femsa news - fall 2013

Fall 2013 • FEMSA.org 1

FEMSA NewsThe Resource for Public Safety Businesses

Fall 2013

www.FEMSA.org

MEMBER NEWSPages 14-22

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEPage 2

MANUFACTURERS SEEKFINANCIAL STABILITY0

THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT WE DO Page 5

Proud sponsors of this edition of FEMSA News

ALL-HANDS MEETING IN TAMPA

FEMSAANNUAL

MEETING SEPTEMBER 25-28

Schedule on pages 12-13

2 Fall 2013 • FEMSA.org

“I am a strong individualist by personal habit, inheritance, and conviction; but it is a mere matter of common sense to recognize that the State, the community, the citizens acting together, can do a number of things better than if they were left to individual action.” - Theodore Roosevelt

If you take the political genesis out of this quote, it certainly describes much of the people, businesses, and the industry we serve. �is especially includes our trade association and its successes. FEMSA is comprised of members who are exception-ally competitive and �ercely independent, but time and time again our members have proven that they can work together on spe-ci�c projects to improve the industry, and in turn, their own businesses.

�e statistics project(s) remains front and center as the latest example of success when FEMSA members work together. �e gar-ment and footwear members of the PPE caucus have joined together to con�den-tially report delivered units. �ese mem-bers had other avenues to piece together some best guess data on the �re market, but through hard work and acting together, they were able to get signi�cantly improved information to gauge how their businesses were doing against the market. Addition-ally, the entire membership was able to gain insightful trends in the health of our indus-try, and compare that to their own business results.

Members of the water �ow caucus are currently working their own reporting categories in an attempt to revive/cre-ate a meaningful report and assure that all participants are comfortable with what products are being reported. Obvi-ously, the more market segments FEMSA members report will only further inform the participants regarding their business. �e general membership will also gain deeper insight into the health/trends of the industry and their own businesses. Finally, for those who had the good sense to maintain memberships in both FEMSA and FAMA, they are able to gauge not only the large capital expenditures of our industry, but the larger segments of the equipment marketplace too. I ask that you please be supportive and respectful of those member companies that have taken the op-portunity to work together to improve our industry, and those companies that are cur-rently working on a reporting method for their markets segment. Stay tuned as other market segments are coming!

�e old saying goes, “Never mix business and politics,” but the FEMSA/FAMA GAC

absolutely does just that! �e GAC is an-other example of ferociously independent people and companies working together to improve the business environment and funding for �rst responders. John Granby and the FEMSA GAC members put in yeo-men e�orts keeping FEMSA members in-formed, acting as a resource to the other stake-holding organizations, and keeping FEMSA and FAMA on consistent mes-saging to elected o�cials on Capitol Hill. If you see John or one of the GAC mem-bers, please be sure to thank them for their e�orts.

�ese two examples are certainly not the complete list of how FEMSA members work together, but they are probably the most visible. �ink about it … media competi-tors working together to help promote and run a survey to assess end users’ opinions? FEMSA members putting their comments on trade show marketing in a public forum? �e list of projects and events goes on and on. You will probably never �nd a group of FEMSA members sitting around a camp�re holding hands and singing songs, but when this group puts its mind to it, GREAT things happen.

Fall 2013

Official Publication of Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association, Inc.

P.O. Box 147Lynn�eld, MA 01940-0147Phone - 781-334-2771Email - [email protected] - www.femsa.orgTwitter - www.twitter.com/FEMSANewsCopy and Advertising Deadlines:Contact the FEMSA o�ce.

Provided to members as a bene�t of membership. Articles from members are encouraged. FEMSA reserves the right to edit for factual content, brevity and clarity. Articles with product placement and branding will be edited or referred for paid advertising place-ment.

©Copyright 2013, FEMSA, MA (USA)Editors: Karen Burnham, Dan ReeseEditorial Sta�: Mary Murphy-Overmann*Layout and Cover Design: Melinda House**Windmill Hill Consulting, LLC

Thanks to our advertisers:

Annual Meeting Planning Bill Lawson, Committee ChairJanet Wilmoth, Board Liaison

Education Greg Toritto, Committee ChairJanet Wilmoth, Board Liaison

Governmental AffairsJohn Granby, FEMSA GAC Co-ChairRichard Boyes, FEMSA CGC ChairRod Carringer, CGC Board Liaison

InsurancePatrick Hull, Committee ChairGi� Swayne, Board Liaison

Marketing/Internet/Newsletter Joe Skey and Gabe Steinbach, Committee ChairsPaul Andrews, Board Liaison

Membership Joe Porter, Committee ChairDoug Schaumburg, Board Liaison

Nominating Barbara Connolly, Committee ChairJudy Weigand, Board Liaison

Statistics & Research James Long, Committee Chair Dan Reese, Board Liaison

Strategic Planning Executive Committee

Trade Shows / Report CardsKen Nielson, FEMSA Chair

User Information Guide Program Don Welch, Committee ChairBill Van Lent, Board Liaison

Current Active FEMSA Committees:

FEMSA NewsPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

FireRescue and FireFighterNation.com(Issue Sponsors) Fire ChiefFirehouseFireRescue1.comFireShowsRenoJacobs-Weber Insurance

Join Us on LinkedIn!

Dan Reese

Sincerely,

Exhibit Hall Hours Tuesday, October 22Exhibitor Move-in

Wednesday, October 23 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

�ursday, October 249:30 am to 2:00 pm

For information about exhibiting or show updates 1-800-632-7489 www.�reshowsreno.com

Complimentary Expo Pass for FEMSA MembersRegister online at www.�reshowsreno.comPromo Code: FEMSA

Bringing together attendees & exhibitors from 10 Western States

Reno-Sparks Convention Center4590 S. Virginia StreetReno, NV 89502

Host HotelAtlantis Casino Resort Spa3800 S. Virginia StreetReno, NV 895021-800-723-6500Hotel Rate: $59.00+taxes/fees Deluxe Tower Room Group Code: SFIRE13

October 22-24

Promo Code: FEMSA

Co-sponsored byNevada State Fire MarshalNevada State Emergency Response Commission

Co-sponsored by

Sponsoring Associations

FIRE | EMSHAZMAT

AK AZ CA HI ID MT NV OR UT WA

A world class destination at a budget friendly price!


CONTENTS 2013 FEMSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Members

Officers/Executive Committee FEMSA Professional Resources

Ken Nielsen Executive Committee MemberParatech Incorporated(815) [email protected]

Dan Reese President and Newsletter Co-Editor Alexis Fire Equipment (309) 482-6121danr@alexis�re.com

Bill Lawson Vice President PBI Performance Products, Inc.(704) [email protected]

Janet Wilmoth Executive Committee MemberFire Chief Publications(312) 840-8410janet@�rechief.com

Mike Natchipolsky Secretary-Treasurer FireRescue1.com(240) [email protected]

Karen Burnham Administrator and Newsletter Co-Editor(781) [email protected]

David GattonGovernmental A�airs ConsultantDevelopment Initiatives, Inc.(202) [email protected]

Bob Grimaldi Travel PlannerRome Travel Bureau, Inc.(904) [email protected]

James J. JuneauLegal Counsel(972) [email protected]

Melinda HouseSenior Graphic Designer / LayoutWindmill Hill Consulting, LLC(314) [email protected]

Mary Murphy-Overmann Newsletter Co-EditorWindmill Hill Consulting, LLC (314) [email protected]

Gabe Steinbach & Simon Steinbach WebmastersWindmill Hill Consulting, LLC(314) [email protected]

Paul Andrews Paul AndrewsPennWell Marketing Solutions(240) [email protected]

William Van Lent Veridian Limited, Inc.(712) [email protected]

Judith Weigand Amkus, Inc.(630) [email protected]

John Granby LION(937) [email protected]

Doug Schaumburg Casco Industries, Inc.(318) [email protected]

Giff Swayne Past President Holmatro, Inc.(410) 768-9662 [email protected]

Melinda Freeman Kidde Fire Fighting (352) 804-4709melifree@m�.net

Rod Carringer Task Force Tips, Inc.(800) [email protected]

President’s Message2

4 2013 FEMSA Board of Directors

5 Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC)

5 FEMSA Welcomes its Newest Members

10-11 Manufacturers Seek Financial Stability in the New Economy

14-22 Member News

12-13 FEMSA Annual Meeting Schedule

23 2013 Fire Service Events Calendar

Home Days6-8

Thank You, Sponsors!7


By Dave Gatton

When �re�ghters are in the news, it often is a bad sign. With deadly wild�res raging, �oods more promi-

nent, tornadoes two-and-a-half miles wide, and terrorism re-emerging in time-treasured events such as the Boston marathon, �rst responders are making the news because they are America’s �rst response to tragedy and catastrophic events. While we celebrate their tremendous capabilities, and honor their courage and ultimate sacri�ce, we also are mindful that this is a profession that most of the general public would shy away from because of what �re�ghters must confront. �at is why they are “cut from a di�erent cloth.” And so is the industry that provides our nation’s 1.1 million �rst responders with the equipment and apparatus they need.

