MINUTESAllegany Garrett County Fire & Rescue Association

Flintstone Volunteer Fire CompanyMay 5, 2013

The regular meeting of the Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association was held Sunday, May 5, 2013 and hosted by Flintstone VFC. President Clarence Broadwater called the meeting to order at 14:00 hours and Vice President Gene Kidwell led the flag salute.

The Invocation was given by Chaplain Calvin Walbert and reading of the 23rd Psalm in memory of Joanna L Bever, Bloomington Auxiliary; Wanda L Johnson, LaVale Auxiliary; Willand K. Hayden, Oakland; and William R Hout, Baltimore Pike.

WELCOME: Allen Ruby gave welcome remarks on behalf of the host company. President Broadwater said it was a pleasure to be at Flintstone today. ROLL CALL OF DEPARTMENTS: Roll call of Departments showed 20 companies in attendance. Those not represented were: Bedford Road; Bittinger; Bloomington; Corriganville; Deep Creek; Deer Park; Ellerslie Ambulance; Frostburg Ambulance; Gorman; Grantsville; Kitzmiller; Oakland; Rawlings and Tri Towns Rescue.

Companies present were: Accident; Baltimore Pike, Barton Hose; Bowling Green; Bowman’s Addition; Clarysville; Cresaptown; Cumberland Hose; District16; Ellerslie; Flintstone; Friendsville; Good Will; Luke; Midland; Mt Savage; Northern Garrett; Oldtown and Orleans..

All officers were in attendance.

RECOGNITION OF PAST PRESIDENTS: President Broadwater recognized the following 16 Past Presidents in attendance: Robert E.

Knippenburg; James F. Decker; Ron Grabenstein; Calvin ‘Pete’ Walbert; Aaron Winters, Dennis Bonner; Gerard McGann, Rodney W. Bowser, David L. Kyle, Patricia A. Bowser; Janet M. Elbin; Michael A. Simmons; Timothy F. Dayton, Clarence B. Broadwater; Dennis R. Mallery and Barbara A. Knippenburg.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:Guests present and recognized by President Broadwater were: Dick DeVore, Allegany County

Emergency Services; Sierra Smallwood, MSFA Regional Jr. Miss Fire Prevention Runner up; Donna Struntz, President AGCVFALA; Pam Kyle, Vice President AGCVFRA LA; Leslie Cassidy, AGCVFRA LA Color Bearer; Bill Valentine and Mike McKay, Allegany County Commissioners.

OFFICER’S REPORTS: All officers gave a brief report of their activities during the past month.

Secretary’s Report – Secretary Bowser made available the April minutes for members at the day’s meeting and e-mailed to all companies and executive committee members. The minutes were approved as printed.Communications – NoneTreasurer’s Report – Treasurer Shuhart reported the following fund balances: Savings Certificates: General Fund - $13,934.30; Plaque Fund CD - $2,928.34; Plaque Fund Cash $94.00; Checking Account $ 3,830.56 and Prime Saver $2454.36. Bills on hand to be paid: Fire Prevention Raffle (Pam Kyle) $100.00; Dominick Sign $90.00, Staples (paper) $49.99, USPS (Certified Letter for MSFA Fire Prevention) $6.77; Rod Bowser $ 6.77; totaling $253.53. It was motioned by Bob Knippenburg and seconded by Mike Simmons to pay the bills. Motion passed.

AGENCY REPORTS: VCAF – Pat reported the VCAF Board along with Wylie Donaldson, Catherine Kelly, and the MSFA

Treasurer’s office is working on narrowing the time for settlement. A meeting of the minds was held at

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Emmittsburg and hosted by Ron Siarnicki on March 8th. It was a productive meeting and the outcome was the development of a booklet and brochure promoting the VCAF loan program. Thanks to Craig Harman, a board member representing Anne Arundel County, for putting the program together. He and Wylie presented it to the VCAF Board at their meeting of April 7th at Joppa-Magnolia. The VCAF Board embraced the product and it will most likely be unveiled at the MSFA Convention as part of a workshop.

One of the things we’re looking at is the application to be sent via e-mail to the VCAF Board for review. Another idea to shorten the turn-around time, was to receive Executive Committee Approval / Concurrence via a conference call in lieu of waiting until the next Executive Committee meeting. This was embraced by the Executive Committee and will most likely happen following our next meeting scheduled for Sunday May 19 th at Hollywood. As most have seen, the BPW’s approved Baltimore Pike Application for renovation of their building and they are working hard to get themselves back together. They are planning a banquet on Sat. May 11th and would most likely have a groundbreaking ceremony for the addition to their building.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday May 19, 2013 at Hollywood. If anyone needs any assistance, please don’t hesitate to make contact with me at (H) 301.746.5576; (C) 301.616.5576 or via e-mail at therbowsers@verizon.net. It has been my habit to e-mail the appropriate documents needed for a loan request.

