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| From the Editor's Desk... |
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To send articles for this newsletter use this email address:
Simply use the email address above and I'll receive your article. The same criteria still applies. Please put "newsletter" or "article" in the subject line to assure opening.
Please try to avoid PDF format for newsletter submissions.
Puddin Race,
772-370-2193 |
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| Assembly Occupancy Deaths |
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 I probably should hold off writing anything until I cool off a little. In reading the latest in the NFPA Journal, there is another story about a multitude of people dying in a nightclub fire. Of course, fire codes were not adhered to, fireworks played into the scenario, and a video that I found on the web shows people milling around even though smoke is clearly visible. The fire I am speaking happened in Thailand and the latest number was 66 killed. The fire happened at the beginning of last year, but when you read the details and the final outcome, it is sickening.
To add insult to injury, at the time of the printing of the NFPA article, Perm Russia had a fire that killed 150 in an assembly occupancy. What is it? What is it when property owners look out for their wallets and risk the very lives that provide them a livelihood? It has to be more than ignorance!
In both situations, the owners knew that there were fire code violations. In both situations they knew they were using improper materials. In both situations, everything was ignored.
As a principal member of the assembly occupancy committee, it makes me question why we do all this work and people are still being killed. I was going to use the word MURDERED, but I don't want to get into trouble. There is not one answer that justifies the misery that families have to contend with over the deaths, suffering and injuries over their loved ones. When greed and laziness play into the scenario, to me it becomes voluntary and calculated manslaughter.
Ignorance is far from the answer for an excuse! It is not just the obligation of an owner to insure occupants are safe, it is a moral duty. There are just too many knowledgeable people walking around, that a question can't be asked. There have been fires time and time again in the news. Even the most stupid person can't claim, "I just didn't know".
As for our responsibility, if anyone ever is pressured to look away when a violation is found, we have each other to talk to. We cannot sit back as was done in Thailand and just drop violations because of politics or because a senior Police Official had a share of the nightclub. Our duty is one of the most important jobs in the world. Our duty is one that has to take on the highest of moral convictions.
Wes Hayes, FFMIA President
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| Salutations from Puddin |
Soon, Chuck and I will be traveling around the state doing training for the new Juvenile Firesetter database. In preparation for when we get to your area, please inform us what browser your department is using. The download addresses are listed or you can just use a search using the browser name. It isn't always easy to see what version you are on. I had to call the IT department locally.
If you are not using any of these browsers, please let me know immediately by using this email: puddin.r@comcast.net. We'll get you all set up before training begins.
I have had many inquires about when we'll be getting to your area. Training around the state will occur over several months. While we're currently working on the dates, we expect it to happen between April and November. We'll be contacting you soon. We hope to do 2 trainings per geographic district.
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Important Notice Regarding Student ID's |
Remember... the association no longer accepts social security numbers when signing the sign in sheets at our seminars or conferences. You will need to go to the Florida State Fire College Website, get signed in and get your Student ID. This is the only number that will be accepted.
Article Provided by:
Chuck Akers Executive Director, FFMIA | |
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FAC REQUIRED LIGHTWEIGHT TRUSS DECALS & SIGNS
NOW AVAILABLE FROM PRIDE ENTERPRISES - GRAPHICS DIVISION |
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As many of you are aware, effective March 13, 2010, Florida Administrative Code 69A0in008 requires placement of an identifying symbol on structures constructed with a light frame truss component in a manner sufficient to warn persons conducting fire control and other emergency operations of the existence of light frame truss-type construction in the structure.
PRIDE Enterprises, a long-standing associate and member of FFMIA and FFCA, is pleased to announce that decals and signs meeting all required specifications are now available from our Specialty Graphics facility. Competitively priced, these floor truss and roof truss decals and signs are manufactured from high quality, 3M reflective red stock, which provides superior visibility for fire and rescue personnel.
For pricing or for additional information on these and other quality products specifically designed to improve safety and meet the needs of all fire, rescue and EMS sectors, contact PRIDE Specialty Graphics, TOLL-FREE, at 10in Or, email us at
specialtygraphics@pride-enterprises.org. We will also welcome the opportunity to personally visit with you.
