The 475th meeting of MIFDI was held at the Billerica Fire Department Headquarters on Thursday, April 22nd, 2004 and hosted by MIFDI Director and Deputy Chief John Sullivan and Chief Anthony Capaldo.  Our speaker was Lew McGouldrick, Senior Field Representative with Insurance Services Office, Inc.  He conducted an excellent presentation and gave an overview on how the ISO rating process works and what departments can do to improve their ISO rating.  For more information on the services provided by ISO, at no cost to your community, visit their website at www.isomitigation.com or phone (800) 444-4554.

(To the left is our speaker, Lew McGouldrick from ISO as he addresses MIFDI).
Highlights of the meeting were:

• ISO use to appear at Departments every 10 - 15 years, but there is no longer a set schedule.  Many times they appear more often (only a few years in between visits or contacts).
• ISO use to be non-profit, now they are a for profit organization.
• ISO will evaluate any proposed changes you may be considering and give you recommendations at no cost to your department or community (i.e. changes in staff {increase or decrease}, closing stations, building fire stations, etc. on how they will affect a communities rating change).
• ISO makes suggestions, they don't mandate anything.  It's up to each community to make the changes based on the recommendations to obtain a better ISO rating.
• 10% of the scoring process is based on Fire Alarm & Communications (2% based on telephone service, how you are listed in the telephone directory, how many 911 lines ring in the dispatch center, is the business {non-emergency} number listed for the public to call the fire headquarters, 3% based on how many call takers {operators} answer the emergency based calls.  ISO looks at emergency call volume vs. staff on duty, 5% for dispatch circuits).
• 50% of the scoring process is based on the Fire Department & structure (including training records). (10% pumpers, 1% reserve pumpers, 5% pump capacity, 5% ladder apparatus in service, 1% reserve ladder, 4% distribution of companies, 15% company personnel, 9% training records).
• 40% of the scoring process is based on the community water supply (35% supply system, 2% hydrants, 3% inspection & condition of system).

We would like to thank Chief Capaldo for treating all members who attended to a fantastic lunch buffet at Rick's Cafe.  That was a very pleasant surprise!

New Business:

• 2004 MIFDI Dues are due NOW.  Please send your dues to Dave or see Michael.

• FDIC is next week in Indianapolis.  Michael will be the representative again this year & present the training topics attended at the June meeting.

                                                                           Bills paid
Beginning Balances for 1/2004                              May 04 Newsletter  $105.00 Mike
Checking       $    646.77                                     May 04 Web Page   $  23.85 Mike
Savings          $ 1,669.52                                       Total                    $ 128.85
Total             $ 2,316.29

50/50 Raffle = Collected $
Winner =
Deposit from 50/50 Raffle = $
 
 

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

Owed to treasurer for Mailings  $  20.00- thru May 1, 2004 - includes clothing mailings
                              Labels         $  10.00
                                                $   30.00
 

Total members = 135                                          Mailings
     Dues paid thru 2005 = 4                                     E-Mail - 33         Home - 81
     Dues paid thru 2004 = 78                                                              Work  - 21
     Dues paid thru 2003 = 53                                                                         102
 

Balances as of 5/1/04                                     Membership Totals
Checking          974.09                                    101 - Active - 29 Retired - 5 Associate
Savings         1,672.31
Total          $2,646.40

Respectfully submitted   5/1/2004
David M. Jardin
MIFDI Treasurer
Fire Chief – Stoughton

Thank you to the membership for your support.

• 45 million dollars is available for Wepons of Mass Destruction training from the Federal Government.  80% of the funds will be available to local communities and 20% of the funds will be retained by the State.
• 44 students were enrolled and began the next recruit class on March 29th.  There have been 6 students dropout so far.
• Future classes will require actual names.  No more "John Doe's" will be accepted.  Contact DFS for more information.
• New Courses under development - Safety Officer Certification and Arial Operator Certification
• Also discussed and proposed was a Certified Fire Inspector program.

 

The program will be provided by the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Technicians assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Trooper William Qualls will provide us with an overview on the best course of action to take when confronted with a bomb threat or responding to an incident involving a suspected explosive device. We have seen a dramatic increase in these type of incidents since 9/11 and therefore should all benefit from this presentation.

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

DIRECTIONS:
From Rt.128 (I 95), Take Exit 27A. Follow Totten Pond Road to the end, that will be  Lexington St. Turn right onto Lexington St. and you will see the Waltham Municipal Center a short way on the left. Parking in the rear is tight, however, parking is     available beyond the station at the drill tower.

LUNCH:
Lunch will be at the Chateau Restaurant, 195 School Street. If you turn left onto Lexington Street from the 911 Center, continue south on Lexington Street to the first traffic light, that is School Street. Turn right on School Street and the Chateau Restaurant is on the right two blocks down. there is plenty of free parking and the menu has a large variety of reasonably priced items.

