MFIS Highlights Outstanding Achievements and Brings in a New Board
The Michigan Fire Inspector’s Society honored several members and guests at the 60th annual awards banquet during the conference this last week. On September 24, 2009 the society handed out its highest awards, awarded its first burn survivor scholarship, and moved new leadership into the board.
The Society honored Fire Marshal Jim Hutchison from Wyoming Fire Department with the Honor of Fire Inspector of the Year. President Norm Hosko noted that Fire Marshal Hutchison had given to the Society over the years serving on our code development committee, administration of the MFIS store, and for outstanding service to the residents and business of Wyoming.
The Firemen Larry, Public Educator of the Year was awarded to Fire Inspector Peter Vlahos of the
Bloomfield Township Fire Department. Over an eight-week span, Peter guides the youngsters in each of 19 second grade classes in the school district through an informative study of a number of hazardous issues including fire and burn prevention, pedestrian safety, poisoning and choking hazards, and bus safety. The course ends with a visit to the Bloomfield Township Fire Department’s Smoke/Safety Trailer. Pete designed the educational program, which is based on the National Fire Protection Agency’s Risk Watch injury prevention program, including utilization of the Safety Smoke House and the Hazard House, in 2005 in collaboration with colleagues, the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center, and the Bloomfield Hills School District. Its aim is to give children and their families the skills and knowledge to create safer homes and communities, and to deal wisely and calmly with emergencies that may occur.
- The Firemen Larry Public Educator of the Year is presented in honor of Fire Marshal Larry Zimmerman. Previous awardees are shown here
The President’s Award was awarded to Fire Marshal Les Rodwell of the Howell Area Fire Authority for his continued passion for the fire service and continued efforts to many organizations over his varied 30 year career. Fire Marshal Rodwell has served the Howell area as a police officer and firefighter for the last thirty years and the last eight as Fire Marshal. He is a past president of the Michigan State Firefighters Association. He serves on the Michigan Fire Service Coalition, the Code Development Committee, the Fire Code Review Committee, and the Planning Committee. He also serves on the Livingston County Fire Chiefs Association as the Secretary Treasurer.
Many members of the Society have worked over the years to create a scholarship program to aid burn survivors in furthering their education. The scholarship program became a reality when it was awarded to Joseph Klumstra as the first recipient of the award. Joseph is a sophomore at Grand Valley State University and a lives in Ada Michigan.
Chief Dave Peterson of the Plainfield Fire Department and President of the Michigan Fire Chief’s Association administered the oath to the new board members. The new board has set ambitious goals to help the society address many of the issues that are confronting the members. The new board will be Michael O’Brian President, Kevin Abbasse Vice President, Ron Farr Secretary / Treasurer, Norm Hosko Past President, Brian Batten First Trustee, John Hager Second Year Trustee, Paul Dove Third Year Trustee, and Michael Evans from the City of Novi was elected to serve as the four year trustee.
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