�is spring over 27 companies and 37 individu-als from FEMSA and FAMA participated in Hill Day and attended over 90 meetings with Congressional o�ces to support the Assistance to Fire�ghters and the SAFER grant programs. �is

summer, Home Days have been held in Con-necticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Ohio where congressional representatives and senators have toured facilities and participated in programs highlighting the importance of how American industries help to supply our �rst responders. All this is done by FEMSA and FAMA members be-cause it is just one way to make sure that �re�ght-ers are well equipped to do the nation’s business.

�ese e�orts make a di�erence. Earlier this sum-mer the House of Representatives passed its Fiscal Year 2014 Department of Homeland Defense appropriations bill, providing $340 million each to the AFG and SAFER programs. �is funding level was a result of an amendment on the House �oor to increase each program by $2.5 million, and exceeds the FY 2013 appropriations level. �e Senate Appropriations Committee has pegged each program to receive $337.5 million, equal to last year’s level. At a time of extreme Federal budgetary pressure, these proposed funding levels are very positive, and the entire Fire Service Coali-tion, including FEMSA and FAMA, have worked hard to make it so.

In addition, both the House and Senate have provided $44 million for the U.S. Fire Adminis-tration and $35.2 million for the Urban Search and Rescue programs, nearly equal to last year’s

numbers and both priorities for FEMSA and FAMA.

Of course, the story does not end there. As Congress reconvenes after Labor Day, it will have only a few legislative days before the end of the current �scal year, September 30th. If they fail to pass individual agency appropriations bills by that date, Congress will likely resort to a Continu-ing Resolution (CR) to fund federal agencies at current levels until permanent bills can be passed. Stay tuned for further developments. We may need you to weigh in one more time for the cause! All this seems so nitty gritty, so small compared to the lofty contributions of the �rst responders themselves. But it is not. What you do as FEMSA and FAMA members helps save lives by ensuring that local departments have the equipment they need when they put their own lives on the line.

So when you participate in Hill Day, or help to organize a Home Day, or invite your congressman to your facility to see your employees make the equipment that saves lives, know that you are part of a great cause that the world envies—Americans protecting each other from whatever tragedies befall them.

Keep up the good work. •

THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT WE DO

A.J. Stone Co. Ltd.Mike Stone, Vice President461 Fairlawn Ave. Toronto, Ontario M5M 1T9 Canada(416) [email protected] • www.ajstone.comA.J. Stone Co. is a dealer/distributor of all �re service products

Bonaventure Fire EquipmentNolan LeBlanc, President162 Industrial Drive Rayne, LA 70578(337) [email protected] • www.bonafire.comBonaventure Fire Equipment is a dealer/distributor

DraegerGreg Sesny, Communication & Sales Marketing for the Fire Service119 Camelot Circle Coraopolis, PA 15108(412) [email protected] • www.draeger.comDraeger is a full line manufacturer of respiratory and detection equip-ment; also manufactures training systems for the �re service market.

EVS Mid-SouthJimmie Smith, VP Sales & Marketing892 Kansas St. Memphis, TN 38106(901) [email protected] • www.evsmidsouth.comEVS Mid-South is a dealer/distributor

K & D PrattKen Rideout, Manager126 Glencoe Drive Mt. Pearl, Netherlands A1N 4P7 Canada(709) [email protected] • www.kdpratt.comK & D Pratt is a dealer/distributor

Shipman’s Fire EquipmentDavid Paige, CEO172 Cross Rd. Waterford, CT 06385(860) [email protected] • www.shipmans.comShipman’s Fire Equipment is a dealer/distributor

FEMSA WELCOMES ITS NEWEST MEMBERS

Member News


Lion Home Days

In February, U.S. Representative Hal Rogers visited Lion’s facilities. Congressman Rog-ers is the House Appropriations chair and his congressional district includes the city of West Liberty, Kentucky. Only one short year ago the area was devastated by a very power-ful EF-3 tornado. Congressman Rogers and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear were in West Liberty to announce major grants to the city and the county for its continued recovery. After announcements were made at the local high school, the congressman and his staff vis-ited the Lion plant. Lion was able to resume manufacturing within a week of the tornado and the congressman thanked the company

for its strong support of the area after such a major natural disaster.

On August 13th, Senator Sherrod Brown visited Lion’s corporate offices in Dayton, Ohio. It was the first time the sen-ator had the oppor-tunity to visit Lion’s offices and he was impressed with the variety of business activities that Lion has developed over the last 100 years. •

Senator Blumenthal and Congressman Courtney Visit KochekBy Doug Bonney

�e small Putnam Industrial Park located in the northeast corner of Connecticut earned attention from members of both Congress and the Sen-ate recently. Speci�cally recognized was Kochek Company, Inc., a manufacturer of specialty �re equipment to US, Canadian, and international buyers. Kochek is an employee-owned business manufacturing a number of �nished �re, indus-trial and irrigation products from raw material. Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Joe Courtney made individual visits within just a few weeks of each other this summer for “Home Day” at Kochek Company. Home Days are events designed to bring �re industry awareness to elect-ed o�cials.

Kochek Company provides many products pur-chased--although not exclusively--with funds granted through the Assistance to Fire�ghters Grant, or AFG, and other government programs. With recent events such as the wild�res in the Midwest and property damage in the billions ev-ery year from �re, the elected o�cials were moti-vated to come see for themselves just what their constituents’ tax dollars are supporting. After a brief education on how the company’s products are used and the technology employed to make them, both Senator Blumenthal and Congress-man Courtney were pleased to learn about the return Kochek provides to the community.

�e senator was impressed with the quality of the products. Monies allocated through federal, state and local programs have a primary focus on sup-plying a need for the safety and protection of life and property; the bene�t, however, is greater than tools, personnel and training. �e resulting sup-port of local jobs, and the businesses of domestic vendors and suppliers became evident while tour-ing the production area. Providing internships through local and regional institutions such as Quinebaug Valley Commuinty College reveals a certain synergy created by the tax dollars passing through this New England manufacturing facil-ity. Both the senator and congressman commend-ed Kochek’s intern program.

Kochek Company has provided products to as-sist in landmark e�orts such as the clean up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the oil �elds of the Persian Gulf War.

Technology utilized in production such as la-sers, automated machining and custom robotics, sparked the interest of both visitors. Kochek’s resi-dent laser technology specialist, Dan Diagneault, provided a quick laser tutorial for the visitors.

Congressman Courtney is part of the Congressio-nal Fire Services Caucus and said his visit to Ko-chek was prompted by the �res in the Midwest, and because of Kochek Company’s reputation.

Senator Blumenthal remarked, “I want to help promote the work you do and this kind of activity. �e products coming out of this company are very high quality. �e �res out in the Midwest, and the prevalence of �res throughout the country is very concerning. I wanted to come and see �rst-hand where the products were made.” •

HOME DAYS

Senator Blumenthal (center) gets a hands-on introduction to products manufactured on site.

Congressman Courtney (left) learns about lasers on the production �oor.