Class Update in Allegany / Garrett County

Class Location Start Date# of

Students StatusRegistration

ClosesEMT WMRTC August 19, 2012 9 Completed -

EMT Garrett College August 20, 2012 11 Completed -

EMT WMRTC January 12, 2013 26 Active -

Firefighter I WMRTC January 27, 2013 29 Active -Emergency Medical

ResponderSouthern Garrett

Rescue March 23, 2013 13 Active -

Pump Operator Accident April 2, 2013 17 Active -

Pump Operator Clarysville April 7, 2013 19 Active -

Instructor II Flintstone April 8, 2013 12 Active -

EMT Refresher Garrett College April 13, 2013 12 Completed -

EMT Refresher WMRTC April 20, 2013 24 Completed -*Protective Envelope &

Foam WMRTC May 2, 2013 (2) Canceled -

EMT Skills WMRTC May 6, 2013 (14) Active -

Haz Mat Operations WMRTC May 14, 2013 (24) Active -Notes:

1. Numbers in parentheses indicates total pre-registered2. *Red color, bold, and italicized font indicates additional enrollment needed for class to start

Additional Pertinent Information1. Available April Online Classes:

o Emergency Vehicle Operator

2. Look for the fall training schedule to be out soon – www.mfri.org

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3. MFRI WMRTC needs to run more Company Drills and Seminars! Please consider your departments training needs and let us know if we can assist with running a Company Drill or Seminar either on site or at WMRTC.

MSFA Updates – Rod Bowser provided the following report from the recent Executive Committee Meeting:The following is a synopsis of the information presented at and acted upon by the MSFA Executive

Committee at the weekend meeting held at the Walkersville Vol. Fire Department on April 20 & 21, 2013 that may be of interest to the member companies of Allegany and Garrett Counties. *President’s Report – The Presidents gave a report of their activities and their travel. They have attended many events since February.

We’ve lost several members since the last Executive Committee meeting: LAMSFA Past President Bobbi McWilliams; Gene Price of North East and Tyler Eszey, Kent Island.

Congratulations were extended to LAMSFA President Sherry Soper on the success of her recent spring conference held at Level, Md. It was an enjoyable day and monies were raised for several projects.

The Treasurer’s Office and the VCAF Committee has been working to streamline the loan process including condensing the time it takes for settlement.

The Legislative Session ended on April 8th. It was a very successful year for the MSFA. The President thanked the Legislative committee Doyle Cox and Richard Smith. They both put in many, many hours at 17 State Circle. Thanks were extended to the ladies that work hard. They lend support to all fire safety legislation. The most critical issue was the solvency of the EMSOF (Emergency Services Operating Fund). Failure would have had a severe impact on the entire EMS system in Maryland. The fund supports MFRI, MIEMSS, and 80% of the MSP Aviation budget, the Amoss Fund, and partial funding for Shock Trauma. All members of the EMSOF coalition worked together to support an increase for EMSOF. While the MSFA supported the needs of our partner organizations, an increase was especially important for us. The Amoss Fund was set at $10 million in 1999 where it has remained. Inflation has increased by 38% during the time since. As a result, the purchasing power of that $10 million has eroded significantly since 1999. Legislation was passed that included a $5 million increase in the Amoss Fund, raising it from $10 million to $15 million. The increase will be phased in over a three year period beginning in FY 2015 when it will be $11.7 million; FY 2016 will be $13.?; and FY 2017 will be $15 million.

Other legislation passed including a bill which establishes minimum distribution requirements for Amoss Fund money received by counties. This bill also creates a workgroup to make recommendations on other distribution issues.

The Charles Riley Tuition Reimbursement Program was changed to a scholarship program. A bill was passed which will require that smoke alarms with replaceable batteries be replaced with

sealed smoke alarms powered by a 10 year non-replaceable battery and equipped with a hush button. Another bill of interest to the fire service will require that 911 Center fees be included on prepaid cell

phone cards.President Denver noted the print edition of the Volunteer Trumpet continues to be produced and thanked

Editor Mike Dixon and the many members who assist him.The Marketing committee has created brochures, posters and banners to increase awareness of the

MSFA.The Recruitment and Retention committee is developing a number of tools to assist member companies.

*Secretary’s Report – Secretary Doyle Cox reported he is proud that the Electronic version of the 2013 Credentials Form is working well. As reported in Kent Island, reports are being submitted faster than previous years. As of today, we have received in excess of 160 reports. There are still many that need to get their reports in. Each Executive Committee member was to check the status of their counties and encourage the member companies to submit their reports.

Members of the Executive Committee should have received the minutes of Feb 23 rd & 24th have been completed and placed within the documents library. He thanked Assistant Secretary Copado for her hard work

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on the minutes. One request that she has is that when you give a report or even make a comment, please state your name and use the mike.

