Safer Monthly Meeting - April 2015

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date : April 17, 2015

SAFER Board Attendees:  President Fortman, VP Weise, Immediate Past President Duran, Seely, Sposato, Gurrola, Snyder, Quinn, Past President Dolan  

 

THANK YOU TO OUR LOCATION AND HOST SPONSORS THAT MADE THIS MONTH'S SAFER MEETING POSSIBLE:

Meeting Location/Sponsor: Santa Monica Fire – Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica CA., 90401

Hospitality Sponsor: SAFER

0945    Meeting called to order – President Ells Fortman

President Fortman opened the meeting by introducing Chief Clemo who welcomed SAFER to Santa Monica,  briefing the group on recent  development activity in City of Santa Monica and leading the flag salute and moment of silence.

Pres. Fortman - Discussed the benefits of “networking opportunities” such as SAFER and related his experience with developing the LAFD PPE plan / policies with the help of vendors.

New email : SAFER.Members@gmail.com, twitter, facebook etc. to be developed

Program:        Department Health and Safety Officer Responsibilities

                        Capt. Scott Quinn / Safety Coordinator – Los Angeles Fire Department

SCOTT.QUINN@LACITY.ORG  / (231) 434-1380

Handouts - PowerPoint Available

Capt. Tony Duran – LACoFD and Capt. Al Brewer related CalOSHA experiences in support of the discussion / presentation. General discussion of key points and past experience of attending SAFER members followed.

Business Meeting 4/17/2015:

Committee Reports:

OSHA:  Discussed in program.

Financial: Lloyd  –  Absent

PPE -  Dick Weise (NFPA Committee Member):

1977 – Wildland Fire Shelter designs with various fabrics being tested in Missoula, including web-gear (no melt no drip).

Single Layer work / studies continue.

Stihl chainsaws now have an anti-bucking feature and have fuel injection feature on new saw line. Stihl is working with working with wildland community to improve their saws for the fire service.

Apparatus:

Vendors: Joe Sposato - AllStar – Joe thanked the attending vendors who are in attendance, related the FDIC (next week) is where new development’s in equipment are previewed. 

Technology - Website: New Website is up and operating. Pres. Ells related some of the features available and those that will be forthcoming. Thanks to Jan Stenc (Operations, SC Products/Solutions Safety) for his work in developing the website.

Recess to vendors: 11:00

Round Table Session:  11:30

Firefighter’s First CU: Previewed the services available to FFCU, Related 80 year history. 1.99% for new or used vehicles are now available. Scholarships, kid’s accounts are now offered to the membership.

Jim Dolan, Past SAFER President, LAFD Retired: Jim will be coming to future meetings with the Friday schedule.

Stuart Scott - Safety: ISG now owned by SCOTT Safety, Works out of AllStar.

Joe Sposado – AllStar: Now has a large amount of new brush gear available, new Phoenix helmets now available, new evolution glove available – some specially built for Training use. Recommended the new website.

Russ Snyder ORCO: New academy classes starting. 5 new KME rigs coming.

Jim Evans – Solutions Safety: Discussed the NFPA 1851 program as it relates to CalOSHA and other OSHA state programs and accident / illness incidents. Related the need to implement the central tenants of the standard and work towards full compliance in the future as a matter of policy.

Kelly Whitt – Workrite Uniforms: Related several new products their carrying – Gloves and single layer wildland ensembles.

Tom Foley - Fabric Products: Related the development of improved PPE fabrics, discussed some of the features they’re developing for the future.

Eric Williams 3M: Manufacture of retro-reflective products. Related new improvements in their product line.

All Brewer - LACoFD Safety Officer: New entrance exams proceeding, current process under investigation. LARICs project antennae stopped on county stations.

Tim Mcintyre LACoFD: Apparatus Committee, inspecting new pumpers for Catalina Island, Related agency replacement policy for apparatus: rotation of 10 pumpers and 2 trucks / yr.

Dick Weise LACoFD: Fire Wardens meeting next month in Irvine. Several presentations on incidents will be highlighted.

