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HANDSHAKE The The Official Publication of the Alarm Association of Florida Volume 10 / June 2009 / Issue 6 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FT. LAUD. FL PERMIT NO. 4662 1802 N. University Dr. Suite 329 Plantation, FL 33322 800-899-2099 Change Service Requested Putting A Halt on Unlicensed Alarm Contractors Director and President Urge Member Support Industry News Coverage june issue 2009:Layout 1 6/9/2009 4:18 PM Page 1

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Page 1: Handshake June Issue 2009

HANDSHAKEThe

The Official Publication of the Alarm Association of Florida

Volume 10 / June 2009 / Issue 6

PRESORTED

STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

FT. LAUD. FL

PERMIT NO. 4662

1802 N. University Dr. Suite 329Plantation, FL 33322

800-899-2099

Change Service Requested

Putting A Halt on Unlicensed

Alarm Contractors

Director and President Urge Member Support

Industry News

Coverage

june issue 2009:Layout 1 6/9/2009 4:18 PM Page 1

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ContentsJune 2009/The Handshake Monthly

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Word from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . From the Director’s Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regional Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keeping Unlicensed Contractors Out of Security . . . . . . . . . . . . .Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rollacard Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What is It? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

357810121416

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CLOAF

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COPS Monitoring

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Fire-Lite Alarms

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FFMIA

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FL Dept of Business & Professional Regulation

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Honeywell Power Products

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ICRealtime Security Solutions

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Marlin Central Monitoring

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Monitronics International, Inc.

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National Monitoring Center

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Rapid Response Monitoring Service s

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SentryNet

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System Sensor

www.systemsensor.com / 800-736-7672

June 2009 • The Handshake / 1

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Monthly Disclaimer To All MembersThe AAF encourages Associate Membership to companies that provide goods or services to our regular membership.

The AAF does not endorse any Associate. No Associate is a “Preferred” member, “Selected” member, or in any way placed above any other Associate. Furthermore, The content of articles contained in the Handshake reflects solely the personal opinions of the authors or contributors and does not necessarily represent the official position of the AAF. Additionally all materials used in advertisements in the Handshake involving

any rights, clearances and copyrights are the sole responsibility of the advertiser and not the Alarm Association of Florida, Inc.

Features Page

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2009 AAF Officials

Bob Ireland - PresidentAmsafe of Miami, Inc. - [email protected] Mugford - Vice President/President ElectAlarmpro, Inc. - [email protected] Galloway - Past PresidentDynafire Inc. - [email protected] Worthy - SecretarySecur Technologies - [email protected] Toole - TreasurerCrime Prevention Services of Florida - [email protected] Neely - Executive DirectorAlarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] Forsythe - Director At LargeSentryNet, Inc. - [email protected] Gracer - Director At LargeMaximum Security, Inc. - [email protected]. Fleischmann - Director At LargeDynamark - [email protected] Higgins - Associate RepresentativeADI - [email protected] Creasey - Associate RepresentativeGraybar - [email protected] Damron - Public Safety, FireSarasota County Fire Department - [email protected] - Public Safety, LEO

2009 AAF Regional Directors

Dale Burger - Broward Regional DirectorAccess Code Technology, Inc. - [email protected] Edwards - Great Northwest Regional DirectorAdvanced Fire Protection Services, Inc. - [email protected] Barreto - Miami-Dade Regional DirectorAmtel Security Systems Inc. - [email protected] A. Pastore, Jr. - Gainesville Regional DirectorCrime Prevention Security Sys, LLC - [email protected] Johnston - Gold Coast Regional DirectorActive Alarms, Inc. - [email protected] - Tallahassee Regional DirectorJeffery Garland - Jacksonville Regional DirectorINSTLTK, Inc. - [email protected] Ahern - Orlando Regional DirectorDynafire, Inc. - [email protected] Gerald - Tampa Regional DirectorDevcon Security Services Corp. - [email protected] Toscano - Ft. Myers/Naples Regional DirectorAffordable Alarm - [email protected] Queen - Sarasota Regional DirectorSarasota Alarm & Fire Electronics - [email protected] Prutsman, Esq. - Lobbyist /General CounselPrutsman & Associates, P.A. - [email protected] Pomeranz - I.T., Web Site ManagementVolTech, Inc. - [email protected] Fletcher - Training CoordinatorAlarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] Paloski - Training Program ManagerAlarm Association of Forida - [email protected]