If you have a change of address, phone number(s) or e-mail address, please notify Assistant Secretary Copado so the information is in the directory can be updated.

The Secretary’s Office is standing by and ready to mail the Proposed Amendments to the Constitution and By-laws. The amendments and the final copy of the 121st Annual Convention and Conference Program will be in the mail next week.

Secretary Cox reported the Governor has been sent an invitation to attend the 121st Annual Convention and Conference on June 15, 2013 in Ocean City.

All committee chairs were reminded to submit their reports electronically prior to the scheduled executive committee meeting. Please submit all reports to: reports@msfa.org They are also reminded to supply the Secretary’s Office with at least 10 copies of the report. Also it was noted that when giving your report, please state your name and position.*Office of the Attorney – Attorney Mike Farlow reported that Friendsville has closed on their loan, and next will be Joppa-Magnolia this coming Friday. *MFRI – MFRI is planning on providing Administrative Training which will be providing four (4) different topics, each in two-hour blocks.

The EMT program has problems in Module 1. Possibly there will be a split in this program. *MIEMSS – PP Phil Hurlock report for Dr. Bass. He began by noting that April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month – from Virginia to California, the traffic safety community has a simple message for drivers: One Text or Call could Wreck it All.

National EMS Week Observed May 19-25, 2013. The Theme is: “EMS: One Mission. One Team. Wednesday May 22 is designated Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day. EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day to day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line”. Note: The first EMS Week was declared by President Gerard Ford in November 3-10, 1974.

The Md. EMS Operations Fund (MEMSOF) has received support for the past 20 years that is funded by an annual $11.00 surcharge on vehicle registration. MEMSOF provides support for critical components of our statewide emergency medical services system: MIEMSS, MSP Aviation Command’s Medevac Program, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, MFRI, and the Amoss (508) Funds to local jurisdictions. He noted that these funds are not sensitive to inflation projections indicate that the MEMSOF will become insolvent in 2014. Therefore, the entities funded by this fund are working to develop a plan to ensure that MEMSOF remains solvent and able to provide the financial support needed by our EMS system. Ensuring MEMSOF solvency will give the state the ability to address the serious and significant needs of our statewide EMS Communications system which is a complex network that provide communications between ambulances, medevac helicopters, dispatch centers, and hospital emergency departments.

The 2013 General Assembly approved an increase to the vehicle registration fee surcharge that funds MEMSOF. This surcharge was part of the Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2013.

Because the surcharge that funds the MEMSOF is not sensitive to inflation, projections indicate that the fund will soon become insolvent. The entities funded by this fund are working with the Md. Legislature to address this issue and ensure that the fund remains solvent and able to provide the financial support needed by our EMS system.

E-Meds implementations continue statewide, for both public safety and commercial services. Charles, Howard, Frederick and Caroline Counties are all in the final set-up phases and will migrate in the near future. Implementation has begun in Prince George’s County.

Md. Medical Orders for Life-sustaining Treatment (MOLST). The final Maryland Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment regulations and form, which replaces the EMS/DNR form, became effective on January 1, 2013. Beginning July 1, 2013, certain facilities will be mandated to complete the form for certain patients, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, hospices, dialysis centers and hospitals.

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MIEMSS will continue to provide hard copies for those without access to the internet, as well as plastic bracelets for those patients who want to use the bracelet option by calling 410.706.4367.

MD. Medical Protocols require EMS providers comply with MOLST forms, as well as any valid EMS/DNR form, which will continue to be honored by EMS providers.

Protocol updates for July 1, 2013 must be taken on-line or by attending a Protocol Update no later than June 1, 2013 this year. All EMS providers should have taken or be taking this update.

As of April 5, 2013 there are 26,954 certified or licensed EMS providers in Maryland – They include 1,134 EMD; 3,380 First Responder /EMR; 18,513 EMT’s; 860 CRT’99; and 3,067 Paramedics.*Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) – As of April 8, 2013, Maryland has recorded 30 fire deaths compared to 18 during the same period in 2012, a 67% increase.

MFIRS – Several fire departments and/or counties are not submitting MFIRS reports to the OSFM in a timely manner. Monthly reports should be sent by the 10th of each month from the previous month. All departments were reminded of the importance of submitting accurate and timely MFIRS reports to the OSFM.

OSFM Email Change – All Office of the State Fire Marshal email addresses have been changed to: firstname.lastname@maryland.gov i.e.: william.barnard@maryland.gov Please make note. The old e-mail addresses will no longer work.

Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference – Please mark your calendars and same the date for the 2013 Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference which will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, in Howard County. More info will follow.

MSFA / OSFM Fire Prevention Grant Program:2013 is the fourth year where the MSFA and the OSFM is partnered to provide assistance to the MSFA

member companies by funding assistance in the form of fire prevention publications and supplies in their fire and life safety efforts. This year the MSFA is making $60,000 in grant funds available. The application deadline was April 13, 2013. Grant awards will be announced at the MSFA Convention in June. Please go to the MSFA website to download the application, fill it out and send it in to be eligible for the grant funds of up to $500.00.