Scott Quinn LAFD: Related current recruit classes, discussed the documentation of all training program elements. LAFD Is moving towards single layer concept.

Tony Duran - Past President - LACoFD HazMat: Related recent training and drill projects with other agency HazMat resources in the region. Training projects included regional HazMat resouces: CST’s, Montclair Colleges, VNC other agencies.

Mike Wizenberg Ventura County: Testing and recruit academy updates. Discussed some elements with the recruiting process: limited sign-up timelines, random selection strategies. Top portion of Captains list are attending a “Captains Academy” with block testing as part of a promotional track. Final promotional list is developed from the ratings each participant receives during the “academy”.The purpose is to produce a well-rounded company officer.

Keith Gurrola VNC (Retired): Related recent promotions in the agency. Working on May meeting topic – Ventura City offered to cover if needed.

John Petuoglu – Hughes Energy Corp

Jan Stenc – Operations, SC Products (Solutions Safety) -  Working on our website

Kirk Owen – Veridian Fire Protective Gear :Discussed role at Veridian.

Randy Synstad and Steve Hageria - Western States Fire: Fire Equipment Sales. Based in Arizona. New corporate reorganization opens opportunities in California and SAFER.

 

Adjourned at 1210 hours – Board meeting following

 Vendors / Manufacturers attending:

Jan Stenc – Operations, SC Products/Solutions Safety (makers of CitroSqueeze PPE Cleaner)

+1 (714) 460-8626 ext 5

www.solutionssafety.com 

 

Randy Synstad – Fire Protection Specialist, Western States Fire Equipment

(602) 538-3846

www.WSFireEquip.com

RSynstad@WSFireEquip.com

 

Steve Hageria – Fire Protection Specialist, Western States Fire Equipment

(480) 278-2697

www.WSFireEquip.com

SHageria@WSFireEquip.com

 

Erik Williams – Senior Account Representative, 3M Corp.

(714)262-5189

www.3m.com

ewilliams@mmm.com

 

Kirk H. Owen – Regional Sales Manager, VERIDIAN Fire Protective Gear

(712) 260-3547

www.veridian.net

kirk@veridian.net

 

John Petuoglu – Managing Director, HUGHES Energy Corp.

(805)524-2400

(805) 223-5945

www.hughescorp.org

john@hughescorp.org

 

Frank Uram - Quala-tel Communication

www.qualatel.com

(858)577-2900

 

Stuart Lovi -  Regional Manager, SCOTT Health and Safety

(626) 241-0093

(626) 205-2158

www.scottsafety.com 

slovi@tycoint.com

 

Kelly Whitt , Regional Account Executive – Workrite Uniforms

(909) 289-5775

www.workrite.com

kwhitt@workrite.com                

 

SAFER Annual Board Meeting - December 2014

Meeting Date : December 13, 2014
Location : All Star Corporate Offices

Board Members present: President Duran, Weise, Fortman, Quinn, Sposato, Wilkerson, Lloyd, FF Aimin Alton, VCFD - Guest

Business Meeting:

0900 President Duran opened annual board meeting:

A. Duran opened with the continued discussion of Thursday versus Friday meetings. Duran stated he has been asking on several occasions whether the day change was working or not and getting lukewarm and mixed reactions. He stated that the loss of key members, like PP Jim Dolan, was enough of an argument for Duran to request the meeting day be changed back. Having no opposition, a motion was made and seconded to move the meetings back to the third Friday of each month. Following the passing of the motion, the board responded with a rousing applause.

B. Schedule for 2015 Meetings: January 16 LACoFD February 20 NLV/Clark County - need to confirm (Scott Schuster) March TBD AFC, Phoenix, NV April 17 DDL Traffic/Chino - need to confirm May 15 Ventura City/County (CA Lou Manzano/DC K Gurrola) June 19 LAFD - confirmed (CA Scott Quinn) July 17 All Star - confirmed August 21 Pierce/KME? - need to confirm September 18 OCFA - need to confirm (Russ Snider) October 16 Carlsbad ? - need to confirm November 20 LN Curtis - need to confirm December 18 SFS - confirmed