AAF Office & The Handshake Staff

Linda Neely - Contributor and Office ManagerAlarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] Kenna - Data ManagementAlarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] Cavanaugh - Badges & TrainingAlarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] Handshake Newsletter - Editor and AdvertisingSusan Brady & Associates - [email protected]

Editorial

June 2009 • The Handshake / 3

Be Proud of the AAF and Security Industry

Dear Readers:

Even to this day, as the summer months arrive and theFourth of July approaches, I become patriotic. It is a time toreflect on the accomplishments our countrymen have made.

In a true test of the American legislative system at work,AAF Executive Director, Bob Neely, recaps the Alarm Associ-ation of Florida’s successful trips to Tallahassee. Turn topage 7. The efforts of all the AAF representatives involved inthis year’s legislative session are to be commended.

Protecting the citizens of your community can be looked atas a contribution to America.You should feel proud. AAFPresident, Bob Ireland, reminds members to promote theAAF to your fellow contractors and building and publicsafety officials. Ireland also announces that a group of some35 Fire Alarm Contractors from the Fort Meyers-Naples Re-gion have decided to join the AAF. Read about it on page 5.

Helping to uphold the reputation of your profession to ahigh standard is also part of the American spirit. “KeepingUnlicensed Contractors Out of Security,” takes a closer lookat how The Department of Business and Professional Regula-tion handles unlicensed contractors operating in your indus-try. The interview with Michael Green begins on page 10.

Your certification as a Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) orBurglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) says you are a trainedexpert. You have completed the necessary education. The requirements also point to the character of your company.

The licensing means any employee in your firm engaged inthe contracting or installation of alarm systems need to becertified as either a Fire Alarm System Agent or BurglarAlarm System Agent. FASA and BASA certification requiresthe employee to meet the following criteria:

• Is at least 18 years of age. • Completed a minimum of 14 hours of training by a board-

approved provider. • Has not been convicted of a crime directly related to the

business within the last three (3) years. • Must obtain from the Florida Department of Law En-

forcement (FDLE) a completed fingerprint and backgroundcheck if applying as a burglar or fire alarm system agentevery two (2) years.

• Has not been committed for substance abuse within thelast three (3) years.

Your customers and business contacts may not be awarethat as a FASA/BASA agent you must also complete sixhours of board-approved continuing education every twoyears including false alarm reduction.

Security involves technology. Staying up to date with train-ing is vital. It is also part of being American. You are makingyour business better all the time.

Susan A. Brady Editor

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June 2009 • The Handshake / 5

A Word from Your PresidentBy Bob Ireland

Bob Ireland, PresidentAlarm Association of [email protected]

In late March the AAF was invited to a meeting of some 35Fire Alarm Contractors in the Ft.Myers-Naples Region. With significant local issues facing these Contractors, they wanted todiscuss whether they should joinforces with the AAF or start theirown organization. After about an30 minutes of commentary by BobNeely and me and another 20 or sominutes of questions from the Contractors with answers providedby Bob Neely, Mark Paloski, my-self, Dan Lanier, and John Toscano,

we left the meeting to allow theContractors to discuss the questionat hand.

John Toscano called later that af-ternoon to advise me that they haddecided to join the AAF. We allwere exceptionally pleased with thenews and rather gratified that theAAF, with supporting testimony,was deemed superior to starting anorganization from scratch.

The situation in this western re-gion of the state brings up a coupleof interesting points and a fewquestions.

Point One: It was obvious fromthe questions and comments at themeeting that quite a few of theContractors either did not knowabout the AAF or did not under-stand our strengths and depth.

Questions: Do you promote theAAF to your fellow Contractors,Building Inspectors and PublicSafety Officials? If not, you shouldbe since you are in contact withthese people on a regular basis.

By reaching out to your contacts,you help everyone in the industry.

Contractors who are unaware ofthe AAF (yes, there are a few) maybe in a position to contribute in abig way to the group. Once theyjoin, for example, they can enhanceAAF’s efforts to help reduce unli-censed contracting.

