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TTHHEE CCAAPPIITTAALL BBUULLLLEETTIINN September 23rd, 2017

Tom Rinaldi, Editor

Information for Fire District Commissioners, Treasurers, Secretaries and Chiefs Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn

Benjamin Franklin

CCAAPPIITTAALL SSHHOORRTTSS::

Local volunteer firefighters are waiting on Governor Cuomo to sign a bill that would help them if they're at risk of getting cancer. Firefighters spoke Tuesday in Williamsville, asking the governor to sign a bill that passed the legislature unanimously this year. There will eventually be a press briefing scheduled in the Capital Area.

Do you know how many LODD firefighter deaths there have been so far this year, that’s right; too many. The number is 67. That’s 7 per month.

Nearly 6,000 people directly related to 9/11 are fighting cancer today.

SAN BERNARDINO CA: Since county firefighters took over the city’s fire and emergency service one year ago, the average time for firefighters to respond to a 911 call has fallen dramatically, dropping more than 3 minutes from 9:50 to 6:07.

Like many organizations the Capital Area Association conducts meetings about 6 times a year, we thank those who attend, and like other organizations it’s the same people. What is the association all about? Primarily an exchange of information, networking, asking questions of others, learning how to do our jobs correctly, mostly interacting. The problem is, where are the rest of you? At the last meeting we got into a lively discussion about how do we save the volunteer fire service? What it really came down to is how do we supplement volunteer staff when there isn’t any. We hear the stories of the AARP Senior Citizens day time engine crew, or the department that has no interior firefighters. We have to ask, do we have a fire department in the real sense of the word? Well folks if you don’t start to get engaged I can assure you that a high profile incident is going to get the attention of our friends in the legislature and they will solve the problem; but you are not going to like the fix. [PS the career firefighter Unions make big campaign contributions] If you truly care about a volunteer fire service, you best wake up, take notice and get involved or sit back and pay higher taxes for paid staff. The choice is yours. In the words for Forest Gump, and that’s all I got to say about that!!

The best place to find referenced information will be the Capital Area site at www.afdca.org. or the State Association site at

www.afdsny.org and you will be directed as such.

The Capital Bulletin is the newsletter created and edited by Tom Rinaldi, 1

st Vice President of the Capital Area Association of Fire Districts and the

President of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York. As an officer or employee of a fire district or Business Partner you are welcome to submit content and information that you would like to share for consideration by the Editor. The content and information you share

may find its way into a future issue of The Capital Bulletin. If you wish to submit content, information or comments to the newsletter, please submit same by email to Tom Rinaldi at tom@rinaldi1.com.

Submissions by business partners should be informational and not advertising and may result in a newsletter article as space permits, but we can assure you that all suggestions will be considered and are appreciated.

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CCAAPPIITTAALL AARREEAA AASSSSOOCCIIAATTIIOONN NNEEWWSS:: WWWWWW..AAFFDDCCAA..OORRGG

This year’s Officer’s Reception will be held on March 24th 2018 at the Light House Restaurant in Scotia, NY. More details to follow. Mark your calendar now!!

Good Food – Good Friends – Plenty of Parking – Adjacent Hotel on Site – Casino just across the bridge

CAPITAL AREA FALL SEMINAR AND REGISTRATION FLYER RESERVE A SEAT NOW

AFD-CA Fall 2017

Workshop Flyer.pdf

Future meeting dates all are at the West Crescent Fire Station unless otherwise noted:

Thursday November 9th 7pm (Elections) Saturday January 6th 2017 reorganizational meeting.

Opening for Association Secretary and/or Treasurer: Mike Ouimet has given notice that he will be stepping down as our Secretary-Treasurer in the coming election. Mike is slowing down to devote more time with his family. I want to thank Mike for coming into the Association and taking over after the death of our long time Secretary/Treasurer Fred Blaise. Mike hit the ground running and has been an asset, a true professional bringing the Association along to where it is today. I can’t thank Mike enough for his service and his friendship it’s been an honor and pleasure.

o As a result we will be looking for someone to fill some big shoes. The membership and Board proposed a by-laws change with an option to split the job of secretary and treasurer. The position is entitled to a stipend as determined by the Board of Directors. If you are interested in the position, which is appointed, please send a letter of intent and a brief resume to Mike Ouimet, 42 Bellview Road, Troy NY 12180.

Register on the Capital Area Web Site at afdca.org. to be able access information.

Mark it on your Calendar, the Capital Area Association of Fire Districts Fall Workshop November 11th 2017 Boght Community Fire District, Latham NY

Subjects to be Covered Are: Human Resource Issues for the Volunteer Fire Service – Mike Dallessandro

Role of the PIO for the Fire District – Art Hunsinger Your Opportunity to Ask the Attorney

Attorneys Bill Young, Tim & Terry Hannigan and Jack Clark

As always the workshop is planned on a half day schedule beginning at 8:30 and ending with Lunch provided.

SSTTAATTEE AASSSSOOCCIIAATTIIOONN NNEEWWSS:: WWWWWW..AAFFDDSSNNYY..OORRGG

REGISTRATIONS FOR THE FALL LEADERSHIP ARE POURING IN APPROXIMATELY 300 REGISTRATIONS FOR THIS EVENT

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE FALL CONFERENCE WWW.AFDSNY.ORG!! Paper forms HAVE BEEN mailed to your districts!

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Vendor spaces for the 2017 Fall Leadership Summit are going fast go to our new website at AFDSNY.org and reserve your space.

It’s Official, the Annual Meeting and workshops move to the Marriott on Wolf Road in

April of 2018

THE NEW STATE ASSOCIATION WEB SITE IS NOW WWW.AFDSNY.ORG

ON-SITE AND ON-LINE COMMISSIONER TRAINING CHANGES New Contact for 2018

Cathy Deluca AFDSNY Program Coordinator

PO Box 496 Selkirk, NY 12158

(C) (518) 275-6585 program.coordinator@afdsny.org

Association Web Site www.afdsny.org

The on-line Commissioner Training for 2018 is in the process of being updated and revised. I’m very excited about the future changes to the program; I think you’re going to like it too!

The on-site Commissioner’s Training is being developed and the sites/dates will be announced in October!

SSPPEEAAKK UUPP FFIIRREE SSEERRVVIICCEE!!

The Cancer Bill Has Passed the Legislature – Tell the Governor He Needs to Sign It - Do it right now!!

