The holidays are here and I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a wonderfully blessed season. We work with some of the finest people in the state. Let's all take time to look around at our coworkers and be grateful for the examples they set for our respective communities.

Christmas is a time we often get together with our families and friends. Where else in the world can you have a real family AND a work family? The fire service has "been there" for most of us in our hour of need. Let's all take this time to step back and take a look at all the blessings we have and the many that are yet to come.


Article provided by:
Victoria Yeakley, FAFLSE Chair
yeakleyv@hillsboroughcounty.org

Several months of exhaustive campaigning and thousands of dollars in campaign funds has finally resulted in the election of Walt Reed as the new Southeast Regional Director. During the election at the FFMIA Conference in Hawks Cay, Walt was quoted as saying, “You mean I ran unopposed?” Still and all, he ran a clean campaign.

All kidding aside, I want to thank Chief Reed of the City of Coral Gables Fire Department for stepping up and taking the responsibility to represent the FFMIA in the Southeast Region. Walt is Deputy Fire Chief for Coral Gables and serves as the Fire Marshal. Besides being a leader in the fire service he is also an educator and has been an instructor in the Fire Prevention training program at the Fire Academy of Miami Dade College for many years.

The bylaws of the association prohibited me from serving another term as a regional director because of a change in my membership status. My recent retirement coupled with the fact that I will be working as a life safety consultant makes me an Associate member as opposed to an Active member. According to the bylaws, only Active members can hold office and exercise voting privileges. I think this is a good rule and despite a strong desire to serve for another two years, I decided to step aside in support of this great organization.

Though my tenure was short, it was very rewarding. Besides being minutely involved in bringing training to the region (Ok, Chuck and Juanita did all of the work!) it was really a pleasure being associated with the organization and working with all of the dedicated members of the Executive Board.

I can tell you that each and every member of the Executive Board has the best interest of the association, the public, and the fire service at heart and work diligently to further the well being of all of their constituents.

This organization is truly the movers and shakers in the Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Education industries and it was a pleasure, however brief, to have had an opportunity to serve.

Let’s all support Walt Reed in his efforts to continue the legacy of service for which this organization is known.


Article Provided By:
Joe Gagliano
jgagliano@lifesafetyservices.org

Pinellas Park Fire Department is proud to announce the promotion of Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Dezso to the rank of Lieutenant. Born and raised in England, Lt. Dezso moved to Florida in 1982 and became a United States Citizen in 1990. He worked for Gulfport Fire Department and Bayfront Medical Emergency before being hired by the Pinellas Park Fire Department in 1993 as a firefighter/paramedic. Over the course of his career, Andy has exhibited strong leadership skills and has easily gained the respect of his fellow firefighters. His peers describe him as being a good motivator and mentor, and credit him with his ability to stay calm under pressure. Andy was twice named Pinellas Park Fire Department’s Paramedic of the Year; once in 1997 and again in 2003.

Before becoming a firefighter, Andy trained in Italy as a gourmet chef. Feeding a station full of hungry firefighters definitely puts his culinary skills to good use. Besides being a great cook, Andy is an outdoors enthusiast with a love for fishing, hunting, and canoeing. He and wife Janis have been married 24 years and have a daughter in high school and a son in college.


Article Provided by:
Suzanne Boisvert
Pinellas Park Education Specialist

On Thursday, November 16, Mrs. Parker’s class at Orange Ridge Elementary School in Bradenton, Florida had an fire engine with three firefighters respond to their classroom. Fortunately the firefighters were not there for an emergency. They were there for pizza!

In October Inspector Robert Austin with Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue challenged the 5th grade of Orange Ridge Elementary to write and essay on the importance of fire prevention. The winner’s class would have a pizza lunch with firefighters. Of the 120 5th graders who responded Jessica Bratvold was chosen as the winner. Her essay covered a pre fire plan which consisted of two ways out of each room, the importance of smoke detectors and a meeting place away from the building.

The firefighters from A Shift Station 2 were the students lunch companions. Firefighters Mike Sheets, Mark Marcella and Doug Brett the lucky firefighters picked to join the winning class. Pizza was provided by Domino’s.


Article Provided by:
George Ellington
Deputy Fire Marshal
Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-751-7090

This year's Of the Year awards were presented at the annual FFMIA conference in Hawks Cay. In case you missed it - here are the successful candidates:
Fire Marshal of the Year:
Rand Napoli
State Fire Marshals Office

Fire Inspector of the Year:
Leslie Adent
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue

Fire Investigator of the Year:
Rob Rush
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue

Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year:
Victoria Yeakley
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

The holiday season is upon us, stretching from Thanksgiving to Super Bowl weekend. The holiday season is typically a very special time for people who gather with family and friends to celebrate. However, our homes can be a dangerous place during the holidays. It is important to remember that decorations, food, visitors and gifts can bring either joy or tragedy for seniors during this season.

