Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Glen Oaks 30500 W.13 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills

Registration starts at 8am. Class starts 9am

Cost $25 includes continental breakfast, lunch and class

Topics Morning Session

• State Fire Marshal Update
• Overview of Public Act 207
• Plan Review for the State
• School Inspection and School Drills Overview

Speakers: Mick Dingman (Regional Supervisor) and Bill Williams of Michigan Bureau of Fire Services, Fire Marshal Division

Afternoon Class

• Wayne County Health Department After fire notifications and inspections. Temporary Cooking facilities
• Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall information, trends, regulations and how to file a report to CPSC.  Speaker- Becky Barnhart, Investigator, US Consumer Product Safety Commission

To reserve your seat, please contact Colleen Pennington at itscolleen11@gmail.com or 734-320-6682. No later than January 16, 2012.

CE points applied for

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)
• 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
• 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.

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!

The conference is ready to roll out on Tuesday September 14, 2011.  The conference handouts are limited this year and are being made available on-line for download.  Additional handouts will be made available during the week!

Do not forget to invite your local State Representative or State Senator to the Get Aquatined response on Tuesday at 4:15 pm.  On Monday please call or email your legislator and personally invite them to the reception.  Second we are hoping many of you will wear your Class A uniform on Tuesday morning as we remember the events of September 11.

Listed below are the available presentations:

Tuesday, September 13 (UNIFORMS ARE ENCOURAGED FOR OPENING DAY)

• 9:00 am Opening Ceremonies – President’s Welcome – Big Ten Room A
• 9:45 am State Fire Marshal Welcome & Update
• 10:15 am Keynote Address – Ray Reynolds, Iowa State Fire Marshal
• 1:00 pm Update on NFPA 13D/R – Dana Haagensen, Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office (Download Presentation)
• 2:45 pm Moderated Round Table – Open Mic
• 4:15 pm Get Acquainted Reception – Red Cedar AB – Please call and invite your Representative or Senator to this reception

Wednesday, September 14

• 8:30 am UL’s Ventilation Project – Steve Kerber, U.L. – Big Ten Room A Download Handout
• 9:45 am Break – Refreshments provided
• 10:15 am Interacting with the Media – Ron Savage
• 1:00 pm Business Meeting
• 2:15 pm Break – Refreshments provided
• 2:45 pm NFPA 25 – Bernie Arends, National Fire Sprinkler Association (Download Presentation)

Thursday, September 15

• 8:30 am Session Presentations
• Fire Separations (Download Handout)
• Adopting a Fire Code Download The Student Handout

Afternoon Sessions

• Fire Safety in a Weed Facility, Brian Batten (Download Handout)
• Engine Companies do More then Extinguishement (Download Student Handout)
• 5:30 pm Reception – Cash Bar – Big Ten Room B
• 6:30 pm Dinner – Big Ten Room B
• 7:30 pm Installation of Officers / Awards / Door Prizes

Friday, September 16

• 8:30 am Faces of Fire – Amy Acton, Phoenix Society – Auditorium
• 9:45 am The Value of Public Education – Terry Campbell, NFPA Public Education Advisor (Download Presentation Handouts)

Join the Michigan Fire Inspector Society for our 62nd annual Fall Conference.  This course is a must attend for fire inspectors.  The four days of education are booked with critical information that EVERY inspector needs to be successful in today’s challenging work environment.

Due to the the growing response to this conference we are now located in the Big Ten Room A as we have grown too big for the Auditorium!

Register today and reserve your hotel room as space will fill up fast!

If you are looking for session handouts, click here

Tuesday, September 13 (UNIFORMS ARE ENCOURAGED FOR OPENING DAY)

• 9:00 am Opening Ceremonies – President’s Welcome – Big Ten Room A
• 9:45 am State Fire Marshal Welcome & Update
• 10:15 am Keynote Address – Ray Reynolds, Iowa State Fire Marshal
• 1:00 pm Update on NFPA 13D/R – Dana Haagensen, Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office
• 2:45 pm Moderated Round Table – Open Mic
• 4:15 pm Get Acquainted Reception – Red Cedar AB – Please call and invite your Representative or Senator to this reception

Wednesday, September 14

• 7:30 am Registration – Coffee and pastries provided – South Lobby Entrance
• 8:30 am UL’s Ventilation Project – Steve Kerber, U.L. – Big Ten Room A
• 9:45 am Break – Refreshments provided
• 10:15 am Interacting with the Media – Ron Savage
• 1:00 pm Business Meeting
• 2:15 pm Break – Refreshments provided
• 2:45 pm NFPA 25 – Bernie Arends, National Fire Sprinkler Association

Thursday, September 15

• 7:30 am Registration – Coffee and pastries provided – Auditorium
• 8:30 am Session 1 – Workshop Topics 1, 2, 3 offered
• 10:10 am Session 2 – Workshop Topics 1, 2, 3 offered
• 1:00 pm Session 1 – Workshop Topics 4, 5, 6 offered
• 2:40 pm Session 2 – Workshop Topics 4, 5, 6 offered
• 5:30 pm Reception – Cash Bar – Big Ten Room B
• 6:30 pm Dinner – Big Ten Room B
• 7:30 pm Installation of Officers / Awards / Door Prizes

Friday, September 16

• 8:30 am Faces of Fire – Amy Acton, Phoenix Society – Auditorium
• 9:45 am The Value of Public Education – Terry Campbell, NFPA Public Education Advisor

Download the Registration Form Today!

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.