Congressman Rogers (right) discussing the West Liberty, KY Lion facility with John Granby (left) and Russell Collins of Lion.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio

Kochek Interns


FEMSA/FAMA Hospitality Suite PennWellFIRE GROUP

FAMA/FEMSA Friday Banquet®

FEMSA/FAMA Networking®

FEMSA/FAMA Friday Reception

FEMSA/FAMA Business Speaker

FEMSA/FAMA Banquet Open Bar

FOR WEB ONLY

RGB 0.0.0HEX 00.00.00

RGB 136.27.28HEX 88.1B.1C

RGB 0.0.0HEX 00.00.00

FAMA Breakfast

FAMA/FEMSA Round Table®

FEMSA/FAMA Marketing Development

FAMA/FEMSA Conference Signage

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

SPONSORS OF THE

2013 ANNUAL/FALL MEETINGS - TAMPA, FLORIDA

and

And in industry baby news...

SOFIA ROSE SCHLETTBorn 8/14/13, 6 lbs, 8 oz

Proud parents: Eric & Jennifer Schlett


By Janet Wilmoth

One hundred people attended the eighth annual Illinois Fire Service Home Day on June 20, 2013, at the new Homeland Education Security Center located on the campus of the College of Du Page in Glen Ellyn, Ill. �e event was sponsored by the Metropolitan Fire Chief ’s Association of Illinois, which has partnered with FEMSA and FAMA.

Illinois’ Home Day was established to help state and local legislators better understand �rsthand the importance of grant funding in Illinois. �e three-hour event was co-chaired by Chiefs Tom Deegan and Tim Sashko of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs; Paul Darley, president, Darley and Co., and Janet Wilmoth representing FEMSA. In addition to congressional leaders and their sta�ers, also in attendance were 30 Illinois

vendors (employing more than 100,000 Il-linois employees) and more than 60 Illinois �re chiefs.

�e event was held at the college’s $25 mil-lion HEC facility, completed in Q4 2011. It has 66,000 square feet and houses the col-lege’s Criminal Justice, Fire Science/EMS, Police Department and the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. It is one of the few educational institutions to receive a relic from the Twin Towers following September 11, 2001, which is included in a permanent memorial display in the center.

Speakers at the event included Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis, Garry Briese, former FEMA VIII executive director and Don Mobley, FEMA program specialist. �e state �re marshal presented the attend-ees with an update on his residential �re sprinkler campaign for Illinois. Matkaitis

recently �led a new state �re code, the �rst change in 12 years, which would require �re sprinklers in all new single-family homes, including those built within Chicago city limits.

“As far as I’m concerned, everyone in Illi-nois deserves safe housing,” Matkaitis said.

Garry Briese in his keynote speech ad-dressed educating legislators on �re and emergency service issues and, in particular, the value of federal grant funding. Briese stated that the Assistance to Fire Grants funding is scheduled to cease in 2017, and the �re service needs to be prepared to act now to extend that deadline.

Home Day concluded with out�tting the legislative sta�ers in �re�ghter turnout gear and having them enter a smoke-�lled room to experience what it’s like to be a �re�ghter. •

ILLINOIS HOME DAY

Keynote speaker Garry Briese, former FEMA Region VII director and former IAFC Executive Director.

Sta�ers getting ready to enter the smoke-�lled train-ing room.

Illinois FEMSA and FAMA members’ displays in the Training room of the Homeland Education Security Center, College of Du Page, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

CHECK YOUR COMPANY PROFILEDon’t forget to review and update your company profile on the FEMSA website.

Log in with your credentials and

The information you provide ties into the user-friendly Buyer’s Guide on the site.

While you’re logged in, take a look at the documents in the secure area. These are available only to members. There’s also a wealth of archived

newsletters, public resources, international resources and our comprehensive events calendar.

UPDATE YOUR PRODUCT CATEGORIES.


Specialty Insurance forFire Truck and Ambulance Dealers

Emergency Equipment Dealers

Do the right thing... do it well.

Our agency continues to be a front-runner inproviding insurance to the emergency services

industry. We have taken a leadership role inpioneering many coverage types specifically

tailored for emergency services.

Our agency staff has over 400 years combined experience in insurance with 150 years

in the fire service.

W W W . J A C O B S W E B E R . C O MPat HullOwner, AgentCell [email protected]

Rose RudolphSales/Marketing

Cell [email protected]


By Chad Moutraychief economistNational Association of Manufacturers We all remember how uncertain the economy was in 2008, particularly in the aftermath that year of the rescue of Bear Stearns in March and the failure of Lehman Brothers in September. �ere was a sense that the global economic fabric was coming unglued, with �nancial institutions reeling from the hous-ing bubble collapse and credit markets drying up. What followed was the Great Recession, with the manufacturing sector alone losing almost 2.3 million workers between Decem-ber 2007 and December 2009. Since then, manufacturers have added nearly 500,000 employees, and policymakers have passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Con-sumer Protection Act and other reforms with the intent of averting such �nancial collapses in the future.

Manufacturers do not want to see another �-nancial collapse like 2008. �e crisis taught us a number of things. In particular, we learned about the interconnectivity of global markets. We got a reminder of that lesson during the recent European sovereign debt crisis. Central banks around the world, in-cluding the Federal Reserve, rushed to ensure that European banks had enough liquidity to meet their needs. �e fear was that signi�cant European bank failures could lead to another worldwide �nancial panic, bringing down the euro and sending global economies into another severe recession.

All of this puts another onus on policymak-ers. �e Dodd-Frank legislation created theFinancial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), which the treasury secretary chairs. Other voting members include the heads of the following:• Commodity Futures Trading Commission• Comptroller of the Currency• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation• Federal Housing Finance Agency• Federal Reserve Board of Governors• National Credit Union Administration• Securities and Exchange Commission

In essence, the FSOC identi�es possible economic threats that could harm �nancial stability. Its task is a daunting one in that it must recognize risks to the system, some of which might not be obvious. As such, the FSOC needs to escape the groupthink that often takes place among professionals. For instance, not many forecasters predicted the housing bubble collapse or its aftermath, and the FSOC must think outside the box to an-ticipate worst-case scenarios.

Many manufacturers who I interact with are deeply concerned about the future, but un-like the external forces that the FSOC might be looking for, the perceived threats business leaders raise tend to stem from policymak-ers themselves. Manufacturers are concerned about rising U.S. debt levels that come from the federal government spending too much. Indeed, almost 89 percent of manufacturers in the December 2012 National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)/IndustryWeek Survey of Manufacturers reported that the most pressing priority for policymakers was �nding a longterm �scal budget deal, fol-lowed by 82.1 percent responding that policy-makers need to focus on slowing the growth of entitlement spending. With the Congres-sional Budget O�ce (CBO) predicting de�-cits falling and then rising again across the next decade, manufacturers worry about the longterm impacts of debt.

Manufacturers also express concern about monetary policy. Speci�cally, there is curi-osity about how the Federal Reserve plans to end its current “highly accommodative” measures. To a certain extent, some manu-

MANUFACTURERS SEEK FINANCIAL STABILITY IN THE NEW ECONOMY

“INTEREST PAYMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 2013 ARE PROJECTED TO BE $237 BILLION, BUT THAT

IS EXPECTED TO GROW TO $823 BILLION BY FISCAL YEAR 2023.”


facturers share the views of “in�ation hawks,” who fret that maintaining quantitative eas-ing measures for an extended period of time might provoke in�ationary pressures at some point. �ey have concerns about the size of the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet, which has ballooned to $3.3 trillion. In particu-lar, they worry about the “exit strategy” and how the Federal Reserve begins to move out of these positions. Prior to 2008, the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet had never exceeded $1 trillion. �e fear is that moving too quickly could provoke a recession, or conversely, exit-ing too slowly might entertain pricing pres-sures. Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke more or less concurred with these risks in his most recent congressional testi-

mony, even as he advocated continuing the current program.

�is brings us to a discussion of the other “�scal cli�.” Right now, the federal govern-ment has the bene�t of �nancing its debt with historically low interest rates, thanks largely to the Federal Reserve’s policies. According to the CBO, interest payments in �scal year 2013 are projected to be $237 billion, but that is expected to grow to $823 billion by �scal year 2023 as interest rates and debt increase. It is hard to see how such large borrowing costs will not squeeze out spending in other programs down the line. Such knowledge begs for greater �scal discipline, but it also foreshadows heated debates on who will get

what is left of the budget pie. �is breeds only more uncertainty, particularly as it relates to government spending and �scal priorities.