Smoke Alarm Legislation – A bill was passed and would hopefully be signed by the Governor. This bill was unanimously passed. It provides disclosure in all real estate transactions the require working smoke alarms within that home as a term of sale.

Fire Marshal Bill Barnard reported he is stepping down as of July 1, 2013 after completing 12 years of service. He thanked everyone for their help and support over the past 12 years and noted the significance of legislation that was passed to make Maryland a better place to live. He said he wasn’t going anywhere and would still be helping with the convention as usual. *DNR Forest Service – Monte Mitchell reported that as of April 10, 2013 the Forest Service responded to 47 wildfires burning 65 acres. The highest number of wildfires occurred in March with 18 for the first quarter.The 2013 VFA grant program has not yet received funding information for the US Forest Service. Funding advice has been delayed due to the federal sequestration and budget cuts that will be applied to Federal 2013 funds. Funding cuts are anticipated in the range of 2-10 %. At this point exact funding details are not expected until late May or June. However, the 2013 VFA grant applications and announcement will be made available in May as usual. Due to delays in funding allocations, the applications will be due sometime in mid-July this year and departments can expect to receive grant award information by the end of September (instead of August.

Recent assignments for Fire Departments were a 21’ Caroline Skiff (boat) to Friendsville VFRD in Garrett County and a 25’ Defender Class Safe Board to Woodland Beach VFD in Anne Arundel County. Both were acquired from the US Coast Guard.

Recent assignments to the Forest Service: 2003 Chevrolet 3500 HD (Worcester County).The program also submitted 19 items for disposal authority to the US Forest Service.

*Fire Prevention/Life Safety: Teresa Ann Crisman said the committee has met and work continues on several programs including the Visual Smoke Alarms, a notification program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Smoke Alarms for the state is continuing. All date has been entered into the computer system for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program VSA. It is imperative that all information is obtained when filling out the paperwork. The

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program coordinator is trying to track down missing information. This program is being changed to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH). The task force in its final stages of updating forms and there is hope the new program forms will be approved on April 30th at FABSCOM’s next meeting.

Fire Prevention Questionnaire, Vice Chair Fennington has redone the questionnaire for the FP Questionnaire to the member departments: This past year the committee created a questionnaire that was given to each department at convention. Today we submit to you again the questionnaire and we ask that you please submit this to your member departments. We have also made it available on the website to be turned in that way as well.

The last was a mail in and this did not work well. We feel that by conducting it in an online survey, that the departments will support this.

DHMH Smoke Alarm Grant – The state received 3700 smoke alarms. All Smoke Alarms in this program have been distributed. Contact will be made to the various departments to ensure the alarms are being installed and the paperwork is forwarded to DHMH for follow-up.

MSFA Bill Board / Bus Program – Currently the program has several sites around the state. Rt. 50 outside of Ocean City in Berlin is currently up and one on Rt. 404 in Denton will be changed. Messages for this board will be addressed to support possible Sprinkler Campaign due to the State Residential Sprinkler Campaign.

Commuter Bus Literature / Display – Frederick County circular bus that frequents the area has displayed fire prevention messages. The program this year will focus on Sprinkler Awareness. An approved message by the committee was forwarded to the program for display on the buses that circulate through the city.

Annapolis Transportation Department was contacted by the chair and they have set up the messages in the circulars that travel the Annapolis area. This was done FREE of charge by the department as they felt it was important to have the messages displayed.

Regional Jr. Miss Fire Prevention Program – The sub-committee meeting was held during the MSFA Executive Committee meeting in October. It was suggested and decided to award a first runner-up to all regional contests, as well as the contests themselves, will now be held in April. Contest dates are as follows:

Southern Maryland – Sat. April 23, 2013 At PG FSBWestern Maryland – Sunday April 28, 2013 @ Flintstone VFD North East – TBANorth Central – No Applications received to date.MSFA Miss Fire Preventions – Both Stacie and Solveig have been doing an outstanding job. They are

working on the MSFA Miss Fire Prevention Workshop and should have a date, time and place soon.The MSFA Miss Fire Prevention Contest is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 2:00

p.m. at the Convention Hall. Any questions, please contact the committee.The workshop is scheduled for Saturday May 11th at Sykesville Fire Department.

*Legislative Committee – Chairman Doyle Cox noted the Legislative Session began on January 9, 2013 and the office is manned Tuesday thru Friday. The committee e-mails weekly bulletins with updates on bills that are introduced, scheduled for hearings, and status of legislation that may affect the Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. If you’d like to receive the bulletin each week, please provide your e-mail address.

