FEMSA News Winter 2005-2006

FEMSA

Official publication of the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association

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FEMSA Year End - 2005

PENNWELL/FIRE ENGINEERING/FDIC official sponsor of the FEMSA 2005 Year End Newsletter

©Copyright 2006, FEMSA, MA (USA) Editor: Karen H. Burnham Newsletter Committee: Eric Schlett, Chair Nanci Banarer Kit Cafaro Lila Gillespie Joe Porter Melinda Freeman, Board Liaison Gabe Steinbach, Layout

FEMSA IS A MEMBER OF

INSIDE

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Greetings

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2006 Marks FEMSA’s 40th Anniversary

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President’s Message

What happened to 2005? I don’t know about you but it sure seems to me that time is speeding up. It was just yesterday that my kids were little, my hair had no gray and Jerry was the President of FEMSA (ah the good old days). In the blink of an eye both kids are in their 20s, my wife tells me she can see gray hair on my head (I think her eye sight might be failing) and I have finished my first year as President of FEMSA. As fast as 2005 came and went, there were some very memorable moments. FEMSA continued its growth with a record number of member companies. At last count we are over 150 strong! We have seen a terrific increase in new memberships, and that is due to all of you helping to spread the word that FEMSA is an active and meaningful organization. Thank you and please keep letting other companies know about FEMSA. In 2005 we continued our initiatives on Capitol Hill. This year we joined forces with FAMA and formed the joint Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC). The GAC members have done an outstanding job. They have made our voices a part of emergency services discussions on Capitol Hill. Many of them have traveled to Washington several times on their own dime to make sure that our organizations are part of the dialogue. The GAC also

President’s Message

Welcome New Members

Personal Responsibility Code “Proud to be an American” 2005 Annual Meeting – Member Perspective

FEMSA Board Elections In Memoriam

Thinking of You

Katrina Relief FEMSA Answers the Call GAC Report

“There’s Just Something About that Sound …”

Member News

FEMSA Representatives / Appointments FEMSA Committees, Chairs, etc.

Report on NAM Meeting 2006 Events Calendar

Thanks to our Advertisers 3 Fire Chief 6 PennWell/ Fire Engineering/FDIC 8 Fire News 18 Fire Apparatus Magazine

www.femsa.org

ishing you a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year

2005 FEMSA Board of Directors

Giff Swayne Dan Reese Melinda Freeman Don Welch Paul Andrews Jerry Halpin John Granby 1

Dan Juntune Allen Lance Steve Lawrence Peter Nielsen Roger Weinmeister Janet Wilmoth

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

President’s Message & New Members hosted our 2nd Hill Day event in Washington, DC … a great success. With a keynote speech by Curt Weldon and several Congressmen in attendance (not to mention quite a few staffers), our message was heard loud and clear. But perhaps more important was Congressman Weldon’s message to us. He asked how many of us in the room knew our local representatives’ key staff people by their first names. He said that if we didn’t, we weren’t doing our job. How many of you reading this can answer Curt’s question with a yes? If not, it is time to get to work!

The Annual Meeting in San Antonio set a new attendance record for FEMSA. Not only did we manage to conduct the “official” business of the organization, but we were able to learn quite a bit from our guest speakers, network a bunch with our colleagues and enjoy a beautiful city. I would like to personally thank all of you who took time away from your businesses and families to attend. The entire Board is committed to making the Annual Meeting a worthwhile event and over the past several years it has been better and better. If you haven’t been in a while, you should attend the 2006 meeting in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Being so close to Washington, we have some very special surprises in store!

2005 also will be remembered for Katrina’s devastating blow to the Gulf Coast and the questions that were raised about the response to the disaster at every level of government. The effects of Katrina will be felt for years to come not only by those directly in her path but also by FEMA, State and Local Emergency Managers and by our industry. It is clear that we need to support the concept of preparing communities to deal with their own dayto-day risks. In some communities that might mean hurricane preparedness; in others it might be earthquakes or large- scale chemical/industrial fires; and, in some it might simply be a fire at the local grocery store. The point is each emergency responder should have the training, equipment and leadership structure to protect their community and respond safely to its particular hazards.

What’s ahead for 2006? Well you can be sure that FEMSA will continue to be active. Much is planned including celebrating FEMSA’s 40th anniversary, updating the User Information Guides and perhaps developing some new ones for Lifting Bags, promoting the PRC in the Fire/Emergency Services, updating the Core Competency Database, growing the membership and, of course, keep working on Capitol Hill to improve our industry. As for me, I am going to make an appointment at the eye doctor for my wife.

Till next time, Giff Swayne

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS !

FEMSA is pleased to welcome its newest members:

Black Diamond Group, Inc. Alan Lunder, President 77 Oak Street, #2 Newton, MA 02464 Tel: (617) 527-3312, x333 Fax: (617) 527-3341 Email: alunder@bdfire.com Web Site: www.bdfire.com A manufacturer of personal protective equipment

Metro Fire Jon McLaughlin, Vice President 13915 Lincoln Street, Suite D Ham Lake, MN 55304 Tel: 763) 767-7247 Fax: (763) 767-7253 Email: jmclaughlin@metro-fire.net Web Site: www.metro-fire.net Full line, fire equipment dealer/distributor

