2009 archive

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Loss of Littleton Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Christ

The following message is distributed on behalf of Littleton Fire Rescue Chief John Mullin, with regrets:

It is with great sadness I inform you that after a valiant battle with cancer, Littleton Fire Rescue  Battalion Chief Jeff Christ died at home this morning.  I will let you know when funeral arrangements have been finalized.

Please keep Jeff and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

John Mullin, Chief

Littleton Fire Rescue

The Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Battalion Chief Christ, Chief John Mullin, and the members of Littleton Fire Rescue.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Posted 12-30-09

2009 SAFER Application Period Extended to January 15

During the present difficult economic circumstances being experienced by local jurisdictions, many potential Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant applicants have expressed concern regarding the prohibition against using SAFER funds to supplant local budgets and the Secretary's ability to waive the prohibition.  DHS has revisited the existing policy on supplanting for the 2009 SAFER funding cycle.  The Secretary has decided that DHS will consider petitions for waivers on supplanting from 2009 grantees on a case-by-case basis and under certain conditions:

1.  2009 SAFER grantees that lose firefighters during the period of performance and find that they are unable to back-fill vacated firefighting positions due to documentable economic hardship may petition for a waiver.  In order to qualify for this waiver, the economic hardship must affect the entire public safety sector in their jurisdiction, not merely the fire department.

2.  The causes of the vacancies could include retirement, voluntary or involuntary separation, or calls to active duty in the reserves or National Guard.

3.  In the absence of a granted waiver, the policies stated in the present guidance would still apply, i.e., vacancies caused by one of the circumstances cited in #2 above do not have to be replaced and will not cause a cancellation of the grant if not replaced.  However, the amount of the allowable reimbursement of SAFER positions would be reduced by the number of vacated positions, not replaced.  (Example – A grantee has 20 firefighters (FF's) and receives a SAFER grant for five more FF's.  One of the 20 FF's retires and is not replaced.  The grantee would then be eligible to receive reimbursement only for four FF's instead of the original five.)

4.  The policy regarding the prohibition against layoffs has not changed.  No waivers will be granted for layoffs and SAFER grantees are prohibited against laying-off any firefighters during the SAFER grant's period of performance. 

5.  We remind applicants that while the previous requirement that newly created positions be maintained for an additional one year past the period of performance, there is no requirement to maintain the positions past the period of performance for awards made to rehire vacated or laid off firefighters. 

In order for all potential applicants to have sufficient time to consider this revised policy guidance, DHS will extend the 2009 SAFER application period.  The new application deadline will be 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Friday, January 15, 2010.  Applicants that have already submitted their application and wish to amend the application given this new policy guidance will be granted that opportunity.  Applicants that wish to amend their submitted SAFER application should call the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960. 

Posted 12-17-09

Department of Homeland Security Announces the Posting of the Program Guidance for the FY2009 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Services (SAFER) Grants

Nov 6, 2009 - Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the posting of the Program Guidance for the FY2009 SAFER Grants.  The Program Guidance document for the FY2009 SAFER Grants provides a wealth of information on the SAFER program including the implementation of recent legislative changes and program priorities.  The guidance may be found at the Web site for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program – www.firegrantsupport.com.  The FY2009 SAFER program has approximately $210 million available for Grants.

The application period will begin on November 16, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time and the deadline for receipt of the SAFER Grant applications will be 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 18, 2009.  The automated applications will be accessible from the Web site for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program at www.firegrantsupport.com. 

The SAFER Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency.

BC Jeff Christ Named Employee of the Year for Littleton Fire Rescue

By Randy Glanville, Littleton Fire Rescue

Battalion Chief Jeff J. Christ was named as the Jack Easton Employee of the Year for Littleton Fire Rescue (LFR) at a ceremony on October 9, 2009. Named after LFR's first paid fire chief and first awarded in 1984, the Jack Easton is awarded to an employee for outstanding contribution to the fire department for a combination of years of contribution and dedication to LFR and the communities we serve.

Jeff Christ is a true leader; goal oriented; change oriented, exercises leadership thru his activities and contributions, and possess these traits internally. Jeff first came to LFR as a firefighter in 1986 via the Metro Fire Training Academy. Since then Jeff was promoted from firefighter to engineer, captain and for the last ten years he has served his community as a Battalion Chief.

Jeff is a departmental sports leader. He was a walk-on football player at Colorado University as wide receiver and graduated with degree in Environmental Biology. He organized the departmental flag football team, softball team, and competed in the State and World, Police and Fire games earning numerous medals. Jeff's physical fitness life style lead to him spearheading LFR's Physical Fitness Committee where he researched fitness equipment, purchased and maintained all station equipment, and managed the fitness budget.

Jeff Christ is an original Medics on Bikes team member, an original TEMS (tactical EMS) member, and attended and graduated from the CONTOMS (Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support) course put on by the Department of Defense. Jeff was also an original member of LFR's Hazmat Team where he spent much of his early career at Station 11, one of the busiest stations in the district.

Most recently Jeff was a co-founder of the C.A.R. program (Common Sense, Awareness and Responsibility). Developing the program with Lt. Mike Simon, they solicited the funds from the Littleton Elks Lodge for handout key chains and have educated over 20,000 students about the dangers of first time drivers. Jeff is committed to teen safety.

His nominators write, "Jeff, your hand prints are all over this department and the communities we serve. You leave a legacy of contributions and programs at LFR that you were instrumental in developing. A measure of a true leader is leaving an organization better than you found it." Congratulations Jeff!

Posted 10-21-09

National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service to Honor Four Fallen Colorado Firefighters

EMMITSBURG, MD. – The 28^th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will honor four Colorado firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2008. They will be among the 98 men and 5 women from 36 states remembered at the official national service held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg. Nineteen firefighters who died in previous years will also be honored.

·         Captain Shane Stewart, age 33, of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District died in an apparatus rollover enroute to a medical emergency call on February 23, 2008.

·         Fire Chief Terry DeVore, age 30, of the Olney Springs Volunteer Fire Department died in a motor vehicle accident due to a bridge collapse in heavy smoke conditions at a wildland fire on April 15, 2008.

·         Firefighter John Schwartz, Jr., age 38, Olney Springs Volunteer Fire Department died in a motor vehicle accident due to a bridge collapse in heavy smoke conditions at a wildland fire on April 15, 2008.

·         Pilot Gert Marais, age 42, of Aero Seat (Colorado State Forest Service Contractor) died in a single engine air tanker crash just after dropping slurry onto the Fort Carson wildland fire on April 15, 2008.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security will sponsor the official national tribute on October 4, 2009. This ceremony marks the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week designated by President Obama to focus national attention on the destruction of property and loss of life caused by fire.

As first responders to all natural and manmade emergencies, fire service personnel are in constant danger. During 2008, 103 firefighters died in the line of duty, making firefighting one of the nation’s most dangerous occupations.

More than 5,000 people, including Members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries, members of the fire service, and families and friends of the fallen firefighters will attend the event. Families receive flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Honor guard units and fire service personnel from across the U.S. will participate in the National Tribute.

Many fire departments across the country will conduct simultaneous services, lower flags to half-staff, sound sirens at noon, and observe a moment of silent tribute.

For further information, visit http://Weekend.FireHero.org. The website includes a complete list of this year’s honored fallen firefighters, a video introduction to the Memorial weekend, images of previous memorial services, satellite coordinates for broadcast and more.

Lowering the American Flag.  On October 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the American flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters.  Public Law 107-51 requires this action to occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. For more information on the Foundation and its programs contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit www.FireHero.org.

Posted 10-01-09

USFA Releases Annual Report on Firefighter Fatalities in the United States

Emmitsburg, MD. – The United States Fire Administration (USFA) today released the report Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2008. The report continues a series of annual studies by the USFA of on-duty firefighter fatalities. The USFA is the single public agency source of information for all on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States each year.

"The causes of death among firefighters are well known and the steps necessary to protect firefighters have been studied and reported in numerous forums,” United States Fire Administrator Kelvin J. Cochran said. “We must take the necessary steps to ensure, as much as possible, all firefighters return from every call, safely."

The unique and specific objective of Firefighter Fatalities in the United States is to identify all on-duty firefighter fatalities that occurred in the United States and its protectorates during the calendar year and to present in summary narrative form the circumstances surrounding each occurrence.

An overview of the 118 firefighters that died while on duty in 2008:

The total break down included 66 volunteer, 34 career, and 18 wildland agency firefighters.

There were 5 firefighter fatality incidents where 2 or more firefighters were killed, claiming a total of 18 firefighters' lives.

26 firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass or wildland firefighting, more than twice the number killed the previous year.

Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 75 firefighters.

·         28 firefighters died while engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.

·         21 firefighters died while responding to, and 3 while returning from, emergency incidents.

·         12 firefighters died while they were engaged in training activities.

·         13 firefighters died after the conclusion of their on-duty activity.

Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death for 2008 with 45 firefighter deaths.

For 32 years, USFA has tracked the number of firefighter fatalities and conducted an annual analysis. Through the collection of information on the causes of firefighter deaths, the USFA is able to focus on specific problems and direct efforts toward finding solutions to reduce the number of firefighter fatalities in the future. This information is also used by many organizations to measure the effectiveness of their current efforts directed toward firefighter health and safety.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which worked closely with USFA on this report, also maintains a list of firefighters who die in the line-of-duty and are honored during the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held each October in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Visit www.FireHero.org for more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and their assistance to the families of the firefighters lost in 2008 and beyond.

Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted on the USFA's Web site at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm.

Posted 09-25-09

State’s Chief Medical Officer Briefs Public Safety Officials on Influenza A (H1N1)

Centennial – A Joint Public Safety H1N1 presentation by Dr. Ned Calonge, the State's Chief Medical Officer, and Chris Lindley of CDPHE was held on September 23, 2009.  Following is a summary of the briefing and additional resources on the topic. 

Posted 09-25-09

2nd Annual Firefighter Appreciation Night A Success

The 2009 Colorado Rockies Firefighter Appreciation Day was held on September 5, 2009.  Even though ticket sales were down significantly from last year, this event was still a success. A total of 398 “fundraiser” tickets were sold and the revenue generated for the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation will be $5,925. This is in addition to the approximately $1,106 that was collected outside the ballpark.

By comparison, last year a total of 603 “fundraiser” tickets were sold, generating $9,374 for the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation. This is in addition to the approximately $1,500 that was collected outside the ballpark.

The night was also successful for the Colorado Rockies, as they beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 and maintained their 2 game lead in the NL Wild Card race.

The Colorado State Fire Chiefs Association wishes to express its appreciation to everyone that contributed to making this event a success.

Posted 09-08-09

Hal Doughty to Join Durango Fire & Rescue as Deputy Chief of Operations

Durango Fire & Rescue welcomes Hal Doughty as our new Deputy Chief of Operations.  Hal was selected after reviewing 22 applications, and a thorough selection and assessment process.  Hal will start on September 1^st.  Hal comes to us from our neighboring Farmington Fire Department where currently he is the Battalion Chief over the Fire Prevention Bureau. 

Hal has extensive strengths especially in fire operations and training.  He holds certifications as Fire Officer III, Fire Instructor, Fire Investigator, Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, EMT, Technical Rescue in Swift Water, Confined Space, Trench, High, and Low Angle Rescue and many others. 

There will be a welcoming bar-b-q lunch and Badge Pinning Ceremony on September 1^st at Durango Fire & Rescue Station 1 in Bodo Industrial Park at 12 noon.  The public and press are welcome to attend.

Deputy Chief Doughty will be a great asset to Durango Fire and Rescue and we look forward to his first day.

For more information contact Dave Abercrombie, Public Information Officer at (970) 799-3630 or AbercrombieDB@durangofirerescue.org.

August 28, 2009

Secretary Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Fugate Swear In Kelvin Cochran As Fire Administrator

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug 27, 2009) – U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran was sworn into office today by U.S.  Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate at the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) 2009 Fire-Rescue International Conference in Dallas, Texas. Cochran will oversee and lead the coordination and direction of national efforts to prevent fires and improve fire response.  Cochran will supervise fire prevention and safety education programs and professional development opportunities for emergency responders at all levels of government.

