2008 Convention Chairman - Mark Fry

Joe Bona – Payson City

Drew Rasmussen – Fillmore City

Brent Halladay – State Fire Marshals Office

Monte Curtis – Moab Valley

Lynn Jones – Spanish Fork City

Mr. President, board of directors, and members of the Utah Firemen Association:

We have been working hard with the membership renewals for 2006/2007. Total departments belonging to the association is 132.

At this time, I have received many membership renewals.  I have made an effort to get all of the departments to make sure all of their firefighters are members of the association.

Ending with the June 30, 2007, we have 2,885 members.  So far this year, we have received 618 membership renewals.  Lifetime Memberships is at 217. 

The Offices that will be filled/voted on at this year’s convention: President, 1st Vice President, Second Vice President, five-year Trustee, and Treasurer.  David reminded any department who wished to host the Convention in 2010, to please write to him and request the form for Convention City Proposal.

Everyone was reminded that the next Quarterly Meeting will be held at the Museum on Saturday, October 13, 2007.  The meeting will be held in conjunction with the Fallen Firefighters Memorial and Annual fund raiser/dinner.

Jay D. Westergard reported on the following activities from the Joint Council:

There has not been much activity so far this year with the new fiscal year.  The Joint Council meets every-other month during the summer months. The Fire Caucus meets every month also.  We are anticipating a very active year. 

The Fire Caucus will be meeting in January.  Everyone is encouraged to attend this event.  It is well worth you time to attend this function.  This is a very popular event up on Capital Hill.  Please come and support this function.

Our main concern so far for the up coming Legislative session will be on HB-9, the Cancer Bill.  This is the final year for the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational & Environmental Health study for the cancer bill.  Surveys will be going out to all Full-time firefighters.  This includes all Full-time firefighters that have retired so the hazards during their employment can be recorded.  I’m still not clear why this is going to Full-time only.  The results will effect all firefighter in the state of Utah.  When the new requirements go into effect, more heath physicals will be required for all new hires and firefighters cannot be smokers.

As you know the association made Representative Menlove and Senator Knudson Honorary members at our last Convention.  Senator Knudson could not attend because his wife was quite sick with cancer, so the Association sent him a plant and took his certificate to his home and he and his wife were very honored to receive the certificate and plant.

The Cigarette bill has passed in (17) States. This will be in effect as of July 2008,

The Joint Fire Council also has a web page www.firecouncil.com that will update you on legislation.

Ryan Mellor moved to accept the report of the Representative for the Law & Legislative Committee, seconded by Harold Chadwick

Robert was excused.  Brent Halladay reported that the Prevention Board met on May 8, 2007.  During this meeting approval was given for the Utah Fire & Rescue Academy budget which is just under $2.5 million.  The board does not meet in July.  The board meets every other month. 

The board will meet again on September 11, 2007, they will discuss two major items.  One is about Photo-electric smoke detectors respond more quickly than Ionization smoke detectors and the decision of smoke detectors in general.  Fire Marshal Ron Morris attended a meeting with the National Fire Marshals Association and Utah is one of the first states to address this issue.

The next item is there will be decisions on priorities for the legislative session.  There will be a request for $150k funding from the restricted fund to the Hazmat section be included with the Fire Marshals office and $500k for the new command training center that is located at the UVFC.  This will assist in training need for police, dispatchers, and completing the mobile unit.  This mobile unit will be brought to communities for Incident Command activity.  A $100k will be requested for additional training for rural departments of the state.

The board had (4) members up for re-appointment or appointment this year.  Mark Fabio has agreed to serve one more term, Steve, a building official at Clearfield has also agreed to serve one more term on the board.  Tony Dearden from Millard County has served two terms and has only missed two meetings in eight years.  Three names have been submitted to Governor Huntsman, Frank Park, who is a Tooele County Sheriff, Scott Tory, who is a Deputy Sheriff in Millard County, and Rick Bailey, who is from San Juan County.  The other position that is open is the Citizen at Large, Bill Brass has been nominated to replace Randy Haslam who has served for eight years.  Bill is a retired Assistant Chief from Unified Fire Authority.  Mr. Dennis Strong who is the CEO for Chaparral Fire Protection, and Mr. Denny Defer who is with Cache County School District and is a retired Fire Chief.