Cancer coverage for volunteer firefighters has passed both Houses of the Legislature and is waiting to go to Governor Andrew Cuomo for final action. We need every volunteer firefighter, and their family members, in New York to call AND email Governor Cuomo. Follow the links below! Click here to send an email: Take Action Click here to make a call: Take Action

CONTROL/CLICK ON THE ORANGE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LEGISLATION

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S.1238, the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act, will exempt from federal income tax any property tax benefit and up to $600 per year of any other type of benefit that a state or local unit of government provides to volunteer emergency responders as a recruitment or retention incentive. Congressman David Reichert (WA-8) and Congressman John Larson (CT-1) introduced companion legislation, H.R. 1550, on March 15th. The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved similar legislation during the 114th Congress, but it failed to advance through both chambers before the end of the legislative session. S.1239, the Length of Service Award Program Cap Adjustment Priority Act, is the second piece of legislation introduced by the two Senators. This measure will raise the annual cap on contributions to Length-of-Service Awards Programs to $6,000 and allows for adjustments for inflation. The legislation will also create a process to adjust the cap based on inflation.

House Passes Bill to Develop Firefighter Cancer Registry The US House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Tuesday that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop a registry of firefighters who develop cancer in an effort to study the risks they face on the job. The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, introduced by Rep. Chris Collins, R-NY, would provide $2 million in federal funds from 2018 to 2022 for the CDC to gather and study data, including the status of a firefighter who developed cancer (volunteer or career, for example), the number of years spent on the job and the number and types of incidents they responded to.

LLEEGGIISSLLAATTIIVVEE UUPPDDAATTEESS

Call for Legislative Issues!!! What do you want? We are asking all fire districts in the State to present their legislative ideas that the AFDSNY will review and discuss at the upcoming Law and Legislative Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday October 11th at 3:00PM at the Saratoga Hilton as part of the fall Leadership Conference program. All proposals should cpnsider the following:

1. A written description of the proposal. 2. Is the proposal a new issue or one modifying an existing law or regulation? If so, please cite the statue or

law (that is always helpful when researching issues). 3. If known, what type and how big of impact will this have on the fire service or population in general? (e.g.

monetary, administrative, etc.) Remember, state budget items are normally handled through the budget process and not always in the legislative process.

4. While individual fire district proposals impacting a single fire district (a home rule bill) may not rise to the level of having full support of the AFDSNY Legislative Committee, it is still important for the committee to know in order to advance support, if needed.

5. Any other background information or facts that will assist the committee in evaluating the proposals. 6. Please have them emailed to me no later than Wednesday October 4 in order for copies to be made for the

committee meeting. All the issues and proposals that the committee approves for the new legislative session will be discussed for inclusion for the 2018 Issues of United Concern when that committee meets on December 2 in Albany.

2017-2018 ISSUES OF UNITED CONCERN

The End of Session Update Legislation GAP COVERAGE CANCER BENEFIT – (S1411A Griffo/A711A Gunther) To create the New York State

Volunteer Firefighter Gap Coverage Cancer Disability Benefits Act to provide volunteer firefighters who contract certain forms

of cancer with enhanced disability benefits.

Returned to the Senate vote reconsidered, restored to third reading and amended as Bill 1411A the new Gap Coverage Bill. In

the Assembly the bill has been amended to A711A and recommitted to the Assm Local Government Committee.

Bill has passed both Chambers and will go to the Governor for signature. [WHILE THE VFBL PROPOSAL IS STILL BEING RESEARCHED THIS BILL WAS INTRODUCED AS AN AMENDED VERISION OF THE OLD BILL USING THE SAME NUMBER BECAUSE IT WAS PAST TIME FOR THE SENATE TO BE ABLE TO INTRODUCE NEW LEGISLATION INTO THE 2017 SESSION]

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1. Fair Play Ambulance Cost Recovery for Fire Departments – (S363A Little/A7717A Jones) Allows all fire

departments and fire districts to bill for ambulance services to even the playing field with all other ambulance providers

across the state.

In Assembly Local Govt Committee, In Senate moved to Finance Committee. The bill has

been amended and recommitted to the Finance Committee.

2. Illegal Building Conversions (S6636GOLDEN/A8249HARRIS) The purpose of this bill is to help reduce the

incidence of illegal conversions by requiring landlords to disclose to tenants that a certificate of occupancy is current

and valid for the property being rented.

Passed in the Assembly, and passed in the Senate, goes to the governor for signature.

Director’s pass resolution to Vote NO! The Board of Directors of the State Association has passed a resolution to Vote No for the upcoming vote on the State’s Constitutional Convention. A set of talking points will be forthcoming. Be sure to look for the proposition on the Ballot and mark NO.

WWHHOO’’SS DDOOIINNGG WWHHAATT?? TTHHEE TTRRAAIINNIINNGG IISS RRIIGGHHTT HHEERREE TTAAKKEE AADDVVAANNTTAAGGEE!!

Fireground Responsibilities of the Incident Commander – State Chiefs The goal of NYSAFC’s free 16-hour Fireground Responsibilities of the Incident Commander training program is to assist fire departments in meeting the Best Practices for Incident Commanders as outlined by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control and referenced by the New York State Department of Labor Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau. Fireground Responsibilities of the

Incident Commander Registration Form January 27 & 28, 2018 – Fulton County Berkshire Fire Department • 320 Steele Avenue Extension • Gloversville, NY 12078 February 10 & 11, 2018 – Albany County Guilderland Fire Department • 2303 Western Avenue • Guilderland, NY 12084 ICS 400 Level Course In Saratoga County A training course announcement from the NYS Office of Emergency Management for an ICS For Major and/or Complex Incidents (I-400) course. This course is scheduled for December 12-13, 2017 at the Jonesville Fire Department – Station 1; 953 Main St.; Clifton Park, NY 12065.

See the registration form here . 12.12-12.13.2017_I40

0Announce_SaratogaCounty.pdf

FASNY Buildings on Fire: Tactical Risks for the First-Due! Please Select Your Course Location Registration opens at 6:30 p.m. — Course begins at 7:00 p.m. — Seating is limited. Attending this seminar may qualify you for LOSAP points per your department LOSAP guidelines. Erie County – October 24 Sheridan Park Fire District #4, 738 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda Saratoga County – October 25 Waterford Junior Senior High School, 125 Middletown Road, Waterford Warren County – November 2 Lake George Fire Department, 179 Ottawa Street, Lake George Orange County – November 8 Orange County Emergency Services, 22 Wells Farm Road, Goshen Schoharie County – November 9 Schoharie Fire Department, 114 Fort Road, Schoharie Chemung County – November 28 American Legion, 71 Old Ithaca Road, Horsehead Download Registration Form Here: http://www.fasny.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FallSeminarFlyerFNL.pdf

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Hands-On Training Boot Camp Essex County – Tuesday, October 3 Lake Placid Fire Department: 456 Old Military Road, Lake Placid Albany County – Wednesday, October 4 Onesquethaw Fire Company: 2177 Tarrytown Road, Clarksville Dutchess County – Thursday, October 5 Pleasant Valley Fire Station #1: 1619 Main Street, Pleasant Valley

3-Hour Program Description Three-hour night program format at six locations (to be selected)

6:00-9:00 p.m (breaks included)

Student prerequisites: New York State Firefighter 1 or equivalent

PPE requirements: Full turnout gear – coat, pants, helmet, gloves, hood and SCBA, although no air usage is required

30 student max (10 students per station in a rotation – breaks at rotation)

FASNY member – $75.00, non-member – $90.00

Each attendee receives a Boot Camp T-Shirt

Registration form here:

http://www.fasny.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/TrainingBootcampRegistration.pdf

Buildings on Fire, Tactical Risks for the First Due – FASNY Sponsored Course Please Select Your Course Location: Registration opens at 6:30 p.m. — Course begins at 7:00 p.m. — Seating is limited. Attending this seminar may qualify you for LOSAP points per your department LOSAP guidelines.