C & S Supply, Inc. Carol Stark, President 6342 E. Highway 402 Loveland, CO 80537 Tel: (888) 663-4966 Fax: (970) 663-3878 Email: nozzlequeen@aol.com A distributor of hoses and nozzles Rosecliff Partners, LLC Steve Lawrence, Manager 527 Windmill Hill Road Congressional Fire Dublin, NH 03444 Services Institute William Webb, Executive Director Tel: (603) 563-8929 900 Second Street, NE, Suite 303 Email: stevelaw@mac.com Consultant Washington, DC 20002 Tel: (202) 371-1277 Turanair Systems, Inc. Fax: (202) 682-3473 Bob Turan, President Email: bwebb@cfsi.org Web Site: www.cfsi.org Gina Machado, Educating Congress about the Director of Marketing fire and emergency services 12233 NW 35th Street Coral Springs, FL 33065 ECMS, Inc. Tel: (954) 753-9007 Paul Curtis, President Fax: (954) 753-9044 1800 Peralta Street Email: Oakland, CA 94607 gina@turanairsystems.com Web Site: Tel: (510) 839-5111 www.turanairsystems.com Fax: (510) 839-0219 Manufacturer of portable air Email: pcurtis@lncurtis.com supply for pneumatic tools Web Site: www.ecmsinc.biz Personal protective equipment manufacturing, service, Weldon Technologies, Inc. distribution Sean Tillinghast, Vice President 3656 Paragon Drive FireRescue1.com Columbus, OH 43228 Alexander Ford, CEO Tel: (614) 529-7230 200 Green Street, Suite 200 Fax: (614) 527-3547 San Francisco, CA 94111 Email: Tel: (415) 962-8308 stillinghast@weldoninc.com Fax: (415) 962-8340 Email: Web Site: alex.ford@praetoriangroup.com www.weldoninc.com Web Site: www.FireRescue1.com Manufacturer of warning Web site portal and resource lights for fire and emergency vehicles – service POST JOB LISTINGS, PRESS RELEASES, PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CALENDAR EVENTS FOR FREE AT WWW.FEMSA.ORG Also update your core competency company information and subscribe to the GAC Weekly Email Newsletter.

For login and posting help, contact webmaster@femsa.org

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

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www.femsa.org

EVERY

EVERY

DEPARTMENT L E A D E R The FIRE CHIEF franchise is the information resource for progressive emergency service leaders across North America. We provide timely and targeted information to enable chiefs and officers to better perform their duties and prepare for new challenges.

Visit us at www.firechief.com to apply for a free subscription and sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter, Command Post.

www.firechief.com

Personal Responsibility Code

Join these FEMSA member companies who have entered into PRC license agreements: Akron Brass Company Bacou-Dalloz

C & S Supply

Fire Apparatus Magazine Fire Chief Magazine

Fire-Dex, Inc.

Fire Research Corp.

FireRescue Magazine

Globe Manufacturing Company Holmatro, Inc.

L.N. Curtis & Sons

Lion Apparel, Inc. Matjack

Paratech Incorporated

Res Q Tek, Inc.

Spec Rescue International, Inc. Task Force Tips TNT Rescue Systems, Inc. VFIS

A license agreement allows these companies to print the PRC in their company literature, on their web sites, and in their advertising and promotional materials; the agreement is renewable annually. Alternatively, members may order stock products (wallet cards, hang tags and posters) for distribution to their customers. These items can be customized with company name and contact information.

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

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www.femsa.org

“Proud to be an American” The Flight Home …

I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long, uneventful flight home. With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well. I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on my issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together. I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall to break the monotony.

With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself. Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed. The entire plane let out a collective groan.

She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5

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FEMSA News • Year End 2005

minutes. The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that I was finally going to be on my way home. Why the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up ... Just get their butts in a seat and let's hit the gas I thought.

The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U.S. Marines returning home from Iraq!

Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause.

The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her. The applause,

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time.

When we were finally airborne, I was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand.

These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life. I took for granted that others had paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" while those Heroes were going home to their loved ones.

I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed, I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats

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until our heroes were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane. The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms. I felt proud of them.

I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say "Thank You for a job well done." I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us.

GOD BLESS AMERICA! WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE! [Author Unknown] r

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Member Perspective

October 12-15, 2005 San Antonio, Texas

The beginning of October has come to mean more than cooler air and brightly colored leaves. Beginning in 2001 for AMKUS, Inc., it has meant that it is time to attend the FEMSA Annual Meeting.

While AMKUS, Inc. is a longtime member of FEMSA, it is only during the last five years that we started attending the meetings. “We belonged to FEMSA but were certainly not active,” comments Judy Weigand, AMKUS, Inc. VP, “but a few years ago we reviewed our situation and decided to send someone to the meeting. It was me. I attended the meeting in Scottsdale, AZ in 2001 (3 weeks after September 11) and haven’t missed a meeting since.”

The value of the annual meeting became apparent not just to Judy, but to all of AMKUS, Inc. This was the second year that I personally have participated in the meetings and also the second year that we have seen value in sending four people from our company.

In the roundtable discussion on Saturday morning, I volunteered to write this article for the newsletter from our perspective as current and active FEMSA members. For everyone who attended the meeting, this will be a good time to remember fondly what was accomplished (and the fun we had); for those who have attended in the past, hopefully it will re-ignite your interest in the annual meeting; and for those who are FEMSA members but have never attended the meeting, hopefully it will encourage you to take advantage of all of the wonderful things you can participate in this upcoming year.

This year’s meeting was held at the Marriott Plaza Hotel in downtown San Antonio, Texas. We were within walking distance of the famous San Antonio River Walk and the Alamo. There was a cocktail reception on Wednesday evening, but due to a late flight we

were unable to attend. Thursday morning brought a meeting with the FEMSA members and board. We covered many topics. Some of the highlights of the morning included the review of the FEMSA 2005 Survey on Fire Department Safety, the importance of the Personal Responsibility Code, and the past year’s activity on Capitol Hill.

Thursday afternoon brought the election of new board members and the caucus breakout sessions. Friday morning began with breakfast and then a recap of the Caucus group activities.