To view our advertisement, see the left-hand side of the homepage at
www.ffmia.org.
PRIDE Enterprises - proudly serving FFMIA and FFCA members since 1981! |
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Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Promotes Three New Lieutenants |
 Palm Harbor Fire Rescue is proud to announce the promotions of Firefighter/Paramedic Brent Breuer, Firefighter/Paramedic William fisher, and Firefighter/Paramedic Rodney Malpass to the rank of Lieutenant. A ceremony was held on the evening of February 8, 2010, during the monthly Fire Commissioners meeting.
Lieutenant Breuer began his career with Palm Harbor as a Firefighter/Paramedic in July 2001. Throughout his career he worked as an Apparatus Driver/Operator and Acting Lt. He is an active member of several department committees and often serves as an adjunct training officer for the department. Prior to being hired by Palm Harbor, Breuer worked with Pasco County fire rescue.
Lieutenant William fisher began his career with Palm Harbor as a Firefighter/EMT in June 1991. He attained his Paramedic certification several years later and has worked as an Apparatus Driver/Operator and Acting Lt. He has been a member of the Palm Harbor leg of the Pinellas County Hazardous Materials Response team for the last 17 years and currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Union Local.
In May of 2002, firefighter/Paramedic Malpass began his career with Palm Harbor. Throughout his career he has worked as an Apparatus Driver/Operator and Acting Lt. He has been a member of the Palm Harbor leg of the Pinellas County Hazardous Materials Response Team for the last 7 years and currently serves as the Vice President of the Union Local.
Article Provided by:
Liz Monforti, PIO/Educator
Palm Harbor Fire Rescue |
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2010 FAFLSE Educator of the Year Award Goes To................ |
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Has your department's Public Educator gone above and beyond this year to create new and innovative programs to spread the fire and life safety message? Have they worked diligently with FAFALSE, state agencies, and local agencies to make a difference? Then it's time for you to recognize them!
The 2010 FAFALSE Educator of the Year nomination forms are now available online at http://www..ffmia.org/FAFLSE/PubEducatorOfYear2010.pdf .. The deadline for submittal is May 12, 2010.
Nomination forms should be submitted to:
Liz Monforti, PEO/PIO
Palm Harbor Fire Rescue
250 West Lake Road
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Fax: 727-785-9131
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Make A Difference. Run for Office |
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FAFLSE will be holding elections for the offices of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Public Relations Officer at the June 2010 Conference on Clearwater Beach and are encouraging you to make a difference by running for office.
The election will take place during the business meeting at the 2010 Conference. Only members who are present and whose dues are current may vote. The installation of the new Executive Board officers will be held during the Conference Banquet. Please submit your nomination before May 12, 2010.
Below are the seats open for election for a term of 2 years:
Section3.1 Chair It is the responsibility of the chair to preside over the meetings with a working knowledge of parliamentary law and procedure. The Chair shall maintain a recent copy of the meeting minutes, membership list, and committee reports. The Chair shall have these available at all the meetings. The Chair or designee will represent the FAFLSE at the events, meetings, and conferences.
Section 3.2 Vice Chair will serve as designee in the absence of the Chair and be responsible for the establishment and oversight of the scholarship awards, the annual fundraising event, and any other awards that are disseminated.
Section 3.3 Secretary shall have charge of the books, documents, and papers, to maintain correspondence with the membership at large and with outside agencies. He/she will take the minutes of all board meetings and the Annual Business meeting. Minutes will be submitted to the webmaster for posting in a timely manner. He/she will perform all of the duties subject to the direction of the FAFLSE Executive Board.
Section 3.4 Public Relations Officer shall serve as the Association Spokesperson, handling all public relations and publicity. The Public Relations Officer shall oversee the Information Task Force.
It is the duty of the immediate past chair to oversee the nominations and elections. Please submit your nomination to Victoria Yeakley, FAFLSE Immediate Past Chair at : Yeakleyv@hillsboroughcounty.org.
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