Lynn Jones moved to accept the report of the Representative for the State Fire Prevention Board, seconded by Ryan Mellor

David Hammond reported on the following activities from the Museum:

It’s my pleasure to report to you on behalf of the Fire Museum committee. 

There have many visits in the past quarter, we are having more guests coming over from the Larry Miller Sports Park.  This surge of guests is due to the signs on the back and side of the museum.  We have had many people from Canada and other states.  We have had many Cub & Girl Scouts along with school groups.  Among these visitors there has also been a number of class reunions. 

The museum has been invited to participate in the Utah County Fair with a booth. 

We encourage you as you travel the state to meet with the departments, tell them about the Fire Museum and see if they have pictures of their firemen and one of their Auxiliaries that could be displayed in the museum.  If they happen to have an extra banner the museum would like to hang it with the others.

Don’t forget our annual auction/dinner and memorial service that is in conjunction with the October Quarterly Meeting.
On October 13th, the quarterly meeting, memorial, and auction will be held the same day this year.  The Trustees meeting will be at 12:00 noon, the General meeting will be held at 3:00 p.m., the Memorial will begin at 5:00 pm, and the Dinner/Auction will be at 6:00 pm.

A special thanks to all that have helped at the Fire Museum and for the support of everyone. Anyone that could help with working a shift at the museum needs to call: 435-830-6556.

The web-site for the museum is www.utahfiremuseum.com.   The web sight has received some new help from Ron Harris to update the workings.

Harold Chadwick moved to accept the report from the representatives to the Utah Fire Museum, seconded by Jay Westergard passed by all.

R. Wendell Robison reported on the activities of the NVFC.

The standards for NFPA 1971 was rewritten less than a year ago and there is already a request to change this standard. The part that states all Personal Protective Equipment be replaced every ten years is in need of changing.  An officer from New York City is requesting the section on helmets be changed.  He has found there is no evidence of deterioration of helmets over the course of their life.  They have been tested and found to be okay. 

There is a Public Safety Officer benefit program.  This benefit would be a $250k for firefighters being injured on the job. This benefit covers Strokes, Heart Attacks, within 24 hours of performing their duties as a firefighter.  The steps and instructions are listed for applying for this benefit.  This is available on the NVFC Web site.  Wendell would like this information placed on our Web Site. 

Funding for small Fire Departments has been cut.  This is a cost cutting program deemed by the Federal Government. NVFC is demanding that something be done concerning this action. 

Wendell and Brent Marshall were in Washington DC attending NVFC meetings.  They were able to visit each one of the Utah State representatives. 

Wendell and Brent will be attending the next meeting in October.

Senior Trustee Terry McGann reported on the following:

Mark Fry reported the following:

Convention will be held at the Canyon’s Resort.  Everyone needs to get their hotel reservations for convention.  Training will also be included. 

Joe Bona moved to accept the report of the Trustee’s, seconded by Ryan Mellor, passed by all.

None.

Past president Brent Halladay extended his appreciation to Tropic City Firefighters Association for hosting our installation and quarterly meeting.  We all had a great time and we were able to meet with some great friends and enjoy a great dinner.

The Quarterly Meeting was adjourned at 1:06 p.m.

The next Quarterly Meeting will be held in Grantsville at the Museum, on Saturday, October 13, 2007.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Howell, Secretary

2008 Convention Chairman - Mark Fry

Joe Bona – Payson City

Wayne Dow – Tooele City

Brent Halladay – State Fire Marshals Office

Errol Dearden – Fillmore City

Ryan Mellor moved to accept the July 15, 2007 Meeting Minutes, seconded by Terry McGann, passed by all.

Mr. President, board of directors, and members of the Utah Firemen Association:

We have been working hard with the membership renewals for 2006/2007. Total departments belonging to the association is 132.

At this time, I have received many membership renewals.  I have made an effort to get all of the departments to make sure all of their firefighters are members of the association.