We are de�nitely in uncertain times. Yet, manufacturers need to think long term about their business investments and strate-gic plans. �is is hard to do when there are doubts about where the economy might be headed in the not-so-distant future. Busi-nesses, in general, yearn for greater stability in the economic marketplace. A �ourishing manufacturing sector depends on consistent domestic and worldwide economic growth.

Given the global turbulence over the past few years, businesses need more certainty, not less. Yet, Washington’s policies could de-rail long-term prospects, threaten economic growth and risk our �nancial future. No one wants to see that happen. •

Reprinted with permission of the National Association of Manufacturers

“THE PERCEIVED THREATS BUSINESS LEADERS RAISE TEND TO STEM FROM POLICYMAKERS THEMSELVES.”

PERSONALRESPONSIBILITYCODE1. Fire Fighting and Emergency Response are inherently dangerous activities requiring

proper training in their hazards and the use of extreme caution at all times. 2. It is your responsibility to read and understand any user’s instructions, including

purpose and limitations, provided with any piece of equipment you may be called to use. 3. It is your responsibility to know that you have been properly trained in fire fighting

and/or emergency response and in the use, precautions, and care of any equipment you may be called upon to use.

4. It is your responsibility to be in proper physical condition and to maintain the personal skill level required to operate any equipment you may be called upon to use.

5. It is your responsibility to know your equipment is in operable condition and has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in death, burns or other severe injury.

In 2005, FEMSA published and copyrighted a Personal Responsibility Code (PRC). Through the PRC, members that provide emergency response equipment and ser-vices warn responders of the dangers inherent in their profession and point out that failure to follow the guidelines outlined may result in death, burns or other severe injury. This publication has been endorsed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA), and the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA). Members may order several formats of the PRC or enter into an annual licensing agreement to use the PRC in company literature, on websites, or wherever it best suits the member company. Contact the FEMSA office - [email protected] - for further information on this program.

Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association, Inc.

PO Box 147, Lynnfield, MA 01940 · www.FEMSA.org

© 2012 FEMSA, All Rights Reserved


Welcome to TampaFeatured speakers:

Chief Dennis Compton is a well-known speaker and the author of several books including his latest titled Progressive Leadership Principles, Concepts, and Tools. His previous books include a three-part series titled When in Doubt, Lead, and another titled Mental Aspects of Performance for Firefighters and Fire Officers. He was the co-editor of the third edition of the textbook titled Managing Fire and Rescue Services and currently authors a monthly column for Firehouse Magazine titled Fire Service Politics.

Brian A. Crawford is the fire chief for the City of Plano, Texas. There he leads an all-hazards met-ropolitan firefighting/EMS force of more than 330 members, protecting the city’s 271,000 residents. Previously Crawford served 28 years with the City of Shreveport (LA) working his way through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 2008.

Bruce J. Moeller, PhD. currently serves as Execu-tive Director for Safety & Emergency Services in Pinellas County, Florida. Managing a diverse set of programs for a community of almost 1 million residents, areas of responsibility include 9-1-1, EMS, Fire Administration, Radio and Technology, Emergency Management and Animal Services. Prior to his current role, Moeller served as city manager in Sunrise, Florida for 5 years.

Edward “Loy” Senter Jr. is the fire and EMS chief of the Chesterfield County (VA) Department of Fire and EMS. He leads a combination organization of over 700 members, operating 30 fire/rescue sta-tions, providing all-hazards protection to 320,000 citizens in a 446 square mile area. Prior to his appointment as fire and EMS chief in Chesterfield, Chief Senter served as the fire chief for the City of Norfolk (VA) Fire-Rescue Department where he retired after 27 years of dedicated service.

Bill Webb has served as Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) since 1995. In his capacity as Executive Director, Bill works closely with members of Congress and fire service leaders on developing federal legisla-tion and enhancing federal programs designed to improve the readiness of our nation’s fire and emergency services.

Prior to joining Mid American Group, Michael Booth worked at Ceridian Corporation as Regional Vice President, running sales operations across the Midwest. Throughout his tenure with Cerid-ian, he served as Area Vice President, District Vice President and District Sales Manager. Michael was recognized as Coach of the Year in 2008 and achieved President’s Club recognition 5 years con-secutively. Previously, Michael also held positions at Paycor, All Covered and RH Donnelley.

Jack Uldrich is a renowned global futurist, inde-pendent scholar, sought-after business speaker, and best-selling author. His books include the best-selling, The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business, and the award-winning books, Into the Unknown: Leadership Lessons from Lewis & Clark’s Daring Westward Expedition; and Jump the Curve: 50 Essential Strategies to Help Your Com-pany Stay Ahead of Emerging Technologies.

Lawrence (Larry) Grudzien, JD, LLM is an attor-ney practicing exclusively in the field of employee benefits. He has experience in dealing with quali-fied plans, health and welfare, fringe benefits and executive compensation areas. He has more than 35 years’ experience in employee benefit law. He has extensive practice advising on all aspects of employee benefit law.

Anirban Basu is Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., an economic and policy con-sulting firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Basu is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most recognizable economists, in part because of his consulting work on behalf of numerous clients, including prominent developers, bankers, brokerage houses, energy suppliers and law firms.

Tom Hutchinson is Vice President and Senior Benefits Consultant of Mid American Group (MAG), a leading employee benefits consulting and brokerage company serving clients predominantly headquartered in the greater Chicagoland area. Tom joined MAG in 2002 and has over 30 years of business experience having held marketing and managerial positions with several Fortune 1000 corporations.

Chief John B. Pope, III began his firefighting ca-reer with the City of Collins (MS) Fire Department in November 1996 at the age of 18. A second generation firefighter and chief, Pope had the privilege to work alongside his father, Chief John B. Pope, Jr. for many years prior to his retirement in 2001. Pope strived to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible as a young firefighter, attending every available course he could. His tenacity for training and education enabled him to gain an Associate Instructorship with the Missis-sippi State Fire Academy in 2001.

Did you know the hotel is attached to an outdoor plaza with over 30 restaurants from the Cheese-cake Factory to the world famous Capital Grille? The outdoor seating makes it a nice place to eat and visit friends. For the shoppers in the crowd, there is a giant two-story mall; more than 150 department and retail stores. And, you are 20 min-utes away from the Gulf of Mexico where you have the best beaches and boating in Florida. After your meetings, relax at the pool, the spa, or work out in the large and well-equipped exercise room.

Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel


Arrival Wednesday - September 25, 2013 Location

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm FEMSA Board Lunch Sergio Boardroom

12:30 pm - 3:15 pm FEMSA Board Meeting Sergio Boardroom

3:15 pm Break (FEMSA and FAMA) Sergio Boardroom

3:30 pm - 4 pm Joint FEMSA/FAMA Boards Sergio Boardroom

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm FAMA Board Meeting Sergio Boardroom

Thursday - September 26, 2013 Location

7:30 AM FAMA Board/Committee Chairs Breakfast Sergio Boardroom

8:00 am - 10:00 am FAMA Board/Committee Chairs Meeting Sergio Boardroom

7:30 - 8:30 am FEMSA Member Breakfast Ballroom Foyer

8:30 am - 10:15 am FEMSA Annual Business Meeting Salons A-D Classroom

10:15 am - 10:30 am Break (FEMSA) Ballroom Foyer

10:30 am - 12:00 pm FEMSA Annual Business Meeting Salons A-D Classroom

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch Break FEMSA/FAMA Joint Session

1:00 pm - 2:15 pm Economic Forecast: Anirban Basu Salons A-D Classroom

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm Washington Update: Bill Webb Salons A-D Classroom