C. Overhead request for new topics made to all members - ongoing.

D. FF Aimin Alton made a presentation to the board regarding the creation (or further development) of a subcommittee on "Emerging Technology" in the Fire Service. FF Alton explained that Ventura County FD is exploring the many ways technology is expanding the reach of the fire service. The proposal was made to create a blog site on the SAFER website where individuals can access information and pose questions on any aspect of technology (RPV/drones, communications, computers, software, etc.) The blogs will be monitored for appropriate/acceptable comments (language) with varying degrees of security depending on a person's membership to SAFER (full members gain all access while visitors may only be able to view comment threads). FF Alton stated they have access to high school students from a talented school of technology where the students must serve 100 hours of community service prior to graduation. These students are very knowledgeable on the ways of computer technology and website control. They would be placed into contact with the SAFER web master for coordination in setting up the system. A motion was made to further research this proposal with no commitment at this time. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.

E. Elections

2015-2016 OUT IN President - Duran Ellsworth Fortman (LAFD) V.P. - Fortman Dick Weise (LACoFD) Secretary - Seeley Chuck Seeley (DFD, Ret.) BM - PP Gurrola Keith Gurrola (VCFD, Ret.) BM - Hudson Scott Hudson (HFD, Ret.) BM - Sawyer Rick Griggs (CAL_FIRE) BM - Weise Scott Quinn (LAFD) BM - Obermeier Russ Snider (OCFA) BM - Raganold Marvin Chang (LBFD - proposed) Mat large - Curry Vacant IPP - Gurrola Tony Duran (LACoFD)

2014-2015 Treasurer - Steve Lloyd (TFD, Ret.) Communication (formerly Publisher) - Vacant BM - Peurifoy/Lucas Spellman (Dave vacating his position) (RFD, Ret.) BM - Shaun Malone (NLVFD) BM - Ed Carey (SBFD, Ret.) BM - Wilkerson (CPFD) BM - Scott Schuster (NVLFD) BM - Bruce Vanderhorst (RFD) Vendor Liaison - Joe Sposato (All Star Fire Equipment, Inc) WEB Master - Josh Augustine

F. Revamp Certificate

Duran voiced an observation for the regeneration of certificates for hosting agencies and vendor members. He mentioned noticing past certificates at various vendors that were of a different design than that of the certificate given to the presenters. Lloyd and Sposato reminded the board that a special certificate was created and presented to vendor members for display at their booths during trade shows. Lloyd stated he had the template for the other certificate versions. He also recommended we could frame the certificate in a wood frame for presentation to the vendor members and others.

G. A recommendation was made to create more robust ads, advertise in department publications like "Straight Streams" (LACoFD) and "The Grapevine" (LAFD), as well as Firehouse World and other trade shows. To also add link on flyers to a map to the venue, SAFER website, host's website, etc.

H. Discussion of the outgoing president gift. Sposato stated that had always been the responsibility of the incoming president and paid for by SAFER. This created further discussion for the reinstatement of dues. The current balances are approximately $2549.87 with an additional $1456 in PayPal accounts. The major expense currently is the travel for NFPA representation. This ignited further discussion by Sposato that SAFER should be "run like a business", that any expenses should be submitted to the treasurer for reimbursement. Duran mentioned how all expenses during his tenure were provided out of pocket (printer ink, certificate blanks, etc.) Sposato stated this should not occur.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1145 hours with lunch following.

SAFER Annual Board Meeting - December 2012

Date : 12/14/2012 
Host : AllStar Fire Equipment

Attending: President Duran, Steve Lloyd, Jim Dolan, Rick Griggs, Dave Purifoy, Keith Gurrola, Chuck Seely, Jeff Wilkerson, Joe Sposato

Open Meeting at 0900

 

Thursday SAFER Meetings:

Discussion on the Thursday Mtng schedule. Related many agencies are dark on Fridays which seemed to be an enabler for increased attendance.  Joe related the Thursday meetings are better for the venders. Dave suggested considering bi-monthly meetings to insure currency and relevancy in meeting quality. Keith related he sees good attendance from geographically nearby personnel.  He added the planning, advertising of meeting (s) and topics needs to ramp up to insure attendance. Suggested “formalizing” the scheduling, planning and delivery of meeting particulars through assignment of the monthly schedule.