In the Maryland Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Book, under the Military Department, all of the funds that this Association receives are listed: $10 million for the Sen. Amoss 508 fund; $2.6 million for the VCAF; $200,000 for the Association Operations fund and $275,000 for the Widows and Orphans Fund.

HB-778 increasing the Senator Amoss Fund from $10 - $15 million and the additional funds will increased over a period of three (3) years starting in 2015. The breakdown will be: $11.7 million in 2015; $13.? million in 2016 and $15 million in 2017.*Scholarship Committee – Dale Fishack reported the committee is approaching its busiest time of the year when applications were due April 15th and with the selection of the new recipients for the upcoming scholarship awards. I want to remind everyone that this committee is primarily active from March to August. This includes the time that applications are being received, reviewed, recipients are selected, awards are presented, and payments are forwarded to the schools.

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Any student attending or planning on attending college for an EMS or Fire related study to apply for the scholarships that are available. Applications can be found online at the MSFA website under the Scholarship Committee. Deadline is now passed but information can bee gleamed for next April, 2014. *Constitution & By-laws – Chair Dennis Skinner

Noted were the following due dates to remember: April 16, 2013 – Constitution and By-laws Committee must have any amendments properly formatted

and submitted to the Office of the Secretary.There was one by-law that needed to be discussed with the Executive Committee. May 3, 2013 – The office of the Secretary must have distributed to all member companies of the

Association amendments that will appear on the June 2013 ballot at the Convention and Conference. Secretary Cox noted the by-laws would be mailed following this weekend’s meeting.

*Risk Management Committee – Chip Jewell reported on IWIF – which is changing its name – it will be known as: Chesapeake Employees Insurance. It’s reorganizing and will reflect a separate corporate name beginning October 1, 2013.*Ways and Means – Mitch reported the $10,000 Raffle tickets are coming in well. The committee is gearing up for Spring Fest in Ocean City the weekend of May 6th & 7th. Any and all are asked to come out and support the ticket booth.*Bessie Marshall Fund Chair Elaine Huttenlock reported being busy since our last meeting. To date there have been 41 cases paid for a total of $33,150.00. Please buy the tickets in support of this fund – a fund that support firemen that have been hurt or have an illness not sustained in the line of duty.

Elaine said she’s sorry to report that some fire companies think that this fund is an insurance fund and that you can get paid for any illness. This fund was started in 1931 as a support for any firemen who became ill and was down and out and in need of some support. We have received word that several fire companies have applied when the member is not really in desperate need. She noted again this is not an insurance policy. Please use your judgment when you sign off for a case payment. They are there for everyone that is in need and really need help. *Convention and Conference – Plans for the 2013 convention and conference continue – there will be a few noted changes. The back wall of the Convention Center will be windows – D Hall has been completed. (This will be the new Exhibit Hall). This will impact the meeting room. Since there will be a glare, the convention stage area will be facing West and will be situated on the East side of the Convention Center. The Ballroom is completed. The food will hopefully be improved over last year, especially at the Officer’s Banquet. There will be no change in the parade route this year. Packets have been sent to all member departments.

The committee also has worked to keep the Monday night Jolly Roger’s family night on schedule. This cost for a family of 4 will be $65.00 and for each additional person will be $13.00. The regular cost for a family of 4 is $92.00, as savings of $27.00.

There will also be room for 6 hands-on 4 hour training classes. The Convention book will be set-up or grouped by county.

Basket Bingo will be held once again on Monday night. Tickets are $22.00 in advance and $25 at the door.

The Luncheon will be held on Tuesday. Cost will be $18.00.The Prayer Breakfast will be held on Weds. Cost is $14.00.

*Tax Incentive – Joan Robinson said the Incentives Committee continues to monitor the counties for any changes in their respective programs. No changes have been received since our last meeting.

Problems continue with the 36 months in the last 10 years. A former member of the House whose seven years expired this year had a member of the House get a ruling from the Counsel to the General Assembly. His last sentence: “Thus, it is my view that an individual who otherwise qualified and who has at least 25 years of active service does not need to also earn 50 points per year to qualify for the subtraction modification.” Of course, you can have as many views as there are people. However, if it were true, why would the 36 months in the last 10 years have been put into the legislation? This was to have been an incentives program not an awards program. Attorney Mike Farlow made contact with John T. Gontrum, Director of Legislative Affairs, and

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Office of the Comptroller. The short version is that the Comptroller’s Office views the requirement the same way we have been advising our companies since 1995 at the inception of the program.