"Our first responders are an essential component in our effort to assist Americans in the wake of major disasters," said Fugate.  "Kelvin's extensive experience as former fire chief in Atlanta and Shreveport, makes him the ideal candidate to take over this important post.  I congratulate him and look forward to working together as we continue to expand our national emergency response team, a team that includes federal agency partners, members of the private sector, volunteer organizations and most importantly, the public."

Cochran has twenty-eight years of experience in the fire service including fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public education, personnel management, and administration, with a specialization in training and strategic planning.

Prior to joining FEMA, Cochran served as Fire Chief for the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, where he coordinated homeland security and emergency preparedness initiatives between the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) and oversaw 35 fires stations providing fire, rescue and emergency medical services.

Previously, he served in the Shreveport, La. Fire Department as a firefighter, Assistant Chief Training Officer, and Fire Chief.  Cochran also served as President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, the 1^st Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA).

For more information please visit: www.fema.gov/about/bios/kcochran.shtm

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

American College of Surgeons Consultative Visit Report

In May of this year, the American College of Surgeons conducted a statewide consultative visit. This process involved a multitude of stakeholders from both the EMS and trauma communities across Colorado. Pursuant to this work that was financially supported by the Caring for Colorado Foundation, the final report of findings is attached. This report is extensive and contains over 100 recommendations. As such, it will serve as a basis document for our collective future development and improvement of the statewide system of patient care and transportation. We strongly encourage stakeholders to carefully read this report and participate in the next steps that will be taken to improve the foundations of our system.

In an effort to maximize the impact of the information within the report, a statewide task force has been appointed to serve as the focal point to coordinate the development of a plan to proceed. The task force will hold its first meeting on September 15, 2009 at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the Carson room at the CDPHE and will be available via teleconference. This group is specifically charged with conducting a full review of the report, developing priorities and recommending an action plan to the SEMTAC and the EMTS Section to address the recommendations contained within the report. We expect this group to conduct monthly meetings, as this process will take some time.

We are extremely pleased to present this report and look forward to the continued development of improved patient care throughout Colorado. Questions and requests for additional information concerning this effort should be directed to either Grace Sandeno or me. We sincerely appreciate the support and energy that has gone into this important project by so many individuals and organizations.

D. Randy Kuykendall, Chief

Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Section

Colorado Department of Health and Environment

August 25, 2009

Source: Greeley Tribune, August 23, 2009

Announcing FLC 2009 “Extraordinary Leadership in Turbulent Times”
 

The 18^th Annual Colorado Fire Leadership Challenge (FLC) will take place on December 3-5, 2009 at the Keystone Resort & Conference Center in Keystone, Colorado. Sponsored by the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association (CSFCA), this conference will provide valuable training and insight into the leadership challenges that every chief officer, command officer and firefighter needs to prepare for.

The theme of FLC ‘09 is “Extraordinary Leadership in Turbulent Times”.  In these turbulent times, fire service organizations need extraordinary leadership to maintain the momentum necessary to achieve their vision.  Extraordinary leaders find a way to keep going when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.  This year’s Fire Leadership Challenge brings together many of the industry’s most respected leaders and offers an abundance of learning opportunities on how to go beyond the ordinary and become an extraordinary leader.

This will be an exciting conference you won’t want to miss! Keynote speakers for FLC 2009 include Fire Chief Doug Barry and Battalion Chief Kwame Cooper of the Los Angeles City Fire Department; Fire Chief Jeff Johnson, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue; and Jeffrey Stern, Executive Director of the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

Spectacular New Venue.  We are excited to be making the much anticipated move to Keystone this year.  With the White River National Forest as a backdrop, FLC 2009 attendees will be welcomed to a spectacular setting for the conference.  The Keystone Resort & Conference Center offers world-class amenities and the much expanded exhibit space will enhance our ability to showcase the latest products, tools and innovations to help fire departments perform at top efficiency.

Company Officer Leadership Symposium.  The CSFCA is proud to have again partnered with the IAFC to expand our educational opportunities to include 2-1/2 days of education for company officers during the Company Officer Leadership Symposium – Level 3 to be held in conjunction with the 19th Annual Leadership Conference on December 1-3.  For information concerning this, download the registration packet here.

Mark Your Calendars and Plan to Attend FLC 2009.  See the conference flyer for more information concerning conference topics and presenters.  Registration information for FLC 2009 and the Company Officer Leadership Symposium – Level 3, will be distributed soon. 

Recession-Busting Rates.  Due to these tough economic times, the cost of conference registration (exclusive of pre-conference workshops) will again be held at 2007 rates.

Accommodation information and the Hotel Reservation Form may be downloaded from the CSFCA website here.

"Early Bird" Conference Registration Form may be downloaded from the CSFCA website here.

Watch for more information by Email or on the conference website here.

Posted 08-21-09

2009 Fire Leadership Challenge Flyer

2009 Fire Leadership Challenge Schedule

2009 Fire Leadership Challenge Registration Form

Hotel Accommodation Information and Reservation Form

2009 Fire Leadership Challenge Website

Keystone Resort & Conference Center Website

Fire Corps Liability Guide Now Available

Fire Corps volunteers provide valuable services to their fire departments – taking on important non-emergency tasks so that first responders can focus on their operational responsibilities. Yet liability concerns often create a barrier for departments who want to use community volunteers but are discouraged by the possibility of unexpected results, such as volunteer injury or harm to others caused by a volunteer. Members of the public may also hesitate to volunteer if the department does not offer liability protection and injury benefits.

To help departments and Fire Corps members prepare for the unexpected, Fire Corps has released a guide that identifies and addresses liability issues related to operating a Fire Corps program. Fire Corps Liability Guide: Managing the Unexpected in Fire Corps Activities shows how important it is to have a plan to minimize liability and pay for liability that does occur. It offers best practices for dealing with these concerns and provides the tools and templates to help departments manage unexpected outcomes.

Fire Corps teamed up with the Public Entity Risk Institute to develop this insightful guide for identifying and managing liability concerns. The Liability Guide is divided into three sections: a discussion about controlling liability in Fire Corps programs, a selection of sample documents drawn from successful Fire Corps programs from around the country, and a listing of additional resources.

“Departments nationwide are utilizing Fire Corps volunteers to enhance and expand the programs and services they can offer,” said Sarah Lee, Acting Fire Corps Director. “Yet many departments are hesitant to tap into this great resource because of the possibility that something might go wrong. Other departments have Fire Corps programs but don’t have a policy in place for managing any liability issues that may arise. The Fire Corps Liability Guide is designed to help departments address these concerns and minimize the impact of unexpected outcomes.”

Liability is an important factor to consider when implementing a Fire Corps program. The Liability Guide offers insights into how these issues have been addressed in other fire departments as well as looks at the insurance industry perspective. While the Liability Guide is a great resource for departments to start addressing liability concerns, it is an informational document only and does not offer legal or other professional advice. It also does not offer any guarantees against being sued.

Download Fire Corps Liability Guide: Managing the Unexpected in Fire Corps Activities for free at www.firecorps.org/implement or here. 

Posted 08-20-09

Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study, FA-323/August 2009  (2.2 Mb)

USFA Supports National Firefighter Health Week – August 17-21

Emmitsburg, MD – The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages firefighters and fire departments to focus on health and wellness the week of August 17-21 through participation in the Third Annual National Firefighter Health Week. The theme for this year is “It takes a healthy heart, mind, and body to do what you do - Keep It Strong.”

“Heart attack is the leading cause of firefighter on-duty fatalities year after year, making health and wellness essential to reducing firefighter deaths,” said Acting USFA Assistant Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. “We support this outstanding initiative of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) with their National Firefighter Health Week and ask firefighters and fire departments to participate in the programs and activities of this week-long effort now and throughout the year.”

National Firefighter Health Week is an initiative to educate the fire and emergency services community about a variety of health and wellness issues that affect first responders. The program encourages first responders to learn their risk factors and commit to making healthy lifestyle changes - not just during Firefighter Health Week - but throughout the year.

"Health and wellness of our nation's first responders is a top priority of the National Volunteer Fire Council," said Heather Schafer, Executive Director of the NVFC. "Heart disease results in more on-duty firefighter deaths than any other cause. First responders also face risks to their health from a number of other factors, from exposure to debris and particle matter, to stress, to poor nutrition and fitness habits, and other concerns. The NVFC created National Firefighter Health Week to encourage first responders to focus on important health and wellness issues and make the changes in their lives to get healthy so they can avoid preventable illness and stay strong for those who depend on them - their families, departments, and communities."

Further information may be obtained from the NVFC National Firefighter Health Week Resource Center’s Web site at www.healthy-firefighter.org

For more information on USFA’s firefighter health and safety initiatives, please visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/safety 

Posted 08-06-09

A Message from the U.S. Fire Administrator about Novelty and Toylike Lighters

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) joins other national fire organizations in their support to ban the sale and distribution of novelty and toylike lighters. These organizations include the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, the International Fire Marshals Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and the Prevention Advocacy Resources and Data Exchange (PARADE) network.

Novelty and toylike lighters are linked to incidents of deaths, injuries, and property loss across the Nation. For decades the fire service and caregivers have taught children to avoid lighters and that they are tools, not toys. But children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys such as animals, miniature cars, mobile phones, doll accessories, fishing lures, stacks of coins, markers, and cameras. It is nearly impossible for a child, and oftentimes an adult, to distinguish between what is a toy and what is a lighter.

Unfortunately, this contributes to the disturbing statistics related to children and fire:

·         Thirty-seven percent of fires were started by juveniles aged 10—17 where age was cited as a factor in a fire’s ignition by lighters or matches.

·         Children under the age of 5 are more than 8 times as likely to die in a fire caused by playing with a heat source than are people of all ages.

·         Fires started by “playing” cause 38% of civilian fire deaths. Nineteen percent of these fire starters were 4 year olds.

USFA is providing assistance to our partners, elected officials, and private citizens across the United States by capturing data at the national level and providing access to information regarding these lighters. The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) began collecting information in January 2008 specifically about these lighters and fires. The USFA sponsored the 2008 Arson Awareness Week with the theme: Toylike Lighters - Playing with Fire. Additionally, USFA’s Web site provides easy access to current information on the novelty and toylike lighter issue at www.usfa.dhs.gov/noveltylighters.

There is growing legislative support to ban the sale and distribution of these lighters. As of June 2009, eight states have passed legislation limiting or prohibiting the sale of novelty lighters; another twelve are considering legislation. Federal legislation has been introduced with House Bill 2050 and Senate Bill 723; both are titled Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act of 2009.

I encourage every member of the fire service to support the local, state, and Federal initiatives to ban the sale and distribution of novelty and toylike lighters. Please stay vigilant and keep the fire service community informed of developments in your area. Only by working together can we save lives.

Glenn A. Gaines, Acting U.S. Fire Administrator

Posted 08-04-09

Loss of Durango Fire Lt. Maynard Brandsma

July 20, 2009 - Just a few hours ago, Durango Fire & Rescue Authority lost a valuable member of its command staff.  Lt. Maynard Brandsma passed away while hiking with his daughter near Estes Park.  Lt. Brandsma served faithfully the people of Durango since he began service with the Fire Authority in January, 2005.  Although it has been only a short time, Lt. Brandsma had often held the single year record of most runs by a volunteer or paid staff member.  His level of activity was always consistently high, as was his commitment to training and his crew.

Lt. Brandsma was 61 years of age and leaves behind his wife Cheryle, and daughter Natalie.

Memorial service arrangements are still pending but will be passed on as soon as details become available.

Chief Dan Noonan

Durango Fire & Rescue Authority

142 Sheppard Drive

Durango, CO 81303

Noonandj@ci.durango.co.us  

The Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association extends its condolences on the loss of Lt. Brandsma.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, Chief Dan Noonan and the members of Durango Fire & Rescue Authority.

