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.

September 22-25, 2009, at the Kellogg Hotel and conference Center

The Michigan Fire Inspector Society is proud to open registration on our 60th annual educational conference.  The program is packed with information for all inspectors and a great chance to learn from experts in the field.  This years conference is packed with updates that are critical for all inspectors and specific educational programs on light weight wood truss, battery systems, maintenance of sprinkler systems, and multiple workshop topics that can be catered to your experience and needs.

The program includes:

Tuesday September 22

• Welcome and update from the State Fire Marshal
• Keynote from Sean DeCrane on involvement in the code process
• Review of the local fire inspectors Authority
• Update on UL Services

Wednesday September 23

• Light weight construction
• Safe delivery of newborns
• NFPA 25
• Business Meeting

Thursday September 24

Attendees can pick 4 classes from the various six possible programs (morning and afternoon sessions).  Programs include

• Battery Safety
• Trends in Public Fire Education
• Sprinkler Calculations
• Large Project Case Studies
• Special Hazard Acceptance Testing
• Smoke Alarms, Photo vs Ionization, Did it Activate

Friday September 25

The final day of the conference is based on the current trend in Michigan.  The program is based on fire safety for the movie set.  As Michigan communities have seen a influx of various film related industries, Michigan’s fire inspectors should be prepared for the fire safety challenges a set can bring.

Download your copy of the form today and get registered!