Author Jeri Sadler spoke on the topic “Don’t Retire, Rewire.” After a joint FEMSA/FAMA lunch, we heard from speakers from the NVFC, CFSI, RVIA, and NFFF. We also heard from representatives from the major trade shows.

Friday evening we enjoyed a FEMSA/FAMA cocktail party and banquet dinner. Saturday morning ended with a review of the weekend’s events and suggestions for next year’s activities.

This year’s meeting content proved again to be engaging and valuable.

Out of all of the information discussed though, a few items have stuck with me and made quite an impression. The first is the Firefighter Survey. I think that it is important that this year’s survey is completed by more firefighters.

Not only does this survey provide members with a glimpse into the mind of the fire service, it directs firefighters to FEMSA and helps them to be aware of what is being accomplished for the fire and emergency industry.

The second is the chance to be active on a committee. Being active on a committee gives members a chance to get to know other members better and forge new business relationships and friends.

I am involved with the Education Committee, and so far this has been a rewarding experience.

While at this meeting we were just getting a feel for what members would like of us, it is a great feeling to be a part of a committee that will hopefully accom-

By Kristina Weigand

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plish much for the members and the industry over the next few years.

The third is the PRC. The Personal Responsibility Code is something that is extremely important. Each man or woman needs to be aware of the possible inherent dangers, needs to be personally knowledgeable about the equipment they are using, and needs to be adequately trained and capable when using every piece of equipment.

These truths cannot be stressed enough. While AMKUS, Inc. began using the PRC during this last year, with this year’s meeting we see the need to expand our use of the PRC and have begun plans to do so.

And the last highlight of the meeting is the overall feeling of assembling together. At the end of every meeting, I leave with a renewed diligence to promote the goals we all share and a reminder of why I love working in this industry.

When we attend the annual meeting, we get the chance to rub shoulders with manufacturers and distributors of fire and emergency equipment and services. This means that we have the chance to work together with our friends, colleagues, and yes, even our competitors. By being a part of FEMSA, we have the chance to improve the industry in which we work in and believe in, and to me, this makes it all worth while. In my book, San Antonio will go down as another successful annual meeting. See you next year in Alexandria, Virginia! r

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

FEMSA Announces New Board Members

Four fire and EMS professionals accept three-year terms FEMSA is pleased to announce the election of four fire and EMS industry professionals to the association’s 2006 board. Re-elected to an additional three-year term to serve on the FEMSA Board beginning January 1, 2006 are Rod Carringer, Don Welch and Janet Wilmoth. Gary Cozad joins the association board for the first time.

The 2005 FEMSA Board of Directors consisted of William “Giff” Swayne, President; Dan Reese, Vice President; Melinda Freeman, Secretary/Treasurer; Don Welch, Executive Committee Member; Paul Andrews, Executive Committee Member, Gerald J. Halpin, III, Past President; John Granby; Dan Juntune; Allen Lance; Steve Lawrence; Peter Nielsen; Roger Weinmeister and Janet Wilmoth.

Jerry Halpin and Dan Juntune retired from the Board as of December 31st after many years of dedicated leadership and services to the association.

“The FEMSA Board should reflect the diversity of its membership. The new board accomplishes this perhaps better than ever before”, says Board President Swayne. “I would like to thank each and every board member for their time and effort to help make FEMSA a better organization.

The membership is being well served by these dedicated individuals.”

Rod Carringer, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Task Force Tips in Valparaiso, Indiana, takes a seat on the FEMSA Board for the second time. Carringer is a 32-year veteran volunteer firefighter, instructor and past chief of operations.

Gary Cozad is new to the FEMSA Board. As CEO of Wheatland Fire Equipment Co., in Wheatland, Wyoming, Cozad’s company has grown from a three-person company to well over 37 today.

Don Welch is president of Globe Manufacturing Company, has been a FEMSA member since 1993, served on its board since 1999 and participated as an executive committee member for several years.

Janet Wilmoth has also served previously on the FEMSA Board. She is an associate editor of Fire Chief magazine. In addition to her work with FEMSA, Ms. Wilmoth serves on the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation Board of Directors. She is on the steering committee for the Fire Department Safety Officers Association’s annual Apparatus Specification & Vehicle Maintenance Symposium. r

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THINKING OF YOU

Peter Jorgensen (Fire Apparatus Magazine) faced what he characterized as “bigger, badder and more complicated than normal” surgery in mid-November. Peter had a rough time of it, is on the slow but positive road to recovery … and is looking forward. He is so appreciative of all the cards, letters and well wishes from his FEMSA family of friends, and thanks you all so very much for thinking of him. Your thoughts surely boosted his spirits.

Richard “Dr. Dick” Young (Performance Advantage) underwent a serious operation in November, and has come through with great reports from his doctors. We understand he is well on the mend and is back to work on “light duty”.

Bob (“SOB” … that’s “Sweet Ol’ Bob”) Barraclough Our industry buddy, realized in August that the altitude of Aspen, CO was not the place for him to be. As luck would have it, after being med-flighted to a hospital in Denver, and undergoing emergency surgery, he is actually feeling better and stronger than he has in a long, long time. He was disappointed he didn’t get to see all his friends at the FRI in Denver, but plans to be up and about, romping the FDIC show floor in Indy next spring.

George Sztykiel In the early morning of December 26th, George suffered a stroke and landed in the Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.

As of January 3rd, he was in the rehab unit at Sparrow. George is making reasonable progress, is in good hands and spirits, has a positive outlook and is keeping the nursing staff entertained, "know what I mean?" He can be reached via his cell phone at 517-231-2159. Cards may be sent to George's home at 1459 Meadowbrook Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Instead of sending flowers to George, consider a donation in his name to his favorite charity (a shelter): SIREN, PO Box 369, Charlotte, MI 48813.

