News in Brief

Life Safety Summit offers initiatives for reducing LODDs and injuries

Before there can be a decrease in firefighter deaths and injuries, there must be a reversal of the mindset that accepts death and injury as inevitable outcomes of the job, and personal and organizational accountability and responsibility for health and safety must be fostered on all levels of the fire service. This appeared to be the underlying consensus among the more than 200 attendees at the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation (NFFF) Firefighter Life Safety Summit held in Tampa, Florida, in March. Fifteen initiatives for reducing firefighter fatalities and injuries were offered by the group. The initiatives are based on six major areas: structural firefighting; wildland firefighting; vehicle operations; firefighter health, wellness, and fitness; training and research; and fire prevention.

Among the recommendations were the following:

Develop mandatory national standards for training and certifying firefighters at all levels. The various levels of command responsibility and operation of emergency vehicles should be emphasized. The same standards would apply to all categories of firefighters (career, volunteer, and so on). Health and physical fitness standards, based on responders’ respective duties, are to be included.
Develop a more structured approach to risk management in emergency operations, and institute periodic recertification.
Develop a national research agenda that would enable the fire and emergency services to direct research toward urgent needs and stimulate the development of new technology and equipment to enhance safety. On the other end of the equation, organizations should take advantage of the already available advanced technology to prevent injuries and fatalities.
Thoroughly investigate all fatalities, injuries, and near misses.
Assign to firefighters the right and responsibility to stop an unsafe procedure at any time.
Tie incentives and grants to safe practices.
Develop a national consensus standard on response policies.
Develop a protocol for violent situations.
Increase the involvement of the fire and emergency services in the development and enforcement of fire codes.
Support residential sprinklers.
Place more emphasis on public education.
Improve access to counseling and psychological support for emergency responders.

NFFF Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki said the Foundation would consider making the Firefighter Life Safety Summit an annual event and supplementing it with regional mini-summits so that more people can participate. The summit was held in support of the United States Fire Administration’s goal of reducing firefighter fatalities by 25 percent within five years and 50 percent within 10 years.

Information on the Firefighter Life Safety Summit and on the NFFF is at www.firehero.org.

Some FIRE Act grant program applications under federal scrutiny

It was learned in March that the federal government is investigating some applications filed for grants under the Fiscal Year 2002 and 2003 Firefighters Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act Grant Program (now referred to as the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program). In question particularly are procedures third parties used to file grant applications for some fire departments. Approximately one-half of one percent of the grant applications were affected, according to Tom Harrington, program specialist, Office for Domestic Preparedness.

A number of these applications came to light during the panel review process and were referred to the Office of the Inspector General, Harrington explains. He noted that some other issues related to management of the program also have been referred for investigation. The problem areas were discovered before awards were made or funding was granted in the case of grants that had been approved.

After a grant request is approved, the awardee is asked for documentation and receipts. “We are a diligent group of people, sensitive to possible abuses,” Harrington says. “Any abuse will be pursued.” By and large, notes Harrington, such applications are caught before funding is granted. If funding is cancelled, the money that becomes available as a result of such cancellations is recycled and awarded to the next applicant(s) in line.

At press time, the International Association of Fire Chiefs had not issued a formal statement on the investigation, but Jennifer A. Ashley, IAFC director of communications, said the IAFC is “fully supportive of the investigation. Full integrity of the FIRE grant program must be maintained.” The International Association of Fire Fighters did not comment on the matter. The National Volunteer Fire Council was preparing a statement at press time.

Senate increases funding for first responders

The U.S. Senate approved the fiscal year (FY) 2005 Budget Resolution (S. Con. Res. 95) calling for $3.7 trillion in federal spending. The resolution included an amendment to add $1.7 billion to the President’s proposed Homeland Security budget for first responders and port security. The amendment would allocate the funding as follows:

$1 billion to the State Homeland Security Grant program to restore the program to its FY 2004 level.
$250 million to the FIRE Act program to restore the program to its FY 2004 level.
$275 million for port security.

The cost for the above would be offset by deferring the purchase of 53 million barrels of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve over the next 18 months.

Tanker truck fire reinforces fire service role in critical infrastructure

The tanker truck explosion on a busy Connecticut highway in March “underscores the need for funding of large-scale training exercises, equipment, and personnel to meet the challenges facing the fire and emergency service,” according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

“It serves to remind us that the fire service is not only there to respond to local emergencies, but that we are the protectors of our nation’s critical infrastructure and, as such, we must do everything within our power to be fully equipped, staffed, and trained to respond to these types of emergencies,” says Chief Ernest Mitchell, IAFC president.