Many older Americans host family holiday gatherings; decorating their homes, cooking meals and snacks, and receiving visitors. Although holidays can be fulfilling times, unaccustomed chaos can leave any adult tired and confused. Planning for holidays should include a plan for safety. Accidents around the house can turn any joyful event into a tragedy.

Falling Down
Falls are the most common cause of unintentional injury for seniors and decorating the house for the holidays can mean hazards that may lead to accidents and injury. For example, climbing a ladder to retrieve the decorations from storage or standing on a step stool to get holiday chins for holiday meals can lead to falls. Also, the clutter created by opening gifts can create a walking hazard. Numerous opportunities exist during the holidays to practice safety. Why not enlist a neighbor or friend to help decorate or ask a guest to get holiday china from the china cabinet? Although research tells us that more men die from unintended falls than women, we need to ensure that all older Americans avoid taking unnecessary risks during this holiday season.

Food Preparation
Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Often, guests arrive at the holiday meal with food that requires refrigeration to prevent bacteria from growing. No one wants to eat tainted or spoiled food. To prevent contamination, food must be properly handled and refrigerated. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits. Wash your hands, utensils and sink frequently when they come in contact with raw meat.

Tips for Turkeys
There are special considerations when preparing a turkey. For starters, always check that the sell- by-date has not expired. When defrosting, the turkey should be kept in its original wrapping and refrigerator until it is ready to be cooked. Defrosting a turkey at room temperature can enable bacteria to multiply on outside layers of the bird, while the inside is still frozen. Allow the turkey to defrost one hour per every five pounds. Also the inside temperature of the cooked turkey, measured by a meat thermometer, should exceed 180 degrees. For any other questions concerning holiday turkey preparation and cooking, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline tool free at (800)535-4555.

Childproofing
A child’s natural inquisitiveness and the excitement of holiday gatherings can be a dangerous combination, especially because many seniors’ homes are not childproofed. Thirty-six percent of pediatric poisonings happen in the grandparent’s home, 25 percent of pediatric poisonings involve the grandparent’s medication. Survey your home to identify potentially poisonous items and lock them away before children come to visit. Keep the toll-free poison control telephone number handy – (800)222- 1222.
Many children drown or nearly drown during the holidays. If you have a pool, be extra cautious to assure someone is assigned as as a pool-watcher. Remember, drowning is silent. Even if the celebration is inside the house, children are often attracted to the water. Never leave the pool or any body of water unattended while children are around.

Drinking and Driving
The holiday season is often a time when people consume too much alcohol and the get behind the wheel of their cars. Being a smart party host or guest should include being sensible about alcoholic beverages and who is consuming them. Use designated drivers – people who do not drink – to drive other guests home after a holiday party.

Plan for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and eliminate potential danger before you or a loved one is injured during this festive season.

Article provided by:
Janet I. Lehman
Health, Wellness and Injury Prevention Coordinator
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
(850) 414-2082; SC:994-2082

Remember to register for the Member Section of the website.
Simply log on to our website, www.ffmia.org, and click on Registration button (if you are already registered, click on the Member Login button to access the section).

Complete and submit the registration on the screen. Your registration will be sent in for review and you will receive an email with the username that you selected and a temporary password.

Once your registration has been approved, you will be able to enter the section at your convenience by using the information on the email. You will be directed to an area where you can change your password. We recommend that you change the temporary password to something that is easy for you to remember.

After you log in and have changed your password, click on the directories link on the left hand side of your login panel, then click on the link to view the Members Section.

For future visits, you can log in by clicking on any of the Member Login buttons on the website.

We are actively updating the section to add valuable resources.

Thank you!

Join your fellow clowns for
"Florida State Fire Clown Day"
and our very first CLOWN REUNION!

February 9 - 11, 2007 - Tampa, Florida. RSVP to Shorty: sdonovan@cityofwinterpark.org (make hotel reservations separately)

Friday February 9: Check-in and Welcome reception
Saturday February 10: Florida State Fair. We will lead the parade at noon and have the rest of the day to "meet and greet".
Sunday February 11: Family picnic!

Hotel Information:
Hampton Inn & Suites
11740 Tampa Gateway Blvd.
Sefner, FL 33584 813-630-4321

**We have a special room rate of $100.00 per night, single and double occupancy.
Rooms are fist come, first served and must be booked by January 12, 2007.