Do your Building Inspectors andFire Service officials know aboutBASA/FASA cards, just as anotherexample? Did you know that theAAF works hand in hand withSIAC (Security Industry AlarmCoalition) to write, revise, and gen-erally make better False Alarm Or-

dinances, for BOTH burg and fire?Something you might say to a Fireor Police official might lead to theircity writing a better alarm ordi-nance. Do you know the benefits(training and legislative support,for instance) the AAF provides? Areyou involved enough in the AAF tobe able to properly answer thesequestions?

Point Two: Equally obvious wasthe fact that more than of a few ofthe Contractors who did knowabout the AAF believed that it isan organization dedicated to theburglar alarm side of the industry.Although on the surface it may ap-pear that is the case, nothing isfurther from the truth.

Questions: Do you know that, infact, the AAF is fighting legisla-tively for all disciplines within thelow voltage industry? This yearalone, the AAF has worked withinthe State Legislature with respectto five major bills, and severalminor ones, that would have hadan effect on EVERYONE in the lowvoltage industry in a negative way

had we not been there. (See BobNeely’s article, From the Director’sChair on page 7 for more details.)

Did you know that the Alarm As-sociation of Florida has mademajor inroads with the Fire Serv-ices throughout the state in thelast two years? Mark Paloski, theAAF Training Program Manager, isproviding training in conjunctionwith the FFMIA to offer Continu-ing Education credits to the FireService. This is paying dividends inspades by placing the AAF in frontof these officials as an organizationfull of people that can assist themas partners not confront them asadversaries.

Three years ago I was invited toparticipate in a panel discussion atthe FARA False Alarm ReductionAssociation annual meeting inMiami, FL. FARA is an associationprimarily of persons employed bygovernment and public safety agen-cies in charge of, or working in,False Alarm Reduction Units.

When it was my turn to addressthe assembly I offered the followingcomment: “Ladies and Gentlemen,we are engaged in a war and it is‘Us’ against ‘Them.’ The ‘Us’ is notthe Alarm Companies and the‘Them’ is not the Police or FireAgencies. The ‘Us’ is both theAlarm Companies AND you, thePolice and Fire Agencies. The‘Them’ is the bad guys who breakthe law or anything that threatenslife and limb like fire, all of whichrepresent peril to life and property.We need to join forces to defeat the‘Them.’”

Promote the AAF, YOUR Associa-tion, to assist in the war to defeatthe “Them.”

The situation in this western region of the statebrings up a couple of interesting points and a few questions.

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From The Director’s Chairby Bob Neely

June 2009 • The Handshake / 7

Bob Neely, Executive DirectorAlarm Association of [email protected]

Our trips to Tallahassee were numerous, expensive and whirlwindthis year in working with our lobbyistEric Prutsman. We met with numer-ous legislators and staff to discusspending bills and issues affecting ourindustry. And although there aremany who delight in pointing outsome of the annoying deficiencies in

the governmental system, we cameaway impressed with both the qualityand intelligence of the folks we met.

Bob Worthy, legislative chair, JohnToscano, John Pastore, Norman Mug-ford, Ron Toole and many others con-tributed time, effort and phone sweatfor many hours on over thirty billsthat affected your alarm contractingbusiness in one form or another. Oneprimary bill presented for passage wasa service contracts bill that wouldhave automatically defaulted yourservice contracts to a thirty day timelimit; very inconvenient and very im-practical for insurance reasons.

Another bill concerned a new cate-gory of licensure for locksmiths: verymuch needed for security if for noother reason. We were able to workwith them to remove the initial statu-tory conflicts and amend the bill toaccommodate the necessary and rea-sonable terminology for it to passmuster. Then there was the perennialjourneyman bill always proposed,that this time around would have re-moved the existing square footage re-quirement among other things. Ofcourse, we also monitored a bill thatwould have a drastic effect on yourworkers compensation rates if passedin the wrong form.