Erie County – October 24 Sheridan Park Fire District #4, 738 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda

Saratoga County – October 25 Waterford Junior Senior High School, 125 Middletown Road, Waterford

Warren County – November 2 Lake George Fire Department, 179 Ottawa Street, Lake George Orange County – November 8

Orange County Emergency Services, 22 Wells Farm Road, Goshen

Schoharie County – November 9 Schoharie Fire Department, 114 Fort Road, Schoharie

Chemung County – November 28 American Legion, 71 Old Ithaca Road, Horseheads Click Here to Register: http://www.fasny.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FallSeminarFlyerFNL.pdf

Did YOU Know? FASNY offers a Catalogue of Continuing Education Seminars? Training right in front of you, take advantage of it!! Click on this link to learn more: http://www.fasny.com/pdfs/FASNYCourseCatalog.pdf

Chief’s 112th Annual Conference and Fire Expo 2018 June 13 – 16th 2018 At Turning Stone Resort See their web site here: http://www.nysfirechiefs.com/content.asp?contentid=229 Attendee Event Registration, Hands On Training and Hotel Reservations.

GGRRAANNTTSS

Unique Partnership Leads to a Regional Recruiting and Retention Grant By Jerry Brant Numerous times, I have heard individuals complain that their area just doesn’t have the resources to assist with a project. This article provides insight into a unique partnership that developed to help address the recruiting and retention problems volunteer fire departments were facing in one Pennsylvania county. In the spring of 2016, nine volunteer fire departments in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, southwest of Pittsburgh, gathered to discuss a regional application to the SAFER Grant Program for a recruiting and retention initiative in their coverage area. Seated in the audience at this meeting was Regis Synan, a member of the Board of

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Directors of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. He had been invited to the meeting by the president of one of the participating volunteer departments. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GARNERS SUPPORT Community foundations are instruments of civil society designed to pool donations into a coordinated investment and grant making facility dedicated primarily to the social improvement of a given place. Community foundations are a global phenomenon with 1700 existing around the world (of which over 700 are in the United States). When the meeting concluded, Synan approached the presenter, and said that he felt that this was a project that the Community Foundation should be involved in. He invited the presenter to attend a meeting with the staff of the Community Foundation. The Foundation was concerned because they realized that the volunteer fire service is such an integral part of a community. Not only do fire departments provide fire suppression, rescue, first response and fire prevention education services, but they also provide a venue for community groups to meet, a location for polling places, a site for dinners and parties, and a place of shelter when needed. If the volunteer fire department goes away, so do these things. If the Foundation was going to be involved, its members wanted this to be a county-wide effort. They wanted there to be a seamless recruiting and retention program across the county. This posed a problem because nine departments were already planning a SAFER application and the county’s other volunteer fire stations would need to be contacted and their interest evaluated before the project moved forward. COUNTY BANDS TOGETHER FOR SAFER APPLICATION Following the Foundation meeting, the nine departments met and decided not to pursue a 2015 SAFER grant, but to be part of the countywide effort. The Community Foundation provided a $10,000 planning grant to undertake a survey of the fire services in Westmoreland County. Decoplan Associates, LLC, conducted the study. According to their research, more than 62 percent of participating departments’ annual budgets comes from fundraising. Two departments in the survey receive no municipal funding, and rely solely on their own fundraising to cover their budgets. Volunteer fire department officials cited the time commitment, lack of awareness of the need and budgetary constraints as the main factors responsible for declining numbers of volunteers. Since the 1980s, the traditional blue-collar economic base of coal mining and heavy industry in western Pennsylvania has faded, and some fire departments report having no members who work within their coverage areas. Firefighters who work in the Pittsburgh area but live in Westmoreland County spend a disproportionate amount of time commuting to and from work, and are less able to leave work for an emergency call than in years past. Volunteer fire departments also report that many of their members hold two jobs, and many have spouses who work full time. The survey found that this factor has resulted in a 16 percent drop in the number of firefighters through the past decade. The survey also found that 80 percent of the county’s fire departments do not consistently meet National Fire Prevention Association standards for staffing and response. As a result of this process, 83 of the county’s fire stations agreed to participate in a 2016 regional SAFER grant application hosted by the Hempfield Bureau of Fire. SAFER GRANT FUNDS RECRUITMENT EFFORTS F EMA announced a $4.3 million SAFER Grant to fund recruitment and training of 500 additional volunteer firefighters for the county. The SAFER grant will fund advertising and marketing for a recruitment effort, as well as safety gear purchases for current personnel and those who join. To encourage retention, the grant also will cover training opportunities, tuition reimbursement and insurance policies. A salaried administrative assistant and program manager will be funded for the duration of the four-year grant period. “We recognized the significance of this investment in Westmoreland County and the potential it has to help volunteer fire departments build upon their rich tradition of selfless service,” said Phil Koch, executive director of

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the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. “The SAFER funding allows us to create an awareness campaign to attract volunteers, and to provide all of our firefighters with safety equipment, physical exams and training they need to protect Westmoreland County residents and themselves.”

State Archives Grant Information Session Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund Grant Application Information Session Thursday November 2, 2017 9:00 am-12:00 pm Warren County Municipal Center Room 5-110, First Floor 1340 State Rt. 9 Lake George, NY 12845 To register: http://www.archives.nysed.gov/workshops/schedule/lgrmif-grant-application-information-session-2017-11-02 AND: Thursday November 30, 2017 9:30 am-12:30 pm Plattsburgh Public Library Auditorium 19 Oak Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2810 To register: http://www.archives.nysed.gov/workshops/schedule/lgrmif-grant-application-information-session-2017-11-30

New Jersey city approved to layoff 64 firefighters to plug budget hole The city of Trenton has approval to lay off 64 firefighters who are currently being funded by a federal grant that runs out at the end of October, according to a plan approved by the state. The layoffs are set to occur Nov. 1, 2017, and affected firefighters would need to be officially notified no later than Saturday, Sept. 16 to comply with state 45-day notification rule, the plan says. City spokesman Michael Walker said late Friday that the city will start official notifications on Monday, due to the late hour the city was notified Friday evening that the plan had been approved. NJ Advance Media obtained the approval plan from the state Civil Service Commission via the state's Open Public Records Act. [Editor’s Note: the downside of accepting federal grant money – it ends!]