So far this year, we have received membership renewals for 64 departments.  Lifetime Memberships is at 245. 

The Offices that will be filled/voted on at this year’s convention: President, 1st Vice President, Second Vice President, five-year Trustee, and Treasurer.  David reminded any department who wished to host the Convention in 2010, to please write to him and request the form for Convention City Proposal.

Everyone was reminded that the next Quarterly Meeting will be held at Grantsville on Saturday, January 12, 2008. 

Jay D. Westergard reported on the following activities from the Joint Council:

There has not been much activity so far this year with the new fiscal year.  The Joint Council meets every-other month during the summer months. The Fire Caucus meets every month also.  We are anticipating another busy year. 

The Fire Caucus will be meeting in February 4, 2008.  Everyone is encouraged to attend this event.  It is well worth you time to attend this function.  This is a very popular event up on Capital Hill.  Please come and support this function.  It is important that your Legislators know who you are.

As you know the association made Representative Menlove and Senator Knudson Honorary members at our last Convention.  Senator Knudson could not attend because his wife was quite sick with cancer, so the Association sent him a plant and took his certificate to his home and he and his wife were very honored to receive the certificate and plant.  He was very pleased by the actions of the Association in his family’s behalf.

Southwest Ambulance will be on the agenda.  Raleigh Bunch stated that Southwest Ambulance position has not changed.  He stated that Paul Patrick and Fire Chief Steve Foote from the State Chiefs Association have been actively discussing this item.  They do not want 911 to be taken out of this process.  This is for the Wasatch front only. 

Frank Heumann is the Chairperson for the Joint Council announced that Ernie Giles, Wasatch County Fire Chief, has volunteered to be the representative for District 5 as a board member of the Join Council of Fire Services Organization. The Council will vote on this item at the next scheduled meeting.

On Fireworks Legislation Ron Morris reported that there was no discussion at the Leagues of Cities and Towns and no permanent regulations will be put in place.

The Wildfire Suppression Insurance Fund for Cities is going to be discussed.  Frank Heumann stated at the Utah State Chief’s Association meeting the discussed making technical amends to the current statue.  The intent is to create a study work group to help research and develop a policy regarding wildland interface response procedures and wildland fire suppression fund.  Tracy Dunford, Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, discussed the wildfire suppression insurance fund for cities.  Tracy stated at the Utah State Chief’s Association meeting they decided to form a study work group comprised of representatives from seven geographical regions.  There will be an assessment associated within each one of the counties agreed to become part of this program.  Some of the counties have opted not to be part of these counties.

The Joint Fire Council also has a web page www.firecouncil.com that will update you on legislation.

Robert reported on the following activities from the State Fire Prevention Board:

The Prevention Board met on September 11, 2007.  There has been a few changes made on the board at this meeting. Tony Dearden, City/County Official and Randy Haslam, Citizen at Large have both served two terms (eight years) which is the limit set by the governor; both were presented with plaques and thanked for the service they have provided.

Rick Bailey, San Juan County Administrator representing the City/County Official and Dennis Strong, President of Chaparral Fire Protection Inc. representing the Citizen at Large position have been appointed to the board to fill the open positions.

Steve Hamblin, representing the Building Official position and Robert Fazzio representing the Licensed Engineer position has been reappointed to serve a second term.  Dick Buehler has been appointed as the new State Forester and Pete Hackford is representing the Labor Commission.

A report was made by Monica Colby with the Fire Marshal’s Office on the issues dealing with ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors.  The findings are that both serve well but the need for dual sensor detectors, both photoelectric and ionization should be installed.  The Fire Marshal’s Office is currently takig an educational approach but anticipate that it will eventually become a code change item.

The board reviewed a draft of the newly created Administrative Rule R710-12, Hazardous Materials Training and Certification, along with comments made from members of the Hazardous Materials Advisory Council.  This rule deals with training for hazardous materials emergency response agencies and rules for certification for persons who provide response services regarding hazardous materials emergencies.