A very strong political group alsopushed extremely hard for an exten-

sion on the sprinkler and alarm retro-fit of their condominiums to push outto the year 2025. We were able to re-move the elements from the bill thatadversely affected the electronic alarmissues. One portion of that bill that didpass was the exemption of one andtwo story condominiums with exterioregress from manual fire alarm sys-

tems. We vigorously opposed this.If you consider the staggering num-

ber of issues that affect your life dailyand then assume that one person (astate representative or senator) be ex-pected to immediately grasp thethousand nuances of your industry inone sitting, you are sadly mistaken.You can liken it to someone enteringyour office and expecting you within aten minute time frame to compre-hend the electronic subtleties of aspace launch.

These fine people go to Tallahasseeas senators and representatives to trymake a difference in bettering yourlives. Their legislative staff membersare there for that same purpose. Thereason our AAF volunteers go to Tal-lahassee is to play a role in helpingthem along in this process. This isgovernment from the bottom up, notthe top down. These legislators are asdependent upon us for information aswe are dependent upon them to passeffective laws. It must NOT be a mat-ter of one individual imposing theirwill upon others. That is why it is sovery important for you to participatein this sometimes difficult process.

Your contributed funds to FloridaAlarmPac help elect individuals fa-vorable to your industry. It is whyAAF goes to Tallahassee and why, asan AAF member, you are asked to

visit legislators in your district. It ismost important. Drop by your locallegislator’s office, introduce yourselfand leave your card. What happensnext is when there is an issue regard-ing security that legislator will callthe number on the card you left. Leg-islators depend upon experts such asyou for the information they need tocomprehend the problems and tomake good law. YOU are the one pro-viding the momentum on the issuerather than being hammered by it.

We succeeded in shutting down theservice contracts bill. We worked withthe locksmiths, but their bill stalled incommittee. The journeyman bill alsoground to a halt in committee reviewswhen issues that could have causedconflicts with existing law became ap-parent. Workers compensation is nowmuch better than when it started andour electronic fire alarm time framesare still intact for retrofit. All in all, itwas a very successful if not hardfought legislative session for 2009.

Every year we appeal to AAF mem-bers to contribute funds to assist inthese legislative endeavors. The cam-paign organization formed underFlorida law is the Florida AlarmPac.The organization gathers and distrib-utes campaign funds legally to worthycandidates in their quest for office.That is how we are able to supportthose we want elected.

We ask that you send your contribu-tions to the AAF office right away forthe Florida AlarmPac. All amountslarge and small are welcome. Do notassume that someone else will sendthe necessary funds. Make your checkout or call the AAF for credit card con-tributions at: 800-899-2099. Your helpin the effort is welcome and needed.Please assist AAF today.

“There’s no trick to being a humorist when youhave the whole government working for you.” ▬Will Rogers, US humorist & showman (1879 - 1935)

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Regional Report

8 / The Handshake • June 2009

Great NW Region (5/5/09)Ed McDaniel discussed new AAF leadership and budget

issues. Norm Mugford discussed what the AAF does to ben-efit its members, and thanked everyone in the NW regionfor their support. Mugford then went on to give a Legisla-tive update, regarding the recent bills that have been foughtand put to rest for this year.

During the meeting there was discussion on unlicensedcontractors, pointing out who to contact, how to turn themin and why they should be turned in. Permits and fees in acounty ordinance, being active in the community and oncounty/city/state boards that affect our industry were alsoon the agenda.

The importance of communication with AAF leadershipwas discussed and passing on information regarding poten-tial local issues to gain AAF support. The Gulf Breeze inci-dent was used as an example. Norm Mugford read a speechby AAF President, Bob Ireland. Ron Toole discussed budgetchanges and possible resolutions to AAF expenditures.

Nominations were called, John Young was nominated as

Regional Director, and Bob Suhrheinrich was nominated asRegional Secretary. Both were voted in unanimously.

Broward Region (5/13/09)With 24 members in attendance. Regional Director Dale

Burger introduced speaker, Rich Perry, CEO of SecurityNetworks. He spoke on how to maintain, prepare and sellyour business. Mel Hulkower of American Marketing thenspoke briefly on how they are going out to do on site demosand training.

Bob Ireland took the floor to discuss membership andspeaking with people who are not aware of AAF. Specificallyhe addressed the Fort Myers area fire contractors as an ex-ample of new members joining AAF and urged meeting at-tendees to go to local officials.