BBEESSTT PPRRAACCTTIICCEESS DOES ANYONE DO SOMETHING THAT HAS HELPED YOUR DEPARTMENT IN ANY WAY SUCH AS RECRUITMENT, BETTER STAFFING, RETENTION, BOOST MORALE; IF YOU DO TAKE CREDIT FOR IT LET ME KNOW AND IT WILL GO HERE! SHARE YOUR STORY.

SSAAFFEETTYY

Why firefighters should decon with towelettes

Firefighters are especially vulnerable to cancer-causing contamination around the face and neck; there are several ways firefighters can clean that area on scene

One of the most current and relevant topics in firefighter safety today is reducing the risk of developing cancer from repeated exposures to toxic substances and carcinogens during firefighting operations.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer recognizes soot as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that it is categorized as one of the worst carcinogens that firefighters can be exposed to, particularly during interior structural firefighting.

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The parts of a firefighter’s body that are covered by their protective hood is the easiest place for toxic substances and carcinogens to meet the skin. That's because many hoods lack any type of barrier characteristics to keep out the superfine particles, soot, that absorb a variety of hazardous chemicals including carcinogens.

Additionally, NIOSH studies and other research has shown carcinogen buildup on firefighters' skin, particularly on the neck and face areas unprotected by the SCBA face piece. Human skin is an organ that readily absorbs those surface contaminants.

In the long term, there are several fire service groups, like NFPA, and firefighting protective hood manufacturers working to develop a hood that can protect firefighters from these skin exposures. In the short term, prompt removal of these skin contaminants, primarily soot, is the best course of action to minimize a firefighter’s exposure.

Fire service groups, like the International Association of Fire Chiefsand International Association of Fire Fighters, along with firefighter cancer advocacy groups, such as the International Firefighter Cancer Foundation and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network all recommend the prompt cleansing of the head, face and neck as soon as a firefighter’s protective ensemble is removed.

This recommendation has created a relative cottage industry of companies rushing to meet this newfound market.

LABEL READING

One manufacturer, Action Wipes, recommends evaluating wipes or towelettes for use in firefighter rehab and decontamination based on their ingredients, as "skin can absorb up to 68 percent of ingredients put on it; the absorption rate for underarms and genitalia is closer to 100 percent," it writes.

They advise to be on the lookout for harsh and toxic chemicals, colors and fragrances. These can be absorbed through the skin and enter body organs as well as the circulatory and lymphatic systems. The company also cautions against using antibacterial wipes, citing that the "FDA is studying the safety and efficacy of hand sanitizers and wipes that use alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol), isopropyl alcohol and benzalkonium chloride."

One group that’s already doing that research is the Environmental Working Group. EWG's Skin Deep database evaluates products and offers ways to protect against chemical exposures. Among the items EWG scientists evaluate are skin wipes and towelettes.

The core of Skin Deep is an electronic product database that contains ingredients in 64,708 products. EWG obtained detailed information on these products from online retailers, manufacturers, product packaging and, to a lesser extent, through other methods.

In most cases, the information EWG obtains includes a brand name, product name, directions for use, warnings, ingredients, package/advertising text and indications (cosmeceuticals).

WHAT’S ON THE MARKET

My research found that there are currently 16 brands of wipes or towelettes being marketed to the fire service for removal of skin contaminants following fire suppression operations. Table 1 below is Life Element's list of the brand names of those body wipes/towelettes.

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Another product for removal of skin contaminants is scheduled to make its debut in June 2017. According to Terri Hennessey, owner of Hennessy Distributing/Cool Towel, the new decon towel is a spin-off from the all-natural cooling towel used for firefighter rehab.

“As I spoke with fire chiefs about the Cool-Towel, many of them also asked if we had an all-natural decon towel,” said Hennessey. “We decided to go with a towel rather than a wipe because of the larger surface area of the towel.

TTHHEE CCHHIIEEFF’’SS CCOORRNNEERR

Fire department leadership: It’s influence, not a title By Robert Rielage

I have four shelves of books on leadership and another two shelves of U.S. military leader biographies. Yet trying to concisely define "leadership" is difficult for me. I recently had two reminders of the many facets of leadership, including that at times, a leader can feel very lonely and isolated, especially when having to make difficult decisions on the future direction of an organization. The other reminder was about the importance of holding members of the team responsible for their actions. The first occurred when I went into the office of a co-worker and found a newly framed picture on his wall. His wife had framed a montage of photos that included his assistant chief’s helmet, badge and bugles, but more importantly contained a phrase that read: "Leadership is influence – not a title."

Leadership is earned through taking action What a true statement. Being a leader – in firefighting or sports – is earned and not just given with a promotion to a rank. In baseball, for example, there are leaders in hitting, fielding, on-base and slugging percentage, games won and games saved. But sometimes the term also applies to the clubhouse leader. The player that keeps everyone in the game – whose chatter and high fives keep the team focused on their goals and through wit and humor can bring anyone out of the dumps when they’ve lost. We may all strive to be the hitting leader – the player who can always come through in a clutch situation, is admired most by fans and subsequently gets the biggest pay check. Yet stop for a moment and compare this to you as a chief or company officer. It seems that somehow we’ve been conditioned to think that every organizational decision we make must always be a winner with everyone onboard or when seeing that a decision hasn’t worked, scrapping it and trying something new is a sign of failure. If a baseball team's hitting leader has a lifetime batting average of .300 or better, chances are that they’re destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame. They’ve made a hit less than one out of every three times at bat. But they also make an out 7 out of 10 times at bat. Over about 500 plate appearances in the seasons fouls off over 1,000 baseballs each season while getting just 150 hits. Those numbers should make the average fire officer feel pretty good about their initiative and the percentage of good decisions they make day after day.

Leaders hold everyone on the team accountable A fellow chief recommended that I read "Above the Line" by Urban Meyer, the football coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Meyer provides some brutally hard insight into the issues associated with trying to lead a progressive organization. Meyer indicates that a main characteristic of any winning organization is holding every individual member of the team responsible for their actions – both when they perform well or perform poorly. In establishing a winning culture, one example was that he had no room for the excuses from the Blamers, Complainers or Defenders.

Blamers are always making an excuse for their actions by blaming someone else. Complainers are always critical of anything that disturbs their own status quo and are quick to say things

like, "but we’ve always done it this way, why change." Defenders will argue their point of view forever, despite evidence that their stance is contrary to the

betterment of the organization.

