DFS/MFA UPDATE - 10/10/2001:
 
The State Fire Marshal Steven Coan informed me that the House Bill H5352 for
the DFS/MFA expansion and equipment upgrade passed the House and now is
waiting approval by the Senate.  The Bill number is #4603, Line item 8000-9012  which is
for 25 million for the DFS/MFA expansion facility in Stow, and Line item 8000-2014 for 7.5 million
for equipment upgrade (Section 15 for land transfer) that is so dreadfully needed.  The Mass State Chiefs
Association will be at the State House on 16 October 2001 to lobby on behalf
of the Massachusetts Fire Service and the DFS/MFA.  Please inform your chiefs
of this lobbying day, so that they may participate in this great cause.
 
I am requesting ALL the brothers of the MIFDI organization to contact your
State Senators by phone or knock on the doors at the State House.  We need to
lobby as one for the support of this agency so that in turn the fire service
will benefit for now and years to come.  The MIFDI officers will contact ALL
members of our organization and request that each member should contact their
senators and show the interest and support.
 
IT IS INOPERATIVE, FOR WHAT EVER IT TAKES, THE DFS/MFA EXPANSION AND UPGRADE
BILL, MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH NO CHANGES.  THIS BILL IF PASSED WILL BE
SUBMITTED AS PART OF THE CAPITOL BILL. INSIST THAT THESES ITEMS ARE A
PRIORITY AND NEED TO BE PASSED FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
 
The Marshal informed me that he received approval from the state to hire an
architect to start in two months or so.  He also stated, that the finished
construction drawings could be done within the year.
 
Please help and be active.
 
Norm...