The IAFC encourages all fire chiefs to continue their dialog with local officials and remind them of the important role the fire service plays in protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Chief Michael Maglione of the Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department credits the large-scale training and exercise held in the area two years before the March incident for preparing responders to immediately institute and work efficiently within a unified command structure that included, in addition to the fire department, a regional haz-mat team, the police, highway patrol, the Department of Transportation, the Coast Guard, and environmental experts.

DHS adopts safety standards for first responder PPE

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the adoption of safety standards for personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders. The standards will assist state and local procurement officials and manufacturers to provide PPE that protects against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats.

The standards, developed by the DHS Science and Technology division in conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Fire Protection Association, include the following: chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) standards for breathing apparatus;

CBRN standards for full face-piece air-purifying respirators;
CBRN standards for escape respirators;
protective gear for urban search and rescue operations;
self-contained breathing apparatus for fire services; and
firefighter/law enforcement gear and protective clothing for EMS workers.

DHS approves National Incident Management System

The National Incident Management System (NIMS), recently approved by U.S Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, creates a unified chain of command for federal, state, and local lines of government for incident response. “NIMS strengthens our nation’s response capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies by providing all first responders and authorities with the same foundation for incident management,” Ridge explains. The system, according to Ridge, provides a balance between flexibility and standardization and uses common doctrine terminology, concepts, principles, and processes.

Among the major components of NIMS are the following:

Incident command system (ICS) and unified command for coordinating incidents involving multiple jurisdictions or agencies.
Preparedness. NIMS defines advance preparedness measures such as planning, training, exercises, qualification and certification, acquisition and certification of equipment, and management of publication. Mitigation activities such as public education, enforcement of building standards and codes, and preventive measures to deter or lessen the loss of life or property are also included.
Communications and information management. NIMS prescribes interoperable communications systems for incident and information management.
Joint information system (JIS). It provides the public with timely and accurate incident information and unified public messages. Joint Information Centers are used; incident communicators are brought together to develop, coordinate, and deliver the unified messages. In this way, federal, state, tribal, and local levels of government will be releasing the same information during an incident.

NIMS integration center (NIC). The secretary of Homeland Security will establish the center to assess proposed changes to NIMS, evaluate lessons learned, and employ best practices. The NIC will direct and oversee the NIMS, continually maintaining and refining the system over the long term. The NIC will develop national standards for NIMS education and training, first responder communications and equipment, categorizing resources, qualification and credentialing of incident management and responder personnel, and standardizing equipment maintenance and resources. A collaborative process of federal, state, tribal, local, multidiscipline and private authorities will assess proposed changes and ensure continuity and accuracy.

A final National Response Plan is being developed and eventually will replace the Initial National Response Plan of October 2003. NIMS will continue to provide the guidance for incident management of all emergencies. NIMS is available at www.DHS.gov/.

DHS issues radiological and nuclear detectors standards

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology division has adopted radiological and nuclear detector standards that include performance standards and test methods and minimum characteristics for four classes of radiation detection equipment ranging from hand-held alarming detectors to radiation portal monitors for cargo containers. The standards were developed in conjunction with the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories, and the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The standards will be revised as detection technology evolves.

NVFC-NATaT MOU fosters cooperation and promotes volunteerism

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and the National Association of Town and Townships (NATaT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in which they will partner to educate town and township elected leaders and the volunteer fire department in the communities. The agreement, according to the NVFC, “will allow for direct action to common-ground solutions on fire, EMS, and homeland security issues.”

Among the objectives of the partnership are to support mutually beneficial legislation that benefits volunteer fire departments and small towns nationwide; to create open dialogue between elected officials and fire departments at the local level; to develop an information-sharing system that includes guest columns in publications and speaking at annual conferences; and to form a unified voice to advocate volunteerism in towns across America and work against the forces trying to prohibit volunteerism.

“Commercial wireless industry thwarting first responder communications”

Congressman Curt Weldon (R-PA) has charged that some cellular telephone systems and other commercial uses are interfering with 800 MHz public safety communications systems used by firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and state and local agencies.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering options for resolving the problems, including employing new technologies and permanently realigning the spectrum. Many companies have been resisting the spectrum relocations. The priority, Weldon says, should be allocating the resources our public safety defenders need to protect our country. In February, Weldon and 42 other members of Congress wrote to the FCC requesting that the “intermingled spectrum” be realigned and that public safety agencies not be charged with the costs of any of the equipment upgrades that may be needed.