The board also approved additional funding for firefighter training ($300,000), the command center and mobile command center at the faire academy ($500,000) and $13,000 for lease at the fire marshal’s office.

The U of U and BYU have requested that the 2004 edition of NFPA 45, Standard for Fire Protection for Laboratories using chemicals be adopted in the state.  This item is currently under review and will come before the board at a future meeting.

David Hammond reported on the following activities from the Museum:

It’s my pleasure to report to you on behalf of the Fire Museum committee and welcome you to the Museum for this Quarterly meeting, Memorial, and Fund Raiser.

There has be problems with the web site for the Museum and they hope to have it up and running soon.

The Museum is staying very busy.  Many people have requested to use the museum for a meeting place for their families this Christmas Season.  The Museum is book up for this season.  Some people are looking for dates for next year (2009).  People enjoy coming to the museum and showing it off. 
Backdraft magazine is doing an article on the Museum.  Photographers have spent many hours in preparation for this article.  This should be a very good article on the Museum.

A special thanks to all that have helped at the Fire Museum and for the support of everyone. We would like to encourage anyone that could help with working a shift at the museum needs to call: 435-830-6556.

The meeting room at the Museum has had new carpet installed and there is going to be new lighting installed to provide savings in power costs.

The web-site for the museum is www.utahfiremuseum.com.   The web sight has received some new help from Ron Harris to update the workings.

R. Wendell Robison reported on the activities of the NVFC.

A New York lawmaker is urging rigorous federal testing of all PASS devices.  Fifteen firefighters have died nationwide over the past decade when their PASS device failed.  PASS devices have been known to malfunction when wet or when temperatures climb above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.  These two conditions we are exposed to all the time.

Wendell enjoys serving on this committee.  It is very time consuming at times but also has it rewards.

The most recent meeting was held on July 9th and 10th in Portland, Maine.

This meeting was called as a advanced brain storming session for the upcoming rewrite of the NFPA 1971 process.  The committee found that there is a need for widespread education seminars at strategic points across the nation.  This is to inform firefighters of the recent updates that have now been approved as national standards.  A committee has been appointed to bring a draft of their suggestions to the next NFPA 1971 meeting.

A formal complaint was issued on the last rewrite of the 1971 standards regarding helmets.  The complaint was received from the fire service in the state of New York that the helmets should not be included in the ensemble components having a expiration date of 10 years from the date of manufacture.  Their justification is that the helmets do not wear out and pass the most recent testing requirements regardless of date of manufacture.  This item will be studied and brought forth at the next NFPA meeting and further procedures will be discussed.

It was determined that a  new company making fire clothing items does not meet the requirements placed on gloves.  Testing resulted in the melting of the inner most lining that did not meet temperature requirements.  This was an out of country manufacturer and official notice will be sent to this manufacturer stating that they cannot tag their gloves to indicate that it’s and NFPA approved item.

Senior Trustee Terry McGann reported on the following:

Mark Fry reported the following:

Dr. Dennis O Neil from the National Fire Academy will be the guest speaker at 2008 Convention.  The Keynote speaker for the ladies will be Governor Huntsman’s Wife.

The Golf Tournament will be held at the ToHa Golf Club.  A nice coin in commemoration of the 100-year event will be given to all registered attendees at convention.

They are looking to have a rifle, shotgun, and a blackpowder rifle for auction.  They are seeking a count of how many attendees would be interested in a trap shoot.  Anyone interested contact Mark.  There will also be a Fire Ride that will take in all four Fire Districts.

The convention theme is: 100 Years of Progress, Enhanced by Tradition.

Convention will be held at the Canyon’s Resort.  Everyone needs to get their hotel reservations for convention.  Training will also be included. 

Leon Hadley moved to accept the report of the Trustee’s, seconded by Travis Graff, passed by all.

The Firefighters Credit Union has put together a Calendar for 2008.  The Calendar is spotlighting the Museum.  Calendars will be for sale for $2.00 ea. 

None.

The Quarterly Meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.

The next Quarterly Meeting will be held at the new Grantsville Fire Station, on Saturday, January 12, 2008.

Respectfully submitted,