Bob Worthy gave a detailed legislature report with gen-eral success all around for the end of session in Tallahassee.Bob Neely gave some handouts and spoke on an unlicensedalarm company in Lake Worth for which Deputy CharlieMosher has issued orders for “cease and desist.”

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Installing alarm and security systems is complex work. Itrequires an education. In Florida, it also requires you havea license that proves you have achieved the necessary levelof expertise. After all, you have the public’s safety in yourhands. Having unlicensed contractors operating in your in-dustry is not good for anyone.

The Florida Department of Business and ProfessionalRegulation, in partnership with the Clay County Sheriff ’sOffice, completed a two-day contracting sting operation re-cently in May. These stings are set up throughout Floridaon a regular basis. In the Clay County operation, the DBPRtargeted individuals found advertising via the Internet. Thesuspected unlicensed contractors were asked to submit bidsfor work including, plumbing, roofing, home theatre instal-lation, security surveillance, electrical outlets and installa-tion of electrical panel boxes.

When the individuals arrived to deliver the bids, theywere asked to provide proof of licensure. Those who couldnot provide proof were arrested and issued citations. Cita-tion amounts varied based on whether the individuals of-fered to do both construction and electrical work or only oneof the services. They were fined either $2500 or $5000.

The Handshake, Editor, Susan Brady, sat down withMichael Green, Unlicensed Activity Administrator, Divisionof Regulation to learn more about DBRP’s inner workings.

Brady: What is the process used by DBPR to address theproblem of unlicensed contractors?

Green: The department investigates complaints of unli-censed activity under the statutory authority of Section455.225, Florida Statutes. Contracting without an electricalcontractor’s license in violation of sections 489.531.(1)(a)(b)Florida Statute. The department is very concerned aboutunlicensed contracting activity, and we take various steps tocombat this problem. The department performs sweeps andsting operations around the state in conjunction with lawenforcement and other regulatory agencies. Appropriate ac-tion is taken in the event that an investigation reveals unli-censed activity. Individuals found to be contracting withouta license can be charged up to $5,000 per violation and aresubject to referral for criminal prosecution. In some caseswhere there is no apparent consumer harm, the departmentmay issue a citation for $1,000 or $2,500.

The department has also set up a toll free hotline,1.866.532.1440, where consumers and licensees reportpossible violations of unlicensed activity or obtain assis-tance with the complaint process. Callers to the toll freeline are asked to provide the name of the unlicensed per-son or business, the address where the activity is takingplace and any other information that will be helpful.

Keeping Unlicensed Contractors Out of Security

A closer look at The Department of Business and ProfessionalRegulation and meeting Licensing Requirements

By Susan Brady, Editor

10 / The Handshake • June 2009

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This information is relayed to the appropriate regional enforcement office for assignment to an investigator. Due to geographical limitations, thelocal office may recruit the assistance of partners atlocal code enforcement, building department or lawenforcement to check out the activity.

Brady: Is there a certain time of the year or do certain events bring in more unlicensed securitycompanies, i.e., a bad economy, after a hurricane, the summer months with student solicitors, etc.

Green: Licensed professionals in all trades are becoming increasingly aware of unlicensed competi-tion in these tough economic times. Licensees acrossthe state are very helpful in submitting offers andadvertisements from unlicensed individuals andcompanies. After hurricanes unlicensed persons aremore prevalent and the desperate homeowner ismore vulnerable than during normal circumstances.

Brady: What usually happens after the unlicensedcompany is caught?

Green: The Department may:• Investigate complaints and refer the information

to the State Attorney. • File an administrative complaint and seek

sanctions up to $10,000. • Issue a notice to cease and desist unlicensed

contracting. • File a case in circuit court for an injunction when

a notice to cease and desist is ignored and seek a civil penalty ranging from $500 to $5,000.

• Issue a citation requiring payment between $1,000 and $2,500.

Section 455.2277, Florida Statutes, requires the Department to “report any criminal violationof any statute relating to the practice of a profes-sion regulated by the department or appropriateboard to the proper prosecuting authority forprompt prosecution.” Those working without a license can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense. Anyone whoworks without a license during a governor declared state-of-emergency, such as a hurricane,commits a third-degree felony.

Brady: What is the role of law enforcement?

