the Central Artery/Fitzgerald Expressway I-93 North.
• Merge onto I-95 South/MA Rte. 128 South via exit # 37B toward Waltham.
• Take the US-3 North/Middlesex Turnpike exit #32B-A toward LOWELL.
• Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp.
• Keep RIGHT at the fork in the ramp.
• Merge onto US-3 North.
• Take the CONCORD ROAD exit #27 toward BILLERICA/BEDFORD.
• Take the CONCORD ROAD ramp toward NORTH BILLERICA.
• Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto CONCORD ROAD.
• Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto CUMMINGS STREET.
• Turn LEFT onto BOSTON ROAD/MA-3A North.
• Turn LEFT onto BOSTON ROAD/MA-3A North.
• Turn LEFT onto GOOD STREET.
• The parking lot is BEFORE the Fire Headquarters entrance.

• Take US-3 South.
• Take the ROUTE 129 East exit #29 toward NORTH BILLERICA/WILLMINGTON.
• Merge onto BILLERICA ROAD.
• BILLERICA ROAD becomes MA-129.
• MA-129 becomes BOSTON ROAD/MA-3A.
• Turn RIGHT onto GOOD STREET.
• The parking lot is BEFORE the Fire Headquarters entrance.

I will again be your representative this year at FDIC in Indianapolis April 26th thru May 1st.  As in the past, I will present an overview at the June meeting regarding changes or different approaches to training within our departments.

We should remember as the weather warms up and the snow and ice melt from this long, cold winter, our brush fire season is just beginning.  It is important that we have enough water for the crews who are fighting brush and larger wildland fires.  It doesn’t take long with today’s turnout gear to become overheated and dehydrated, so remember to replenish with water often.

We have an exciting meeting planned for April.  Please note:  there is a change in the date and day of the week.  The April meeting will be held the third THURSDAY, April 22nd at Billerica Fire Headquarters.  Lew McGouldrick from Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) will speak to our group about the fire rating process for towns and cities and the importance of having detailed training records on hand in order to establish or update a town’s ISO rating.  We welcome any and all Chief Officers as well as Training Officers to attend this important meeting.

Finally, if you haven’t already done so, please remember to renew your MIFDI dues today.  Dues may be mailed directly to MIFDI Treasurer Chief David Jardin.

Remember, this is your organization.  Please let the Officers or Board of Directors know if there is anything we can do for you.  We appreciate your continued support.

Stay safe.

Michael

April 23, 24, 25, 2004, 4th Annual NH EMS Conference Mt. Sunapee Resort, Newbury, NH  Contact www.newburyfd.org.

April 24, 2004, Statewide exam for Firefighter Municipal Service.  Last day to apply is February 6, 2004 - www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd

April 26-May 1, 2004, FDIC 2004 (Fire Dept. Instructor's Conference) Indianapolis, IN - vist www.fdic.org

May 1, 2004, National Fire Department Honor Guard Competition Indianapolis, IN - vist www.FDSOA.org for more information.

May 5, 2004, 16th National Fire & Emergency Dinner & Seminars Washington, DC  Contact www.cfsi.org.

May 16, 2004, Webster Tri-State Meet Muster & Firematic Flea Market Webster Lake, Webster, MA  Contact www.websterrescue.com.

June 6-9, 2004, "FIRE 2004", NYSAFC Fire, Rescue, & EMS Expo Syracuse, NY - contact www.nysfirechiefs.com for more information.

June 11, 2004, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Class # 163 Graduation DFS/MFA Fire Station 1:30 p.m.

June 12, 2004, Lynnfield Parade, Muster, & Firematic Flea Market Edgewater Office Park, Audubon Rd., 10am-4pm.

June 14, 2004, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Class # 164 begins.

June 24-27, 2004, New England Fire/Rescue/EMS Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield.  For information contact www.newenglandfirechiefs.org.

July 13-18, 2004, Firehouse Expo Baltimore Maryland.  Contact www.firehouse.com for info.

July 21-24, 2004, I.F.B.A. International Convention, Quebec City, Canada.

August 12-15, 2004, Fire/Rescue International 2004, New Orleans, LA.  Contact www.IAFC.org for info.

August 15-20, 2004, I.A.F.F. 2004 Convention, Boston, MA.  Contact www.IAFF.org for info.