It was noted that all county coordinators must turn in their county reports by May 1 st. Twelve counties have turned in their lists of qualifying members.*Statistical – Barry Johnson reported the Annual Statistical Report was completed and attached to his report. He said he’s encouraged by the number of reports already received for this year. This is ahead of previous years. He asked each member of the Executive Committee to take back to their respective associations the importance of their responses as the information is used by the Legislative committee to assist them in Annapolis *Financial Team – The Treasurer’s Office, Financial Secretary’s Office and Budget Chair presented the financial reports of the Association for the past months. The financial condition of the Association is stable with all areas being within budget once again. Next year’s budget requests should be in no later than May 1st.*Volunteer Company Assistance Fund (VCAF) – Chairman Gene Curfman reported the Board met on Sun. April 7, 2013 at Joppa Magnolia. Two applications were reviewed. A request was received from the Ferndale VFC for a loan in the amount of $365,000 to replace a recaptured pumper belonging to Anne Arundel County. The Executive Committee concurred with the Board’s recommendations and was approved. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Sunday May 19th at Hollywood VFD.

A presentation was given to simplify the VCAF program. A task force has been working to narrow the time frame for companies to go to settlement. Some of the timeline is dependent upon the arrival of apparatus or the completion of building facilities, however some of the time factor is that companies do the provide the correct documents in a timely manner, or when they do the documents are expired. (Yes some documents have an expiration date).

One of the things that can be improved is the time it takes for the Application to go through its process – one delay is waiting until the Executive Committee meets to concur with the Board’s findings. It was agreed and welcomed to have a phone conference for the Executive Committee to provide their stamp of approval. By doing so, the VCAF Secretary could send the application on to the DMIL the next day or so following their meeting – thus a savings of several weeks sometimes. Chairman Gene Curfman reported that due to personal reasons he’s stepping down as Chair of the committee. He said he would complete his term; however he would relinquish his position as Chairman. *Hall of Fame/Awards – Danny Carpenter reported that to date, the Hall of Fame Committee has received twenty-eight (28) nominations for the Hall of Fame Award, and thirty-six (36) nominations for the Marbury F. Gates Service Cup Award. I would like to thank all the Companies/Departments that submitted nominations. He reminded all that the closing date for nominations was April 15th.*High School Career Tech Program – Dan Stevens reported the committee continues to monitor the programs statewide and offer assistance as we can. We are very interested in the progress of the EMT classes around the state and the success and failure of the high school students in these classes. Some counties are exploring the idea of switching to EMR. He suggested that each program look very carefully before making this decision. The EMR is of limited use in the fire service and may not be in the best interest of your counties. We are however very interested in the EMR to EMT “bridge” that MIEMSS is looking at. This may make EMR a more viable alternative for some counties if and when it becomes available.

All counties were reminded that now is the time to be recruiting. Actually the window of opportunity is rapidly closing as we draw to the end of the school year.

It’s also a good time to meet with the school system and make sure they are familiar with the programs. The personnel turnover at the schools makes it difficult for us to insure we have people in the guidance positions that understand our programs. Many of the issues we experience can be traced back to guidance staff that does not realize the rigorous nature of the curriculum we teach. *MEMA Fire Service Liaison Group – Dennis Beard said since his last report activities have been very quiet except for the visit by “SANDY”, but staff at MEMA was able to handle the event and several of us monitored from our homes but there was no need to activate the FIRE DESK.

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A training session was held specific for members of the MSFA and MFCA that staff the FIRE DESK to receive training on Web EOC 7.4 was held on Sat. April 13 th from 9 a.m. until Noon. He said mandatory participation is a must for all who wish to staff the FIRE DESK. He noted the class was very informative and poorly attended.

Dennis announced his decision to step down as chair of this committee but noted he would offer his services to continue as a member only.*Transportation – The recertification process continues. County Coordinators will be mailed out in phases.

Incoming 2013 Presidents tags have been ordered.*Wills for Hero’s – PP Roger Powell said he’s had a few requests and will be attending a few group meetings to explain and work on requests. He noted that they have received information from some members and their Wills are being or have been prepared for them at no charge. That’s what the program is all about!*Safety – Chair John Fisher reported the safety committee continues to change the culture of the Maryland Fire Service to where SAFETY is the normal process in operations.

The next meeting will be held and May 19th at MFRI Headquarters at 10:00 a.m. The committee members have been attending their county meetings and giving small presentations on

the work of the safety committee is doing to bring safety programs and training to each of the member companies.

Work continues with MFRI and the NFFF to bring the Courage to be Safe Program and the 16 Life Safety initiatives into the field and into every member company.

Work also continues with the Convention Committee for the needs of the 2013 convention.The committee is working to compose a list of all the Volunteer Safety Officers names, phone numbers

and e-mail addresses from each county and corporation. They are very slow in getting this needed information.The MD Emergency Services Life Safety Task Force seminar will be held on Sat. May 18, 2013 in

Hancock, Md. Learning from the Past, Improving the Future.*Other Information

May 19th is Seat Belt Sunday – Assure that everyone drive or rides buckled up!An announcement was made by Jeffrey H. Thompson to become a candidate for the MSFA Board of

Trustees. He is a life member of the Chestertown VFC. He’s a past president, chief and is currently a Board of Director and Safety Officer.