Green: The department’s investigators are notsworn law enforcement, so we are not able tomake arrest. We must defer to law enforcement to make this decision on a case by case basis. Investigators work with law enforcement onsweep and sting activities and develop workingrelationships to provide stronger cases referred to the State Attorney.

Fire Alarm System Agent or BurglarAlarm System Agent Certification

What are the requirements to become FASA or BASA

certified?

Any employees of electrical or alarm contractors engaged

in the contracting or installation of alarm systems need to

be certified as either a Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) or

Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA). FASA and BASA certifi-

cation requires the employee to meet the following crite-

ria:

• Is at least 18 years of age.

• Completed a minimum of 14 hours of training by a

board-approved provider.

• Has not been convicted of a crime directly related to

the business within the last three (3) years.

• Must obtain from the Florida Department of Law En-

forcement (FDLE) a completed fingerprint and back-

ground check if applying as a burglar or fire alarm system

agent every two (2) years.

• Has not been committed for substance abuse within

the last three (3) years.

Do all employees of electrical or alarm contractors en-

gaged in the contracting or installation of alarm systems

have to take the 14-hour training course?

No. The following individuals are exempt:

• Employees of a licensed contractor who perform only

monitoring of alarm systems.

• License holders of a certified electrical or alarm con-

tractor’s license.

• Licensed journeyman are exempt from the initial train-

ing only, and must possess a FASA or BASA card and com-

plete an approved six (6) hour renewal course every two

(2) years.

• See section 489.518, Florida Statues for additional ex-

emptions.

What is the FASA/BASA identification card?

The FASA/BASA identification card indicates that the

FASA/BASA agent has met training and education require-

ments required for certification. The licensed electrical or

alarm system contractor must provide each FASA/BASA

employee with an identification card that includes the fol-

lowing:

• Photo of the agent

• Name of the agent

• Signature of Agent

• Name, address and license number of the contractor

• Signature of the contractor

• Issue date and expiration date

Are there continuing education requirements for FASA

/BASA agents?

Yes. Each FASA/BASA agent must complete six (6) hours of

board-approved continuing education every two (2) years

to include false alarm reduction (See Rule 61G6-12, Florida

Administrative Code, for additional information on FASA

and BASA requirements).

June 2009 • The Handshake / 11

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12 / The Handshake • June 2009

Industry News

In MemoriamOn May 24, 2009 AAF received word

of the passing of Ronald Anthony Lafontaine, the son of Ron and Katherine Lafontaine. He passed awayafter a short but severe bout with can-cer. Ron has worked in the alarm indus-try alongside his father since he was inhigh school and throughout college. Hefounded his own company following the sale of SecuritySystems, Inc., in 2000.

Born March 7, 1964 in Chicago, ILA, and raised in Deerfield Beach, FL, he is survived by his daughter Jennifer, his fiancé Heather Johnston, parents Ronald D.and Katherine, sisters Theresa (Leonard) Deimel, Laura(Ron) Barak and Brother Mark. He is cherished by allhis nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Ron has been an active member of the Alarm Associa-tion of Florida for many years. He has served as Secre-tary and most recently as Vice President of the GoldCoast Region and Board Member. He will be missed byhis many friends in the alarm industry.

Donations may be made in Ron LaFontaine’s name toHospice by the Sea at 1531 W. Palmetto Park Road, BocaRaton, FL. 33486.

ADI Shakes Up VegasADI joined together with scores of its industry-leading

vendors to hosta special cus-tomer apprecia-tion event atthis year’s ISCWest in LasVegas, NV, tothank dealersfor their contin-uous support.ADI’s customerappreciationevent was heldat the poshLAX Nightclublocated in theLuxor Hoteland Casino.Sponsored bymore than 50manufacturers,

the event featured music by the fabulous LA Allstars band.The event provided an excellent forum for dealers, vendorsand the ADI team to interact and experience an enjoyableevening of music, dance, food and refreshments.

“We’ve worked with ADI for so many years, and it is greatto see their effort and desire to work with dealers and inte-grators is still so strong,” states Scott Mullins, president of

Huntington Security Systems, Inc. in Southern California.“We look at our relationship with ADI as an operational andstrategic partnership.”

“At ADI, our relationship with our customers is very im-portant to us and in today’s economic landscape we arepleased to have the opportunity to come together with ourvendor community and show appreciation to our dealers fortheir continued support,” comments John Sullivan, vicepresident of sales at ADI.