Cedar Hammock Fire Chief Randall Stulce is pleased to announce the promotions of Adam Chrisman and Eric Center to the rank of First Class Firefighter. Firefighters Chrisman and Center were presented their First Class badge at the October Cedar Hammock Fire Board of Commission meeting.

Adam was born in Tennessee and moved to Florida when he was 7 years old. After graduating High School Adam joined the military. While serving our country he worked 4 years in communications and achieved the rank of Specialist. In January 2003 Adam enrolled in Sarasota County Technical Institute's fire program and graduated in April. Adam was hired by Cedar Hammock in September 2003. In January of 2005 Adam completed his Associates Degree in Fire Science. Adam’s parents recently retired to Tennessee. Adams father and mother were able to be at the Commission meeting and his father pinned on Adam’s First Class. Adam has a sister, Tara, who recently delivered a baby girl named Madison.

Eric was born in California and moved to Bradenton in 1981. Eric also join the military after graduation and was in the 3rd Ranger Battalion and a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1995 through 2000. Eric started his firefighting career as a volunteer at Whitfield Fire Department and then moved on to the City of Bradenton Fire Department for a year and a half before being hired at Cedar Hammock in 2003. Eric and his fiancee are planning to marry at the end of November.


Article Provided by:
George Ellington
Deputy Fire Marshal
Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue
941-751-7090

We're happy you are enjoying the newsletter. We send out reminders for articles on the Alist, but you are welcome to send one at any time during the month. Please put NEWSLETTER ARTICLE in the subject line to avoid deletion. If you would like to send and article or have a suggestion, contact:

Puddin Race, St. Lucie County
puddin@slcfd.org
Telephone: 772-621-0354

Please remember that our mailing list system is our primary method of communicating with you, the members. To comply with the rules of email lists we are required to have the option on our emails that allows the recipient to "Unsubscribe" from our list. Once a person has elected to unsubscribe from our system, we cannot automatically add them again.

Remember to always visit the seminar section of the website to find a class near you, and get those Registration forms in early...

January 10 -11, 2007 -INTERMEDIATE FIRE ALARM SEMINAR (NICET Level I-II Prep and Review of NFPA 72) - Lake Mary, FL

January 24, 2007 - Hood Suppression Systems (UL300), Design, Installation and Testing, NFPA 96, NFPA 17 and 17A
Paint Spray Booth Systems (UL1254), Design, Installation and Testing, NFPA 17 and NFPA 33 - (8 Contact Hours) - Fort Myers, FL

The Arizona Fire and Burn Educators Association is currently taking registration for our up coming 20th Annual Characterization Camp being January 29th - February 1st, 2007 in Bullhead City, Arizona.

This is a hands on Camp, except to work, share and steal ideas. Networking is the Key, bring your programs to share. Pack you puppets, props, costumes and make-up. If you have never attended the AFBEA Characterization Camp before it will be an entirely new experience. You will be able to work in skill level groups - that will be lead by experienced instructors from across the U.S. Each level will have specific teaching objectives to meet and ALL participants will have activities to perform.

This year we have added three evening workshops, on Tuesday night we will be offering a session on Make-up and another on Puppet Construction (this is a two evening workshop), Wednesday night is one on Prop Construction and the second evening for Puppet Construction To register go to http://www.afbea.org/Events.htm scroll down to the 20th Annual Characterization Camp and clink the Online Registration link. Attached is a copy of the brochure with additional information. If you can not open it you can go to the link above and download the brochure.

For more information you can contact us at afbea@att.net or Beverly Burns at (480) 682- 8282.

AFBEA Camp Committee
P O Box 7955
Tempe, AZ 85281-0032

Dear: Friends of “A Safe Haven for Newborns”

Early in the morning of November 30, 2006, a baby was left at a Fire Rescue Station in Broward County. It was a little boy, swaddled in a blanket and weighed 5 pounds 8oz. His name is Noel, he will be placed with a license private Adoption Agency Shortly.

It's wonderful that Florida Firefighters participate in saving babies all the time, but the holidays make this a special bundle of joy!

The Safe Haven Program is working Statewide and saving lives.

To see the Bundle of Joy, click over the following link: http://www.asafehavenfornewborns.com/noelpicture. htm

Wishing all the Best,
Nick Silverio Founder

The Gloria M. Silverio Foundation 501(c)3 -
"A Safe Haven for Newborns"
6801 N.W. 77th Ave. Suite 404
Miami, FL 33166
Website:www.asafehavenfornewborns.com
Email:safehaven@asafehavenfornewborns.com