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

The following courses are available in 2012 for NFPA Fire Inspector 2.  The program prepares students for taking the NFPA Fire Inspector 2 Certification Exam:

Oakland Community College Crest Center Auburn Hills contact person cindy 248-232-4580

• May 7-May 10

Schoolcraft Community college Radcliff Campus contact person John Smilnak 734-462-4770 ext 6006 or Mary Jane 734-462-4745

• July 9-July 12 or
• November 26-November 29

St Clair Community College Port Huron, contact person Kevin Powers 810-989-5740/ Fred Dargo 810-989-5753 ( This Class goes on Friday from 6pm-10pm and Sat 8am-6pm )

• Fri July 13 Sat July 14
• Fri July 20 Sat July 21

The following are the open courses for NFPA Plan Examiner.  This course will prepare students for the NFPA Plan Examiner Exam for an additional fee.

For registration details please contact the appropriate person listed for each class:

Oakland Community College crest Center Auburn Hill contact person Cindy 248-232-4580

• March 19-March 22

Schoolcraft Community College Radcliff Campus contact person John Smilnak 734-462-4770 ext 6006 or Mary Jane 734-462-4745

• June 11-June 14 or
• October 22-October 25

St Clair Community College Port Huron, contact person Kevin Powers 810-989-5740 /Fred Dargo 810-989-5753 ( This class Fri 6pm-10pm Sat 8am -6pm)

• Fri June 15 Sat June 16
• Fri June 22 Sat June 23

or

• Fri Nov 30 Sat Dec. 1
• Fri Dec 7, Sat Dec 8

 Kalamazoo Valley Community College-M-Tec Contact Marty Myers 269-488-4202

• Augusts 20-August 25

Grand Rapids Fire Department contact person Kevin Schlmeyer 616-889-3676

• December 3-December 6

The following are the open classes for NFPA Fire Inspector I within the State.  For registration details please contact each contact listed below.

Schoolcraft Community College, Radcliff Campus contact person John Smilnak 734-462-4770 ex 6006 or Mary Jane 734-462-4745

Second semester offering:

• Mon Sept. 17 Tue Sept. 18 Module 1
• Mon Sept. 24 Tue Sep 25 Module 2
• Mon Oct. 1 Tue Oct. 2 Module 3
• Mon Oct 8 Tue Oct. 9 Module 4
• Mon Oct 15 Tue Oct. 16 Module 5

St. Clair Community College Port Huron contact person Kevin Powers 810-989-5740/Fred Dargo 810-989-5753 (This class goes on Friday from 6pm-10pm Saturday 8am -6pm )

• Fri.. April 13 Sat April 14 module 1
• Fri April 20 Sat April 21 Module 2
• Fri April 27 Sat April 28 Module 3
• Fri. May 4 Sat May 5 Module 4
• Fri. May 11 Sat. May 12 Module 5

Second semester offering, fall 2012

• Fri, Oct 12 Sat. Oct 13 Module 1
• Fri Oct 19 Sat Oct 20 Module 2
• Fri. Oct 26 Sat. Oct 27 Module 3
• Fri Nov 2 Sat Nov 3 Module 4
• Fri Nov 9 Sat Nov 10 Module 5

Harrison Township Fire Department Fire Chief Mike Lopez 586-557-6179

• May 7-May 11 and  May 14-18 2012

Mott Community College, Fire Inspector I starts September 6, 2012  on the Southern Lakes Branch Campus.  Class runs each Thursday night from 6pm -9:55 pm until December 13th.  Contact Dennis Smith dssmithenterprises@att.net

• Thursday Nights From September 6, 2012-December 13th.

Uponor and Grand Rapids Fire to Host Sprinkler Class

Become an Uponor-trained Installer for AquaSAFE™ NFPA 13D Multipurpose Fire Sprinkler Systems. The Uponor AquaSAFE Fire Safety Level 1 training teaches participants about multipurpose fire sprinkler system components, as well as design and installation techniques and troubleshooting.

After receiving Level 1 certification, attendees will be ready for Level 2 — free jobsite installation training.  For those that do not wish to attain Level 1 certification but are interested in learning about AquaSAFE, simply check the “Level 1 Class Only” on the attached form.