The next Executive Committee meeting will be held in Ocean City on June 16 th and again on Thursday June 20th. (Please note that this tentative and is set at the pleasure of the incoming President). Plan to attend these meetings and watch the MSFA Officers, representatives and various committees at work.

Complete in-depth copies of all committee reports can be viewed at the MSFA website under the document library. Should you have any questions or comments concerning these topics please feel free to contact me at therbowsers@verizon.net or call me at 301-746-5576.

Allegany ES Board – Tim reported that the Board is looking at perhaps going as a cooperative to reduce rates on utility bills and insurance for all companies. A special committee is working on this idea and will report back at a later date.

It was mentioned that Allegany County opted to place McCoole VFD out of service. Their area is now being covered by Rawlings and Potomac and/or Keyser VFD. The area does have coverage for the short term and long term. Everyone was asked to get the word out to the residents of McCoole that they do have coverage for both fire and EMS.

Garrett County Assn. – The next meeting will be held May 29th at Accident at 7:30 p.m.Christian Firefighters – Chaplain Walbert reported on the May prayer breakfast held yesterday at

Oldtown. There were 21 attending. Carolyn Wilson, lay minister, gave the morning meditation. Birthdays were recognized. The minutes were read and approved. The Sunshine committee reported sending 8 Get Well, 1 Sympathy, and 1 Thinking of you. Under new business, the Chapter voted to make a donation of $25.00 to the Bessie Marshall Benefit fund.

The next meeting will be held at convention starting at 7:30 a.m.

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Allegany Co. Dept. of Emergency Services – Dick DeVore reported they are working with the finance director to work on helping departments with their financial reports. They’re looking at perhaps obtaining a Quick Books program and providing training so that the semi-annual audit reports can be provided as well as helping to keep a handle on their finances. Dick noted that in no way is the county wishing to take over your finances or tell departments how to do their books, however they wish to help all departments to monitor their funds more efficiently and the Board feels this would be a great resource for all companies.

The County is in the process of hiring two paramedics and dispatch positions.Regards to McCoole, the Board is looking at the positives with the changes taking place.The Radio system improvements have been made so far to Dan’s Rock, Westernport with the help of

their town, Barton and the next project is Capon Mountain.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: By-Laws – No Report.

Fire Police – They’re still busy. Call them if needed. Convention – the next meeting will be May 19th at 16:00 hrs. at GoodWill – Rod stated the ribbon are

ordered and will be in May 22-24 and he provided 100 copies of last year’s convention minutes to President Broadwater to be placed in the packets. The association’s book pages were also given to President Broadwater to complete the required pages for the booklet.

Fire Prevention/Education – Two fire prevention booklets were turned in. Pat noted that sometime back in December, Dick DeVore has noted he was selling a book he wrote regards to the fire in Hyndman, Pa. He said he’d donate the proceeds from the book to the Fire Prevention Committee. Today, Dick gave a check in the amount of $500.00 and it will be dedicated to fire prevention scholarship program. She noted the criteria for the scholarship program is not completed, however there would be a scholarship(s) at next year’s annual convention. Pat also noted the committee will be meeting soon to decide what funding would be provided for the girls attending the MSFA Convention.

Barb noted that Smoke Alarms are all out – she needs reports back from all those who have not yet turned in their list – remember only the addresses: street, address, city, state, zip, county and the number of alarms installed at that address are needed. Tim also noted that companies should not stop pushing smoke alarms. The county was given a grant for $10,000 to purchase smoke alarms. They’re the same as the ones Barb has been distributing with the 10 year lithium battery. There’s plenty left, so ask Dep. Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray, or Dick DeVore at Allegany County Emergency Services.

Note: Fire Prevention Committee’s Monthly Safety Fact # 83 to be included within the minutes and “The Bulletin”.

A wide range of natural disasters occurs within the United States every year. Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on you and your home. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to use the following safety tips to help protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a summer storm. You can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty by being able to identify potential hazards and following the outlined safety tips.

Some Types of Fire-Related Hazards Present During and After a Summer Storm Lightning associated with thunderstorms generates a variety of fire hazards. The power of lightning's

electrical charge and intense heat can electrocute on contact, splitting trees and causing fires.

Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged.

Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.

Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.

Chemical Safety

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Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.

Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

Electrical Safety

If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.

Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.

Be aware of and avoid downed utility lines. Report downed or damaged power lines to the utility company or emergency services.

Remove standing water, wet carpets and furnishings. Air-dry your home with good ventilation before restoring power.

Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

Gas Safety Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house

and leave the door(s) open.

Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.

Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

and Remember ...

Always use a flashlight - not a candle - for emergency lighting.

Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and inside and outside of sleeping areas.

All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least once a year.

If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by the fire department.