ANSI emergency eyewash, shower standard updated

The 2004 version of ANSI Z358.1 contains some “significant changes from the 1998 version,” according to the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), the standard’s publisher. Among them are “the reasoning for weekly operation verification for plumbed equipment and emphasis that drench hoses and personal wash units are supplemental equipment,” according to Janice Corner Bradley, ISEA technical director. An expanded appendix on recommended tepid temperatures for flushing fluid is also included. The 29-page document covers plumbed and self-contained showers and eyewashes, eye/face wash equipment, combination units, personal wash units, and hand-held drench hoses. The cost for a copy is $53. For additional information, contact Bradley at [email protected] or visit www.safetyequipment.org/.

Glenwood (IL) Fire Department conducts poison prevention training at schools

Twelve second-year pharmacy students from the Chicago College of Pharmacy assisted the Glenwood (IL) Fire Department in teaching poison prevention classes at four local schools. The program, coordinated by Terry Campbell, the fire department’s public education officer, is part of the national Risk Watch program and was conducted during National Poisoning Prevention Week, March 21-27.

Campbell explained that unintentional poisoning is a serious problem among children. In 1999, he said, more than 1.1 million unintentional poisonings among children ages 5 and under were reported to the U.S. Poison Control Centers. A vast majority of these poisonings occur in the home. For additional information on the program, call the Glenwood Fire Department at (708) 753-2440.

Congress holds hearings on forest health projects

At hearings recently held by the House Resources Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, chaired by Congressman Rick Renzi (R-AZ), the state of health of forests in rural Arizona and federal funding levels for U.S. Forest Service fuels treatment and management projects were discussed. U.S. Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth and Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for the Environment and Natural Resources Mark Rey testified before the committee.

The President’s FY 2005 budget proposal is requesting the $760 million called for in the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, signed into law in December 2003, which provides for the treatment of four million acres of high-risk forestlands in 2004.

Line-of-Duty Deaths

February 4. Firefighter (Ex-Commissioner) Glenn “Galdo” Galderisi, 53, Pompton Falls Volunteer Fire Department No. 3, Wayne, New Jersey: apparent heart attack.

March 3. Forest Ranger Edward “Eddie” Peters, 40, Florida Division of Forestry, Tallahassee, Florida: vehicle overturned while en route to a controlled burn; he was wearing his seat belt.

March 11. Firefighter Mark Miller, 43, Laconia (NH) Fire Department: drowned during a training accident while testing new dive suits.

March 13. Fire Engineer Mario F. Cunha, 32, Soledad (CA) Fire Department: struck by a vehicle at the scene of an automobile fire.

March 13. Probationary Firefighter Robert Griffin, 38, Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect, Connecticut: apparent heart attack while training at the Wolcott State Fire School.

March 13. Battalion Chief Charles G. Brace, 55, Pittsburgh (PA) Fire Bureau: killed in the collapse of a church bell tower during overhaul.

March 13. Firefighter Richard A. Stefanakis, 51, Pittsburgh (PA) Fire Bureau: killed in the collapse of a church bell tower during overhaul.

March 16. Driver Operator/Engineer Barrie J. Niebergall, 56, Red, White and Blue Fire Department, Breckenridge, Colorado: collapsed and died in station workout room.

March 16. Pilot James E. Towell, 63, National Aviation Office, Boise, Idaho: aircraft crash while training at the Bureau of Land Management’s Single-Engine Air Tanker Pilot Academy.

March 21. Firefighter Terri Eiland, 40, Forts Lake/Franklin Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Moss Point, Mississippi: injuries sustained in a vehicle rollover while en route to a brush fire.

March 21. Assistant Chief Mike Lehnen, 57, Bethalto (IL) Fire Department: stroke.

March 25. Firefighter Ken Temke, 45, Campbell County Fire District #5, Alexandria, Kentucky: collapsed and died after backing the engine into the station; he had been called to assist with a vehicle fire, but the call was cancelled.

March 28. Chief Rick Wilbur, 56, Eaton Rapids Township (MI) Fire Department: collapsed and died from a suspected heart attack at the scene of a working grass fire.

Source: National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Database, United States Fire Administration.

Final round of Assistance to Firefighters Grants

As of the last round (week 35) of the 2003 fiscal year Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, 8,630 fire departments have received more than $695 million in grants.

The program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Questions about the program may be directed to the FEMA Grant Program staff at (1-866) 274-0960 or [email protected].

News Glimpses

Congressman Nick Smith retires. National and state fire service leaders paid tribute to Congressman Nick Smith at a special ceremony in Jackson, Michigan, on the occasion of his retirement. Smith was cited for his contributions to our nation’s fire and emergency services. He was an ardent supporter of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and a cosponsor of the Emergency Response Firefighters Act (SAFER) of 2003 as well as the U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2003.