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If an individual or group becomes BCD, it can infect the entire organization’s ability to take personal responsibility, but more importantly, if BCD is a characteristic of one of the leaders within the organization, it can poison any chance of making any positive changes. Within days of reading Meyer’s book, I was confronted with a BCD individual. This person expressed three complaints – being passed over for promotion, feeling there was very little communication down to his level and a rumored decision that the department was planning to upgrade some existing equipment instead of outright replacement and that move would be less safe than purchasing new equipment. While I had not sat on the evaluation board for promotions, I started by asking him what he had done over the years to prepare himself for promotion. His answer was a classic that I’d heard more than once, "It was my turn, I’ve been here the longest." This individual is a very talented firefighter-paramedic, but he hadn’t taken any steps on his own to prepare himself to be an officer such as completing any college, even though the department has a reimbursement plan for education; taking a Fire Officer 1 and 2 leadership course; or any of the other classes offered at the State or National Fire Academy when such training time is available from the department. Communications was an interesting topic since all of the chief officers in the department take time to visit the stations regularly – every shift at every station receives a visit at least monthly by one or more chief. So my question to him about communications was when was the last time he had asked a question of any of the chiefs and the answer was clearly that our conversation had been the first time he had bothered. Finally, on the equipment issue, I discussed how the upgrades to the department’s SCBA’s a few years earlier had extended their life cycle and allowed the department to concentrate on other safety needs. I asked him if he felt those upgrades had jeopardized firefighter safety or if he knew of any piece of equipment at his station that was in need of repair or replacement that could compromise firefighter safety? His answer was that he knew of none. My answers to his questions were designed to not only clarify his areas of his concern, but to reinforce that these had been addressed by leadership. However, to make them work better required actions from him whether in preparation for promotion; feedback into the communications process; or input to the ad hoc equipment committee. When faced with a BCD individual, Meyer recommends trying to change their attitude and not allow this negativity to permeate the organization and therefore infect others.

Learning to lead is hard, but important work Leadership is a continual evolutionary process no matter how long you’ve been in the fire service. It’s hard work with little immediate reward for your efforts. If it were easy, then everyone would be a leader. The truth is that leadership is a hard earned skill not awarded with rank. Leadership can come from the newest firefighter or the veteran officer. As the phrase in my colleague’s office states, "Leadership is influence, not a title."

DDEESSIIGGNNIINNGG BBUUIILLDDIINNGGSS OORR AAPPPPAARRAATTUUSS

Station Design: Anatomy of the Apparatus Bay By Robert Manns When leaders and architects are tasked with designing a fire station, they should be well prepared to respond to uninformed criticism from the public. During budget hearings, bond referendums and community input meetings, perhaps one of the most common remarks made is, “It’s just a garage, it shouldn’t cost that much!” Being positioned to respond to such a comment can be the difference maker in the success or failure of gaining project approval. While fire stations consist of many spaces beyond the bays, apparatus storage space is almost always the largest component. Three key factors have come to influence the design of apparatus bays that differentiates them from the common garage. First, firefighting apparatus and equipment has substantially evolved within the past decades. Equipment size has significantly increased throughout history, and innovation continues to occur. Second is the advent and continued development of building codes. Officials throughout the country have come to realize that fire stations and other essential facilities, such as police stations and hospitals, are critical to the service of the community, and that they must be

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protected from hazards that might take them out of service. Third, the advancement of construction materials and methods have changed the landscape of the way buildings are constructed. Newer materials are capable of longer spans, can achieve high levels of durability, fire resistance and improved energy performance.

Factor 1: Evolution of apparatus A little more than century ago, firefighters operated out of stations built as a home for horse-drawn pumpers. As the fire service continued to evolve, so too did the technology for apparatus and fire stations. Few of the stations of that era demonstrated the planning foresight to accommodate the size and weight of future generations of apparatus. The length and width of fire apparatus has grown exponentially to the point where many departments are forced to order expensive customizations to ensure that the truck can even fit within the bays. The batteries and generators associated with apparatus have increased the electrical requirements for “shore” lining, and the weight of equipment places tremendous strain on the concrete slabs and foundations. Historically, apparatus bays were once part barn, part garage. The “mechanical” function has since evolved from clearing manure to evacuating carcinogen-laced vehicle exhaust. With the continued advancement of apparatus design, many departments are faced with the challenge of operating a modern-day fleet of equipment from buildings more than 50 years old. As technology and automation continue to develop at a rapid pace, departments should do their best to forecast what the next 50 to 100 years of apparatus design might look like. Be sure to plan for maximum flexibility. If you think drone response is farfetched, just remember, the guys chasing a horse down the street never dreamed of a 107-foot tiller.

Factor 2: Building code development Events such as the Chicago fire (1871), San Francisco earthquake (1906) and Hurricane Andrew (1992) decimated and paralyzed communities. In the United States, such natural and manmade disasters have prompted the continual development of building codes to ensure that all types of structures are designed to meet a minimum standard to protect the life safety, health and overall wellness of occupants. Today, commonly adopted building codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC), designate fire stations and emergency vehicle bays as essential facilities. This classification requires them to be constructed in a fashion that enables them to withstand strong winds, heavy snow loads and seismic activity to ensure that a widespread event does not sideline emergency responders. Additional codes and standards further subject apparatus bays and fire stations to unique design requirements. For example, NFPA 1 requires that all new fire stations, regardless of size or usage of materials, be protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system. Such regulations ensure that the building is protected should a fire occur while the department is active on a scene, or that personnel are protected should a piece of apparatus catch on fire while they sleep in their bunks. NFPA standards 1581 and 1500 address issues regarding first responder health by establishing requirements for treating vehicle exhaust and infectious disease control. In short, for the good of a community, fire stations and apparatus bays must be designed to be stronger and better protected from natural disasters, manmade disasters, blood-borne pathogens, and carcinogens than most other types of buildings. These codes and standards, among others, directly impact the design and costs associated with structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems of the bays, and render them unique from any other building type. It should be expected that continued research surrounding cancer and cardiac arrest in the firefighting community will ultimately spark additional provisions that further impact the financial costs of these essential facilities.

