Wednesday, June 16, 2010 – Shotgun start 8:30AM SHARP

The Michigan Fire Inspector’s Invite you to attend our Summer Meeting and Golf outing located at Oak Lane Golf Course, Webberville (½ mile north of stoplight).  This annual tradition has been a great network opportunity and has provided a great opportunity for us to support the scholarship fund.

Golf/cart and/or dinner fee includes door prizes and gratuities. Prizes will be determined by the draw.

The format is 18 holes, 4-person scramble. After completion of your round, please turn in your scorecard at the clubhouse. Dinner will be severed beginning, approximately at 1:30 – 2:00 PM.

Remember: A maximum of 2 non-MFIS members will be allowed in each foursome. Anyone wishing to join the MFIS may do so by filling an application form and return it with the summer meeting registration.

• Membership applications can be found here

If you plan to attend, please complete the form below, make checks payable to MICHIGAN FIRE INSPECTORS SOCIETY, and return before June11, 2010 to:

Eastern Michigan Universtiy Credit Union
Kevin Abbasse – MFIS
761 Jenness Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

*** GOLF LIMITED TO 36 TEAMS ***

If you have any questions, please call Kevin Abbasse at 734-732-6269

• Download the registration form

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are offering selected organizations an opportunity to participate in the outing by sponsoring one or more of the 18 holes of the tournament. A Hole Sponsorship requires a $50.00 dollar donation to the MFIS Scholarship Fund, which will, in turn, post a sign on the tee(s). The sign wording will be “THIS HOLE SPONSORED BY (ORGANIZATION NAME)”. The sign will be of professional quality and the lettering sized accordingly.

• Sponsor Opportunities Form

All proceeds, after expenses have been paid, will be donated to the U.M. Burn Trauma Burn Center.

The Michigan State Police, in partnership with the MDCH, EMS & Trauma Systems, and the DLEG, Bureau of Fire Services, invite your participation in a one-day event bringing members of the emergency services community from across Michigan together. The “Emergency Services Day” of training will feature sessions designed to address issues commonly faced by EMS, fire, and law enforcement personnel.

Field personnel and responders, as well as emergency services educators and administrators will benefit from this training. EMS CE credits for all licensure levels will be offered for each session.  The following topics will be covered:

• EMS/Fire/Law Enforcement Operations-This course will identify the differences and similarities between agencies and how each group can more successfully interact with each other on-scene.
• Submerged Vehicle Demonstration – Course will demonstrate a submerged vehicle in the MSP training tank and possible rescue techniques.
• Meth Lab Safety – The course will discuss the signs of a meth lab, the potential hazards and how first responders can avoid injuries.
• Drive Track Demonstration – A drive track instructor will discuss how to safely drive during an emergency response and the liabilities that attach to emergency driving.
• Leadership Course – This course will provide a basic format for leadership skills for emergency services personnel.
• Search and Rescue Demonstration – A canine unit will discuss and demonstrate the proper procedures to conduct a search and rescue mission. This discussion will also review how the canine unit can be of assistance to Emergency Services personnel.

When: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Michigan State Police Training Academy, 7426 N. Canal Road, Lansing MI 48913

Cost: $25.00 (Includes lunch and training material)

Fax completed enrollment form to (517) 322-5600. For more information, contact Marilu Anglebrandt at (517) 636-0464.

Training Registration Form

Leland Gayheart Fire Safety and Prevention Award to the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society

The 2010 Calendar Project has been received an award from the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center.  The Leland Gayheart Fire Safety Prevention Award was recently presented to Fire Marshal / Board Member John Hager from Karla Klas of the University of Michigan.

The award is presented each year to recognize the work of Michigan firefighters and Leland Gayheart, a 23-year-old firefighter who lost his life after a burn injury in 1991.

The award was created to encourage prevention programs by local fire departments. Included is an honorarium, which is awarded annually to the fire department whose innovative efforts have demonstrated a statewide, countywide or citywide impact on prevention and fire safety.

There have been 21,000 calendars distributed to fire departments throughout Michigan and given away. Hager said the $500 cash prize that is part of the award will be used to print more calendars.

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.

• Previous awardees for the Fire Inspector of the Year

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.

• View Previous President Award Winner

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.

Education and Networking at its Best

The MFIS 60th annual education conference is half way done with some outstanding speakers and some great networking opportunities. We know that some of you have missed the conference so here are some highlights and needs from all of our membership.

HB 4026 needs your support, call you representatives and senators today to get their support behind this bill. This bill will assist the BFS in administration of codes.  You can view more information on the bill here.

Sean DeCrane with Cleavand Fire Department gave a keynote address that challenged the MFIS to make a difference by getting into action. BC DeCrane highlighted some simple ways for all of us to make a difference in the local area or nationally.

Classes have included information on Safe Abandonment of Newborns, NFPA 25 Maintenance on Automatic Sprinkler Systems, Lightweight wood truss, and State Rules.  Tuesday night was caped off with a meet and great where members could interact and share best practices as well as meet with State legislators.