For more information, visit www.adilink.com.

Micro Key Solutions Certificate of AppreciationMicro Key Solutions recognizes a top security dealer inte-

grator who provided continued support and endorsement ofMicro Key Millennium Software. Fidel Gonzalez, owner andpresident of Laredo Alarm in Laredo, TX, is this year’s Cer-tificate of Appreciation honoree. Wayne Torrens, presidentof Micro KeySolutions,gave Fidelthe award atMicro Key’sISC West2009 exhibitbooth in LasVegas, NV.Torrenshanded Gon-zalez hisplaque, stat-ing, “You areconstantlyrecommend-ing our prod-ucts andservices to your fellow central station owners and haveserved as an excellent advocate. Everyone at Micro Key So-lutions enjoys working with you and appreciates your will-ingness to state how our software and services have enabledyou to grow your business.”

For more information, visit www.microkey.com.

Fire-Lite IP Fire Alarm CommunicatorRecognized By Security Industry Association

Fire-Lite Alarms’ FireWatch Series upload/download firealarm IP communicator was awarded top honors in the Fireand Life Safety category of the Security Industry Associa-tion’s (SIA) 30th annual New Product Showcase competi-tion. The FireWatch upload/download IP communicatorenables any commercial building’s fire alarm system to com-municate with central monitoring stations via the Internet.Its exclusive upload/download feature allows installers tointeract with systems from any remote location.

Whether uploading program updates, troubleshooting is-sues or performing virtual maintenance checks, these re-mote capabilities can lead to reduced expenses and false

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alarms. Fire-Lite’s IP communicator can utilize a building’sexisting IP line (i.e. LAN, WAN, DSL, cable, etc.) to digitallytransmit information to central stations. Traditional phonelines utilized for alarmcommunications canbe eliminated.

Internetalarm monitor-ing eliminatesthe many alarmcommunication is-sues that stem fromthe telecommunica-tions industry’s ongoingswitch to fiber optic cable fordigital signal transmissions.While enabling faster alarmtransmissions, the FireWatch IPcommunicator also increases supervi-sion of connectivity between the centralstation and alarm panel to every 90 seconds. Phone linesare typically supervised once every 24 hours.

The FireWatch IP communicator merely connects to a firealarm panel’s standard telephone ports, no changes to thepanel’s existing configuration are required. All alarm trans-missions are secured with the industry’s highest level of en-cryption (AES 512 bit). This module’s fully-digitaltransmission method also eliminates common dropouts inmodem communications caused by noise or other factors.The FireWatch IP communicator is listed to UL 864 9thEdition standards as compatible with multiple new andlegacy varieties of Fire-Lite alarm panels.

For more information, visit www.firelite.com.

Monitronics Renews “Five Diamond Central Station Certification”

Monitronics International Inc, Dallas, TX, has renewed itsCentral Station Alarm Association (CSAA) “Five DiamondCertification.” This Certification testifies that 100% of itscentral station operators have achieved proficiency and certification by passing the CSAA Central Station On-LineOperator Training Course.

These courses cover all phases of central station communi-cations with customers, law enforcement, fire and emer-gency services communications centers. This critical area ofcommunications is the life-saving link between the residen-tial or business properties and the law enforcement, fire andemergency services in local areas.

In order to achieve the “Five Diamond Certification,” eachand every operator must have not only passed the course,but demonstrated: proficiency in alarm verification, whichhelps reduce false alarms; proficiency in communicationswith the Public Service Answering Points, such as theEmergency 911 centers; knowledge of electronic communi-cations equipment, including radio; an understanding of the

codes and standards of such organizations as UnderwritersLaboratories, Factory Mutual, the National Fire ProtectionAssociation and others; and proficiency in the area of emer-gency preparedness under a wide scenario of possibilities.

According to the CSAA, there are approximately 2,700 cen-tral stations in the United States, which communicate andinteract with the law enforcement, fire and emergency serv-ices agencies. Of this group, fewer than one hundred centralstations have achieved the “Five Diamond Certified” status.