Colorado Springs Professional Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 5

To Colorado Fire Departments:

As the liaison between the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the International Association of Fire Fighters, we would like to request your participation in this year’s IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Observance and the Fire Apparatus/Motorcycle Procession preceding the observance. The observance will take place Saturday, September 19th, 2009 at 1:00 pm in Colorado Springs.

Your department’s attendance will help the United States and Canada honor our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the line of duty this past year. All fire department personnel, city officials, and general public are encouraged to attend the observance.  Additionally, we would ask your department to commit a piece(s) of fire apparatus and fire fighter motorcyclists to take part in the procession that will occur before the observance begins.

The procession, which is not open to the public, will take place in two sections. Fire departments and motorcyclists may elect to participate in either section or both. The first section is sponsored by the Wind & Fire Motorcycle Club, Rocky Mountain Chapter. Fire apparatus and fire fighter motorcyclists will be escorted by law enforcement officials from Lakewood to a designated staging area in Colorado Springs following a brief early morning gathering.

The second section of the procession is sponsored by the Colorado Springs Professional Fire Fighters Union and the IAFF. It will depart from the staging area in Colorado Springs and arrive under police escort at Memorial Park signifying the commencement of the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Observance.  

We understand that fire departments are facing financial hardship and staffing shortages during these difficult economic times. We ask you for your continued support despite this to ensure that those who have lost their lives in the line of duty are honored properly.  The attached pages indicate apparatus staging locations, staging/departure times, procession routes, and pertinent addresses. This information can also be found at www.iafflocal5.com.

Fire departments who can commit fire apparatus to either section of the procession must complete a registration form found on our website at www.iafflocal5.com. Fire fighters interested in riding their motorcycles in either section of the procession must register individually at www.ridetoremember.org. Registrations must be submitted no later than September 14th, 2009. Preferred attire for the day’s events will be formal dress uniform or similar.

Respectfully,

Kevin L. Simpson

Colorado Springs Professional Fire Fighters Local 5

3265 W. Carefree Circle, Bldg. C

Colorado Springs, CO 80917
Phone (719) 596-4618

Posted 07-17-09

President Obama Announces Nomination of Chief Kelvin Cochran to Head U.S. Fire Administration

WASHINGTON, DC (July 6, 2009) – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Kelvin James Cochran, Fire Chief of the City of Atlanta, as U.S. Fire Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.

Kelvin Cochran has had 28 years of experience from Firefighter to Assistant Chief Training Officer to Fire Chief of Shreveport, Louisiana, to Fire Chief of Atlanta, Georgia with involvement in all phases of the fire service: fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, recruiting, public education, research and development, employee counseling, discipline, performance evaluation, and administration, with specialization in training and strategic planning/facilitating. He has also served as the 1st Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA).

See White House press release here.

OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Gov. Ritter Orders Flags Lowered in Honor of Capt. Brett Stearns

Gov. Bill Ritter has ordered all U.S. and Colorado flags lowered to half-staff on state and federal buildings in Colorado on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, in honor of Bureau of Land Management Fire Capt. Brett Stearns, 29. Stearns was working on a hazardous-tree removal project with approximately 12 other BLM firefighters on June 26 when he was struck by a falling tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Stearns was an engine captain and had worked in the fire program for the BLM Little Snake Field Office in Craig since 1999. He is survived by his wife, mother, father, brother and half-sister.

Capt. Stearns will be remembered during funeral services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1295 W. Ninth St., in Craig.

BLM Firefighter Brett Stearns to Be Remembered

By Joshua Roberts, Craig Daily Press
June 29, 2009
 

A Bureau of Land Management firefighter was killed Friday afternoon in an accident while working on a hazard-tree removal project, the BLM office reported in a news release Saturday.

Craig resident Brett Stearns, 29, was killed about 4:30 p.m. Friday during a hazard tree abatement project at Freeman Reservoir, 15 miles northeast of Craig.

A federal accident investigation team is conducting a “detailed investigation” into the fatal incident, the BLM reported.

Stearns was working on a project with about 12 other BLM firefighters when he was struck by a falling tree.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.
 

Stearns was an engine captain and had worked in the fire program for the BLM Little Snake Field Office in Craig since 1999.

“He was a leader,” said Lynn Barclay, a BLM fire mitigation/education specialist with the Little Snake Field Office. “People looked up to him. He had the capability to inspire people, all those around him, to go the distance and do their best.
 

“He was a wonderful person.”

Stearns is survived by his wife, mother, father, brother and half sister, the BLM reported.

A funeral has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1295 W. Ninth St., in Craig.

John Husband, Little Snake Field Office manager, said Stearns was a brave public servant.

“On behalf of the Little Snake Field Office and the Northwest Colorado Interagency Fire Management Unit, I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Brett Stearns,” Husband said in the news release. “He dedicated his life to protecting the lives and property of the public. Firefighting is a dangerous profession, and firefighter safety is the number one priority on fires and projects such as this.”

There are more than 40 active firefighters working for the BLM’s offices in Meeker, Kremmling and Craig.

Barclay said Stearns’ death has been hard on his fellow firefighters and BLM officials.

“The fire community is a family,” she said. “We’re tight-knit, close. It’s hit everyone very hard, but people are banding together and supporting the Stearns family and looking at how we can best remember Brett and honor him.”

Stearns was “always eager” to work with children on fire education and prevention programs at area schools, Barclay said, and he was a mentor to new recruits. Stearns served as an instructor at times with the Colorado Wildfire and Incident Management Academy.

“He was a really kind and caring person,” Barclay said.

“He was someone that is well respected and held in high regard by his peers, and not just locally, but across the country.”
 

Posted 06-30-09

NIST Study Offers First Detailed Look at the Progress of a Wildland-Urban Fire

National Institute of Standards and Technology

June 16, 2009

A wildfire rages across southern California wildlands towards residential communities, endangering residents and firefighters and sending property up in smoke. This is an increasingly common story, occurring several times a summer. To better understand these Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fires and how best to prevent or fight them, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have issued an in-depth study on fire behavior and defensive actions taken in a community during such a fire.

WUI fires are becoming more prevalent as housing developments push into former wilderness areas. Drought is believed to also be a major contributor to larger wildfires. In addition to southern California, WUI fires also burn across the southern United States and in countries such as Australia, Greece, Italy and Spain. Little research has been conducted on understanding WUI fire behavior and on the effectiveness of current risk mitigation strategies.

The new NIST study examines in detail the events in one representative community during the Oct. 21-22, 2007 “Witch Fire” north of San Diego, Calif. The Witch Fire was the largest of the 2007 California fire storm. The fire burned 197,990 acres (80,124 hectares) and destroyed more than 1,100 homes. Fire damage was estimated at $1.8 billion and suppression costs were $18 million.

For their study, fire researchers Alex Maranghides and Ruddy Mell tracked down every fire captain who worked in the fire at The Trails housing development in Rancho Bernardo to follow the fire’s evolution. The NIST researchers, with the support of The Trails Homeowners Association, also collected event timeline information from homeowners. Of the 274 homes in The Trails neighborhood, 245 were within the fire’s perimeter. Of those, 74 homes were completely destroyed and 16 were partly damaged.

The data collection tracked the fire’s approach from the wildlands, the effects of the fire in the community and defensive actions taken by owners and first responders. Researchers documented the construction characteristics of the destroyed homes and the wildland and residential vegetation damage immediately after the fire.

The study revealed that two-thirds of all the homes destroyed were ignited either directly or indirectly by embers. “This is an important finding because current guidelines to make structures more fire resistant offer little guidance on how to make structures more resistant to an ember attack,” fire researcher Alex Maranghides explains. Researchers also learned that one-third of all structures within the fire perimeter were defended by first responders and/or homeowners.

The NIST report is the first in a series of three publications to understand WUI fire behavior. The second publication, in progress, will examine the role of construction and landscaping on the probability of a structure’s survival. A third report will describe a study that uses the data to build a computer-generated virtual community to test the fire behavior predicted by different fire models and compare the results to the observed fire behavior and structural response.

This study is part of NIST’s Reduced Risk of Fire Spread in Wildland-Urban Interface Communities research within its Building and Fire Research Laboratory, a program to develop first-generation tools by 2013 for improved risk assessment and mitigation in WUI communities at risk from wildfires.

“A Case Study of a Community Affected by the Witch and Guejito Fires,” report may be found here.

Application Period to Open: Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grant

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently made available for public viewing the Program Guidance for the Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants.  The application period for the Station Construction Grants (SCG) is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.  Applications for these grants must be received by July 10, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). 

Posted 06-10-09

National Fire Academy's First Semester FY 2010 Application Period Closes on June 15th

The National Fire Academy's First Semester FY 2010 Application period closes on June 15th.  Please help us spread the word to members of the fire and emergency services that this FREE training is available!

Here is the link to the course schedule including the Volunteer Incentive Program courses:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/applications/nfacsd/

Here is the application form link (remember it's the FEMA Form 75-5):

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/about/attend/apply.shtm

Included on the application page is a document titled "Eight Tips For Completing a Successful NFA Application" that you may find useful in completing the application form.  Completed applications can be faxed to the NETC Admissions Office at 301-447-1441 or mailed to:

NETC Office of Admissions

16825 South Seton Avenue

Emmitsburg, MD  21727

Posted 06-10-09

Kidde Recalls Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms; Can Fail to Warn of a Fire

Kidde, in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is announcing a voluntary recall to replace certain Model PI2000 Smoke Alarm units manufactured between August 2008 and May 2009, which may not respond to smoke or push to test.

Download CPSC Recall Notice here.

Posted 06-09-09

Pueblo Firefighter Remembered

Capt. Richard Mark Died in Steamboat While on Fundraiser Trip

By Zach Fridell, Steamboat Pilot & Today

June 9, 2009

Steamboat Springs — Capt. Richard Mark, of the Pueblo Fire Department, was remembered Monday as an active, dedicated firefighter by his friends and fire chief. Mark died of an apparent heart attack Friday at Yampa Valley Medical Center while he was visiting Steamboat Springs for a muscular dystrophy fundraiser.

Mark, 52, served with the Pueblo Fire Department for 21 years, working his way through the ranks of firefighter and driver to the position of captain, Chief Chris Riley said.

Riley said it was not uncommon for Mark to volunteer his time to charity.

“Richard was involved in so many different things, and this is one of the many things he was actively involved in and donated so much of his own time to,” Riley said.

Mark’s close friend Kevin Kagey said Mark was a “work horse” when it came to community and charity events and was a regular organizer of a variety of activities.

Mark was involved in the Firefighter Experience Day, Fire Station Open House and an active volunteer for the Dream Weavers charity for sick children. He also was the recipient of the 100 Club Firefighter of the Year and City of Pueblo Firefighter of the Year.

“He was a guy that basically did more than anybody, and that’s what he loved doing. Helping people, helping charities, helping the department, he was just the best guy in the world, he was,” Kagey said. “On our end, he is going to be so sadly missed.”

Riley said Mark also spent time at Pueblo’s Fire Museum and was a regular fixture during parades.

“Every parade for our city, we’d always have fire engines for it, and you could always count on Richard bringing one of our antique wagons to the parade. He was always there for us in so many ways,” Riley said.

Routt County Coroner Rob Ryg said Mark stopped at a Steamboat Springs fire station Friday at the urging of a friend because of chest pains. He then was taken to YVMC where he apparently suffered a fatal heart attack.

Mark is survived by his wife, Karen, and four children. A memorial service is at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Praise Assembly of God in Pueblo.

Posted 06-09-09

Governor Ritter Vetoes SB 180, Collective Bargaining

June 4, 2009 - This afternoon, Gov. Bill Ritter vetoed SB 09-180, which would have imposed collective bargaining on municipalities, fire authorities, and fire protection districts with more than 50 employees. Following is a statement issued by the Governor’s Office on the Governor’s Veto of SB 09-180.

Gov. Ritter Statement on Senate Bill 180 Veto

Gov. Bill Ritter today vetoed Senate Bill 09-180, "Concerning collective bargaining by employees of public safety agencies."

