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.

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.