Meeting Venues / Topics / Planning:

Some agencies are having difficulty hosting due to economic problems. Example: Cathedral City will probably not be able to host in the near future.  Discussion on the possibility of utilizing private sector sites / facilities to improve quality and attendance. Benefits include increase interface / networking with suppliers and manufactures. Dave discussed the nature of the modern FF and their tendency to dis-engage with professional associations and the load it’s thrown on the few.  Suggested potential “themes” and “topics of interest”. Steve added FIREHOUSE is coming in February. He suggested designing an annual schedule and program list for the future.  Joe suggested being dark in August due to poor availability. President Duran related Phoenix wants to host a meeting (per Chief Varner of the Chiefs Association). Keith questioned the “every other year” / rotation of Las Vegas – Phoenix venues.  Discussion on the attendance of the PPE maintenance event with Karl Beeman’s company.

Firehouse World: Seely assigned to contact and coordinate SAFER booth and meeting location.

Request from Jack Weise for support to attend:

FIERO PPE Symposium March 4-6, 2013 Raleigh, NC         $395.00

IAFC Conference  Reno, NV WUI March 19-21 Fire Tech Reno

Board requests specific $Budget$ requests and attendance justification to the SAFER mission.

SQUARE Credit Card reader for SAFER at various events

Dave related we might be able to capture membership sign-ups etc. at meeting’s and other related events. (2.75% per swipe)

Non-profit status update:

Recalled the board approved professional advise up to $300/ +/- to get direction for cleaning up our Tax Exempt Status with the State of CA.

Website updates:

Pres. Duran discussed the problems updating the website with meeting minutes / program content. Related methods / formats to better communicate products to Josh (webmaster).  Collect and forward to Tony / Josh.

SAFER Speaker gifts (mugs, brief cases etc):

Discussion of future speaker gifts for future events.  We have enough at present.

SWAG for FIRERHOUSE World:

Reward new membership with a coffee mug at FW?

SAFER IPHONE

Discussion to purchase / support an Iphone to support SQUARE device to facilitate on-site membership dues collection at meetings and other events.

No purchase required.  

Board Elections

**Conference Call with Chief Varmer RE: July Phoenix Mtng. To coincide with AZ FC’s Association Conference.

Roundtable:

Keith: Gordon Graham Ventura County hosting a presentation on top 10 things to get firefighters in trouble. Jan 31, 2013 in Camarillo.

Dave: Related Riverside City FD’s recent retirees and labor issues.

Meeting Adjourned @ 1214

  

 

 

 

2013:             Host Ageny              Topic / Course

Jan                  LACoFD

Feb                 SDFD (Firehouse World)

March            AllStar

April               Phoenix                                 TBA

May                Ventura                                 Active Shooter

June               LAFD

July                 CalFire (Hemet-Ryan)       Air Tanker

August           Dark

September                                                   Dupont “Burning Man”

October        Camp Pendleton

November    LN Curtis

December    ORCO

 

Potential Topics:

CISD, Psyc First Aid

Grant Writtin

B/C Blackboard

Solar Panels

Gore Co

Luxfor

Water Tender Safety

Regen

Toxic Twins

Type III IC Teams

Heat Illness / Injury Programs

CICCS

 

 

Nominations:

1st Jim Dolan nominates the existing slate with exception of Sawyer.

2nd Dave Purifoy

VOTE : Unanimous 

 Board of Directors

Term of Office: January 2013-2014

 

President                              Tony Duran              Tony Duran 

Vice-President                     Rick Griggs               Rick Griggs  

Secretary                              Chuck Seely             Chuck Seely

Board Member                   Keith Gurrola           Keith Gurrola

Board Member                   Scott Hudson           Scott Hudson

Board Member                   Tim Sawyer

Board Member                   Dick Weise               Dick Weise

Board Member                   Doug Obermeier    Doug Obermeier