Recently, I was reading an article in one of the trade magazines, I don’t remember which one, but 20 or so fire chiefs and chief fire officers from various parts of the country were all given the same scenario of a structure fire in a single family, two story, occupied structure and asked how they would attack it. All the variables were clearly spelled out for them, from water supply to manpower and everything in between. Every single one of them gave a different answer. One said the primary concern should be to first ventilate the roof so the structure could be cleared of smoke and heat to search for the victims. Another said fire suppression was the first priority. Yet another committed all his resources exclusively to search and  rescue with fire  suppression secondary to a successful recovery of victims. Of the 20 officers questioned, not one answer was the same as another.

While all these chief officers made valid points and all the evolutions are important, how can we, as a fire service, be so far apart on agreeing what the proper method of attack should be, given the same circumstances? I am certainly no expert when it comes to fire-ground management or tactics, so maybe it’s just me that’s missing something here. But it would seem to me that with all the emphasis on firefighter safety and training of late, that there would be some form of a nationally recognized standard that we are all held to, and if we don’t adhere to that standard we could be held liable for our actions.  What message would a ‘freshly-graduated’ recruit be receiving if he had learned an SOP in the academy that gets thrown to the wind when he gets on the fire-ground? Granted, every situation is different and every incident may warrant a different approach, but when it comes to basic standards of attack, it should be the same in Florida, Texas or Oregon, that it is here or anywhere else.

I am of the opinion that consistency breeds familiarity and confidence, and as such, a group of firefighters who are all operating ‘on the same page’ will maintain a better element of safety than those who may all be operating under varying SOP’s. If the mutual aid companies coming in to your incident are familiar with one set of procedures, but you’re operating under a ‘modified’ plan, no one knows what anyone else may be doing.

In November, I had the opportunity to witness a successful scenario in my own town. Successful in part, because the mutual aid companies responding to our town were operating on the same SOP’s as we do. A call was received for a structure fire with entrapment. 3 new firefighters, (less than a year on the job), and one new officer were on the first truck to arrive at the scene. Within 8 minutes of dispatch, the victim had been located, rescued, resuscitated and was on his way to the hospital, and with the assistance of the mutual aid company, the fire had been knocked down and contained. Everyone knew what everyone else was doing, so there was no question about what was needed. While education is no substitute for experience, the 3 ‘new’ firefighters followed their training and the SOP’s to a ‘T’, and because of this, there was no question as to where they were or what they were doing at any given time. Given that this was their first ’real’ fire, and a to their credit, a total success, I think it says a lot for the importance of  ‘being on the same page’.

Scott.

• The Massachusetts Institute of Fire Department Instructors offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of Laconia New Hampshire Firefighter Mark Miller, age 43, who died on March 11, 2004 during a dive training accident. Firefighter Miller, a 17 year veteran of the Laconia Fire Department, disappeared under the 18-inch thick ice of Lake Winnipesaukee while testing new diving wet suits.

Dive team members report that diving on sunny days is especially treacherous because distinguishing holes in the ice can be difficult. His body was recovered the next day during a dangerous and emotional search operation.
Our condolences to his wife Gayle, his three step-daughters, his many friends, and the members of the Laconia F.D. May he rest in peace.
Donations in memory of Firefighter Mark Miller may be made to:
Laconia Lifesaving Fund
c/o Laconia Fire Department
848 North Main St.
Laconia, NH 03246

• Deputy Chief (retired) Paul Anderson - Randolph (past President MIFDI 1974-1975)
• Captain Edward Bradley - Plymouth Fire Department
• Bruce Gauvin (Training) Massachusetts Firefighting Academy

MIFDI
Attn: David Jardin, Treasurer           If you have not already done so, it's time to renew your dues.  Due Jan. 1st.
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 # (877) 327-4353.  Faxing or e-mailing of articles is preferred.  Please e-mail articles in MS Word format to michael.mcLeieer@merrimacfire.com

APRIL 22nd:        3rd Thursday, Billerica Fire Department - Are you ready for an ISO Audit?

MAY 26th:             TBA

JUNE 16th:            TBA
 

CANCELLATIONS:  During the winter months, please check the MIFDI website for severe weather cancellations at www.mifdi.org.