"I join all Coloradans who honor and value the dangerous work of firefighters in our communities," Gov. Ritter said at a Capitol news conference this afternoon. "Firefighters have stood with me, and I have stood with them, including yesterday in Montrose when I signed three bills to help volunteer and wildland firefighters; last year when I fought hard to defeat the right-to-work and other harmful ballot initiatives; and in 2007 when I signed legislation, over the strong objection of local government and others, expanding eligibility for workers' compensation coverage for firefighters suffering from cancer."

"As the son of a union member, and a former union member myself in earlier years, I have long believed that collective bargaining can create a positive working relationship for public sector employees and local governments," Gov. Ritter said, citing three main reasons for the veto:

·         Local firefighters already may obtain collective bargaining rights through voter approval in their local communities. Denver, Aurora, Thornton, Pueblo, Greeley, Longmont and Englewood have collective bargaining with firefighters.

·         SB 180 would have overturned the will of the voters in communities that have opted against collective bargaining.

·         Issues of firefighter safety raised by SB 180 are better addressed on a statewide basis rather than in just the few communities that would have been impacted by the legislation. Therefore, Gov. Ritter has directed the Department of Public Safety to work with the Colorado Professional Firefighters, the Colorado State Fire Chief's Association, the Colorado Municipal League, the Special District Association, Colorado Counties, Inc., and other stakeholders to develop a statewide fire department safety certification program and introduce, if necessary, implementing legislation for the 2010 legislative session.

The Governor was joined at this afternoon's news conference by Greenwood Village Mayor Nancy Sharpe, the chair of the Metro Mayors Caucus; Littleton Mayor Doug Clark; Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally; and Mountain View Fire District Deputy Chief Steve Pischke, all of whom were among the many stakeholders who asked Gov. Ritter to veto this bill.

"The system is not broken," Greenwood Mayor Sharpe said, "and local governments remain committed to the safety of their public safety employees."

"The state should not be telling local voters or local elected representatives what to do when it comes to personnel matters like this," Mayor Clark said.

Deputy Chief Pischke applauded Gov. Ritter for directing the Department of Public Safety to immediately address the issue of firefighter safety.

"SB 180 was overly broad-stroked," Pischke said. "It created difficult problems and did not allow local communities to address local issues."

Here is the complete text of Gov. Ritter's veto message.

Posted 06-04-09

Gov. Ritter Signs Firefighting Bills at Wildfire Academy

MONTROSE (June 3, 2009) - Gov. Bill Ritter joined hundreds of volunteer wildland firefighters at a training academy in Montrose this evening, thanking them for their service and signing three pieces of firefighter-related legislation into law.

"Colorado, and indeed the nation, is indebted to you for your dedication to protecting people, property, and natural resources," Gov. Ritter said at the Colorado Wildland Fire and Incident Management Academy. "No one knows better than you the tragedy of the loss of a fellow firefighter, or the hollow feeling in your gut when a fire jumps your control line and threatens communities. The bills I'm signing here today will support your efforts as you plan, prepare and respond to wildfires."

"I am proud of the significant work we did this session to protect Colorado from the devastating effects of forest fires," said Sen. Dan Gibbs, a type II Wildland Firefighter. "Not only was I able to travel to Washington D.C. to fight for federal support for Colorado's wildfire projects, but I was also able to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle to make sure we are prepared when the next wildfire hits. These bills continue to preserve our safety, environment, and quality of life in Colorado, particularly for the one million Coloradans who live in forested areas."

Senate Bill 13, sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs and Rep. Claire Levy, recognizes the value that volunteer firefighters provide as first responders, and protects them from civil liability when they are making decisions under stressful, life-threatening conditions.

Senate Bill 21, sponsored by Sens. Gibbs and Mike Kopp and Reps. Christine Scanlan and Levy, provides volunteer firefighters with free tuition, up to three credits per year, at community colleges.

House Bill 1041, sponsored by Rep. Cheri Gerou and Sen. Gibbs, allows fire protection districts to charge a fee for emergency rescue, extraction and other safety services.

Earlier today, Gov. Ritter signed the omnibus Healthy Forests/Vibrant Communities Act of 2009, also sponsored by Rep. Scanlan and Sen. Gibbs. The measure will help communities prevent wildfires, provide resources for planning and forest-maintenance efforts, and encourage business opportunities for forest-product entrepreneurs. In April, Gov. Ritter signed two other bills that support community wildfire protection plans and clarify roles and responsibilities of the various local, county, and state agencies involved in wildfire prevention and protection.

Posted 06-04-09

Gov. Signs Healthy Forest/Vibrant Communities Act

SUMMIT COUNTY (June 3, 2009) — Visiting Colorado’s iconic Arapahoe Basin Ski & Snowboard Area, Gov. Bill Ritter today signed into law the Healthy Forests/Vibrant Communities Act of 2009, as well as a bill that creates Colorado’s first ski and snowboard license plate.

Both bills were sponsored by Rep. Christine Scanlan and Sen. Dan Gibbs. House Bill 1199 will help protect the state’s prized forestlands, assist local communities and stimulate economic activity.

“Colorado’s forests drive our recreation and tourism industries and produce valuable materials for the timber, construction and renewable energy markets,” Gov. Ritter said. “But our forests are struggling with unprecedented challenges from the pine beetle epidemic and other risks. This omnibus forest health bill addresses these challenges head-on, ensuring that communities are able to assess and respond to wildfire and other risks, and moving us toward long-term forest restoration.”

In addition to reducing the risk of wildfire, the bill will protect watersheds and Colorado’s electric power grid, and encourage business opportunities for wood-products entrepreneurs.

"This is an aggressive step forward for Colorado," said Rep. Scanlan. "It's critical legislation, providing state entities, private landowners and local communities assistance addressing wildfire threats using innovative strategies.  This legislation will facilitate market-based solutions to help Colorado effectively combat the bark beetle infestation.”

Gov. Ritter today also signed Senate Bill 161, which creates the nation’s first license plate depicting both skiing and snowboarding.

“For decades now, people have wondered why Colorado doesn’t offer a ski license plate,” Gov. Ritter said. “After all, Colorado is the ski and snowboard capital of the world. Colorado’s skiers and snowboarders are a unique part of our culture, and I am delighted to sign this bill into law.”

 “I have nine ski resorts in my area and I know how integral theses businesses are to Colorado’s economy, leisure and identity,” said Sen. Dan Gibbs.  “By creating this ski country license plate people will be able to show their support for a very important part of Colorado.”

"Colorado is not only the country's ski capitol, but its riding capitol too.  Of course, this isn't news to Coloradans, but it's still nice to show off to our out-of-town guests," said Rep. Scanlan.

Posted 06-04-09

DHS Announces Guidance for More than $500 Million in Recovery Act-Funded Preparedness Grants

May 29, 2009 – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released application guidance for more than $500 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preparedness grants for fire station construction, port and transit security—funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“These Recovery Act funds will strengthen our economy while improving our ability to prepare for terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies,” said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. “The grants announced today will go directly to local projects, revitalizing communities while updating our nation’s infrastructure and enhancing our security.”

The guidance released today includes $150 million for the Port Security Grant Program, $150 million for the Transit Security Grant Program and $210 million for the Fire Station Construction Grant Program. Signed into law by the President on Feb. 17, ARRA committed more than $3 billion to DHS and GSA in support of homeland security programs across the country.

The Port Security Grant Program provides $150 million to protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism; enhance maritime domain awareness and risk management capabilities to protect against improvised explosive devices and other non-conventional weapons; and support the implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).  These funds are in addition to the $388.6 million in DHS port security grants announced in April 2009.

The Transit Security Grant Program provides $150 million to hire transit law enforcement officers, mobile explosive detection screening teams, and anti-terrorism teams; shovel-ready anti-terrorism security enhancements that must begin within 90 days of the release of funds and be completed within two years; and other security projects, including improvements to high-density tunnels, stations and bridges. These funds are in addition to the $388.6 million in DHS transit security grants announced in April 2009.

The Fire Station Construction Grant Program will provide $210 million directly to fire departments to build new or modify existing fire stations in order to enhance response capabilities and protect communities from fire-related hazards. These grants will replace unsafe or uninhabitable structures and expand fire protection coverage to meet increased service demand in compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards. These fire grants are in addition to the $565 million in Assistance to Firefighters grants announced earlier this year.

Applications for the Port Security Grant Program and Transit Security Grant Program will be submitted electronically to DHS-FEMA through www.grants.gov. Applications for the Fire Station Construction Grant Program will be submitted electronically at https://portal.fema.gov.

Full guidance and more information on preparedness grant programs can be found at www.dhs.gov.

Posted 05-29-09

2nd Annual Firefighter Appreciation Night

at Coors Field

to benefit the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Saturday, September 5th, 6:10 PM
Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
 

"Come out and enjoy a night at the ballpark while at the same time paying homage and raising funds for the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation."

Choose either $38 Outfield Box Tickets - $20 of that going towards the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation or $20 Upper Reserved Infield Tickets - $9 of that going towards the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

To order tickets click on this link: Firefighter Appreciation Night, Saturday, September 5, 6:10 PM vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

NOTE: To purchase tickets you first choose the number of tickets. Then, you must select both the game button AND the fundraiser button for the desired seating level.

For questions or orders of 25 or more please contact Jason Regan at 303-312-2227 or Email to reganj@coloradorockies.com. 

Posted 05-20-09

LOUISVILLE (May 19, 2009) - Gov. Bill Ritter today proclaimed this Emergency Medical Services Week and signed into law three bills that will improve public safety, save lives and help create new jobs all across Colorado.

"There is no more important public service than protecting people and saving lives," Gov. Ritter said during a signing ceremony at a Louisville fire station. "To the thousands of emergency medical personnel, firefighters and law officers who work on the front lines every day, you have my deepest gratitude. The bills I am signing into law today will reduce emergency response times, create new jobs, and most importantly save lives."

Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Sen. John Morse and Rep. Cherilyn Peniston, will increase grant funding for emergency services so that local and county agencies can maintain their equipment and keep their doors open. The additional funds could translate into more than 100 new jobs.

"This bill deals with two very important issues we were faced with this session: economic development and public safety, and it focuses on those issues in the important rural parts of the state," said Senate Majority Leader Morse. "We will see more than 100 new jobs in much-needed areas of the state and we will cut down response times for people in emergencies. We need to get people to work and we need to make sure every single Coloradan is safe and protected. This bill will help do just that."

House Bill 1275, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Apuan and Sen. Morse, streamlines the process for EMT certification, creating good jobs and reducing the number of emergency personnel vacancies throughout Colorado, especially in rural communities. It will shorten the current long wait times to process out-of-state candidates, filling vacancies faster and ensuring safety for everyone.

"This bill is going to create more than 100 jobs in areas of the state that need those jobs and the additional emergency services personnel the most," Rep. Apuan said. "Ensuring we fill all our EMT jobs will also cut down response times for Coloradans during emergencies. We need to get people to work and we need to make sure every single Coloradan is safe and protected, and that's what this bill does."

House Bill 1100, sponsored by Rep. Debbie Benefield and Sen. Lois Tochtrop, creates a new specialty license plate to raise awareness and support for the "Alive at 25" program, which saves lives by teaching young people safe and responsible driving skills.

"Young drivers are involved in too many fatal crashes; more than 6,000 teens are killed every year in car accidents. It doesn't have to be this way," Rep. Benefield said. "This legislation creates the new 'Alive at 25' license plate for those who support the Colorado State Patrol Family Foundation. Alive at 25 is a highly interactive program that teaches young people 16 to 25 that the choices they make on the road have real-world impacts, and real-world consequences. The strategies and skills our kids learn from Alive at 25 will keep them and other Coloradans safe on the road, and ultimately, will help save lives."

Posted 05-19-09

Remembering Colorado’s Fallen Firefighters

On Saturday, May 9, 2009 firefighters from across the state, surviving family members, elected officials and others gathered to remember Colorado firefighters who have died in the line of duty. 