FEMSA Donations to Katrina Relief [November 4, 2005] In the wake of hurricane Katrina and the devastation it and other events caused, the Board of Directors of FEMSA authorized donations of $7,000.00 to the National Volunteer Fire Council Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund, and $3,000.00 to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians / EMS and Rescuer Relief Fund.

"On behalf of the entire FEMSA membership we are pleased to be able to offer these donations. So many first responders were directly affected by the disaster, in some cases losing their homes and all their possessions while they were out helping others. The two charities that the Board selected offer assistance directly to emergency responders in need. FEMSA can think of no other groups that deserve our community's assistance more than those who give so much." r

IN MEMORIAM

The thoughts and prayers of all FEMSA members are with the families and friends of those who passed away during the last several months Eugene Handwerk, on July 10, 2005, father of Gary Handwerk (Class 1/Hale).

Reverend Jack Lawrence, on December 23rd, 2006 father of Steve Lawrence (Rosecliff Partners).

Mary Lucinda Sanchez, on July 12, 2005, daughter of Peggy McKeever (Fire Research Corp.)

Robert Spertzel, on September 22, 2005, 25-year employee of the W.S. Darley & Co. Jim Baynard, on October 22, 2005, Western regional sales Manager of Mako Compressors.

Richard Pratt Sylvia, November 8, 2005, former editor of Fire Engineering … may they rest in peace.

Hurican Katrina evacuee

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FEMSA News • Year End 2005

Governmental Affairs Activities 2005 Recap and What’s New for 2006!

By Steve Lawrence, FAMA/FEMSA Governmental Affairs Committee Co-Chair

This past year was an exciting and fun year for the members of the GAC. Everyday was a new adventure for the committee as we learned more about the goings on at the national level.

The highest profile program was in September when 39 member companies came to Washington, DC and participated in a full day of activities on Capitol Hill.

Members of FEMSA and FAMA attended a luncheon that featured speakers who gave us a perspective from a national level. Members then visited the Hill and held over 60 personal visits with congressional members and their staff.

Culminating the event was an evening reception for members, legislators and staff members in the Rayburn Building on the Hill.

This program was the exclamation point for the year’s activities to promote FEMSA and FAMA as resources, and to increase our visibility. What helped make this program such a great success were the new programs such as the Congressional Fire Watch and the weekly E-newsletter to send the message on a regular basis. The success of the message and participation by our membership has the committee very excited about 2006.

To expand on our message, we have added a couple of new initiatives while continuing our initial message and programs from last year. This spring the GAC is adding a new high profile event called “Home Day” which will begin the momentum for our “Hill Day” activities in the fall. What is even more exciting for the committee this year is being able to combine “Hill Day” as part of the annual fall meeting in Alexandria, VA! This will enable the entire FEMSA and FAMA memberships to experience and begin developing relationships with their congressional members and their staff both at home and on the Hill. More details on these programs is forthcoming. r

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

E newsletter This program will continue to evolve as an on-going program for 2006. Bob Kreps leads this charge with Gabe Steinbach; they seek feedback from the memberships on content, size, format usefulness, etc., and will continue to be flexible in order to meet the memberships’ needs.

Congressional Fire Watch The first newsletter was sent out to members of Congress and their staff, as well as key people on various committees such as HCHS and others in July; the second issue followed in November.

These and future issues may be viewed on the FEMSA and FAMA web sites.

This project, led by John Sztykiel with production provided by Lambert, Edwards & Associates (Noel Ryan), is projected to provide a bi-monthly communication for 2006. For this program to be a success it will require a great deal of input from the memberships and both boards to ensure quality content and timely issues.

FEMSA President Giff Swayne, Congressman Curt Weldon (PA), and FAMA President Jeff Resch 10

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Briefs on GAC Programs for 2006 Fire Side Chats GAC members attended most monthly “Fire Side Chats” in 2005 in Washington, DC. We divided our presence at these meetings amongst the entire committee.

This was a great way to get committee members exposed to the happenings and thought processes on the Hill. The only drawback, however, was not having a consistent representative at the luncheons. For 2006, the GAC proposes having 1-2 representatives who will commit to the program.

National Advisor y Committee of the CFSI The GAC attended both NAC meetings in 2005. As with the Fire Side Chats, the GAC will focus on consistent representation at these meetings in 2006.

Luncheon for Alliance Members This is a continuation of our efforts to foster relationships with other organizations. Each GAC member has been assigned as a liaison to work with an organization. The GAC will sponsor a luncheon or breakfast at a major industry event or venue to further the mission of the committee. Bill

Latta and Tim Bendle will be leading this initiative.

CFSI Holiday Par ty The GAC will continue its increased involvement with CFSI by sponsoring the Holiday Party in 2006. This is expected to provide great benefit for both organizations for increasing our presence on the Hill.

“Home Day” The GAC has proposed a “Home Day” event as a precurser to our “Hill Day” program.

The idea behind this is to increase awareness at the home level with our Congressional members and staff, while encouraging our memberships to begin a dialogue with their local staff members.

Congressman Weldon challenged our memberships this year at Hill Day to be know their representative’s local Chief of Staff or staff member in charge of issues on First Response on a first-name basis.

This program will help address his challenge.

Anticipated dates for “Home Day” will be during the spring recess of Congress. The GAC has invited the NFFF, NVFC, and the IAFC to participate with us on the program, and they have heartily agreed.

Legislators, Staffers and FAMA/FEMSA members at the "Hill Day" Reception

“Hill Day” The GAC is planning the 2006 “Hill Day” activities as part of the annual meeting program in October in Alexandria, VA. The program is planned for Thursday, October 5th beginning with a breakfast, followed by transporting the members to the Hill, and closing the evening’s festivities in conjunction with the NFFF reception on the Hill. A “spouses” program is being explored and may include tours of the Capitol and/or other DC historical sites.