Congratulations on the newly elected board that will be sworn in on Thursday Night.  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.  It was truly an honor to see so many of our members run for the board this year.

**Change in Date**

It is time to make your voices heard in Lansing!

Due to the legislative calendar the date for the Awareness day was moved, please change your calender and make a note of it!

On September 10th, we hope you will join the Michigan Fire Services Coalition in Lansing to talk to your legislators about the importance of adequately funding the fire services in Michigan. As discussion continues at the capitol about further reducing revenue sharing we need to let the legislators know about the devastating impacts those cuts will have to the safety of the citizens of Michigan.

There is no cost to members of fire and rescue who’d like to participate.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Michigan State Capitol, Lansing, MI

Schedule:

• 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Registration
• 9:00 – 3:00 p.m. Presentations on the lawn of the capitol, Driving Simulator, Burn Cell, EMS, Hazmat, Tech Rescue, Dive Team
• 9:00 – 1:00 p.m. Visit your Legislators office.
• 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch with Legislators & Staff

Send registration to:

Kelley CawthorneAttn: Melissa Yutzey
208 N. Capitol Ave., 3rd Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
Fax: (517) 371-3207
E-mail: mfsc@mpffu.org

Registration Deadline: September 3, 2009

Fire Service Coalition – Michigan Fire & Rescue Awareness Day Registration Form

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 the Fire Inspector of the Year and the Firemen Larry Zimmerman Public Educator of the year award.  Nominations must be submitted by August 1, 2009 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.

Code Review Committee to Review Proposals

The Code Review Committee tasked with reviewing the 2009 IRC to create the Michigan Residential Code 2009 edition is busy working on many proposed code changes.  The code review committee has scheduled an important meeting on July 22, 2009.  The meeting which is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am will take place at the Michigan Library and Historic Center in Lansing and will hear testimony in response to multiple proposals which have been submitted to remove the residential sprinkler requirements found in the 2009 International Residential Code.

Advocates of residential sprinklers as well as opponents will be present to provide testimony to the review committee.

How can you help?

There are multiple ways to help and provide feedback to the committee and the Bureau of Construction Codes

1. Communicate with your local elected leaders, building official, and community advocates on the benefits of residential sprinklers.  Provide them with the facts on costs and the benefits your community will receive if the future housing stock was provided with a residential sprinkler system.
2. MFIS is encouraging all members to attend the July 22, 2009 meeting and provide testimony on residential sprinklers.  Additional information can be received by emailing MFIS (help@mfis.org) who can also provide information to assist on July 22, 2009.
3. It is our understanding that letters can be transmitted via email (matsumotos@michigan.gov) by July 17, 2009 and treated as testimony for the proposed code changes.  The letters will be transmitted to the code review committee.
4. Your elected leaders, fire department, building officials and community can send letters or resolution to the Construction Code Commission, the Code Review Committee or the Director of Construction Codes (Mr. Irvin Poke).

Mailing Address
Bureau of Construction Codes
Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth
Post Office Box 30254
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Attention Director Irvin Poke,

With the current status of Michigan’s Economy there is no better time to ensure sprinklers are installed in all new homes.  Code Officials came together and voted this important code change into the International Code, lets make sure Michigan does not take it out.

With or without the code language its time to become an advocate and ensure your department is Built for Life.

Safe Cigarettes On the Way to the Governor’s Office

After many years of Michigan’s Fire Service pushing this legislation, it appears it is on the way for signature by the Governors Office.  Today, the house voted 102-6 passing the proposed Senate Bill SB 264.  This bill will save many lives and result in fewer fires caused by careless smoking.

Once the Governor’s Office signs the bill we will let you know.

• View information on SB 264
• View the Coalition for Safe Cigarettes

Jon Nisja receives International Fire Marshals Association Meritorious Service Award

The International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA) presented Jon Nisja with the International Fire Marshals Association Meritorious Service Award today at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Chicago, Ill.

The IFMA Meritorious Service Award, established in 2000, recognizes a member, or members, of the International Fire Marshals Association for notable, significant service to fire safety in keeping with the highest traditions of the IFMA.

Nisja, of Shoreview, Minn., has been an active member of IFMA, NFPA, and the rest of the fire prevention community for many years. He was IFMA president in 2006 and 2007 and served on the IFMA board of directors. Nisja is also a member of the Fire Marshals Association of Minnesota and served as both president and secretary of the association. Along with assisting NFPA in updating the NFPA Fire Inspector Certification Exam, Nisja has served on numerous code and standard committees; including NFPA 1, NFPA/IFC Fire Code Drafting, Northcentral Regional Fire Code Development Committee, and other state committees.

Currently as a supervisor at the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, Nisja oversees Data Management/Systems, Fire Code, Fire Protection, and the Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention/Public Education teams. Nisja, who has dedicated his life to fire protection and education, has also contributed to improving fire code training in fire departments throughout Minnesota.

MFIS Congradulates Joe Nisja on this great accomplishment!