Tri-Ed Puts “Emphasys” on SoundTri-Ed welcomes EMPHASYS to its team of vendor part-

ners. A comprehensive line of high-performance architec-tural loudspeakers, EMPHASYS enhances Tri-Ed’s HomeEntertainment category. EMPHASYS speakers are de-signed by engineers who won’t settle for less than superiorsound performance. In-wall, In-ceiling, Dual-Channel andLCR cinema speakers are all available in a variety of popu-lar configurations for customized installations.

“EMPHASYS is excited to introduce our line of loudspeak-ers to integrators across the U.S. through Tri-Ed’s distribu-tion channels,” says Keith Marshall, President ofEMPHASYS.

“Tri-Ed looks forward to a long and successful partner-ship with EMPHASYS,” adds James Rothstein, Senior VicePresident of Marketing. “It’s part of our commitment to de-livering the best products and brands to our customers.”

For more information, visit www.tri-ed.com.

ICRealtime Releases a Super Night Vision Outdoor Zoom Camera

The feature-rich EL8000 from ICRealtime brings morethan cutting-edge style, with the built-in 30X (f3.3~99mm)optical zoom lens and 10X digital zoom function, the cameraprovides 300X of zoom capability. Users can utilize the

RS-485 interface remotely to manip-ulate the zoom as well as

all of the cameras internal functionsvia the DVR. The EL-8000 is

fully weatherproofand is rated at IP66. It

has 6 built in IR’s thatcan illuminate up to 150ft. If

longer distance of intelligent IR is needed you can easily connect the

EL-IR1 illuminators on the spot to give it up to 300ft. Built in motion detection lights on the side flash red when motion is sensed and stayblue when idle.

The El-8000 features “Serve Ease” which allows youto remove the camera from it mount without discon-necting the camera from the wall. This feature makesservice and installation quick and simple. The camera

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Industry News

incorporates an Intelligent CDS control technologythat triggers the mechanical day/night filter accu-rately. This filter is switched on and off with theimage changing between color and b/w at 5 lux out-door darkness.

With user friendly IR Link outputs, installers caneasily connect the ICR EL-IR1 illuminator on the

spot. Specially designed power circuit enables thecamera to be operated from DC12V to DC30V maxi-mizing the reliability of the unit from power fluctua-tions. This broad tolerance of power variationsaccepts most unstable power supplies without failurebefore or after installation.

For more information, visit www.icrealtime.com.

Rollacard Index

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

Protect Yourself and Others… Report Unlicensed Activity Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440or e-mail:[email protected]

eporRoll-frT

1-866-532-1440or e

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ProteporR t Unlicensed Aepor

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ourself and Ot Yt Yourself and OecPrott Unlicensed Aepor y tivitct Unlicensed A

… thersourself and Oy tivitct Unlicensed A Place your business

card here in The Handshake

Contact: Susan Brady at: 772-334-3249

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EF-20000519

Nicholas Perry 3600 Commerce BoulevardBusiness Development Kissimmee, FL 34741Manager 866-400-2130 [email protected] www.marlincentral.com

Listed

A True Central Station Partner

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What is It?

Try your luck at guessing what this picture is and win a prize. A hint: the item relates to the alarm industry in some way. Email the correct answer to: Susan [email protected]

Win an LED Flashlight from Tane AlarmProducts.

RULES, RULES AND MORE RULES Here they are:1. Guess what the pictures is.2. Provide a detailed description of the item, product, orservice depicted in the picture.3. Provide a description of what the item did, does or issupposed to do.4. Email the answer to Susan Brady. The first correct answer wins. Do to latency in email services, emailswithin 5 minutes of the time stamp shall be considered tobe concurrent. The most complete email description will bejudged the winner.5. Any email containing derogatory comments about thephoto or anything related to the photo will be automati-cally disqualified, regardless of accuracy.6. One win per member company per calendar year.7. Only member companies may participate, although anymember of that company may attempt an answer.8. The picture will be published in The Handshake inprint. Due to delivery delays, the photo will also be pub-lished on the website the day of, the day before, or the dayafter the mailing of The Handshake. You will not be noti-fied. Check the website regularly or wait to receive TheHandshake in the mail.

Complete contest rules are availableat: www.fla-alarms.org

or you can call the AAF office at:954-748-7779

For Members Only

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