3:00 pm - 3:15 pm Break (FEMSA and FAMA) Ballroom Foyer

3:15 pm - 5:00 pm Roundtable Discussion - “Vision 2020, What the Fire Service Will Look Like ” Moderator: Chief (ret.) Dennis Compton - Mesa (AZ) Fire Department and Chairman, NFFF; Panelists: Chief Brian Crawford - City of Plano (TX) Fire-Rescue; Chief John Pope - City of Collins (MS) Fire Department; Chief David Downey - Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue; Chief Edward Senter - Chesterfield County (VA) Department of Fire & EMS; Dr. Bruce Moeller, Exec. Dir., Safety & Emergency Services, Pinellas County, FL

Salons A-D Classroom

5:30 - 6:00 pm FEMSA/FAMA New Attendee Reception La Fuente Courtyard

6:00 - 7:00 pm FEMSA/FAMA Welcome Reception La Fuente Courtyard

Friday - September 27, 2013 Location

7:30 am FAMA Member Breakfast Ballroom Foyer

8:00 am - 10:00 am FAMA Business Meeting Salons A-D Classroom

7:30 am FEMSA Member Breakfast Ballroom Foyer

8:30 am - 10:00 am FEMSA Caucus Groups Salons E-H Rounds

10:00 am - 10:30 am Break (FEMSA and FAMA) Ballroom Foyer

10:30 am - 11:45 am Keynote: “Why the Future of the Fire and Emergency Industry Will Demand Unlearning”: Jack Uldrich


10:30 am - 3:00 pm Spouse Program: Midday Cruise w/lunch around Clearwater Beach Off-site

11:45 am - 1:00 pm Lunch (FEMSA/FAMA Members) La Fuente Courtyard

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Fire Drill: Topics and Moderators: Interschutz 2015 (Bill Kehoe); NFPA Code Process (Ryan Depew); iPad Sales Presentations (Andy Van Sciver); Killer Apps (Kris Kaull); Tradeshow Effectiveness (Paul Andrews); Selling to Chiefs (Mark Light); How to Connect with Your Congressman (Dave Gatton); Staying Fit on the Road (Crosby Grindle); How to Use LinkedIn (Rich Mistkowski)

Salons E-H Rounds

3:00 pm - 3:15 pm Break (FEMSA and FAMA) Ballroom Foyer

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Implementation: Larry Grudzien


4:15 pm - 5:00 pm “Finding, Training, Motivating, and Keeping the Next Generation of Workers”: Michael Booth and Thomas Hutchinson


6:00 - 7:00 pm FEMSA/FAMA Reception La Fuente Courtyard

7:00 - 9:30 pm FEMSA/FAMA Dinner Salons E-H Rounds

Departure Saturday - September 28, 2013

Vision 2020 Event ScheduleHospitality Suite - Open daily 11am to 11pm - Livorno / Marbella


Akron Brass Appoints Two New District Sales Managers

WOOSTER, OH (August 1, 2013) - Akron Brass is pleased to announce the addition of two new district sales managers to its profes-sional sales sta�. With a strong commitment to their customers, the new hires bring years of �re industry knowledge and direct sales experience to the team.

Will Leach will manage the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennes-see. Mr. Leach has over eight years of direct selling focused on technical system

solutions with Smart Power Systems where he excelled in many roles including Product Manager, Southeast Regional Sales Manag-er, and Vice President Sales and Service. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechani-cal Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and served four years as an of-�cer in the United States Air Force.

Steve Lynn will serve customers in the terri-tory of Alaska, Idaho, Mon-tana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. He has over eleven years of direct sell-ing experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Busi-ness Administration from

California State University. Formally with L.N. Curtis & sons headquartered in Oak-land, CA, Mr. Lynn has dedicated his career towards providing the �nest in customer ser-vice and support and is looking forward to continuing this commitment with his Akron Brass customers in the Northwest.

“With the addition of these �rst-class sales representatives, we further strengthen our ability to meet the needs of our customers,” stated Richard Singer, VP of North Ameri-can Sales. “�eir adept sales background and strong customer relationships make them a valuable addition to the Akron Sales Team.”

Bullard Hires National Sales Manager for Emergency Responder Division

CYNTHIANA, KY – Mark T. Smith has joined Bullard as its National Sales Man-ager for the Emergency Responder Division. Smith brings 21 years of sales experience in manufacturing and distribution to Bullard. He is responsible for the company’s sales ef-forts in the U.S. Smith has an MBA from Bellarmine University and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Midway College.

Finley Fire Equipment recently doubled the size of its Northern Ohio Service Fa-cility (NOSF) located in Twinsburg, Ohio. �e NOSF is over 15,000 square feet and is equipped so that their professional ser-vice technicians are capable of performing repairs and maintenance on all �re and emergency vehicles, both in the NOSF and on the road in one of their mobile service vehicles.

A mobile service and lube trailer is new to the Finley Fire Equipment �eet. �is trailer is the �rst of its kind in the �re service in-dustry. �e unit has eight separate modular tanks capable of holding up to 440 gallons for �uid deliveries including oil, antifreeze, grease, DEF, waste oil reclamation, and more.

Mr. Keith Puckett is Finley Fire Equipment’s new Dis-trict 3 Sales Manager. Keith will manage all equipment lines as well as the Rescue Group Division in the state of Kentucky. He will also be

the Assistant Manager for Pierce apparatus sales and will manage individual sales reps in Kentucky. Keith is a former Air Force �re�ghter, was a volunteer �re�ghter for 25 years retiring as Chief in 2012, and was a paid �re�ghter for 7 years. Keith is also a minister and he and his wife Angie have two daughters: Alexis and Brianna.

We’ve grown our team. Recently accepting sales positions at Finley:

Paul Jordan was recently named Finley Fire Equip-ment’s Apparatus Sales-man of the Year for most Pierce apparatus sold. Don Palmer is Equipment Salesman of the Year for highest per capita sales. Richard Browne is Sales-man of the Year for highest total dollar sales.

1 of 1 8/1/13 1:41 PM

1 of 1 8/1/13 1:42 PM

MEMBERS NEWS

Adrian Doleman, KY Travis German, KY

Zack �ayer, KY James Barryman, KY

Nicholas Martin, OH


Fire Chief Magazine and Pierce Manufactur-ing Honor 2013 Career and Volunteer Fire Chiefs of the Year

APPLETON, WIS. (August 16, 2013) – Fire Chief Magazine, part of Penton Me-dia, Inc.’s Public Infrastructure Group, and Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced the 2013 winners of the annual “Fire Chief of the Year” awards. Volunteer Fire Chief Freddy L. Johnson, Sr. of the Stoney Point Volunteer Fire Dept. in Fayetteville, N.C. and career Fire Chief Randy Mirowski of the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority in Loveland, Colo. re-ceived the awards.

Winners (selected by Fire Chief Magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board) are honored for their dedication and leadership in �re and emergency services. Sponsored by Pierce, the 18th annual awards were presented during the opening session at the 2013 Internation-al Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire-Rescue International Exhibits and Confer-ence in Chicago, Ill.

“We recognize and celebrate the achieve-ments of both Chief Randy Mirowski and Chief Freddy Johnson, Sr. as well as the positive impact they’ve had to their depart-ments, communities and the �re service,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation Ex-ecutive Vice President and President, Fire & Emergency. “Pierce is proud to pay tribute to these men for their remarkable accomplish-ments. All of us bene�t from their leader-ship, dedication and integrity.”

Career Fire Chief Honoree – Fire Chief Randy Mirowski of the Loveland Fire Rescue Author-ity in Loveland, Colo.

With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Chief Randy Mirowski began as a �re-�ghter with the Topeka Fire Department. He moved to Loveland Fire Department

where he served as a driver operator and ap-paratus maintenance engineer. Mirowski

then served at the Poudre Fire Authority, where he spent 27 years rising to become a special operations battalion chief. He re-joined Loveland as its �re chief in 2009. Un-der his leadership, Chief Mirowski helped build a collaborative relationship between the City and Rural District which resulted in a combined Fire Rescue Authority with increased sta�ng (from two to three person companies), improved equipment and an ex-panded �re station. Dedicated to education and training, Chief Mirowski is chair of the Board for the Front Range Fire Consortium; an organization to support the training and development needs for the Front Range Fire Rescue Departments. He is a member of the IAFC and the International Associa-tion of Fire�ghters, and is an instructor for the Northern Colorado Fire Consortium. Chief Mirowski’s leadership style and acu-men have inspired his sta� and others to excel. He has authored and co-authored several training programs on leadership, of-�cer training, procedures, operational direc-tives and more. He holds a Master of Arts, Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University; a Bachelor of Science, Technol-ogy, Education and Training from Colorado State University; and an Associates of Ap-plied Science, Fire Science Technology from Aims Community College.