Monthly GAC Meetings The GAC will continue its monthly meetings via conference call in 2006; members have diligently attended these meetings. In addition, the subcommittees for the different initiatives and programs meet as their programs dictate.

The FEMSA/FAMA Governmental Affairs Committee looks forward to working with each of you as it continues to learn more about working with our legislators. If anyone has any questions or ideas, please contact us through the FEMSA and FAMA offices.

Stay tuned for more news… and an exciting 2006! r Diane Collins, Legislative Assistant of Fire/Emergency Services for Cong. Weldon, with Legislative Director Sean Carroll of the CFSI

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FEMSA News • Year End 2005

Our Friends at CFSI 12

“There’s Just Something About That Sound …”

By Rod Carringer

(Coolspring VFD and TFT)

In firefighting lingo, words like “worker” or “entrapment” spur a deep-seated inner emotion that can be neither explained nor understood unless you’ve truly “been there”. A similar inner emotion swells up in some of us when that deep, low, unmistakable rumble of a Harley Davidson motorcycle is heard off in the distance. Just as the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference in Indianapolis is the Mecca for new products, tee shirts, and people watching each spring, if you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, Sturgis SD is the ultimate annual destination, and ironically for often exactly the same reasons.

For those of us that share both avocations, organizations such as the Red Knights or the Wind and Fire motorcycle clubs bring together the passion for saving lives and protecting property, and combine it with the love of motorcycles and riding. The end results of this somewhat unusual combination of efforts routinely includes raising money for Burn Foundations, Fallen Firefighter Memorials, or local families in need, as well as fostering a strong bond of camaraderie and fulfilling a sense of adventure on two wheels. Annually in August each year, that lust for the open road takes many a rider to Sturgis, South Dakota for one of the nation’s largest motorcycle rallies.

With well over 500,000 motorcyclists descending on the Black Hills this last year, the same lunacy and spirited craziness that takes place at many of the fire department conferences throughout this county is repeated nightly in towns with names like Hill City, Custer, Deadwood and Lead. Amid the sound of continuous rolling thunder, the gleam of www.femsa.org

chrome, and the occasional glimpse of a scantily clad visitor, the Mayor of Sturgis, for the past two years, has sponsored a very special ride. Limited to only 325 participants, and previously co-sponsored by Task Force Tips, Pierce Manufacturing, and the Jack Daniels Distillery, the ride raises funds and secures equipment that supports the important emergency work of the local Sturgis Fire Department.

Under the direction of Chief Ron Koan and his dedicated members, the Sturgis Fire Department, originally established in March of 1887, becomes a common stop for many visiting firefighters on two, three or four wheels during the Bike Week festivities. This year’s ride started early on a cool and somewhat cloudy day. After a cup of coffee and a personal welcome from the mayor, the fire chief and other local officials, over 300 leather-clad motorcyclists embarked on a police escorted 100-mile tour through Rapid City, and the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota. At the midway point, which just happened to be majestic Mount Rushmore, the Mayor’s Ride participants and VIPs were treated to a performance by the Army’s elite Golden Knights Parachute Team. Quite

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simply, the members of the parachute team truly have ice water running through their veins. Who, in their right mind, would ever consider jumping from an airplane thousands of feet in the air and actually plan on landing amongst hundreds of large tattooed bikers quietly standing guard over their shiny chrome laden motorcycles? After an outstanding display of skill, neither a scratch nor a bruise was noted, and I suspect this is why the term “precision” is used to describe the amazing Golden Knights team.

The gorgeous ride back to Sturgis, the afternoon reception complete with barbequed buffalo meat, and a chance to meet firefighters from around the world all made the trip fun, but the money and equipment raised by the co-sponsors and participants for the members of the fire department, more importantly, made the ride important. Though next August, and a return trip to the Black Hills, is clearly seasons away, the sound of the familiar “Q” siren on a fire truck, the haunting sounds of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, or the deep powerful rumble of a passing “Hog” will continue to stir a very special emotion deep in one’s soul. r

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

FEMSA Member News

ARE STRONGLY MEMBERS ENCOURAGED TO POST FULLPRESS RELEASES, LENGTH ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRODUCT AND PROMOTIONS ON THE W E B S I T E F E M S A W W W . F E M S A . O R G

Bacou-Dalloz [November 30, 2005] Claude Barbeau left the Securitex Business unit of Bacou-Dalloz on December 9th to pursue interest outside of the safety industry. Claude spent nearly 20 years dedicated to advancing protective clothing technologies. His passion and presence within the fire service market will be missed.

ECMS, Inc. [November 28, 2005] ECMS, Inc., a new FEMSA member, is a standalone business of L.N. Curtis & Sons, dedicated to the care and maintenance of protective ensembles.

ECMS’s three facilities are located in Las Vegas, NV, Oakland, CA, and Los Angeles, CA. Karl Beeman is the Operations and Technical Director, and is nationally known for his technical expertise in the PPE industry.

Fire Chief Magazine Fire Chief announces the 2006 Keys to Leadership seminar series with prominent industry lawyers who will answer your legal questions and address topics including disciplinary process, ethics, harassment, employment practices, how to be an expert witness, and other issues affecting fire departments, personnel, liability and apparatus.

Visit h t t p : / / f i r e c h i e f . c o m / keystoleadership for seminar program, registration and hotel reservations. Registration deadline is March 22, 2006.

Fire-Dex [August 1, 2005] Fire-Dex has completed its state-of-the-art lab to test fabrics for strength, thermal performance, water integrity of seams and closure systems, among others.