The rest of the story in the next edition of Capital Bulletin

TTHHEE LLEEGGAALL DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT && FFAAQQSS

Part-Time Firefighters and the 207k Exemption Our fire department recently hired its first full-time firefighters to supplement our volunteers and part-time personnel. Historically we paid our part-time personnel overtime after 40 hours a week. Our new full-time personnel have been designated as being subject to the 207(k) partial exemption, and we have established a 28-day work period. In other words we pay the full-timers overtime only after they have worked 212 hours in a 28-day

13 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

work period. Can we apply the 207(k) exemption to our part time firefighters and use the same 28-day work period? Answer: The FLSA does not draw a distinction between full and part-time employees. To the FLSA there are only employees. How many hours your employees work and what you call them (career, full-time, day-time, seasonal, per diem, part-time, volunteers, etc.) is up to you. The FLSA just requires that you pay employees minimum wage and overtime after they work 40 hours in a workweek . As you point out, the FLSA has a partial exemption for personnel engaged in fire protection activities that allows a public agency to extend the hours to 53 per week, or 212 hours in 28 days before overtime is required. The 207(k) exemption is not limited to full-time personnel. It can be applied to any employee engaged in fire protection activities. Keep in mind, the FLSA is not the only consideration when it comes to changing the way you pay you employees. There may be state law issues that govern whether you can change the way you have been paying your part-time personnel. There may even be contractual considerations that need to be addressed. That is why you need to consult with local legal counsel to ensure all of the issues are considered.

FAQ 16-11 We've recently had a commissioner move out of the district will they have to resign? Section 175 (3) of the Town Law provides in part that “every fire district commissioner, treasurer and secretary must at the time of his election or appointment and throughout his term of office be a resident of such fire district.” If the absence is temporary while the individual is looking for a new residence within the district that maybe permitted but if the intent is not to return to the district, then the position is deemed to be vacant and the remaining board members may fill the vacancy pursuant to Section 176 (3) of the Town Law.

There are 20 Complete Editions of FAQs on the State Association Web Page - - www.afdsny.org You must have a log in under the Member Center to access the FAQs, any member of a dues paying fire district can obtain

an individual log on account, just request it through the web page. Disclaimer: The legal opinions published here by the Association of Fire Districts are meant to provide guidance for fire district commissioners. The materials available are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individual author at the time the facts were presented and based on the law then applicable. The information contained in these opinions is not guaranteed to be up to date. The information provided is not legal advice. Since legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing on this site should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel. The authors assume no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained herein and disclaim all liability in respect to such information. You should not act upon information in this publication without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted to practice in your jurisdiction.

BBUUIILLDDIINNGG AANNDD FFIIRREE CCOODDEE SSTTUUFFFF::

New York State has Announced New Rule Development The rule now under development would amend Section 1203.3 to provide that local governments’ code enforcement programs must include provisions requiring condition assessments of parking structures. Initial condition assessments of parking structures shall be conducted no later than three (3) years after the date of completion of the original construction of the parking structure or one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of the rule adding this provision to 19 NYCRR section 1203.3, whichever is later. Thereafter, periodic condition assessments shall be conducted at intervals fixed by the authority having jurisdiction within its code enforcement program but in no event to exceed three (3) years All condition assessments shall be conducted by or under the direct supervision of a licensed professional engineer who has qualifications deemed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to be appropriate for the purposes of performing condition assessments of parking structures. The rule now under development would also amend Section 1203.3(g) to provide that local governments’ code enforcement programs must require operating permits for using parking structures. If you have suggestions on how the draft rule could be improved, suggested alternatives to the draft rule that the Department of State could consider, or any other comments on the draft rule, please contact Gerard Hathaway, Assistant Director for Code Development, Division of Building Standards & Codes, by mail at New York State Department of State Division of

14 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

Administration and Enforcement, 99 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12231-0001; by telephone at (518) 474-4073; or by e mail at Dos.sm.codes.codedevelopment@dos.ny.gov.

Entire House Framed with Engineered Lumber If you have been a firefighter for very long, you are probably aware of firefighter’s concerns with engineered wood and how it performs under fire conditions. The use of engineered wood products has grown significantly in recent decades. According to APA–The Engineered Wood Products Association, engineered wood components saw their first commercialization in the 1960s but didn’t enjoy widespread use until the 1980s. (1) Since then, production has increased more than ten-fold, with the U.S. and Canada combining for 1.28 billion linear feet of engineered components in 2004, at the peak of the housing boom.

So What is Engineered Wood?

Engineered wood, also called composite wood, man-made wood, or manufactured board, includes a range of derivative wood products which are manufactured by binding or fixing the strands, particles, fibers, or veneers or boards of wood, together with adhesives, or other methods of fixation to form composite materials. These products are engineered to precise design specifications which are tested to meet national or international standards. Engineered wood products are used in a variety of applications, from home construction to commercial buildings to industrial products. The products can be used for joists and beams that replace steel in many building projects.

Typically, engineered wood products are made from the same hardwoods and softwoods used to manufacture lumber. Sawmill scraps and other wood waste can be used for engineered wood composed of wood particles or fibers, but whole logs are usually used for veneers, such as plywood, or particle board.

As I said earlier engineered wood has been on the fire service radar for awhile now, so you are probably asking yourself what is the purpose of this article?

Thanks to my good friend Eric Rissman who sent a very interesting Facebook link (3) from Sherwood Lumber. What caught my attention in this post was the way engineered wood products are being used in wall systems for the entire structural frame. So I did a little digging to hopefully shed some light on how engineered wood products can be used in place of traditional wood framing.

Structural Composite Lumber Basics:

Structural composite lumber (SCL), which includes laminated veneer lumber (LVL), parallel strand lumber (PSL), laminated strand lumber (LSL) and oriented strand lumber (OSL), is a family of engineered wood products created by layering dried and graded wood veneers, strands or flakes with moisture resistant adhesive, into blocks of material known as billets, which are subsequently resawn into specified sizes.

In this article I have focused on engineered wood being used in structural walls, because, I am not aware of any full scale fire service testing that has been done on engineered wood being used vertically or used as a wall. Thanks to the great work from Under Writers Laboratory (UL) and NIOSH, we will take a look at some of the highlights from the UL floor and roof testing, that could also pertain to these products and this application.

UL TEST HIGHLIGHTS (6) While most of the 100-plus page UL report on the testing of lightweight building components focused on engineering calculations, several key points emerged to clarify the fire performance of engineered wood components, including:

Deflection Times: Although a computer model predicted that the test floor assembly using engineered I-joists would retain its strength longer during a fire than the traditional wood platform, the opposite was the case. Furthermore, the engineered wood supports began to fail and deflect almost from the start of the test and proceeded to degrade in stages, leading to floor vibration, noise, collapse, and burn-through.

15 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

Charring: The rate at which engineered wood and traditional wood chars is similar. However, because of the very thin cross section of the I-beams, the report found that this charring rate poses immediate dangers to the mechanical integrity of the structure.

Heat Sensitivity: Oriented strand board beam sections exhibited initial charring at a much lower temperature than traditional wood, making it impossible to further test some properties of the material.

Heat Conduction: Due to compressed plies and binding material, the engineered samples conducted heat faster than other wood samples.