Volunteer Fire Chief Honoree – Fire Chief Freddy L. Johnson, Sr. of the Stoney Point Vol-unteer Fire Dept. in Fayetteville, N.C.

Chief Freddy L. Johnson, Sr. began his volunteer career in the �re service in 1975 and joined the Stoney Point Vol-unteer Fire Department in 1976, where he rose through the ranks until being named

�re chief in 1980. Called “bright, resourceful and driven,” Chief Johnson has led his depart-ment to become the only volunteer �re depart-ment in the world currently accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation Interna-tional. Improvements spearheaded by Chief Johnson resulted in an ISO rating of Class 3, the only volunteer department in North Caro-lina to achieve this rating. He led a $1.1 mil-lion grant project for a regional interoperability voice system, and advocated for a special tax initiative to fund �re and EMS services. Chief Johnson has followed a dual career path with

the United States Army and, after 23 years of honorable service, he retired from the Spe-cial Operations Command in 1996. He next joined the Cumberland County Sheri�’s Of-�ce where he was promoted to captain and placed in charge of 125 detectives. In 2001 Johnson was named the emergency services di-rector at the Hoke County Sheri�’s O�ce & Emergency Management, a position he holds today. Chief Johnson was appointed by the North Carolina State Commissioner of Insur-ance to the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission, and has served as president of the Cumberland County Fire Chief’s Asso-ciation since 1980. He was recognized by the North Carolina Association of Fire Chief’s as its Volunteer Chief of the Year in 2012, and is a recipient of the “Long Leaf Pine”, the high-est honor the state o�ers. He received a B.S. degree from Liberty University and is active in numerous community organizations.

MEDINA, OHIO - August, 2013, Fire-Dex is pleased to announce that Abby Lehman has been promoted to the newly created position of Assistant Marketing Communications Manager.

In her new role, Lehman will be responsible for spearheading Fire-Dex’s advances in communica-tion both internally and externally. In her previ-ous position as Marketing

Coordinator, Lehman was instrumental in multiple product launches, advertising e�orts, and trade shows. As the Assistant Marketing Communications Manager, she will continue to be hands-on with all aspects of Fire-Dex’s marketing e�orts, but will have a stronger involvement in strategic planning, communications and public relations.

Fire Research Corporation (FRC), a division of R·O·M Corporation, is excited to an-

MEMBERS NEWS


POWERED BY

fi rechief.com/app

Get Our Updated App For ImprovedFinding, Sharing and Saving

2013_Mobile_App_wQRcode.indd 50 5/9/13 11:16 AM


nounce that Bill Brown has accepted the additional re-sponsibilities of managing all R·O·M products in Cali-fornia and Nevada.

Brown joined FRC in 2012 as the Southwest Regional Sales Manager. His territory includes Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and California.

“With his strong background in the �re industry and established credibility in the region, Bill provides invaluable assistance to our customers,” said Don Fishel, R·O·M Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Prior to joining R·O·M, Brown worked for 29 years as a �re mechanic where he owned his own shop for 17 years.

Mark Dolim recently joined the Globe family as National Sales Manager. For 33 years Mark was a sales professional and personal protective equip-ment specialist manager

at Globe dealer partner L.N. Curtis & sons, that provides �re�ghter clothing and equipment in western states and to the U.S. government.

Mark is widely known in the �re service industry for his devotion to �re�ghter pro-tection and safety and as a guest lecturer on PPE. He has taught his class on “Know-ing the Limits of Your PPE” to thousands of �re�ghters over the years. He was also appointed to serve on the National Fire Protection Association Committee (NFPA 1971) on Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and Equip-ment, which is also responsible for NFPA 1851, Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural and Proximity Clothing.

Globe is pleased to have Mark lead its out-

standing team of Regional Sales Manag-ers and Dealer PPE Specialists to support a legendary family of dealers and their salespeople in its mission to protect �rst re-sponders around the world.

John O’Dougherty, a 22-year veteran at Globe, has been named as Globe’s new Regional Sales Manager for Maryland, Washington (DC), North Carolina, and Virginia. John started at

Globe as a production worker, progressing to stitching, and then promoted to team leader and production supervisor. For the last four years John has been in sales and marketing where he has supported �eld sales e�orts, been a key trainer for dealer sales seminars, and given countless factory tours to Globe customers and prospects. His in-depth knowledge of Globe products and manufacturing processes, in combina-tion with his passion to tell the Globe story, makes him uniquely suited for his new role in sales.

After more than 80 years of engineering and manufacturing hose and cable reels, Hannay Reels shows no signs of slowing down. �e company, headquartered in the rural upstate New York town of Westerlo, continues to in-vest in its 200,000 square foot multi-building campus, with a recently-completed 44,000 square foot addition. �is new expansion was designed to facilitate rapid growth in

the fabrica-tion, assembly and shipping depa r tment s , resulting in drastically im-proved lead times and de-livery opera-tions.

In addition to increased p r o d u c t i o n capacity, Han-

nay Reels has also made signi�cant strides in improving their world-class customer service. �e company has just completed a new state-of-the-art sales wing expansion of its corporate o�ces. �is brand-new ad-dition allows greater collaboration between engineering and sales departments, and en-hanced e�ciencies to further reduce custom-er on-hold wait times. �e sales o�ces now feature the latest in ergonomically designed sit and stand desk workstations, increasing the sta�’s comfort and productivity.

IFSI adds Two, Says Farewell to Third

CHAMPAIGN, IL. - �e IFSI has hired James Keiken to serve as Assistant Direc-tor for Fire�ghting Pro-grams.

Keiken is responsible for overseeing the management of all �re�ghting programs, including the Cornerstone Program, and program areas for o�cer, wildland, liquid propane (LP), investigation, agriculture, and on-campus �re�ghter training. Keik-en provides strategic leadership and will directly oversee the Annual Fire College, Explorer-Cadet school and Winter Fire School.

Keiken comes from Wisconsin where he was Assistant Fire Chief of Administra-tion and Operations for the City of Madi-son Fire Department. Before taking on his latest role with the Madison Fire Depart-ment, he served as Assistant Fire Chief of Personnel, Planning and Training with the department for eight years. In all, Keiken has more than 33 years of experience in �re�ghting and emergency medical ser-vices.

Keiken has completed the Executive Fire O�cer program from the National Fire Academy and has achieved Chief Fire Of-�cer designation from the Center for Pub-lic Safety Excellence (CPSE). He is also

MEMBERS NEWS

Hannay Reels installs a new air conditioner in its expanded corporate o�ces.


a member of the Institution of Fire Engi-neers. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale and Mas-ters of Science in Management from Cardi-nal Stritch University.

Also joining IFSI is Sheri El-lenberger as Business Opera-tions Coordinator.

Ellenberger will be respon-sible for managing budgets,

human resources and grants and contracts. Ellenberger comes to IFSI after 16 years with the National Council of Teachers of English. Prior to NCTE, Ellenberger was a logistics o�cer in the U.S. Army with the rank of Captain.

Ellenberger holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hu-man Resources and Family Studies from the University of Illinois and is a 2004 graduate of the University of Illinois’ Executive MBA Program.

Daniel Martin, specialist with IFSI, is leaving to study Fire Safety Engineering in Europe for two years.

Martin has received a schol-arship from “Erasmus Mundus” to study engineering at three prominent European en-gineering schools. Since the scholarship pro-gram’s creation in 2010, Martin is the fourth student from the United States to receive the award. Martin has been serving on the Savoy Fire Department.

Martin will be studying at Ghent University in Ghent, Belgium; Lund University in Lund, Sweden and Edinburgh University in Edin-burgh, Scotland. At the end of each semester he will switch universities to gain an interna-tional understanding of how to tackle prob-lems that �re safety engineers face around the world.

