Modification to the State Construction Code Act

House Bill 4561, which would reduce updates to Michigan’s building, electrical, mechanical and other state codes from every three years to every six years, is coming up for a hearing on Thursday, April 26 at 12:30 p.m. in Lansing. The hearing will be in room 110 of the Farnum Building, 123 West Allegan Street, across from the Capitol.

This Bill received approval from the House in December and was forwarded to the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee for consideration.

The members of this committee are:

• Chairman Tory Rocca, R-Sterling Heights (Macomb County)
• Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge (Eaton County)
• Sen. Joe Hune, R-Hamburg (Livingston County)
• Sen. Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive (Ottawa County)
• Sen. Phil Pavlov, R-St. Clair (St. Clair County)
• Sen. Bert Johnston, D-Highland Park (Wayne County)
• Sen. Rebecca Warren, D-Ann Arbor (Washtenaw County)

The MFIS has been monitoring this bill closely and in the past members have testified to the House Committee to encourage them to vote against this bill.  The change would impact our construction cycle and limit the use of technology, improved safety provisions and force us to use antiquated codes in the built environment.

Please contact your legislator or one of the above committee members and advise them you are against this bill and how it will greatly hurt the new construction in Michigan.  The bill will pose a danger to our firefighters by limiting new code changes that are intended for occupant and firefighter safety!   In addition this will have a drastic affect on our ISO ratings and those building departments who are accredited through ISO.

Some resources for you

• HB 4561
• Coalition Web-Site

University of Michigan Straight Talk program has been selected as 1 of only 8 exemplary youth firesetting prevention and intervention programs to be highlighted by the United States Fire Administration for the 2012 Arson Awareness Week “Prevent Youth Firesetting“:

Straight Talk’s long history of success is because of our invaluable partnerships with fire departments, juvenile courts, law enforcement, schools, Michigan Fire Inspectors Society, Michigan Arson Prevention Committee, youth assistance, and other community and social service agencies. We want to acknowledge and extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and commitment of staff from your organization who have been instrumental in supporting the Straight Talk program.

The Michigan Fire Inspector Society is honored for helping support this program, although the University of Michigan and Karla Klass should be committed to helping reduce the impact of fire on our communities.

For more information on the 2012 Arson Awareness Week theme “Prevent Youth Firesetting”: “USFA and its partners will use the week of May 6–12 to focus public attention on the importance of a collaborative effort with fire and emergency service departments, law enforcement, mental health, social services, schools, and juvenile justice to help reduce the occurrence of juveniles engaged with fire.”

Snyder appoints Richard Miller as state fire marshal

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday February 24, 2012 announced the appointment of Richard W. Miller, of Dearborn as state fire marshal.

The state fire marshal leads the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and also serves as a member, or ex-officio member, of the State Fire Safety Board, Fire Fighters Training Council and State Board of Mechanical Rules.

“Richard Miller is a great fit for this post,” said Snyder. “He brings extensive training and more than 30 years of experience, and I am confident he will continue to ensure utmost quality and efficiency when it comes to safeguarding Michigan citizens and property from fire related emergencies.”

Miller has served as Dearborn’s fire chief since 2010. He began his career as a firefighter with the Dearborn Fire Department. He has held several positions with the department, including fire inspector, fire lieutenant, fire captain and senior battalion chief. Miller holds professional certifications for driver’s training, tactical and pump operations, hazardous materials, fire officer I, II and III and others from Michigan’s Fire Fighters Training Council. He has served on the Michigan State Fire Safety Board since August 2011.

He received an associate degree in fire science from Henry Ford Community College, a bachelor’s degree in fire science and occupational safety and health from Madonna University and attended Eastern Michigan University’s School of Fire Staff and Command. Miller replaces Ronald Farr, who resigned in 2011.

Miller will serve at the pleasure of the governor and his appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate

62nd Annual Conference Under Way

The 62nd annual conference is off with a bang.  The first day started off with an somber service of the events of 9/11 and remember those who lost their lives on that horrific day.  The seminar continued with remarks from Vice President Brian Batten, State Fire Marshal Farr, and Public Education Committee Chair Ted Jensen.

The keynote address provided solid motivation from Ray Renoylds, State Fire Marshal from Iowa, followed by updates to NFPA 13D/R by Dana Haagensen, then completed with an expert panel which took Q/A from those in attendance.  The day was caped off with a get acquainted reception with local legislators from the capital.

There is still room for you to join us on Wed, Thursday or Friday.  Please stop by and you can register for the day!

Executive Board is looking for Nominations

The Michigan Fire Inspector society is looking for nominations for the position of four year trustee and awards.

The four year trustee position is an elected position by the general membership and is an integral part of the executive board.  If you are interested in running for the executive board please submit a letter of interest with resume to Secretary Ron Farr (email rrfarr895@aol.com).

In addition we are looking to award deserving members with our highest awards given by the Society.  These include

• Fire Inspector of the Year
• Firemen Larry Zimmerman Public Educator of the year award

Nominations must be submitted by August 1, 2011 to Secretary Ron Farr (email rrfarr895@aol.com).

Nominations for the Fire Inspector of the year should include information on the nominee and include how they have helped MFIS meet our goals.  Nominations for the public educator of the year should demonstrate how education programs have benefited their community and society members.  Nominations should can be submitted on behalf of your department, organization, or personally.  If you have questions about the award program, please contact an executive board member.