Brittleness: Engineered wood product samples exhibited increased brittleness and loss of mechanical strength compared with traditional wood components when heated in an oven, even without being exposed to fire. Researchers suggested this was due to separation of the constituent compressed fibers under mechanical and heat stress

This is just one of many ways our built-in environment is constantly changing and we need to be a student of our profession, more than ever before. It simply is not enough to “Put the Wet Stuff on the Red Stuff”. We must know that the buildings of today are not going to be built fire safe, and as fire service professionals, we must push for home fire sprinklers to save the lives of those we swore to protect.

Please share this with all your brothers and sisters in the fire service in order to continue raising the awareness of engineered lumber products that we will face in future fire fights.

Since January 1st 2017 civilian fire deaths in just 1 & 2 family dwellings have been;

Nationally –945+14= 959 IN New York State – 53 + 0= 53

Latest Death On 9/6/17 North Syracuse, Onondaga County

IN 2016 There were 1496 residential fire deaths in 1 & 2 family dwellings nationally.

In New York State 88 friends, neighbors and relatives perished in fires in 1 & 2 family dwellings

FFIINNAANNCCIIAALLLLYY SSPPEEAAKKIINNGG

Budget Process Calendar for 2017

On or before September 26th 2017 Required Action Adopt proposed budget for 2018, including fund balance estimate for 2017 (Town Law [“TL”] §181[2]).

File budget with fire district secretary (TL§181[3]). Post budget on fire district’s website (if district maintains as website) (TL§181[3]).

Provide copy of proposed budget for 2018, including fund balance estimate for 2017 to town clerk of towns in which district is located. (no statutory reference, but best practice)

September 27th ; October 2nd 2017

Required Action Post notice of budget hearing on fire district website and signboard (if district maintains a website/signboard) (TL§175-c[1]).

16 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

Provide copy of notice of budget hearing to town clerk of towns in which district is located. (Each town clerk must post the notice on their town’s website and on clerk’s bulletin board and town signboard)(TL§175-c[2]).

Provide copy of notice of budget hearing to town clerk of towns and secretaries of fire districts with which district contracts. (Each town clerk and fire district secretary receiving notice must post it on the town or district website; town clerks must also

post the notice on clerk’s bulletin board and town signboard) (TL§175c-[2]). Annual Date On or before 5 days prior to budget hearing

On or before October 12th 2017 Required Action Publish notice of budget hearing in official newspaper or, if not official newspaper, in newspaper having

general circulation in district, and publicly post notice (TL§181[3][a]). Post published notice on fire district’s website (if district maintains a website)(TL§181[3][a]).

Provide copy of proposed budget for public inspection to town clerk of towns in which district is located [see September 27th tasks stated above] (TL§181[3][a]).

Provide copy of published notice to town clerk of towns in which district is located (Each town clerk must post the notice on the town’s website and on the town signboard) (TL§181[3][a]).

After adopting proposed budget complete tax cap levy form for New York Comptroller’s Office and “save” but do not submit. Determine if proposed budget will exceed tax cap (GML§ 3-c(3))

On Tuesday October 17th 2017

Required Action Hold budget hearing (TL§181[3][a]). Required Action Hold budget hearing (TL§181[3][a]).

October 17st ; November 3rd

2017 Required Action Subject to certain restrictions, make changes, alternations and revisions to proposed budget (TL§181[3][b]). Before adopting Fire District Annual Budget determine if the tax levy will exceed tax levy cap and if so the Fire District must

pass a resolution by a 60% vote of its board to override the tax cap (GML§ 3-c(5))

On or before November 4th 2017 Required Action Before adopting Fire District Annual Budget and after passing any resolutions necessary to override the tax

cap levy “submit” the Fire District budget/ tax cap form to the New York State Comptroller’s Office on the form prescribed by them. (GML3-c(7))

Adopt fire district annual budget (TL§181[3][b]).

On or before November 7th 2017

Required Action Fire district secretary delivers two (2) certified copies of fire district annual budget to town clerk of towns in which district is located (TL§181[3][c]) and obtains receipt.

17 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

22001177 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS PPAARRTTNNEERR’’SS

Vendor space for the 2017 Fall Leadership Summit and Vendor Expo in Saratoga is NOW available on the State Association’s website at AFDSNY.org

Several vendors have already signed up, so far there is one $2,500 sponsor The Association of Fire Districts – Capital Area would like to welcome our business partners for 2017. We will provide them exposure here

and will provide space for them to provide educational commentary to help you do your job and make good decisions.

Please Support Those Who Support Us!!

Mitchell Associates Architects

518-765-4571 Specializing in Fire Stations

www.mitchell-architects.com

Complete Line of Insurance Products Ken Andrews, Marketing Coordinator

VFIS of New York 888-834-7691

www.hubbinettecowell.com

518-459-8492 26 Computer Drive Albany, NY 12205 www.bstco.com

Glatfelter Brokerage Services 56 Clifton Country Rd, Suite 205 Clifton Park, NY 12065 800.833.8822 x6982 http:/gbsnewyork.com

HANNIGAN LAW FIRM PLLC

388 Kenwood Avenue

Delmar, New York 12054

P: (518) 869-9911

F: (518) 869-9915

www.hannigan.pro

Hubbinette-Cowell Associates, Inc

FIRE SERVICE SAFETY TESTING Life safety equipment and

ground ladder testing 1-866-788-7373

www.testladders.com

Frank & Sons Body Works

518-346-8119 Expert Fire Truck Repair

www.frankandsonsbodyworks.com

518-783-6933

www.penflexinc.com

Richard H. Dinolfo, CPA 15 Willow Road Queensbury, NY

12804 518-793-9331

rdinolfo@gmail.com

Center for Security

1659 Route 9 125 Main Street Clifton Park So. Glens Falls

NY 12065 NY 12803 518-383-5329 518-761-0812

www.centerforsecurity.com 24 Hour Emergency Service

Safety First Equipment Testing 99 Glass Lake Road

Averill Park, NY 12018 518-674-8363

www.safetyfirstfirehose.com

2388 Route 9 in Malta

518-886-5412 Firefighter Physicals –Medical Screening

Ducharme, Clark & Sovern, LLP Attorneys at Law

10 Maxwell Drive, Suite 205 Clifton Park, NY 12065

518-373-8758 www.ducharmeclark.com

C.T. Male Associates

Engineering, Surveying Architecture Latham, NY

518-786-7400 www.ctmale.com

David Farstad, Muncipal Banking Officer

652 Albany-Shaker Rd., Albany, NY 12211 P/F: (518) 730-3120

M: 518.506.0075

E: farstadd@pioneerbanking.com

98B Troy Road East Greenbush, NY 12061 518-479-2004

www.dignuminc.com

Dave Meager Adirondack Trust Insurance Agency

POB 336 31 Church St 4th Floor Saratoga Springs, NY

518-886-0611 dmeager@adirondacktrustinsurance.com

Nationalgrid Energy Efficiency Programs

1125 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204 518-810-6224

Robert.muller@nationalgrid.com

18 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

555 Patroon Creek

Albany NY 12206

We are delighted to see these businesses who have partnered with the Capital Area Association and this message is for you! It’s not just about paying a membership and advertising. If you have information which is educational or informative for fire districts please submit it and we will use it in this Bulletin under the appropriate heading. We are inviting you to be a full partner and impart your knowledge to all of those who read this newsletter each week. Explain something, define something, educate us on a standard that you deal with, explain how something works, we have over 1000 readers who want to know.