Martin received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in May 2011 from the University of Illinois. During his senior year, he took an engineering independent study course through IFSI to learn about Fire Protection Engineering and the science behind �re behavior. In March of 2011 he organized the “Dorm Room Fire Simula-

tion” at the University of Illinois Engineering Open House, which received 1st Prize, and in 2012 and 2013 he assisted the Society of Women Engineers with the same demonstra-tion. While at IFSI, Martin worked on sev-eral federally funded projects, but most of his work focused on a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant to investigate Escape Rope Performance and Design.

INNOTEX® is pleased to announce that Kerin Sparks joined its sta� as Director of Sales – North America.

Kerin brings over 16 years of experience from the �rst responder market both in Canada and the United States, working for MSA, a leading manufacturer of Personal Protective Equip-

ment. During his tenure at MSA, Kerin built and still maintains key relations with the IAFF, National Volunteer Fire Council and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, to name a few. Kerin also sits on two CSA committees for respiratory protection.

Kerin is based in Toronto, Ontario and is responsible for driving increased sales and customer satisfaction with the �re service market end-users and dealer partners. He also provides leadership in the sales and mar-keting strategies for North America. Kerin works directly with all sales personnel and closely with the customer service depart-ment to continue to give our customers the best possible service during and after sales.

L.N. Curtis & sons wishes Mark Dolim well in his new job as the National Sales Manager of Globe Manu-facturing Company. Dur-ing Mark’s 33 years with

our �rm he has consistently been a top performer, hard charger, diligent and com-

mitted employee, and sought the very best for our �rm. He is an esteemed ambassador of goodwill for our �rm not only with our customers but with our team members as well. Mark’s new responsibilities at Globe have been earned by him through his many �ne attributes and qualities and his consis-tent high performance. As Mark moves on to this new opportunity he will be joining a greatly respected supplier of �re�ghter cloth-ing. Globe is a fourth generation owned and operated �rm with three manufacturing op-erations and over 300 employees. Globe is a highly valued supplier and our special rela-tionship with Globe dates back to our own founding in 1929!

L.N. Curtis & sons is pleased to announce our newest Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Special-ist, Greg Renucci, serving our hero customers in Ari-zona, California, Nevada

and New Mexico. Greg has worked for L.N. Curtis & sons in our Oakland, CA o�ce as a Customer Service Specialist for over two years. He will continue his responsibilities as a Captain for the Suisun City (CA) Vol-unteer Fire Department and has been with them for 16 years. Greg teaches at Solano Community College for the Fire Academy Program, is a member of the Solano Train-ing O�cers Association, and is a State of California Fire Instructor (California State Fire Marshall’s O�ce). When the occasion calls for it, Greg works strike teams as need-ed. He earned his AS in Fire Science at Sola-no Community College, is EMT Certi�ed, and certi�ed by the state as a Fire O�cer. With his extensive �re�ghting background and experience assisting customers, we are con�dent that Greg will succeed in his new role of PPE Specialist.

�omas (Tom) Edward Fox, who has served as Director of Operations for Leader North America, Inc., since its inception in January 2010, will retire

Member News

MEMBERS NEWS


from the company. His replacement will be Mr. Steve Ibbotson from the United King-dom who has been a Product Manager for Groupe-Leader for the past four years. �e retirement will be e�ective as soon as Mr. Ibbotson is in place to assume Mr. Fox’s du-ties. �is should occur before November 1 of 2013.

“It has been a great ride helping a major, global company establish its presence in the North American �re markets, setting up their �rst distribution network here,” Tom stated. “�e growth and success of this division during tough economic times required great products – which Leader has, and a team e�ort from the team players of Groupe-Leader. I want to publicly thank all of them for their assistance.”

Joy W. Fox, Tom’s wife who has served as Lo-gistics Manger for the Leader North Ameri-can operation, will also retire “to spend more personal time with my husband,” she stated. “We have had plenty of ‘quality time’ while working at Leader, now we look forward to personal time.” Ms. Fox will be replaced by Ms. Jaqy Halstead who will also trans-fer from Groupe-Leader’s United Kingdom division.

Tom stated, “We could not have done what we have done at Leader NA without Joy by my side. My entire career so far she has been there as my partner in business and life. �ank you, Joy”.

Mr. Fox served many years in the �re and rescue service in his native area of Metro Charlotte, North Carolina before beginning his new career in the sales and marketing of �re and rescue equipment. He worked as an independent manufacturer’s representative after his �re service selling Cutters Edge Saws, Paratech Struts, FoamPro Proportion-ers, Phos-Chek foam, and Tempest fans. He then spent 14 years as the National Sales and Marketing Manager for Tempest Tech-nology. He has studied and taught classes on “�e Physics of Forced Ventilation” world-wide and is considered an expert in the use of high pressure, high volume fans for venti-lating �re structures and in �re suppression e�orts.

Asked what he would do once he retired

Mr. Fox stated, “I can’t totally leave the �re service. I have too many friends there. I can’t totally quit working as long as I am still healthy. I will continue to look after and grow my rep business, Fox Marketing Ser-vice.”

Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is pleased to announce that it has opened a new facility in Miami, Florida. Minerva, which has one of the largest facilities in the country dedi-cated to the care and maintenance of bunker gear, was already servicing a number of de-partments in Florida from its New York and Charlotte facilities. With this new venue, Minerva will now be able to better serve the �rst responders in Florida.

“We’re excited to be opening in Miami,” says Joseph Xiras, President of Minerva,

“�is location gives us the opportunity to provide the �re�ghters and EMS personnel of Florida with high quality service. �is is especially signi�cant with many of the de-partments that need 48- to 72-hour turn-around”.

Performance Products, Inc., is pleased to an-nounce the promotion of Bill Lawson to the posi-tion of President e�ective September 1st.

Bill has been with the company since 1981 and has been PBI’s Chief Operating O�cer and Managing Director since 2005. Under Bill’s leadership the company has strength-ened its market presence and operational ex-cellence which is re�ected in the strong per-formance of the business. Bill’s promotion signi�es our con�dence that the PBI team will continue to operate at a very high level in the pursuit of growth and pro�tability, while maintaining the highest quality in a

safe and satisfying environment. Please join us in congratulating Bill on his promotion, which happens to coincide with his birth-day. Happy Birthday, Bill!

Grant Reeves will be stepping down from the position of President after serving in that role since May of 2005 when PBI was pur-chased by �e lnterTech Group. We thank Grant for his contributions to PBI that in-clude the transition to a private company and for developing Mr. Z’s vision for PBI’s future. Grant will continue to support Bill and PBI as the primary contact and liason with �e InterTech Group.

Performance Advantage Company has re-cently completed the expansion of its corpo-rate headquarters. In addition to creating additional space for administrative and sales o�ces, PAC has also included a 1,000 sq. ft. classroom / showroom. PAC now has a facility whereby they o�er a wide assort-ment of actual, in-use examples of tool and equipment mounting applications. As part of this showroom development, they have also included the equipment and technology that allows for “live time” web conferencing. �is gives corporate customers and �re de-partments the opportunity to view these ap-plications, ask questions, and interact with PAC sta� directly via the internet. All of these improvements have been established to better serve their customers and o�er them the opportunity to learn more about the PAC line of tool and equipment systems.

TFT adds four new em-ployees to its workforce

Brad �omas has hit the ground running as Task Force Tips’ new Hytrans Fire Systems Division Man-

ager, cementing TFT’s new alliance with

MEMBERS NEWS


Exhibit Hall Hours Tuesday, October 22Exhibitor Move-in

Wednesday, October 23 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

�ursday, October 249:30 am to 2:00 pm

For information about exhibiting or show updates 1-800-632-7489 www.�reshowsreno.com

Complimentary Expo Pass for FEMSA MembersRegister online at www.�reshowsreno.comPromo Code: FEMSA

Bringing together attendees & exhibitors from 10 Western States

Reno-Sparks Convention Center4590 S. Virginia StreetReno, NV 89502

Host HotelAtlantis Casino Resort Spa3800 S. Virginia StreetReno, NV 895021-800-723-6500Hotel Rate: $59.00+taxes/fees Deluxe Tower Room Group Code: SFIRE13

October 22-24

Co-sponsored byNevada State Fire MarshalNevada State Emergency Response Commission

Sponsoring Associations

FIRE | EMSHAZMAT

A world class destination at a budget friendly price!