The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society gave away 20,000 Fire Prevention Calendar for the year 2010. The calendar was filled with helpful hints/tips and activities for all ages but more importantly, how to protect yourself and family from the dangers of fire! The calendars were distributed throughout the State of Michigan and were a great success. Our success was due to the kind contributions from the business community and individuals. Due to the overwhelming positive impact and response, we’re in the process of designing a 2012 calendar and I’m asking for your help.

The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society will not be selling the calendars for profit, 100% of the monies raised will go directly into the printing of the calendars.

If you would like to be a sponsor or if you would just like to make a donation, please see the attached flyer. If you need any additional information, please contact me at (734) 374-1358 or Brian Batten (Ferndale Fire Department) at (248) 336-4131.

• Donation Form

Congressional Fire Services Brings Nations Leaders to DC

The Michigan Fire Inspector Society with four other state associations are in Washington D.C. this week.  The five delegates (Past President Marty Myers, Secretary / Treasurer Ron Farr, President Kevin Abbassee, Trustees John Hager and Ted Jensen) arrived through out the week as part of the Congressional Fire Services campaign.

The board members have been meeting with staff and legislators to ensure that the voices of Michigan’s fire service is heard.  Working to ensure funding of the AFG grant system, working towards legislation on automatic sprinklers, and other key pieces of legislation.   The group has been working closely with other state organizations for a legislative luncheon that was held on Wednesday with Michigan Legislators.

Tonight the CFSI dinner will take place which will bring many highlights to the weeks activities.  The Michigan Fire Inspector Society has taken an active role under the leadership of Marty Myers since the start of CFSI.

Bill Gage a Captain/Inspector with Brighton Area Fire Authority and a Lieutenant with Van Buren Fire Department passed away on January 13, 2011 at Beaumont Hospital.

Bill was born on December 13, 1959 to William and Patricia Gage. On February 14, 1986, he married the love of his life and his best friend, Tamara Long Gage. Together they celebrated almost 25 years of marriage raising a family, traveling and sharing common interests such as their love of sports. In his words, Bill said “I have lived a full life.” During his 51 short years, he touched many people and his was a life of accomplishment.

Most recently, Bill graduated from the Eastern Michigan University School of Fire Staff and Command. Bill

Bill Inspecting a local Filming Site

was a Captain / Fire Inspector with the Brighton Area Fire Authority and a Lieutenant with the Van Buren Township Fire Department.  Bill was honored to be the 2010 Fire Inspector of the Year by Oakland County Fire Prevention Society.  According to Fire Marshal O’Brian “He was the face of our department to many of our businesses.  He is the only one of our staff that can say he’s been in almost all of our commercial buildings!”

An ardent “Go Blue” fan, Bill graduated from his beloved University of Michigan in 1983 where he played trumpet with the Marching Band and U of M Alumni Band. Bill is past president of the Lions Club serving the Belleville area. A lifelong Belleville resident, Bill graduated from Belleville High School in 1978 where he was a member of the Marching and Jazz Bands. For many years, Bill served as a soccer coach with the Van Buren Soccer Association mentoring area youth. Bill worked as a school teacher and police officer.

Most importantly, Bill was a loving son, brother, husband and father. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Tamara, of Belleville, his sons, Adam of Ypsilanti and Aaron of Howell; Stephanie Upplegger, his future daughter-in-law; his faithful dog Eddie; his parents Bill & Pat Gage of Grand Blanc; his brother Bryan of Hammond, IN and many family, friends and coworkers. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents and Timothy, a brother who passed in 1961.

Viewing will be at the David C. Brown Funeral Home beginning on Sunday, January 16 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Monday, January 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 18 at St. Anthony’s Church in Belleville.  Apparatus and Inspector vehicles should be staged in the parking  lot not later then 10:15 am with a luncheon to follow at the Belleville Moose after the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Bill Gage Inspector Scholarship Fund at the Brighton Area Fire Department.  You can make checks payable to the Brighton Area Fire Authority and indicate in the memo section “Bill Gage Inspector Scholarship” and mail to 615 W. Grand River Ave, Brighton MI 48116.  Bill was a true champion in furthering his education and this program will be started to help Inspectors get the needed training they need.

The family expresses its sincere appreciation to the Brighton Area and Van Buren Township Fire Departments for their generosity and assistance during this difficult time. Bill will be missed by all!

National Fire Protection Association Launches New Campaign

The NFPA launched its new campaign to bring a face to the life saving impact of home fire sprinklers.  The new web-page serves as a resource to building departments, citizens, fire officials and decision makers on the power of home fire sprinklers.

The site is loaded with resources which show the devastating effects that home fires have on people, communities, and responders.

Each year, about 3,000 people in the United States die in home fires, accounting for 80 percent of all fire deaths. By containing fires before they spread, home fire sprinklers protect lives and property. Sprinkler opponents are spreading misleading information and raising false questions about sprinklers in the minds of consumers and municipal bodies. Such tactics of delay and defeat can cost lives.

NFPA is fighting back by sharing research-based information, advocacy tools and now, personal stories of those affected by home fires.

Visit the site and take advantage of these powerful tools.

www.firesprinklerinitiative.org/faces

News form the 61st Annual Educational Conference

During the Annual Business Meeting, (to be held on Wednesday September 15, 2010) the membership will consider possible by-law changes.  The by-laws committee is proposing changes to multiple sections.

Attached are the proposed changes and copies will be made available to the membership during the annual business meeting.  If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact a board member.

• Proposed Changes
• Current By-Laws