[September 19, 2005] Fire-Dex welcomed Steve Bonamer to the company as the new National Sales & Marketing Manager. Steve earned his BS from Ohio State University and has worked in both sales and sales management since 1990.

[November 30, 2005] Fire-Dex FEMSA News • Year End 2005

has been recognized as one of the fastest growing Northeast Ohio companies in 2006, and has been selected as a Weatherhead 100 winner for the year.

For more information and details on these articles, visit www.firedex.com.

Fire Engineering [October 28, 2005] Chief Robert Halton, a native New Yorker, has been named Chief Editor of Fire Engineering. He will be responsible for overseeing the editorial of Fire Engineering Magazine, FE ENewsletter, FireEngineering.com and all education related FDIC events, and will report directly to Eric Schlett.

News Visit www.femsa.org Releases for the full story.

Fire News [December 21, 2005] Fire News will be expanding in late spring 2006 with a New Jersey edition. For more information, call Tin Edwards at 631776-0500, ext. 111 or email tedwards@firenew.com.

Fire Research Corp.

[November 30, 2005] Fire Research Corp. is pleased to announce that Brian Roehrich and Charlie Smith have joined the FRC sales force.

Brian, formerly Service Manager of Seagrave Sales and Service New Jersey, will cover the Northeast sales territory. Charlie, formerly an engineer with Detroit Diesel Corp., will cover the Western sales territory.

FireRescue Magazine [December 15, 2005] Fire Rescue Magazine has announced a new partnership with the IAFC, creating the largest and most comprehensive family of conferences and publications serving the fire and emergency services industry.

FireRescue1.com, a new FEMSA member, also announced the launch of the new fire-rescue Web portal.

FireRescue1 is a partner with FireRescue Magazine, and will present 24/7 news, product information and Web exclusives to the firefighting community.

For additional information, log onto Press Releases at www.femsa.org.

14

FSI North America [September 10, 2005] FSI is pleased to welcome Mr. Joe Villegas as FSI Regional Manager. Based on his 15+ years of experience, Joe will oversee and improve the FSI web site, will assist the company’s export efforts, assist with military and government sales and specification efforts, and will also oversee FSI’s North American sales territory.

Hannay Reels [December 2, 2005] Hannay Reels welcomes Seth Fritz to its staff as project engineer with responsibilities including Cad Cam drafting, R&D as well as special project development.

Fritz has worked for Hannay parttime for the past five years. He recently earned his degree in mechanical engineering technology, and will join the team as a full-time employee.

Innotex, Inc. [November 29, 2005] The Fire Department of Montreal, one of the largest in North America, has chosen Innotex Inc. for the supply of their new turnout gear for the next three years. The Innotex’s gear was chosen based on thorough evaluations of conventional laboratory and field testing over almost two years.

L.N. Curtis & Sons [November 28, 2005] L.N. Curtis & Sons has opened branch #6 with a 13,000 sq. ft. office/showroom/warehouse facility in Los Angeles, CA. Bobby Dziengeleski has been named as the Store Manger.

In addition, Kevin Leary has joined the U.S. Government sales team, responsible for federal governmental sales in the Central US; he will also serve as a contract specialist. John Green has been named as a regional sales representative responsible for Central and Eastern Wyoming and Montana.

Metro Fire [December 5, 2005] Metro Fire recently developed a calendar in support of The Regions Burns Center in St. Paul, MN. The Burn Center treats burn patients and has been particularly helpful to fire fighters over the years. All proceeds from the sale of www.femsa.org

FEMSA Member News the calendars [$10 each] will be donated to The Regions Burn Center in St. Paul. Call 888-422-1881 for further information.

Pigeon Mountain Industries (PMI) [September 13, 2005] Angie Lucht was recently selected as PMI Marketing Director. Angie is an active rescue team member and outdoor enthusiast from Colorado [See details at www.femsa.org Press Release section.]

Task Force Tips [September 9, 2005] Task Force Tips donated $30,000 to the American Red Cross’s Disaster Relief Fund to match the generous contributions of area residents, TFT dealers and employees. [For full story, see www.femsa.org, Press Release section.]

Tempest Technology [December 5,2005] Tempest Technology is pleased to announce the formation of Tempest Fireco Towers, a joint venture formed by Dexter Coffman, Alan Saulsbury and Christian Baribbi of Fireco Components with the sole focus of importation and distribution of Fireco Components telescoping masts in North America.

VFIS [December 7, 2005] To aid in the national effort to reduce privatelyowned vehicle crashes, VFIS Risk Control and Education and Training Services have developed PrivatelyOwned Vehicle (OV) Operations: Answering the Call Safely. [For full story, see www.femsa.org, Press Release section.]

VisionMark, Inc. [October 19, 2005] The appointment of Joe Rudy to the new position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing for all VisionMark products has been announced by David Clarkson, company president. For the past four years, Rudy has been the VP of sales for the company’s donor recognition product line. In his new assignment, he will direct the sales effort for both recognition systems as well as the identification graphics business segment.r www.femsa.org

Streamlight Relays

Streamlight, Inc. [December 5, 2005] Streamlight, Inc. sponsored the Streamlight Relays in conjunction with the World Challenge XIV Finals of the Firefighter Combat Challenge held November 29-December 2 in Deerfield Beach, FL. The Streamlight Relays have been dubbed “the toughest two minutes in sports” pit teams of three to five firefighters against each other on a physically demanding course which includes climbing a five-story tower, hoisting 45-pound water hoes and dragging a life-size 175-pound dummy to safety, all while wearing full bunker and breathing apparatus.r 15

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

FEMSA Representatives / Appointments For many years, FEMSA has held seats on several committees in the fire and emergency services industry that are beyond FEMSA’s internal standing committees. FEMSA’s policy regarding appointments to those “outside” committees is as follows: The Board of Directors may appoint a voluntary representative of a member company to serve as the FEMSA-designated representative to any non-FEMSA affiliated organization or at any meeting or function sponsored by a non-FEMSA organization. All appointments shall be reviewed annually and be confirmed in writing by the President no later than January 31st of each year.