Currently 136 names are engraved on the Memorial to honor those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. One name, Lt. Brion Newkirk from Union Colony Fire Authority in Greeley, Colorado, was added to the Memorial this year.

Lt. Newkirk, 47, died suddenly on February 27, 2009 as a result of an on-the-job injury he sustained while treating an injured citizen of Greeley.  His fire service career spanned more than 27 years.  He was a well respected fire chief at Western Hills Fire Protection District and a thirteen year veteran of the Union Colony Fire Rescue Authority in Greeley, CO. Brion is survived by his wife Sheila, and children, Kristen, Craig, and Kelly.

The Annual Remembrance Ceremony featured a keynote address by Pueblo Fire Chief Christopher Riley, President of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs Association, as well as music from the Colorado Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, and a combined Honor Guard from fire departments across the State.

Chief Riley spoke of the need to not only pay tribute and remember the past heroes, but also to think of the present.  He encouraged those still active in the fire service to make “every effort to not have serious injuries or fatal sacrifices by renewing our commitment and to do everything in our power to improve firefighter safety.”

Download text of Chief Riley’s remarks here.

The Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation

The Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation was established in August of 1990 by a group of interested fire personnel and survivors of fallen firefighters.  The Foundation is dedicated to honoring all firefighters who have lost their lives protecting the lives and property of the people of Colorado.

Each May, Colorado firefighters honor those that have fallen in the line of duty, at the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Memorial located at Belmar Park in Lakewood, Colorado.

Posted 05-10-09

Longtime North Metro Fire Chief Stepping Down

By Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post

May 7, 2009

Posted 05-07-09

Sen. Brown, Rep. Perlmutter Introduce the Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2009

Companion Bills Designed to Prevent Firefighter Fatalities

March 16, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) today introduced the Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2009. This legislation would determine the extent to which fire departments comply with consensus safety standards to reduce the number of avoidable deaths among firefighters. The legislation would further convene a task force to make recommendations to increase such compliance.

“Firefighters put their lives on the line everyday to keep our communities, our homes, and our families safe,” Brown said. “This bill is about protecting those who protect us. It’s our duty to do all we can to avoid preventable deaths and minimize injuries.”

“The loss of any firefighter in the line of duty is a tragedy. Even more tragic is a preventable firefighter fatality. Every year our nation loses roughly 100 firefighters in the line of duty, many of which could be prevented by following national voluntary consensus standards. These standards will provide the framework for every fire department to be as efficient and safe as possible,” stated Perlmutter. “Safer firefighters create safer communities.”

“An investment in our firefighters is an investment in the safety of our communities,” said Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.), a cosponsor of the bill and Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. “Every day they rush unquestioningly into the face of danger, which in turn demands constant attention to the best and most up-to-date safety standards.”

“The continued prevalence of avoidable fire fighter fatalities is the most serious problem facing the fire service today,” said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “I applaud Senator Brown and Representative Perlmutter for tackling this problem head-on, and am proud to join with him to ensure that fire fighters nationwide have the tools and resources they need to ensure their safety and the safety of those they protect.”

According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, more than 100 fire fighters die in the line of duty each year, while tens of thousands of additional fire fighters sustain work-related injuries. In 2008, 114 fire fighters died in the line of duty, including six in Ohio and four in Colorado. While the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other groups have developed industry safety standards, they are voluntary in nature and often ignored by fire departments. Brown’s bill would encourage the adoption of national consensus fire fighter safety standards and promote fire department compliance with such standards.

The Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to determine the rate of fire department compliance with standards for safe operations, staffing, training and fitness among career, volunteer, and combination fire departments. DHS would also form a task force of firefighters, fire chiefs, and other individuals to study how to best increase fire department compliance with such standards. This bill would not mandate federal oversight of local fire departments, but instead would explore how the federal government could best promote fire fighter safety standards and assist fire departments with compliance.

Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2009 (S. 602/H.R. 1499)

Title:  A bill to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a survey to determine the level of compliance with national voluntary consensus standards and any barriers to achieving compliance with such standards, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1499 – Introduced March 12, 2009 and assigned to House Science and Technology Committee

S. 602 – Introduced March 16, 2009 and assigned to Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Posted 05-04-09

USFA Urges Continued Vigilance by Firefighters to Avoid Exposure to Carcinogens and Other Toxins

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 30, 2009) – The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has completed its review of a recently released study conducted by the TriData Division of the System Planning Corporation, analyzing firefighter presumptive cancer legislation and attempting to prove or disprove a correlation between firefighting activities and the occurrence of cancer.  While this study is considered thoughtful and well-presented, its results are scientifically inconclusive, and indicate that more expansive study is in order.

Acting United States Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines noted, “The results of this report clearly indicate that more study and analysis is necessary.   It is much too early to abandon presumptive laws and benefits for firefighters who present with cancers. To make such a quantum leap at this point in time may be premature.” 

Added Administrator Gaines, “What is appropriate at this time is continued vigilance on the part of all firefighters to limit their exposure to toxins and known carcinogens by use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), by proper decontamination of PPE and other equipment, and by use of diesel exhaust removal strategies in fire stations throughout our nation.”

As a long time partner of all of the nation’s firefighters and fire service organizations, USFA has regularly and continually supported research efforts, specific training, and other initiatives focusing on firefighter wellness and safety issues.

“As with all truly professional disciplines, the fire service must be willing to support independent third party research and reviews of our profession as well as its actions and approaches,” said Administrator Gaines. “Just as importantly, and like other professions, we must also focus on prevention and mitigation strategies limiting exposure to toxins and carcinogens by firefighters, be they career or volunteer.”

Such strategies can include public education efforts to reduce the occurrence of fires and mitigation strategies that include adequate enforcement of fire and life safety codes. Additional mitigation strategies include the installation of fire sprinkler systems in all types of occupancies, including residences, throughout our nation. 

Future research efforts in the area of firefighter cancer must recognize the myriad dangers faced by firefighters throughout our country, be it asbestos in the older factories of the east, chemical and plating plants in the Midwest, or wildland fires that occur each year throughout the country.

Any future studies must include methodologies to adequately recognize those firefighters who have already experienced legacy exposures, and must include definitive measures of the effectiveness of the improved PPE, decontamination equipment, and diesel exhaust systems placed in service over the past decade.

Those fire departments lacking appropriate equipment to avoid and limit such exposures are encouraged to seek assistance and funds from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program which presently is accepting applications for funds. The AFG Program has already and dramatically improved the safety of firefighters since the program came into existence by valuing such safety initiatives and providing federal funds direct to local fire departments to assist them in such efforts.

USFA stands ready and willing to assist with any new research efforts that can positively impact on firefighter safety and wellness in our nation.

Posted 04-3-09

Posted 04-29-09

Firefighter Cancer Survey - Preliminary Report

On May 17, 2007, House Bill 07-1008, Concerning Workers' Compensation Coverage for Firefighters Who Contract Certain Types of Cancer was enacted into law. HB07-1008 requires that, under the "Workers' Compensation Act of Colorado", if a firefighter contracts cancer of the brain, skin, digestive system, hematological system, or genitourinary system, the condition shall be deemed to have occurred within the course and scope of employment unless a physical examination of such firefighter shows evidence that such condition preexisted employment.

On February 1, 2009 the CSFCA posted an on-line survey is to collect data on the incidence of firefighter cancer in Colorado and the disposition of Workers Compensation Claims.  The Preliminary Report presents the results of this data collection effort through April 11, 2009.  It is important to note that this report only reflects the incidence of firefighter cancer reported through this survey – the actual incidence could be significantly higher than reported.

Summary of Findings

A total of 21 fire departments reported having 27 firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer.  All but one of these firefighters is male and 67% are career firefighters.  The average number of years of service prior to cancer diagnosis reported was 19.  The most prevalent type of cancer reported was cancer of the genitourinary system (44%).  In 56% of the reported cancer cases, the diagnosis was made after the effective date of HB07-1008.

Of the 27 reported cases of firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer, a claim been filed with the Workers Compensation carrier in only 10 instances (37%).  Only one of these claims was filed prior to the effective date of HB07-1008.  At the time of the survey response, 6 of these claims have been denied, 3 were pending determination, and only one has been approved.

On-Going Data Collection Effort

The CSFCA Firefighter Cancer Survey will be an on-going data collection effort in order to collect data on the incidence of firefighter cancer in Colorado and the disposition of Workers Compensation Claims.  A secondary purpose is to exchange contact information between fire chiefs dealing with firefighter cancer issues.  No personally identifying information on firefighters diagnosed with cancer is being collected.

To participate in the survey, click here.

A separate survey should be completed for each firefighter diagnosed with cancer, whether or not the cancer is one of the types covered by HB07-1008.  Please note that this survey instrument is designed for completion by those fire departments that have experienced a firefighter diagnosed with cancer, regardless of when this diagnosis was made.

Questions concerning this report should be directed to Paul L. Cooke, CSFCA Executive Director at paul@colofirechiefs.org or (720) 874-8116.   Please also contact Executive Director Cooke to update “Status of Claim” information for previously submitted surveys.

Download Firefighter Cancer Survey - Preliminary Report here.

Posted 04-11-09

Wildland Fire Chain-of-Command Bill Passes Legislature

April 2, 2009 – Senate Bill 09-020, Concerning the Responsibility for Responding to Wildland Fires, was taken up on Senate Concurrence with House Amendments today.  The Senate concurred with the House Amendments and the Bill was readopted on a vote of 31-1-3.  SB09-020, sponsored by Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) and Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Dillon) is a product of the Interim Committee on Wildfire Issues in Wildland-Urban Interface Areas, which Sen. Gibbs and Rep. Scanlan, respectively, chaired and co-chaired.

In what Sen. Gibbs describes as “probably the most important firefighting Bill that will be brought before the legislature this session”, SB09-020 would create a systematic, proactive approach to the management of wildland fire incidents in Colorado, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity.

SB09-020 is an attempt to modernize the wildland fire statutes that were enacted in the early 1900’s in order to provide a framework for the effective and efficient management of Colorado’s wildland fire problem.  It seeks to answer the question: Who is in charge of wildland fires?

Who is in Charge of Wildland Fires?

This issue has been the subject of discussion for many years and has been the source of both confusion and conflict.   Under existing statutes, both the county sheriff and the fire chief of fire protection districts have responsibilities to fight wildland fires.

·         Colorado statutes give county sheriffs the responsibility for managing forest or prairie fires [§30-10-513, C.R.S.].   The same statute provides that the state forester may assume the duty with concurrence of the sheriff.

·         § 32-1-1002, C.R.S. states that the chief of the fire department in each fire protection district “. . . shall have authority over the supervision of all fires within the district.”

This apparent conflict in the statute was the subject of a formal Attorney General’s Opinion [AGO 01-2, July 23, 2001], which concluded that “the legislature intended to give the fire chiefs authority over fires occurring on private property within their districts.”  And, “in the absence of a fire protection district with a duty to fight fires on private property, this function becomes the responsibility of the sheriff.  Not everyone agrees with this AGO, so the apparent statutory conflict continues.

The purpose of SB09-020 is to “provide statutory clarification regarding the fire protection responsibilities delegated to county sheriffs versus those held by local fire protection districts”, which was a recommendation contained in the 2001 Report of the Governor’s Wildland Urban Interface Working Group.  The bill also encourages planning for wildland fires in all counties and that such planning be conducted cooperatively between the sheriff and the fire chiefs of the county – so everyone that is expected to fight a wildland fire know what their respective responsibilities and liabilities are.  The role of the Colorado State Forest Service, as the lead state agency for wildland firefighting, is also addressed by the Bill.

The “Strike Below” Amendment to SB09-020

When SB09-020 was first heard in Senate Local Government and Energy Committee, Sen. Gibbs requested the Committee pass a “Strike Everything below the Enacting Clause” amendment to the Bill.  Because of the condensed time frames of the interim committee, not all stakeholders were involved in the drafting or review of the draft legislation, and some expressed concerns with the Bill as introduced.  As introduced, the Bill expanded the responsibilities of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) beyond those they currently have, which would have created a fiscal impact on the agency.  It also would have created new responsibilities on County Commissioners, including mandatory planning efforts.