Donna reported on the MSFA Regional Jr. Miss Fire Prevention Contest held at Flintstone on Sunday April 28th. She reported that Miss Morgan Blank, Allegany County was crowned the winner and the first runner-up was Miss Sierra Smallwood from Washington County.

She asked that when booking, please contact her and she will make contact with the girls. Five area young ladies participated, including Cassidy Overstreet, Garrett County; Sami Jo Kight,

Allegany County and one other contestant. Insurance/Benefits – John Shuhart reported that since the last meeting Relief Fund payments were made for William Hout, Baltimore Pike and Lucille Swan, Baltimore Pike Auxiliary. If any company who is a member of the Relief Fund has a member die, please give me a call so that I may send out the check.

Relief Fund has been paid by most companies and auxiliaries. However the following companies and auxiliaries have not paid: Clarysville, Corriganville, Midland Auxiliary and Potomac. They were due February 15th. If any company has a member dies and have not paid, no benefits would be paid until these unpaid companies / auxiliaries pay their premium.

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Past Presidents – PP Barb Knippenburg reported the men’s past presidents met at Hill Top April 21st at 1400 hours and will be meeting at the Hen House on May 19th at 1400 hours. Special Ops – Tim Growden – No report. Safety – Gene presented the following safety message: May 19th is Seat Belt day in Maryland. A simple way to solve your seat belt problem is to look in your wallet – see who you have there that you care enough about to wear your seat belt!!! Buckel Up Maryland!

Awards – There were very few awards received. It was suggested that awards be taken up until the awards committee meets – that would be until May 16th.

Auditing – Mike Simmons noted the audit will be done May16 at Northern Garrett Rescue in Grantsville.

Recruitment/Retention – C B Broadwater. We still need to hit the schools in both counties. Public Relations – Denny noted the new look envelope – the charge for bulk envelopes is .09 each.

Ways & Means – Donna Struntz had tickets for the fair raffle. First prize is an I-Pad and the second prize is a $50.00 Sheetz card. Tickets were distributed to those companies present today.

The Wilhelm – Eakin Funeral Home, located in both Lonaconing and Midland sponsored the tickets for the raffle. It was asked for the Secretary to send a thank you letter to them. . Sprinklers – Knip had nothing new to report.

Career Center & 5-10 Year – No report from either committee. Training – Tim – Training requests have been received and the committee will sit down with Todd and make up the fall semester training classes sometime soon.

Statistical Report – John Shuhart reported he’s received the Statistical Reports from all Allegany County Companies; from all of Garrett County except Kitzmiller. For those companies not responding, please get them to him as soon as possible.

UNFISHISHED BUSINESS: Knip noted we still have Anniversary shirts left – need to get them sold – suggestions from the group

were to use them at the convention as gifts or awards, reduce the price and put them on tip boards.

NEW BUSINESS: None

GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION:Secretary Bowser noted that dues have not been received from Bedford Road and Oakland. Credentials

have not been received from: Barton Hose, Bowling Green, Bowman’s Addition, Clarysville, Cumberland Hose, Deer Park, Eastern Garrett, Ellerslie Ambulance, George’s Creek Ambulance, and Oakland.

The next MSFA Executive Committee meeting will be held in Ocean City June 16th. The next A/G meeting will be the convention June 1st at Good Will. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m.

The next Prayer Breakfast will be held at convention June 1st at 7:30 a.m.Gary Carpenter, President of Baltimore Pike noted they would be working along with Corriganville to

provide BBQ Chicken Dinners on July 5 & 6th at the Baltimore Pike Fire Department as a fundraiser.Mary Carr reported that PP Larry Thompson had a stroke – he returned home and had another one and

was taken to the hospital. They said he is not doing well. Please keep Larry and his family in your prayers.The 50/50 drawing was drawn and won by Rod Bowser.Chaplain Walbert gave the benediction and the blessing of the meal.The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted Rodney W. Bowser Rodney W. Bowser

Secretary

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My Brothers Locker“My Brothers Locker”

“Dedicated to fallen firefighters of West Texas”

Their locker once full of life and memories now still,As each of us pass, we remember how they were killed,

Taken from us, not in glory or shame,Just by one act of tragedy, they were taken away,

We remember they walked these halls by our side,They, who made us once laugh, now makes us cry,

A partner, a brother, a friend, at all times,Surviving without them, will be an uphill climb,

We knew their purpose, to protect others from harm,But they are now missed most under our arms,

Taken away without a simple goodbye,We remember their casket and the tears in our eyes,

The seas of red had wept that day,For our brothers and friends were given away,

To go to a place without danger or fear,With the purpose of their absence still unclear,

We empty their locker, and tuck the memories away,A quiet goodbye now, till we meet again someday,

Closing the door leaves such a large void,Now we can only remember the times we enjoyed.

May the Lord watch over them as their spirit ascends,But allow them to remember they had many friends,

May they visit us in our times of need,Something as simple as a blowing leaf.

David Kristofek .

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