The term of all appointments shall be limited to three (3) consecutive years unless there is no interest expressed by other FEMSA members. Where there is interest by more than one FEMSA member in good standing for a particular committee seat or position, an alternate may be appointed.

The designated representative must submit to the Board of Directors, through the association office, notice of upcoming meetings with a meeting agenda, a written report after each such meeting or function, attend and present an oral [when requested by the Board] and written [for the meeting minutes] report at the FEMSA Annual Meeting in October, and participate in a Caucus Group where there is a Caucus specifically related to an appointed position.

Appointments may include, but not be limited to, the following: CFSI National Advisory Committee (appointments through GAC; principal and alternate seats) FEMA/USFA Stakeholders Meeting

Fire Side Chat (appointments through GAC; principal and alternate seats) IAFC Site Selection Committee IAFC Leadership Committee

MTAC/Fire Fighters Task Force

NFPA Technical Correlating Committee

for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (principal and alternate seats)

NFPA 1500 Technical Committee, Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program (principal and alternate seats) Appointed representatives must seek direction from the FEMSA Board of Directors in advance of scheduled meetings to determine the wishes of the membership regarding issues slated for discussion.

Representatives serving in such capacities will do so at their own expense.

If you have interest in serving on any of the committees listed above, please email the association office at info@femsa.org.

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

16

www.femsa.org

REPORT

National Association of Manufacturers

By NAM Board Member Stu McMillan (TFT) (November 14, 2005) This week I attended the National Association of Manufacturers board of directors meeting in Washington DC. This was my fifth meeting of this board and it was by far the most interesting of all of them. We had presentations

by Senator Frist the Senate Majority leader and Senator Langley from South Carolina. Senator Langley took over Strom Thurmond’s seat, a seat held by Strom for over 50 years. The Secretary of Commerce Spoke, the Secretary of Manufacturing, and the Secretary of Education spoke. Every one of these speakers were extremely bright and spoke of serious work being down in congress to clear up many of the issues of manufacturing (class action and tort reform to name two) it was refreshing to hear speeches that had substance in them and not political rhetoric.

I was in a great lakes regional meeting where I had the President of Cummins Engine and Daimler Chrysler on my left and the President of Eastman Chemical and Proctor and Gamble on my right.

The people in that room swing with very large Bats. TFT's total sales would not be a big enough number to be broken out on any of these companies financial statements as I was by far and away representing the smallest company in the whole group.

The President of Timken reported that they had just this past week shuttered a plant in the Carolinas and laid off 1000 people. The reason? No profitability. Why? because they are in fixed price contracts with the automakers and the automakers www.femsa.org

are pushing for further cuts and yet the price of their raw material steel has gone up 400% in the last two years. They simply cannot make ends meet and as such are sending the automakers to find new suppliers. The battle cry for every meeting I have been at has been health care and this one was no different.

We had an exceptional presentation on Health Savings Accounts and how this legislation is one of the first smart things that the government has done for controlling health care costs. The communication of these plans to all members of the company is a difficult task and if we take this one, we are going to have to allocate the time to make sure that people understand what is going on.

The real outcry from this meeting that was more ominous than health care was the discussion of energy.

We are quickly moving towards a huge energy crisis and there was absolute total agreement by all that the results are going to be very serious depending on how fast government reacts. The problem is not what you would think, it is not gasoline, it is natural gas! Natural gas is not only used for heating it is a feed stock to a huge number of chemical processes. What has happened is that the moons have aligned to make this problem come up much faster than expected. Katrina is the start, there is no strategic reserve for natural gas, only for petroleum.

The second problem is that the rate of usage of Natural Gas has been increasing at a much higher rate than forecast because of the number of utilities that are using it for power generation. The tree huggers of the 17

world have made it so difficult to get a permit for a coal fired plant or heaven forbid a nuclear plant that the utilities have been taking the only way out that they have and have been installing natural gas plants. What this means is that there is a multiplying effect on prices. Increase in feedstock cost, increase in heating cost, and increase in power cost because of the gas used to make the electricity.

Dow Chemical reported that their cost had gone from 1.25 per zillion btu to 14.50 per zillion (I don't remember the exact unit but the two prices were relative to the same quantity). The expectation is that consumers will see a 100% increase in their home heating bills this winter if the winter is normal. When you couple that increase with the increase at the pump for fuel for cars it is going to make a lot of people change a lot of habits.

The President of a company which I cannot remember the name of (it is a holding company for the brand Hamilton Beach) said that at their outlet mall locations the traffic had dropped to 25% of normal as it is typically a destination type trip for most people and lately people are opting out of it. The bottom line is that surcharges are going to go up and we are going to have a lot of pressure on our raw material prices as they use a lot of energy to create.

The overall outlook of everybody was as upbeat as I have ever seen in spite of all the doom and gloom over energy. The NAM is a huge resource and a very important group in what they accomplish for all of manufacturing in congress. r FEMSA News • Year End 2005

FEMSA members, please check out your links at

www.fireapparatusinfo.com

and let us know if any corrections are necessary

The all NEW Web site for Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment magazine is a SUPER DIRECTORY of web site information for the fire industry.

There are up to FOUR links for more than 310 companies.