The “Strike Below” amendment was a collaborative effort between the various stakeholders, including the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association (CSFCA), the County Sheriffs Association of Colorado (CSOC), and the CSFS, to address the concerns with the Bill as introduced.  It achieves the same goals, without fiscal impact or creating new unfunded mandates on local government.

SB09-020, As Amended

SB09-020, as amended by the Senate, identifies the legislative intent, defines terms, and describes the basic framework for the planning for, and management of, wildland fire incidents.  This is based on the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which provides a unified approach to incident management; standard command and management structures; and emphasis on preparedness, mutual aid and resource management.  Responsibility for incident management and resource coordination transfers as the complexity of the incident and the need for resources increases.

The general framework, described in Section 1 of the Bill, is:

·         The fire chief of the fire protection district is responsible for all fires, including wildland fires, occurring within the jurisdictional boundaries of the district;

·         In the event a wildland fire exceeds the capability of the district fire chief to manage with his/her own and mutual aid resources, the responsibility for the coordination of fire suppression efforts transfers to the county sheriff;

·         In these instances, the sheriff would appoint a local incident management team to provide the command and control infrastructure required to manage the fire.  The sheriff also assumes financial responsibility for fire fighting efforts on behalf of the county and the authority for the ordering and tracking of resources. 

·         The sheriff is also responsible for the planning for and the coordination of fire suppression efforts of wildfires which occur in unincorporated areas of the county outside the boundaries of a fire protection district.

·         When a wildfire exceeds the capability of the county to control or extinguish, the sheriff shall be responsible for seeking the assistance of the state, by requesting assistance from the Colorado State Forest Service.   The sheriff and the state forester shall enter into agreements concerning the transfer of authority and responsibility for fire suppression, and the retention of responsibilities under a unified command structure.

·         In case of a wildland fires that exceed the capability of the county to control or extinguish, the Colorado State Forest Service may assist the sheriff in controlling or extinguishing such fires, and may assume command of such incidents with the concurrence of the sheriff, under a unified command structure.

·         The Colorado State Forest Service is designated as the lead state agency for wildland fire suppression, and may provide wildland fire management services to other state agencies through memorandum of understanding or other cooperative agreements.  The State Forest Service also maintains agreements with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies for fires that exceed their management capability.

SB09-020, as amended, also encourages the sheriff of each county to develop and update as necessary a wildfire preparedness plan for the unincorporated area of the county in cooperation with any fire district with jurisdiction over any unincorporated area of the county.  It also identifies what such a plan should include.

According to Sen. Gibbs, SB09-020 takes “what is actually being done in some places in Colorado and is working well, and establishes it as the framework for the entire state.”

Now that SB09-020 has now passed both houses of the legislature it will be referred to the Governor for action. 

The ‘Enrolled’ version of SB09-020 may be downloaded here.

Posted 04-02-09

U.S. House Passes Bill to Bolster Wildfire Suppression Efforts

Congressional Quarterly Today
March 26, 2009
 

With wildfires burning through the budgets of public lands agencies each year, the House passed legislation Thursday to create a special fund for firefighting.

The bill, H.R. 1404, which passed 412-3, comes as wildfire costs have grown so fast that they now take up 48 percent of the U.S. Forest Service’s budget. This has squeezed funding for other federal programs, including activities aimed at preventing forest fires.

The bill would set up a special account to fight wildfires. It would be known as the “Flame Fund,” named after the bill’s full title: the Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act.

The amount of money in the fund would be up to appropriators, but the bill calls for at least the average amount federal agencies spent on emergency wildfire suppression over the past five fiscal years.

“Fighting these fires is eroding other non-fire programs and impacting the core mission of the federal land management agencies — turning our Forest Service into the Fire Service,” Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., said when he introduced the bill this month.

Similar legislation passed the House last year but did not come up in the Senate. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., has introduced companion bill this year.

The bill would require the Agriculture and Interior departments to develop wildfire management strategies, and would establish a grant program within each department designed to assist communities in preparing for wildfires. Grants could be used for purchasing firefighting equipment, training programs for local firefighters, education and public awareness regarding wildfires, and development and implementation of community wildfire protection plans.

Posted 03-26-09

Firefighter 'Will Be Badly Missed’

Mike Peters, Greeley Tribune

March 3, 2009

He never passed up an opportunity for a practical joke.

That’s one of the many ways Union Colony Fire Lt. Brion Newkirk will be remembered Wednesday morning when hundreds of firefighters, paramedics and other first-responders are expected to gather and show their love for a friend.

Newkirk was 47 when he collapsed at his Windsor home Friday and was rushed to Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Despite the practical jokes — or maybe because of them — his death has been difficult for his friends and co-workers.

“‘A shock’ is not enough to describe this,” said longtime friend Jason Oster. “He was so respected and was a mentor to so many people. He will be badly missed.”

Newkirk’s funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Union Colony Civic Center in downtown Greeley.

Newkirk began his fire career with the Western Hills Fire Department in 1981, and he was chief when Greeley and Western Hills merged in 1997 to become the Union Colony Fire Protection District.

Fire department spokesman Dale Lyman said Monday that Newkirk was well-respected and had a lot of friends in the fire services. In addition to his fire-fighting job, he also worked part-time for Weld County Paramedic Services, the company that handles ambulance service in Weld County.

At Weld County Paramedic Services, director Dave Bressler said Newkirk was the “kind of guy who would take on the job of helping others for his entire life.”

“He was one of the nicest, most honest people you’d ever meet,” Bressler added about his longtime friend.

The case was especially difficult for the paramedics because they responded to Newkirk’s house in Windsor on Friday evening, and Newkirk’s co-workers rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late.

“It’s really hard when you lose friends who are so young,” Bressler said. “It’s been a hard year, with young people dying early.”

Another paramedic, Ryan Weeks, 30, died suddenly in January. The cause of his death hasn’t yet been determined.

Posted 03-03-09

2009 Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Service

Dear Fellow Firefighters:

The Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation will be sponsoring, on May 9, 2009, a Memorial Service and a  Procession of Fire Apparatus in celebration of the lives of ALL Firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the lives and property of the people in our communities here in Colorado.  We would be honored to have you attend the Memorial Service, as well as bring a fire apparatus to join in on the procession. 

Fire apparatus will gather and stage in a parking lot south of Alameda on Garrison Street in Lakewood on the morning of May 9^th, starting at 9:30 a.m.  There will be staging coordinators on hand to direct your crew.  The apparatus procession will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will head north on Garrison Street to Alameda;  east on Alameda to Allison Parkway;  then, south on Allison Parkway to the end near Belmar Library. 

Parking will be available for attendees not riding on apparatus, in the parking lot just north of the round-about at Allison Parkway and Virginia Avenue, adjacent to the Memorial site.  Honor Guard members riding to the event on apparatus, should be left off at the Memorial site. 

A Memorial Service will follow the parade and will begin at ll:00 a.m.  Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the Memorial for a time of fellowship and support to our families of fallen firefighters.  Dress code for this occasion is your department uniform. 

To confirm your participation, we ask that you contact our Memorial Committee Chair (his contact information is shown at the bottom of the page) with the following information:

1.      Number of apparatus you wish to bring. 

2.      Number of people you wish to bring. 

3.      Will any Honor Guard members from your department be attending?

4.      Who can we list as the contact person for your department?  Their name, telephone number, email address. 

Please confirm your participation to us no later than May 4^th to allow us time to prepare this event. 

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the Memorial. 

John Bliven, Memorial Committee Chair

720-272-5055 (cell) 

dbliven@yahoo.com

Posted 01-31-09

Firefighter Cancer Survey

In May 2007, HB07-1008, “Concerning Workers' Compensation Coverage for Firefighters Who Contract Certain Types of Cancer” was enacted into law.  HB07-1008 requires that, under the "Workers' Compensation Act of Colorado", if a firefighter contracts cancer of the brain, skin, digestive system, hematological system, or genitourinary system, the condition shall be deemed to have occurred within the course and scope of employment unless a physical examination of such firefighter shows evidence that such condition preexisted employment.

The purpose of this survey is to collect data on the incidence of firefighter cancer in Colorado and the disposition of Workers Compensation Claims.  A secondary purpose is to exchange contact information (with permission) between fire chiefs dealing with firefighter cancer issues.  No personally identifying information on firefighters diagnosed with cancer is being collected.

Click here to complete the survey.  Please complete a separate survey for each firefighter diagnosed with cancer, whether or not the cancer is one of the types covered by HB07-1008.

Please note that this will be an on-going data collection effort.

If you have any questions concerning this data collection effort please contact Paul L. Cooke, CSFCA Executive Director at: paul@colofirechiefs.org.

Posted 01-31-09

Application Period Open: Fiscal Year 2008 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

The Department of Homeland Security has posted the FY2008 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants Program Guidance on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Website. The application period is scheduled to begin on February 2, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Applications for these grants must be received by March 6, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The grants are competitive, and their primary goal is to target high-risk populations. Grant awards are made in order to mitigate high incidences of death and injury and to carry out research for improving firefighter safety. Examples of the types of fire prevention projects that are supported by FP&S include smoke alarm installation, fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile fire setter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs. Organizations that are eligible to apply under the research activity should consult the Program Guidance for detailed information on priorities and areas of emphasis.

An applicant tutorial for the fire prevention activity will be available through the www.firegrantsupport.com Website. The tutorial will provide you with valuable grant information and will walk you through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial will provide an overview of the fire prevention funding priorities and evaluation criteria. Applicants who have questions regarding the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants opportunity should contact the help desk as soon as possible at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume, demand, holidays and urgency to complete the FP&S Grants application period and processing for FY08.

The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.

FY08 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants Program Guidance - visit www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/guidance/.
 

FY08 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants FAQs - visit www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/faq/08/.

Posted 01-30-09

Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009 Introduced in Congress

On January 9, 2009, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, legislation granting fire fighters and police officers minimum collective bargaining rights by establishing minimum standards for state collective bargaining laws, was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Dale Kildee (D-MI) and John Duncan (R-TN) as H.R. 413.  The bill was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor.   A companion bill is expected to be reintroduced in the U.S. Senate in the near future.

What Is the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act?

The act would require all state and local governments to collectively bargain with public safety employees'--police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel--by creating a federalized collective bargaining system for public safety officers.

The act would allow the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether a state's collective bargaining arrangements meet the standards as defined by the act.

States and localities must collectively bargain with public safety employees.

·         They must permit bargaining over wages, hours, and all terms and conditions of employment.

·         They must provide a dispute resolution mechanism, such as binding arbitration.

The FLRA will have considerable authority to enforce the act, including:

·         Determining the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation;

·         Conducting hearings and resolving complaints of unfair labor practices; and

·         Supervising or conducting elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a voting majority of the employees.

States would be granted the authority to pass laws more expansive than those the federal government imposed.   However, States would not be allowed to pass narrower laws than those contained in the act.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act in the 110^th Congress

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act introduced as H.R. 980 by Representatives Dale Kildee (D-MI) and John Duncan (R-TN), overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives on July 17, 2007. 

In the Senate, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act was introduced by Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) as S. 2123.  The Senate began consideration of the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act the

Posted 01-26-09

CSFCA Board of Directors for 2009/10 Named

At the January 16, 2009 Board of Directors meeting, CSFCA President Chris Riley nominated and the Board appointed Andy Marsh, Fire Chief of Federal Heights Fire Department to serve as CSFCA Treasurer for 2009/2010.  Mike Morgan, Fire Chief of the Rifle Fire Protection District was appointed to serve as the CSFCA Secretary.