Hytrans Systems. For those who haven’t had a chance to meet Brad, he’s been out on the road doing hands-on training.

Meanwhile, back at TFT headquarters, Nathan Ca-labrese, TFT’s new Vice President of International Sales, has moved his wife, Dina, and daughter, So�a, up from Atlanta, Georgia,

to their new home in Valparaiso, Indiana. “One of the selling points of moving here is that I promised my daughter snow,” Nathan explained. “Having lived in the Chicago-land area before, I know that she won’t be disappointed.” Outgoing International VP Larry King, a TFT veteran of some 10 years, has spent the last couple of months handing the reigns over to Calabrese. “Nathan has been creating and managing international sales and distribution networks since the early 2000’s,” King said. “His past business in the power sports and automotive indus-tries yields many similarities to our munici-pal and industrial segments where safety, product quality, delivery and relationship building are key components in maintaining and growing international sales.” Nathan’s formal academic background includes Great Lakes Maritime Academy for Marine En-gineering, Youngstown State University for International Business, Moscow University of the Humanities for Foreign Language & International Business, and Pennsylvania State University for Business Management. He’s also enjoyed stints as a marine engineer

onboard working cargo vessels on the Great Lakes, bolstering his hands-on engineering and mechanical experience and knowledge.

TFT also welcomes another new international team mem-ber, Christian Lopez. Chris-tian, who is TFT’s new Latin American Territory Repre-sentative, has an engineer-

ing background that’s going to help TFT in broadening its industrial base in South America. “Christian has a great personal-ity that we know our customers are going to love,” said Luis Coso, Caribbean and Latin America Regional Manager. “�at, coupled with his engineering knowledge and skill with languages, is just what we were looking for to help us in our international growth.”

And welcome Christian Boorz who is TFT’s �rst full-time representative in the European marketplace. When Boorz came to TFT headquarters for a visit and orientation. “Christian is

one of those guys who never meets a strang-er,” said Nathan Calabrese. “Europe has over 400 million people, and makes more �re trucks in a year than are made in the U.S.,” explained TFT CEO Stewart McMil-lan. “With all of the new products that we have developed that go onto trucks, it was way overdue to have a full-time person in the right time zone to render assistance to the truck manufacturers in Europe.” Christian,

who speaks three languages �uently and probably understands a few outside of that, will be working directly for Nathan.

Wild�re Environmental Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Je� Sadlerto its WATERAX division, formerly known as WAJAX Manufacturing.

Je� joined WATERAX as Chief Product Engineer and is currently leading its pump development initiatives. He brings with him over 20 years of industry experience. Before joining the organization, Je� spent the last 15 years at Hale Products Inc., a unit of IDEX Corporation, successfully imple-menting new pump design and improve-ments. He spent another 5 years prior with National Foam (Fire Truck Division).

Many of the OEM’s who have worked with Je� in the past know that he stresses high quality innovative products and �rst class customer support. His drive and know-how have led to many successful project imple-mentations with truck OEM’s, �re depart-ments, and �re boat manufacturers.

MEMBERS NEWS

Certain UIGs also available in French and Spanish

USER INFORMATION GUIDESRevised Editions

PROTECTIVE GARMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL AND PROXIMITY FIRE FIGHTING USER INFORMATION GUIDE

These official publications of FEMSA were established in 1996. Manufacturers of PPE (ensembles and equipment) want first responders to know the strength of their products as well product limitations. Proper care of garments is also addressed in the publications. Almost a dozen manufacturers comprise the UIG consortium and attach a UIG to each of their products when it leaves the factory. Currently there are 18 guides covering structural fire fighting protective clothing, hoods, helmets, boots, and gloves; emergency medical operations protective garments and face protection devices; wildland boots, proximity garments,

helmets, footwear and gloves, and urban search and rescue protective garments.

THE UIGS UNDERGO PERIODIC REVIEW TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY WITH CHANGES IN NFPA STANDARDS.

Learn more about User Information Guides (UIGs) at:www.femsa.org/uig


©Copyright 2013, FEMSA, MA (USA)Editors: Karen Burnham, Dan ReeseEditorial Sta�: Mary Murphy-Overmann*Layout and Cover Design: Melinda House**Windmill Hill Consulting, LLC

Website Rotating160x600 banner ad, (3 month min.)Maximum of 4 advertisers in the slot at any given time. Rates are per month.

3x .............................................$175/mo6x .............................................$150/mo12x ..........................................$125/mo

Print AdsQuarter Page ............................$175Half Page ...................................$250Full Page (8.5” x 11”)...............$500Newsletter Sponsorship .........$2700

Non-Members are welcome to advertise on the FEMSA website or in the FEMSA Newsletter.

A one-time $750 set-up charge applies.

Postings online for FEMSA members is always FREE.

Members are allowed to post the follow-ing types of events:local, regional and national trade shows; training events and seminars; other Fire/Rescue/EMS events where the public is encouraged to attend.

Submission does not guarantee inclusion. We reserve the right to reject any listings.Fire and Emergency Manufacturersand Services Association (FEMSA)P.O. Box 147Lynnfield, MA 01940-0147

Phone - 781-334-2771Email - [email protected]/FEMSANews

FEMSA Advertising Rates for the Newsletter and Website

FEMSA now has 880 members on LinkedIn. Join us!

2013 FIRE SERVICE EVENTS

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF 2013 FIRE SERVICE EVENTS, CLICK CALENDAR ON THE FEMSA WEBSITE HOME PAGE.

Fire Rescue Canada 9/22-9/25 Regina, SK

Alaska Fire Conference 9/23 - 9/28 Anchorage, AK

FAMA/FEMSA Fall Meeting 9/25-9/27 Tampa, FL

Northwest Fire Expo 9/27-9/28 Portland, OR

NFFF Memorial Weekend 10/4-10/6 Emmitsburg, MD

Ohio Fire, Rescue & EMS Expo 10/6-10/7 Akron, OH

Texas Municipal League 10/8-10/11 Austin, TX

Illinois Fire Chiefs Association 10/13-10/17 Peoria, IL

FireShowsReno 10/22-10/24 Reno, NV

ARFFWG Annual Conference 10/28-10/31 Charleston, SC

Hawaii Fire Chiefs Conference 11/7 - 11/10 Kona, Hawaii

Volunteer & Combination Officers’ Symposium 11/11-11/17 Clearwater Beach, FL

Industrial Fire, Safety & Security 11/12-11/15 Tampa, FL


Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association, Inc.P.O. Box 147Lynnfield, MA 01940-0147

FEMSA News

First Class MailU.S. Postage

PaidSt. Louis MO

Permit 175

January 2013 Read It Today, Use It Tomorrow Connect with us at FirefighterNation.com

ON THE TRAINING STAGE

Effective training props, p. 34

The scariest part of training, p. 32

Training officer/safety officer duties, p. 56

CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT

MANAGER TODAY!

The FireRescue Family of Products Gives You Access to Decision-makers and Purchasers

January 2013 Read It Today, Use It Tomorrow Connect with us at FirefighterNation.com

Training officer/safety officer duties, p. 56

FireRescue readers are chiefs, chief officers and company officers—the customers you want and need. Reach them via print and online:

• FireRescue Magazine• FirefighterNation.com• FireEMSBlogs.com• FireRescue eNewsletter• Social Media Marketing: Now over 200,000 Facebook Fans!*

Reach the audience that makes decisions and purchases products.Develop an integrated marketing campaign that utilizes the FireRescue Family of Products.

*Publisher’s Data: June 2013

• Product eBulletins• Customized eBlasts• Webcasts• Product Connect

Western Sales ManagerBreven Clark (480) [email protected]

Eastern Sales RepresentativeJoe Skey (856) [email protected]

femsa news - fall 2013

Documents

femsa gac members

footwear members

femsa newsthe resource

e general membership

e statistics projects

business environment

business results

hard work