CANCELLATIONS:
During the winter months, check the MIFDI website for cancellations @ www.mifdi.org

2004 marks the 76th year of FDIC and the eighth year under the leadership of PennWell and Fire Engineering Magazine.  The Opening Ceremony was held on   Wednesday, April 28th at 0800 hours and began with the Procession & Presentation of Colors, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.  The 2003 Firefighter Line-of-Duty Deaths Roll Call was read and names displayed on the numerous screens  located throughout the ballroom.

In this year’s presentation and opening remarks, Bill Manning, Editor in Chief of Fire Engineering Magazine delivered a presentation that “This is one fire service.” He said, “When I see volunteer and career firefighters, when I see firefighters from different parts of the country working together in drills, I say to myself, ‘This is one fire service.’  When I see firefighters continuing the discussions from workshops and classrooms in the hallways, in the exhibit halls, in the restaurants, I say to myself, ‘This is one fire service.’  …. And, when I see you standing in this room shoulder-to-shoulder to honor your brothers and sisters in unity and solidarity, I know this is one fire service.”

His presentation followed with a standing ovation of the more than 26,000 firefighters from over 30 different countries who attended this year’s event.

It was good to see so many people continuing to attend FDIC in these times when budget cuts have taken a toll on our ability to continue training our brothers and sisters with the latest tools available.

Just a reminder that my highlights from FDIC will again be presented at the June MIFDI meeting.  I will distribute to all members who attend, CD’s, which will       include all of the training topics, and numerous PowerPoint programs presented this year at FDIC.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate MIFDI member and past director C. Randall Sherman on his recent appointment as the Chief of the Yarmouth Fire   Department effective April 30th, 2004.  Randy was unanimously selected and appointed and is well deserving of leading this fine and well-respected department.  Good luck Randy!

Finally, you won’t want to miss our next meeting, which will be held on the FOURTH Wednesday, May 26th, 2004 and hosted by the Waltham Fire Department courtesy of Chief Thomas M. Keough and MIFDI member Deputy Chief Michael Grigorakos. The meeting will take place in the training room at the Waltham Emergency 9-1-1 Center located at 161 Lexington St. between the fire station and the police department and is being rescheduled from January due to the snow storm that hit the south shore and Rhode Island areas at that time.

The program will be provided by the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Technicians assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Trooper William Qualls will provide us with an overview on the best course of action to take when confronted with a bomb threat or responding to an incident involving a suspected explosive device. We have seen a dramatic increase in these type of incidents since 9/11 and therefore should all benefit from this presentation.

Remember, this is your organization.  Please visit the MIFDI website at www.mifdi.org often and let the Officers or Board of Directors know if there is anything we can do to make your membership more enjoyable.

Stay safe.

Michael

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

June 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2004, Better Products is offering a Ropes III (technician) course.  The cost is $275.00 per student and the student must have Ropes I & II experience to take the class.  This training class will be held in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.  For more information, please call Better Products Company at 1-800-423-0686.  There are limited openings available for the June class.

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 13, 2004, Worcester Firefighters Memorial 6K Race For more information, contact www.wfd6k.org

June 13, 2004, FIREFIGHTERS ANNUAL MEMORIAL SUNDAY

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 15-18, 2004, "EMS In The Wild", Campton NH Contact www.amreducation.com.

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

July 24, 2004, North Reading Fire Dept. Anniversary Parade & Show Ipswich River Park. Contact North Reading Fire Dept. @ 978-664-3112.

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.

August 27, 2004, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Class # 164 Graduation.  DFS/MFA Fire Station @ 1:30 pm.

The MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, is one of the most rapidly advancing techniques for medical diagnostic imaging available today. We in the fire service must be aware of the hazards associated with the use of the MRI and the facilities that operate them. Communities that have hospitals and other medical establishments will most likely be aware of the presence of one or more MRI units on location.
The most prominent hazard associated with the MRI is the magnetic field generated by the    imaging equipment. According to the A.P.S.F., the magnetic field of the MRI is thousands of times greater than the earths magnetic field and will cause any environmental items containing ferrous materials to become dangerous projectiles at great risk to the patients and personnel. Newer MRI machines are shielded so that the effects of the magnetic field decrease significantly however, it remains critically important that no metallic objects be brought into the MRI scan room.
In a past issue of Fire Engineering Magazine, a report on a fire in 1994 at a Stockton California  medical office highlights the dangers of operating in a smoke filled atmosphere with the "invisible forces" of an MRI. It was reported that during overhaul operations, one firefighter felt the steel pike pole he was using "irresistibly" drawn toward the unit in the room while another member wearing a pick head axe on his belt was forcibly pulled toward the machine. The firefighter reported that he was unable to resist the pull of the magnetic force 10-feet away from the scanner and thought that his clothes had been caught by a mechanical unit. Although the member was not injured by this incident, he required two firefighters to assist dislodging him from the grip of the unit.
Another hazard associated with the MRI is the cryogenic gas used for cooling the conducting coiled wires surrounding the scanner. A "Quench" is the boil-off of the cryogenic liquid causing a loss of the static magnetic field. Quenches are indicated by a loud noise or warning message and members operating on the roof must stay clear of the quench vent. In the event of a failure of the venting duct, the cryogen vapor will release into the scan room indicated by white clouds of vapor. The cryogen gases will replace the oxygen in the room causing asphyxiation as well as severe frostbite injuries.
When responding to a medical emergency at a MRI facility, which is frequently the case, it is essential that the patient be removed out of the scan room as soon as possible. Medical equipment can be extremely hazardous due to the magnetic field of the MRI which is strong enough to cause a steel oxygen cylinder to fly across the room with lethal force. According to the FDA, in 2001, a 6 year old boy undergoing an MRI scan at a New York area hospital was killed by a  ferromagnetic oxygen tank that was pulled into the scanner crushing the childs head.
For those responsible with plan-reviewing an MRI facility in your community, be aware that Amerex now offers 100% non-magnetic fire extinguishers for use in MRI occupancies. These extinguishers, rated 2-A:C, use deionized water and include a non-magnetic pull-pin and wall hanger. The extinguisher applies a fine spray from the misting nozzle providing safety from electrical shock and reduces scattering of burning materials. Kidde-Fenwal builds a suppression system for MRI units, and firefighting equipment is now available that is constructed of non-ferrous material. That is not to say that departments should run out and purchase this non-ferrous equipment, we can however recommend that the facility purchase and mount a few non-ferrous axes outside each MRI scan room on location.

Some important reminders;

• Inspect and pre-plan the MRI facilities in your district.
• Have a list of who to call in the event of an emergency.
• Know all the emergency buttons and when to use them,  "Electrical stop", Quench", etc.
• MRI facilities are heavily shielded and may cause radio communication to fail.
• The thick shield construction may create heavy smoke and heat conditions.

• The Massachusetts Institute of Fire Department Instructors regrets to report the death of Brookline Firefighter Irwin "Buzz" Gross, age 58. Firefighter Gross, a 36 year veteran of the Brookline Fire Department, died on May 3, 2004 from line-of-duty injuries received after falling from the apparatus on April 30, 2004. Our condolences are offered to the family of Buzz and his friends and colleagues of the Brookline Fire Department. May he rest in peace. Donations may be made in memory of Firefighter Gross to; Firefighter Buzz Gross Fund, c/o Brookline Municipal Credit Union, 334 Washington St., Brookline MA 02447-0776.

• The Massachusetts Institute of Fire Department Instructors also regrets to report the death of Needham Firefighter Stephen J. Burke, age 48. Firefighter Burke, an active member of the Needham F.D. since 1984, died on May 1, 2004 at his home in Millis. Our condolences are offered to Stephen's family, friends and colleagues from the Needham F.D. May he rest in peace. Donations may be made in memory of Firefighter Burke to; MDA, 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718.

• Lieutenant Ron Shaw - Plymouth Fire Department

• Congratulations to MIFDI Treasurer Dave Jardin!  Excerpted from The Stoughton Journal, ‘TOWNONLINE.com’.  Stoughton's newest fire chief was officially sworn in at the town's board of selectmen's meeting on April 13. David Jardin, who took over the fire department's top post when Ed Carroll retired on April 2 after 33 years at the department, brings 30 years of service to the department with him. Jardin received a standing ovation by a large group of family and friends who attended the swearing-in ceremony at the start of the board's meeting, which was complete with the fire department's honor guard. After reciting the chief's oath, Jardin received his new badge by his wife, who pinned it on his black Stoughton Fire Chief's blazer. Jardin's resume is impressive. He has command and budget experience, served as deputy fire chief since 2001 and has a degree in fire science.

• Congratulations also to MIFDI Member/Director Assistant Chief Robert MacKendrick of the Lynnfield Fire Department (semi-retired). Bob won the election in April to serve as a member of the Board of   Selectman for the Town of Lynnfield. Due to his new position, Bob has officially retired as a member of the Lynnfield Fire Department after serving as a member for 42 years. Best wishes Selectman MacKendrick on your new venture from all of us at MIFDI.

• In addition, congratulations to MIFDI member and past director C. Randall Sherman on his recent appointment as the Chief of the Yarmouth Fire Department effective April 30th, 2004.  Randy was unanimously selected and appointed and is well deserving of leading this fine and well-respected department.

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

MAY 26th:             Waltham Emergency 911 Center / Waltham Fire Department

JUNE 16th:            Wakefield Fire Department

JULY/AUGUST:    Summer Break

SEPTEMBER 22nd:  MFA/DFS, Stow - Room 109
 

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