Links are listed

(1) Alphabetically under our Fire Industry Guide

(2) Grouped according to five color-coded categories: Rescue Tools • New Technology • EMS/Ambulance Protective Gear • Fire Equipment (3) Listed by Apparatus type or Component System and

(4) Our Magazine Advertisers get a new link every month connecting readers directly to their internal web site page that provides information about the specific product that is the subject of their monthly magazine ad. This EXCLUSIVE feature of this web site is available nowhere else!

At all four web link locations visitors may initiate a “Send More Information” request that will be forwarded directly to whoever you choose at your company. Please make sure we have the correct name to send these responses. All click-thrus are counted and a summary will be sent to you monthly, even if you are not currently an advertiser.

This is a FREE service for the entire industry. Be sure you are listed.

E-mail me personally at cpj@fireapparatusmagazine.com with changes, corrections or updates!

Thank you for your help.

And Emergency Equipment Magazine 888-666-3473 • 234 Monarch Hill Road Tunbridge, VT 05077 • www.fireapparatusinfo.com

2006 Yearly Planner: Events, Meetings and Seminars

2006 SHOW/MEETING

Change in the Fire Service (Phoenix FD) FDSOA Apparatus Specification/Maintenance Seminar Contact:Mary McCormack at FDSOA 508-881-3114 Fire Rescue East Firehouse World Contact: Rob Brice 800-827-8009 Wildland Fire 2005 (IAFC) 703/273-0911 EMS Today Conf. & Expo Contact: Ed Nichols 203-840-5968 FAMA Spring Meeting Industrial Fire World Fire Engineering/FDIC Contact Lila or Nanci at 888-TEL-FDIC NFPA 1901 Committee Meeting CFSI Fire Caucus Dinner FDIC - Fire Department Instructors Conference Contact Lila or Nanci at Fire Engineering 888-TEL-FDIC Fire-Rescue Med Conference Saskatchewan Fire Chiefs FAMA Tech. Comm.

Alberta Fire Chiefs Metro Chiefs Ontario Fire Chiefs FDIC Bahrain Contact Lila or Nanci at 888-TEL-FDIC IAFC Eastern Division Penna Fire Expo Contact Tina Alexander at 717-464-3291 British Columbia Fire Chiefs Hazmat Response Teams Conference Manitoba Fire Chiefs Quebec Fire Chiefs NFPA World Safety Conference FDIC East Contact Lila or Nanci 888-TEL-FDIC Fire 2006 (New York Fire Chiefs) 800-676-3473 Health, Fitness and Safety Symposium (Phoenix FD) New England Fire-Rescue/IAFC N. E. Division Contact: Chief Charles Maurais 781-631-3086 Newfoundland Fire Chiefs IAFC Southeastern Division Pittsburgh Fire/Rescue & EMS Maritime Fire Chiefs IAFC Missouri Valley Division Texas A & M Municipal Fire School Firehouse Expo Contact: Rob Brice, 800-827-8009 Fire Rescue Canada Incident Management Symposium (Phoenix FD) Fire-Rescue International Contact: Karissa Jacobs at IAFC 703-273-0911 EXT 338 FAMA Tech Meeting New Jersey FF Contact: Ron McGowan 609 522 1822 FDIC WEST Contact Lila or Nanci at 888-TEL-FDIC IAFC Southwestern Div. Fall Meeting : FEMSA (5-6) FAMA (6-7) FDSOA Annual Conference Contact: FDSOA 508-881-3114 Fire Rescue Conf. & Expo.including Fire-Tech Reno Contact: Ed Nichols 203-840-5968 IAFC Volunteer & Combination Officers Symposium

DATE

Jan 13-14 Jan 22-25

PLACE

Jan 27-28 Feb 19-23 (Exhibits Feb 21-23) Mar 8-9 Mar 21-25 Mar 25-28 Mar 27-31 Mar 30-Apr 2

Phoenix, AZ Orlando, FL

Jacksonville, FL San Diego, CA Phoenix, AZ Baltimore, MD

Maui, HI Baton Rouge, LA Cologne Germany

Apr 3-5 Apr 6 Apr 24-29 (Exhibits 27-29) Apr 24-26 Apr 27-29 Apr 28 May 6-10 May 5-12 May 6-10 May 6-8

Las Vegas, NV Saskatoon, SAS Fire Indianapolis, IN Red Deer, ALB Las Vegas, NV Toronto, ONT Bahrain Middle East

May 28-Jun 2 Jun 1-4

Penticton, BC Hunt Valley, MD

TBD May 19-21

Jun 3-6 Jun 4-9 Jun 12-17 (Exhibits 15-17) Jun 15-17 Jun 15-17 Jun 23-25

Jun 23-25 Jun 29-Jul 1 Jul 7-9 July 9-12 Jul 19-21 Jul 23-28 Jul 25-30 (Exhibits 27-29) Aug 13-16 Sep 7-9 Sep 14-16 Sep 16 Sep 15-16 Sep 23-27

DC Area Washington,DC Indianapolis, IN

EveshamTnshp, NJ Harrisburg, PA

Rimouski, QC Orlando, FL Atlantic City, NJ

Lake George, NY Phoenix, AZ W. Springfield, MA

St. Johns, NL Mobile, AL Monroeville, PA Gander, NL Omaha, NB College Station, TX Baltimore, MD

Halifax, NS Phoenix, AZ Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX Wildwood, NJ

Los Angeles, CA

Oct (tbd) Oct 5-7 Oct 28-Nov 2

Midwest City, OK Alexandria, VA Orlando, FL

Nov 9-12

Orlando, FL

Nov 8-12

Las Vegas, NV

For additional events, or to post your own events - go to www.femsa.org, log in, and post your own calendar listings!

www.femsa.org

19

FEMSA News • Year End 2005

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