Training Registration Form

14th Annual Michigan Fire Inspectors Society Winter Educational Seminar February 7-8, 2012

Tuesday, February 7 7:30 am Registration – coffee and pastries provided

• 8:30 am Welcome NFPA 1124 Guy Colonna – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (Download the presentation)
• 9:45 am Break
• 11:30 am-1:00pm Lunch – on your own
• 1:00 pm Panel Discussion of State, Local AHJs on Fireworks
• 2:15 pm Break 4:00 pm Adjourn
• 4:00 pm-6:30pm Reception with the Legislature – Kellogg Center – Red Cedar Room Please contact your local Representative and Senator and invite them to stop by

Wednesday, February 8 7:30 am Registration – coffee and pastries provided

• 8:30 am Electric Vehicle Safety for Emergency Responders Andrew Klock – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• 9:45 am Break
• 11:30 am-1:00pm Lunch – on your own
• 1:00 pm Evacuation Planning Mike Larabel – Amway Corporation (Best Way Out Power Point)
• 3:00 pm Adjourn Continuing Education Points:

There will be 11 continuing education points for the entire program. In order to receive these points, attendance forms will be collected at the end of each session.

Download the Registration For for the MFIS Winter Conference

February 28-29, 2012 Annual Juvenile Firesetter Seminar

Conference Cost: $145.00 after February 15th $ 165.00

 Tuesday – February 28, 2012 

• 7:00am – 8:00am Registration
• 8:00am – 8:15am MAPC Orientation- Overview James LaBuhn
• 8:15am – 10:00am Update on National Trends in Youth Firesetting Prevention & Intervention Panel Discussion
• 10-Noon Forensic Interviewing – Juveniles Julie Welch, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan
• 12:00pm – 1:00pm LUNCH
• 1:00pm – 5:00pm Forensic IT & Juvenile Firesetting Investigator Jerry Derosia, Oakland County Computer Crime Unit
• 5:00pm – 7:00pm ICBREAKER

Wednesday – February 29, 2012

• 8:00am – 10:00 am Complex Cases in Youth Firesetting Strategies to Engage School & Community Mental Health Personnel Jereme Vandenheuel
• 10:00pm – Noon Strategies & Applications from Eliciting Accurate Disclosures from Juveniles Dr. Kyle Scherr, Central Michigan University
• Noon – 1:00pm Lunch
• 1:00pm – 3:00pm Arson & Fire Laws Related to Juvenile Firesetting: Collaborating with the Prosecutor to Build a JFS Case Jessica Cooper, Oakland County Prosecutor
• 3:00pm – 5:00pm No Fear Zone: Role of Scare Tactics in Prevention Education Karla Klas, UM Trauma Burn Center

Registration Form

Prestigious Awards Given to Four Well Deserving Members and New Board Takes the Oath

On Thursday September 15, 2011 the Michigan Fire Inspector Society honored four deserving members with the highest awards in the State.  Michigan Fire Inspector Society president Kevin Abbassee presented the awards at the Societies annual banquet and dinner as part of the 62nd annual educational seminar.

John Hagar, Fire Marshal with the Taylor Fire Department was presented with the Fire Inspector of the Year award.  Fire Marshal Hager has demonstrated the power of consistent fire inspection and diligent fire investigation skills with his department.  Fire Marshal Hager has also aided the society with his efforts in the 2010 Calendar project as well as involvement with other boards in the State of Michigan.

Second grade teacher Jodi Scott received the first Teacher of the Year award from the

Michigan Fire Inspector Society on Thursday, September 15. Mrs. Scott was recognized for her dedication and partnership with the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, and the Grand Traverse Risk Watch Coalition, which works to provide a comprehensive unintentional injury prevention program for elementary age students. Mrs. Scott has helped to create a model for the program that has been used to launch additional Risk Watch Programs in her local community and throughout the State of Michigan. During the 2010/2011 school year, one of Mrs. Scott’s students was successful in applying her Risk Watch knowledge as she helped save her friend from choking after receiving a lesson on Choking,Suffocation, and Strangulation Prevention through the American Red Cross.

Jodi Scott teaches at the Blair Elementary School within the Traverse City Area Public Schools, where she has been teaching for 21 years

Board Member Ted Jensen was honored as the Larry Zimmerman, Public Educator of the year for 2011.  Inspector Jensen works for the Grand Rapids fire department and serves as the third year trustee of the MFIS board.

Inspector Jensen has been the chair of the public education committee of the MFIS and has worked to involve the membership in providing resources on public education.  In addition to his activities with MFIS Ted has provided multiple award winning programs for the City of Grand Rapids including multiple spots on local TV channels, bill boards, and other critical relationships with the public of Grand Rapids.

Long Time member and past president of the Michigan Fire Inspector Society Marty Myers received the president’s award.  Marty was awarded for his efforts in the coordination and leading Michigan’s NFPA training series as well as his continued, long time support of the MFIS.  Marty’s efforts include providing mentorship and development of new inspectors as well as leading the Fire Service of Michigan with their efforts at the CFSI hosted in Washington DC.  Marty retired a couple years ago from the Department of Public Safety with the City of Kalamazoo and has maintained his high involvement with the society.

Following the awards, the society welcomed in the new president (Brian Batten) and new board member Michael Bernardin, Fire Marshal with Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority as the 4th year trustee.