FEMA course addresses preservation issues during disaster operations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s new IS 253 course Coordinating Environmental and Historical Preservation Compliance is available online. The independent 10-hour course addresses compliance and environmental/historical preservation issues responders should undertake early in the recovery process to ensure timely funding. A certificate will be awarded on completion of the course. It is available at http://training.fema.gov/emiweb; click on NETC Virtual Campus to enroll.

NFPA to have fewer meetings. Beginning in 2005, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will consolidate its Fall Education Conference into its World Safety Conference and ExpositionT (WSCE), also known as the annual meeting. The 2005 annual meeting will be moved from May to June. The 2004 WSCE will take place May 23-26 in Salt Lake City, Utah; the 2004 Fall Education Conference will be held November 13-17 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Weldon receives IAFF award. Congressman Curt Weldon (R-PA) was the first recipient of the International Association of Fire Fighters Alfred K. Whitehead Lifetime Achievement Award during the 22nd Annual IAFF Legislative Conference. He was cited for having been “at the forefront of virtually every issue before Congress that affects America’s firefighters and emergency personnel.” Weldon founded the Congressional Fire Services Caucus in 1987. He is a former volunteer fire chief from his hometown, Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania.

Panel to issue gidelines on “dual use” research that could aid terrorism. The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, established by the Bush Administration, will issue guidelines for federally funded biological research that could potentially help in the development of biological agents that could be used for terrorist attacks. The 25-member panel’s recommendations would apply to institutional biosafety committees that monitor biological research at more than 400 institutions. They will also counsel private scientific journals in matters such as how to treat potentially sensitive research and when to withhold certain data from publication. The Administration says there is no intent to restrict exchange of information in the scientific communities. www.medscape.com, article 471113, March 5, 2004—”U.S. Panel to Issue Guidelines on ‘Dual Use’ Research That Could Aid Terrorism,” Todd Zwillich, Reuters Health.

Congressman Bob Etheridge CFSI 2004 Legislator of the Year. Congressman Bob Etheridge (NC) is the 2004 Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Legislator of the Year. He was the original author and sponsor of the Hometown Heroes Survivors Act of 2003, which became law December 15, 2003.

NFPA joins OSHA and API to promote safety in petroleum and petrochemical industries. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the American Petroleum Institute (API) will work together to promote safe working conditions within the petroleum and petrochemical liquid storage industries. Industry workers will be trained in safety and health issues. Safe tank entry, cleaning, maintenance, and rescue operations involving petroleum and petrochemical liquid storage tanks will be addressed. Best practices and lessons learned will be shared within the industry through training programs and materials. The agreement will be in effect for two years and may be extended.

NFA-EMI catalog online. The fiscal year 2005 catalog of combined National Fire Academy (NFA) and Emergency Management Institute (EMI) courses is online at www.usfa.fema.gov/. Both training facilities are located at the National Emergency Training Center, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There is no tuition charge for these courses. Lodging is also free, and transportation costs are reimbursed. Students pay only a small fee for meals. Printed copies of the catalog can be ordered at www.usfa.fema.gov/ applications/publications or by phone at (800) 561-3356. Application guidelines are in the catalog.

NFA offers fire prevention course. The Leading Community Fire Prevention course (R-823) will be held from June 6-11 at the National Fire Academy, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Especially suited to emergency responders in communities with populations of 25,000 or fewer, the course covers risk identification, tools and techniques, community coalitions, and marketing and development of individual community prevention plans. There is no tuition. Lodging is free; transportation costs are reimbursed. Students pay only a small fee for meals. Information on how to apply is at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fire-service/nfa/nfa-abt1c.shtm – 75-5/.

Last survivor of General Slocum Disaster dies. Adella Wotherspoon, the last survivor of the General Slocum disaster, the deadliest disaster in New York City history until September 11, 2001, died recently at the age of 100. The steamboat General Slocum burned and sank in June 1904; 1,021 passengers perished. The New York Times, Feb. 4, 2004

NHTSA: Report unintentional deployments of automotive safety equipment

So that it can help ensure the safety of responders, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking that national, state, and local emergency services providers report all unintentional deployments of automotive safety equipment, regardless of whether the rescuer is injured.

The information may be reported by phone: (202) 366-2545 or (877) 201-3172; e-mail: [email protected]; fax: (202) 366-5374, Attention: SCI Program; or mail:

U.S. DOT – NHTSA Special Crash Investigation Program (NPO-122)
Att: Thomas Roston
400 Seventh St., SW, Room 6213
Washington, DC 20590.