Regional Directors

The existing slate of Regional Directors was re-appointed to serve the 2009/2010 term of office.  The CSFCA Regional Directors are:

Northeast Region – Warren Jones, Fire Chief, Evans Fire Department
Northwest Region – Bob Struble, Fire Chief, Steamboat Springs FD

North Central Region – Andrew Marsh, Fire Chief, Federal Heights FD

San Luis Valley Region – Don Chapman, Fire Chief, Alamosa FPD

South Region – Chris Riley, Fire Chief, Pueblo Fire Department
South Central Region – Dave Ury, Fire Chief, Black Forest FPD

Southeast Region – Aaron Eveatt, Fire Chief, La Junta Rural FPD

Southwest Region – Larry Behrens, Fire Chief, Los Pinos FPD

West Region – Bob Pistor, Fire Chief, Montrose Fire Protection District

Section Representatives

The President (or Chairperson) of each of the CSFCA Sections also have a seat on the Board of Directors as the Section Representatives.  The CSFCA Section Representatives are:

Combination Fire Chiefs’ Section – Bruce Mygatt, Fire Chief, Boulder Rural Fire Protection District

Volunteer Chief Officers Section – Don Chapman, Fire Chief, Alamosa County Fire Protection District

Fire Marshals Association – Rob Geislinger, Fire Marshal, South Metro Fire Rescue Authority

Fire Training Officers Association – Kevin Milan, Spec. Ops Captain, South Metro Fire Rescue Authority

Fire & Life Safety Educators – Tracey Taylor, Safety Educator, South Metro Fire Rescue Authority

Colorado Fire Mechanics Association – Gary Aranda, Southwest Adams County Fire Rescue

Denver Metro Fire Chiefs – Andrew Marsh, Fire Chief, Federal Heights Fire Department

Colorado Fire Chaplains Association – Jim Barrington, Chaplain, Windsor/Severance Fire Prot. Dist.

Rounding out the CSFCA Board, in an ex-officio capacity, is the Immediate Past President, Dave Parmley, Fire Chief, Lake Dillon Fire Rescue.

Biographies, photos and contact information for the CSFCA Board of Directors may be found here.  The complete list of the 2009/2010 CSFCA Board of Directors may be downloaded here.

Posted 01-24-09

18^th Annual Fire Leadership Challenge - Call for Presentations

You are invited to submit an abstract to be considered for presentation during the 18^th Annual Fire Leadership Challenge to be held at the Keystone Resort & Conference Center in Keystone, Colorado on December 3-5, 2009.  This is your opportunity to help shape the program by sharing your knowledge and expertise with fire service leaders from around the state and nation.

The Fire Leadership Challenge is Colorado’s premier fire service conference and exhibitor event, and annually brings together more than 400 chief and company officers from across the state and region. 

The Conference Committee is seeking presentations on new ideas and practical solutions to the challenges facing today’s Fire Service, related to this year’s conference theme:

 “Extraordinary Leadership in Turbulent Times”

The theme of FLC ’09 is “Extraordinary Leadership in Turbulent Times”.  In these turbulent times, fire service organizations need extraordinary leadership to maintain the momentum necessary to achieve their vision.  Extraordinary leaders find a way to keep going when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.  This year’s Fire Leadership Challenge brings together many of the industry’s most respected leaders and offers an abundance of learning opportunities on how to go beyond the ordinary and become an extraordinary leader.

Presenting at the Fire Leadership Challenge offers the presenter the opportunity to visit the heart of Colorado’s ski county and showcase their topic to a wide range of fire Service personnel.

If you would like the opportunity to present at the 2009 Fire Leadership Challenge, plenary (general) and concurrent (break-out) session topics are being accepted through February 27, 2009.  All presentation proposals must include the following:

·         Name

·         Title

·         Organization

·         Contact Information

·         Short Biography

·         Presentation Title

·         Presentation Abstract

Presentation proposals should be submitted by Email to: paul@colofirechiefs.org.  The proposal may be contained in the body of the E-mail or as an attachment.  If submitted as an attachment, the proposal should be in MS-Word format.

Call for Presentations Process

Call for Presentation Process Opens: Presentations are accepted January 19, 2009 – February 27, 2009.

Submission Deadline: All presentation proposals must be submitted by close date to be considered.

Acknowledgement: All presentation submissions will be acknowledged via e-mail upon receipt.

Review Period: Proposals will be reviewed by the Fire Leadership Committee and selections of presentations/presenters will be made on or about March 6, 2009. 

Notification:  Presenters selected by the Fire Leadership Committee will be notified no later than March 20, 2009.

Review and Selection Information

Review Criteria:

·         Clarity of Submission

·         Relevance to attendees and session topic

·         Appeal to Conference Attendees

·         Timeliness of topic

·         Original material

·         Contribution of New Ideas and Practices

·         Overall perceived level and quality of session content

·         Completeness of presentation proposal

·         Speaker qualifications, including: previous presentations in topic area, participant evaluations of presenter(s) at previous events (if applicable) and speaking experience of presenter(s)

·         Length of presentation - Submissions should be based on a 90 minute presentation 

·         Sales pitches for products or services submitted as proposals will be eliminated

The Conference Committees reserves to the right to select any - or none - of the submissions. A proposal may be exceptional, but inconsistent with the goals of the Conference Committees, duplicate another session, or prove otherwise not acceptable.

Important Information for Presenters:

·         Plenary sessions are 1-1/2 to 2 hours in length. 

·         Break-out sessions are 1-1/2 hours in length and are typically presented twice; once on Friday and once on Saturday.

·         Prospective presenters may submit multiple topics and/or topics for both plenary and breakout sessions.

·         Panel discussions of two to four panelists or speakers on a particular topic will be considered.

·         Most communication with conference committee and staff will be done by email. Please ensure that we have your current email address at all times.

·         Presenters are provided with hotel accommodations and complementary conference registration, and are reimbursed for travel expenses and meals.  Honorarium and speakers fees are typically not paid (exceptions are made for keynote speakers).

A summary of all previous conferences which includes conference themes, presentation titles/topics, speakers and other historical information may be downloaded from the CSFCA website here.

Examples of potential topics for plenary or break-out sessions include, but are not limited to the following:

·         Labor Management/Collective Bargaining Issues

·         Recruiting, Training, and Maintaining Volunteer Fire Fighters

·         The Transition from Volunteer to Combination Department

·         Combination Fire Department Leadership

·         LODD Reduction: Where Do We Go from Here?

·         The Impact of Sleep Deprivation (48 and 24 Hour Shifts) on Critical Error Rates and Cardiac Health

·         Work Force Planning - Identifying Future Critical Skills Needed for All Levels of Fire Service Personnel

·         Impact of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems in Reducing Fire Related Deaths

·         Use of Outcome-Based Performances Measures in the Fire Service

·         Fire Ground Survival

·         Firefighter Health and Safety

·         Contemporary Fire Service Legal Issues

·         The Challenges of Fire-Based EMS

·         New Approaches to Fire and Life Safety Education / Integrating Life Safety Education into Fire Department Operations

·         Wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface: Emerging Issues

·         Near Miss Case Study and Lessons Learned

·         Major Incident Case Study and Lessons Learned

·         The Fire Service and School Safety - Overcoming Challenges and Creating Success

Topics may be general in nature or may be directed to a specific audience, such as chief fire officers, fire marshals and fire prevention officers, fire safety educators, wildland fire managers, EMS officers, training officers, emergency managers, fire district board members, etc.

Speaker Obligations and Agreements

The Speaker must:

·         Execute agreement acknowledging terms and conditions of invitation to speak at conference.

·         Submit their photo, bio, presentation, handouts, and AV support requirements by the deadline dates.

·         Submit handouts requiring duplication to CSFCA 45 days before the conference (maximum 2 page, double-sided).

·         Work with the Conference Committee members to refine the presentation so that it meets the goals for the session.

·         Check in on-site at Speaker Registration at least one hour prior to the scheduled start of the presentation.

·         During their presentation, provide educational material ONLY and refrain from sales pitches for specific products or services.

·         Allow CSFCA to post copies of your final presentation online after the conference (proprietary information excepted)

Questions concerning this Call for Presentations should be directed in writing to Paul Cooke, CSFCA Executive Director at paul@colofirechiefs.org.

Sincerely,

Dave Parmley, Chair

2009 FLC Conference Committee

Fire Chief, Lake Dillon Fire Rescue

18th Annual Fire Leadership Challenge - Call for Presentations

Posted 01-17-09

New CSFCA President and Vice-President Elected

At the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association, the new CSFCA President and Vice-President were elected and installed.  City of Pueblo Fire Chief Christopher P. Riley, MS, CFO, MIFirE, was installed as President and Deputy Chief Steve Pischke of Mountain View Fire Protection District was installed as Vice-President.

Chief Riley is a 27-year fire service veteran. He began his fire service career in Southern California and worked his way through the ranks to Chief Officer. As a Chief Officer, he has worked in several facets and capacities while overseeing several diverse divisions and programs.  In 2006, he was appointed as Fire Chief with the City of Pueblo Fire Department. 

Chief Riley’s bio may be found here.

Deputy Chief Pischke has been in the fire service for going on 30 years. He began his career with the Littleton Fire Department, where he served for 7+ years and was then Fire Chief of the Silverthorne Fire Protection District for 4 years.  Steve spent his next 10 years with West Adams County FPD/North Metro Fire Rescue, 9 of which as Division Chief of Fire Prevention, before moving on to Mountain View, where he has been for nearly the past 8 years.  Steve is the Immediate Past President of the Metro Denver Fire Chiefs Association.

The President and Vice-President are the only elected officers of the CSFCA and are elected to serve a two-year term.  The appointed officers of the CSFCA are the Secretary and Treasurer, who are nominated by the President and appointed by the Board of Directors.  Once appointed, the Secretary and Treasurer serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors or until the end of the President-elect’s term of office.

The remaining appointed members of the CSFCA Board of Directors are the nine Regional Representatives (Directors).  Regional Representatives are nominated by the President and appointed by the Board of Directors.  Once appointed, the Regional Representatives serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors or until the end of the President-elect’s term of office (Exception:  The President of the Metro Denver Fire Chiefs’ Association serves as the Regional Representative for the North Central Region).

In addition to participating in CSFCA Board meetings (in person or by teleconference), CSFCA Regional Representatives are responsible for:

·         facilitating two-way communications between the CSFCA and its members in the region

·         encouraging the development of county and/or regional fire chiefs associations affiliated with the CSFCA

·         making direct contact with non-member chiefs and departments/districts to solicit membership in the CSFCA

·         encouraging regional participation on CSFCA committees and task groups

·         assisting CSFCA members in the region in addressing local and regional needs

The only requirement to serve as a CSFCA Regional Representative is that the individual is a “regular” member in good standing of the Association.

The appointments of the Secretary and Treasurer and Regional Representatives will occur at the CSFCA Board of Directors meeting on January 16, 2009.  If you are interested in serving as an appointed officer or a Regional Representative on the Board of Directors, please contact Paul Cooke, CSFCA Executive Director at paul@colofirechiefs.org and/or CSFCA President Chris Riley at 719-553-2830 or criley@pueblo.us prior to January 16^th.

Posted 01-07-09

2009 General Assembly Convenes

By Paul L. Cooke, CSFCA Executive Director

The First Regular Session of the Sixty-seventh General Assembly of Colorado convened on Wednesday, January 7, 2009. The Legislature will meet for a constitutionally mandated limit of 120 days, with adjournment sine die occurring no later than midnight on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

The majority and minority legislative leaders delivered their opening-day addresses, setting the tone for the Senate and House of Representatives. In addition to education, transportation and health-care issues, the leaders addressed such other topics as protecting businesses, creating jobs and strengthening the economy.

On Thursday morning, Governor Bill Ritter delivered his State of the State Address.  He called for a bipartisan focus on jobs and the economy to help Colorado weather the worldwide economic crisis.  "In this legislative session, in this tough economy, we'll need to make tough choices, we'll need to collaborate and listen to one another as we chart a Colorado way forward," Gov. Ritter said.

Gov. Ritter said his priorities this session will be on:

·        Strengthening the economy;

·        New Energy Economy;

·        Transportation;

·        Education reform;

·        Health care reform; and

·        Balancing the state budget. Gov. Ritter has directed his  department heads and Budget Director to prepare plans for a 10 percent, or nearly $800 million, reduction through a combination of programmatic cuts, cash-fund transfers and utilizing the state's emergency reserve.