CCLLAASSSSIIFFIIEEDD SSEECCTTIIOONN

102 Foot Aerial Platform for Sale 1997 KME 102’ aerial platform, 2000 GPM pump, no water tank, all maintenance records available, great condition, aerial tested annually and certified.

Contact Commissioner Ken Hassett via email khassett@cliftonparkfire.org

Stillwater Fire District ACCEPTING OFFERS for: 2011 Ford Expedition, 47,000 miles, 4x4 SSV model, Code 3 LED light package, rear cargo petition

with vinyl coated mesh window, 5.4L V8 engine, integrated class 4 tow prep, front tow hooks, 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes, personal safety system, am/fm radio, privacy tinted rear windows, remote keyless entry, cruise control, 2 12v power points, 17” steel wheels, service records available. White with red reflective stripes. Contact Chief Zach Zendran 518-857-9949 cell.

WE INVITE OUR BUSINESS

PARTNERS TO SUBMIT

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION TO BE

INCLUDED IN THIS BULLETIN FOR

DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS AND

CHIEF OFFICERS Write me at tom@rinaldi1.com

2288 5

th Avenue Troy, NY 12180 518-274-7888

www.blannequipment.com

518-842-2123

106 Hannaford Plaza Amsterdam, NY 12010

www.NBTBank.com John Lesniewski

Hudson River Tractor Company

3021 State Route 5-s Fultonville, NY 12072

518-853-8697 www.hudsonrivertractorcompany.com

Haughey Insurance Agency 850 State Route 50

Burnt Hills, NY 12027 518-399-1583

www.haugheyagency.com

PO BOX 4060 CLIFTON PARK NY

518-877-6565

WWW.VRS-SALES.COM

NATHAN SHAKERLEY

555 Patroon Creek Albany NY 12206 (518) 591-4192

518-432-5087 www.thelosapgroup.com,

518-785-0299

www.marvincpa.com

PO Box 558

Voorheesville, NY 12186 518.765.5105

Joseph Mottola Sr. VP www.H2M.com

Fire Districts Mutual Insurance

777 Chestnut Ridge Road Suite 302

Chestnut Ridge NY 10977

1-888-314-3004 www.fdmny.com

Emergency Services Insurance Program

By McNeil & Company PO Box 5670

Cortland, NY 13045 1-800-822-3747

FAX 607-756-6225 www.esip.com

mwhite@mcneilandcompany.com

19 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

BBEE PPRREEPPAARREEDD,, CCHHAANNGGEE IISS CCOOMMIINNGG

Fredonia to create paid fire chief position (combination department) For the first time in its history, Fredonia will soon have a full-time paid fire chief running the Fredonia Fire Department. Currently the fire department has approximately 100 volunteers and nine paid positions. Rather than adding another separate paid position, the village is in the process of transforming a lieutenant position to fire chief. In other words, the money for the paid position of fire chief has already been budgeted, said Mayor Athanasia Landis. "This is something I wanted to do from the beginning," Landis told the Observer. "Because to me it made perfect sense. One of the village employees should be a fire chief, a paid fire chief. The fire chiefs now are volunteers, and they play a big part, of course. He is elected by the volunteers and the village approves the election."

Peekskill Fire Chief Instructed To Install 'Rolling Blackouts' For Staff The Peekskill Fire Department has been issued an order to begin introducing "rolling blackouts" at local stations, reducing staffing at a time the city is growing. At a recent meeting, members of the Peekskill Common Council directed City Manager Richard Leins and Fire Chief Vincent Malaspina to reduce on-duty professional staffing from five firefighters to four, doing so by utilizing "rolling blackouts." According to the Peekskill Professional Firefighters Local 2343, "rolling blackouts" are "a method which closes a fire station when the firefighter assigned to that station is off on scheduled vacation, personal or sick leave.

Bulletproof body armor and helmets coming to Florida paramedics Broward County's firefighter-paramedics are used to wearing protective gear for battling blazes. Now they'll be getting new protection — body armor vests and helmets — for when they're assisting victims in incidents involving guns or other dangerous weapons. It's a sign of the times, officials say, with the proliferation of active shooter and mass casualty cases across the country, including deadly incidents at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in January and at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando last year.

DDIIDD YYOOUU KKNNOOWW??

On average, half of all false teeth have some form of radioactivity. Thus, a glowing smile!

The Capital Bulletin is reaching well over 400+ fire district members and now other members of the fire service weekly, which does not

include an unknown number of people that it is subsequently shared with by you! We have recently added the Central Region to the distribution list.

Membership in The Association of Fire Districts of the Capital Area

Would you like to join the Association of Fire Districts of the Capital Area and join 75 members in 8 counties? Both fire protection districts and Village departments are eligible for membership.

The yearly membership dues (January 1st

to December 31st

) shall be as follows and shall be based on the annual budget of the Fire District/Organization;

Districts/Organizations with budgets less than $300,000 $100.00 annually Districts/Organizations with budgets more than $300,000 $150.00 annually Associate Members $50.00 annually

20 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

Business Partners $100.00 annually

21 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

IAFC

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Texas Firefighters Need Our Assistance

It’s been a trying late-summer stretch for firefighters and the communities they

serve in many parts of the United States. The full impact of Hurricane Irma on

Florida, Georgia and perhaps Alabama will become more clear in the days ahead.

While Irma dominates the news cycle, as it should, we must not forget about the

devastation left behind in east Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey.

According to our friends at the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association in

Manchaca, Texas:

More than 315 firefighter homes have been destroyed or damaged

60 fire trucks have been destroyed

16 fire stations have been destroyed or damaged

Additionally, numerous city of Houston firefighter homes, apparatus and fire

stations were damaged or destroyed by the floods. The Texas fire service needs

assistance to recover. That’s why, again, the IAFC is appealing to the fire service

community to consider sending donations to one or more of the following

organizations:

Texas Firefighter Relief

Houston Recovers

IAFF Disaster Relief Fund

National Volunteer Fire Chiefs (NVFC) Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund

The IAFC continues to offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of

the victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma and for the strength and safety

of all first responders serving communities suffering in the aftermath of these

devastating storms.