Of the several hundred bills that will cross the desks of lawmakers this session, a number will have fire and life safety implications or will potentially impact local fire departments.  It is for this reason that the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association (CSFCA) follows legislative activity in the General Assembly very closely.

During the session, the CSFCA Executive Director and Legislative Liaison review and analyze bills introduced in the General Assembly to determine if they have implications for the Colorado fire service.  Any bill with potential impact will be referred to the CSFCA Board of Directors for an official position.  All bills of interest to the fire service will be made known to the CSFCA membership by way of legislative updates and the Legislative Page on the Association’s website.

The Association’s success in advancing its legislative agenda and in minimizing the impact from other bills is dependent upon participation.  Several of your peers serve as CSFCA representatives to other allied organizations, such as the Special District’s Association and the Colorado Municipal League.  These individuals help carry our message to these other groups and seek consensus on issues of mutual concern.

How Can You Help?

It is very important that legislators hear from their fire chiefs on issues that affect the Colorado fire service.  For this reason, members will periodically be asked to contact their House or Senate member(s) and express their views on a particular bill.  When asked to contact your legislator, please do so.  Oftentimes, one vote will make the difference between an initiative passing or failing.  Your phone call may be the one that locks in that needed vote.

Also, in order for the CSFCA to effectively represent you on legislative issues, we must have your input.  If you have input on any piece of legislation please contact the Association’s Executive Director or your regional representative on the CSFCA Board of Directors.

Posted 01-12-09

2008 Fire Leadership Challenge Wrap-Up

More than 400 chiefs and other fire officers from Colorado and nine other states gathered at the Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge on December 4-6, 2008 for the 17th Annual Fire Leadership Challenge.

The theme, “Changing Our Culture: Safeguarding Our Most Valuable Asset – Our Firefighters,” provided the opportunity to build upon the findings of the 2007 National Firefighter Life Safety Summit related to the need to change the culture of the fire service if we are to make significant improvements in firefighter health and safety.  Keynote speakers included J. Gordon Routley, Ronny Coleman, and Rocco Forte’.

In addition to the formal educational presentations, the conference provided opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, renewing friendships, and visiting with 70+ vendors that were showcasing the latest products, services, tools and innovations.

The CSFCA is also proud to have partnered with the IAFC to expand our educational opportunities to include 2-1/2 days of education for company officers during the Company Officer Leadership Symposium – Level II which was held as a pre-conference workshop.

A total of 62 individuals participated in the Company Officer Leadership Symposium and learned from some of the recognized leaders in the fire service, including:

·         Gary Briese, FEMA Region VIII Administrator and former Executive Director of IAFC

·         Kelvin J. Cochran, Fire Chief, Atlanta Fire Rescue

·         I. David Daniels, Fire Chief/Emergency Services Administrator, City of Renton, Washington

While we are still in the process of collecting evaluations from participants; however, by most accounts, both the conference and the Company Officer Leadership Symposium scored high marks in terms of the quality of the presentations, content, presenters; and the relevance and usefulness of the information presented.

Many of the conference presentations are available on the CSFCA website here.

The 2008 Annual Meeting of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs Association was held in conjunction with the conference, during which the members heard the presentation “An Overview of NIOSH’s Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program” by Matt E. Bowyer, General Engineer, NIOSH, CDC.  Reports on various programs, projects and initiatives of the CSFCA were also presented and the members recognized Past President Douglas Forsman, who left Union Colony Fire Rescue Authority on August 1, 2008 to assume the position of Fire Chief in Champaign, Illinois.

During the Annual Meeting, the members also elected a new President and Vice-President (see related article) and heard the report of the outgoing CSFCA President. Dave Parmley, Fire Chief of Lake Dillon Fire Rescue.  Chief Parmley’s report may be downloaded from the CSFCA website here.

Other conference proceedings included meetings of the CSFCA Combination Chief Officers Section and CSFCA Volunteer Chief Officers Section.

Planning for the 2009 CSFCA Fire Leadership Challenge in our new venue, Keystone Resort and Conference Center, is already underway and will be in full swing when the FLC Committee meets on January 16^th.  If you have any suggestions concerning the CSFCA Fire Leadership Challenge, including recommendations for future conference presentations or presenters, please send them to Paul Cooke, CSFCA Executive Director at paul@colofirechiefs.org.

Mark your calendars and plan on attending the 18^th Annual Fire Leadership Challenge in Keystone, Colorado on December 3, 4 & 5!

Posted 01-07-09

USFA Releases Provisional 2008 Firefighter Fatality Statistics

EMMITSBURG, MD. – The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announced today there were 114 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States as a result of incidents that occurred in 2008. During this period, there were firefighters lost from 34 states and one from the Virgin Islands. North Carolina experienced the highest number of fatalities (11), while Oregon (9), Pennsylvania (9), California (8), New York (7), Illinois (6), Missouri (6), and Ohio (6) each suffered more than 5 on-duty losses.

"The tragic losses of on-duty firefighters in 2008 are a reminder of the necessary commitment and efforts by firefighters in all fire departments across the United States to focus on and improve our operational safety," United States Fire Administrator Greg Cade said.

"We understand all too well that many of these losses are preventable.  The USFA remains dedicated to continuing our efforts to ensure 2009 is a year where we reduce these losses so that firefighters can return home safely to their families and continue serving their communities."

As the USFA continues to collect and evaluate information regarding the 2008 on-duty firefighter deaths, here are some of the early known facts:

·         Preliminary estimates indicate that heart attacks and strokes were responsible for the deaths of 50 firefighters (43.8%) in 2008. This shows a decrease from 54 of the 118 (45.7%) firefighters in 2007.

·         In 2008, 26 on-duty firefighters died in association with wildland fires.

o        This loss is more than double the 11 wildland firefighter fatalities in 2007.

o        The 2008 toll is also above the annual average of 21 wildland fire-associated fatalities over the past 10 years, 1999-2008.

·         For 2008, 64.9% of all firefighter fatalities occurred while performing emergency duties.

·         Twenty-nine firefighters died in 2008 as the result of vehicle crashes.

o        Fourteen of these deaths involved aircraft crashes.

o        Fifteen firefighters died in motor vehicle crashes.

§         Six firefighters were killed in crashes involving their personal vehicles and three died in water tender (tanker) crashes. These two vehicle types have historically been most often involved in crashes that take the lives of firefighters.

§         Speed and a lack of seat belt use historically contribute to these incidents.

These fatality statistics for 2008 are provisional and subject to change as the USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify the names of firefighters reported to have died on-duty during 2008. The final number of firefighter fatalities will be reported in USFA’s annual firefighter fatality report and is expected to be available by early July.

For additional information on firefighter fatalities, including the annual fatality reports from 1986 through 2007 and the Firefighter Fatality Retrospective Study 1990–2000, please visit the USFA Web site.

Posted 01-07-09

New Year, New Challenges and Opportunities

As we stand at the beginning of 2009, I would like to wish our Colorado fire service family a happy and safe new year.  The CSFCA is fully committed to serving you and your departments. This being said, we have much work ahead of us as we step into a time of many challenges and opportunities.

In terms of challenges, the U.S. economy plunged into a recession much worse then most expected. The current economic and financial situation has impacted us at all governmental levels; national, state, and local.  As fire service leaders, we must continue to look for ways to maintain and improve our levels of service with limited financial resources. Fiscal prudence with limited funds and strategic financial planning will be mission critical to our success.

“Thriving and Striving during difficult times” was a theme we heard at the 2008 IAFC Leadership and Strategic Planning Forum in Washington, DC.  Fire departments from across the nation share the same challenges we are facing in the Colorado Fire Service. One thing is certain-those of us in the Colorado fire service are not alone in terms of these far reaching challenges.

Safety concerns, injuries, and line of duty deaths continue to plague the fire service.  2008 was a tragic year for the Colorado fire service with the loss of four firefighting personnel in the line-of-duty.  The deaths of Captain Shane Stewart of Ault-Pierce, Chief Terry DeVore and Firefighter John Schwartz, Jr. of Olney Springs, and Air Tanker Pilot Gert Marais remind us that each and every day our firefighters are faced with a myriad of hazards and potentially deadly situations. We must be safety driven and focused at all times.

I can think of no better way to honor these fallen brothers then to have a renewed commitment to firefighter safety. The theme of our recent 2008 Leadership Challenge Conference was “Changing our Culture: Safe Guarding our most valuable asset-OUR FIREFIGHTERS.”

During this conference, we had some of the best fire service speakers and instructors in the nation share safety and life saving information.  We heard J. Gordon Routley who lead the investigative review team on the Super Sofa Charleston Tragedy, share lessons learned and tragic events that resulted in the deaths of nine Charleston firefighters. On this point, I challenge all of us as fire service leaders to take these lessons back to our departments and improve life safety for our communities and firefighters.

Changing our culture and improving firefighter safety does not happen automatically and is certainly not accomplished with passivity.  We must be committed to strong leadership along with robust policies and procedures to raise the bar on safety and reducing firefighter injuries and deaths. Policies and training on pre-planning, fire inspections, wellness/fitness, air management, time limits for interior firefighting, mayday, firefighter survival, driver safety, ICS, and RIC are just some of the life safety measures we heard at the conference that need our commitment and focus.  

Another speaker at the conference was fire service icon, Chief Ronny J. Coleman (ret). Chief Coleman did an outstanding job speaking to us on management during turbulent times. He spoke on many commonly shared leadership and management topics that included mentoring, succession planning, and accountability. His nearly 50 years of fire service experience left us with information keys to unlock many doors of opportunity that can improve our departments.

This year’s legislation session will soon begin.  Last year we saw an unprecedented number of fire service legislative bills brought to the State Capital.  The CSFCA will remain committed to improving safety in our communities and departments through the State legislative process.  Your support and active participation in the legislative process is greatly appreciated and critical in terms of success.  

Speaking of challenges during turbulent times, now more then ever we must further develop and strengthen our vital partnerships that include CSFCA/IAFC, career/volunteer firefighters, management/labor, mutual aid, and various state fire service groups. Collaboration and synergizing our resources will only strengthen and improve the Colorado fire service.

Networking has been mentioned and encouraged much in recent times.  Bottom line on this-we need each other!  There have been countless stories told this past year about a simple phone call being made from one CSFCA member to another and finding an answer to the problem they were facing.  I encourage all of us to either offer your expertise or tap into the expertise throughout the CSFCA. This is in essence is what our CSFCA “Members Helping Members Directory” is all about.

Let’s face these challenges with determined optimism to leverage and capitalize on the many opportunities we have to improve ourselves and the communities we serve. We owe those we serve nothing less then our best efforts.

The CSFCA Board of Directors truly appreciates your commitment and support. We wish you and your families a safe and prosperous New Year in 2009.

Respectfully submitted,

Christopher P. Riley, MS, CFO, MIFirE

Fire Chief, City of Pueblo

President, CSFCA

Posted 01/06/09

General Assembly Scheduled to Convene on January 7, 2009
 

The First Regular Session of the Sixty-seventh General Assembly of Colorado is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 10 am. The Legislature will meet for a constitutionally mandated limit of 120 days, with adjournment sine die occurring no later than midnight on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

Of the several hundred bills that will cross the desks of lawmakers this session, a number will have fire and life safety implications or will potentially impact local fire departments.  It is for this reason that the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association (CSFCA) follows legislative activity in the General Assembly very closely.

During the session, the CSFCA Executive Director and Legislative Liaison review and analyze bills introduced in the General Assembly to determine if they have implications for the Colorado fire service.  Any bill with potential impact will be referred to the CSFCA Board of Directors for an official position.  All bills of interest to the fire service will be made known to the CSFCA membership by way of legislative updates and this Legislative Page on the Association’s website.

Please routinely check this website for updates.

Posted 01-05-09

2009 Colorado
Fallen Firefighters

Lt. Brion Newkirk
Union Colony FRA
February 27, 2009

Brett Stearns

Bureau of Land Mgmt

June 26, 2009