Volunteer Chief's Meeting January 19, 2008 at 7B Derek Domingo Chief Years of Service House passes volunteer responder tax relief bill - 11/7/2007 Lava Flow Pictures INPUT OF VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE IN RMS PUC Physicals UPDATE 6th Annual HFD reunion WILDLAND FF CLASS UP DATE WILDLAND FF CLASS Fire Investigators Training for Investigators Funeral services for retired Captain Eddie Wong
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAM – FALL 2007 SEMESTER
Chiefs meeting at Pahala 4/21/07
Volunteer Chief’s Meeting
January 19, 2008
Meeting opened shortly after ten am. Host Derek Domingo thanked everyone for attending and gave them a thumbnail description of his company. He also introduced members of his company that were there to help with the meeting.
Fire 1 thanked all present for their attendance and cooperation at meetings and especially for their response to recent fire calls. He then spoke on perceived union problems, he said that he had talked to the union business agent in Honolulu recently and she said that the union supports volunteers. There are concerns about safety, readiness, training and fitness levels. This is one of the reasons for getting us all up to FF 1 level. Fire 1 said that it is critical to get all personnel to the same standard, he has had all staff go through this program, now volunteers are well into the process. Fire 1 stressed the importance of certification, if anything goes wrong at an incident OSHA will go straight to training records and everyone involved could be held accountable. Secondary benefits are qualification for SCBA use, after medical evaluation. The certificate is recognized nation-wide and would ease acceptance into a new volunteer company if you re-locate. Fire 1 said that he is hoping to get the program finished by the end of 2009, he added that he is trying to get more Essentials 4 study books out to all companies. Fire 1 said to look at this as an opportunity, it is not meant to be punitive only progressive. Ron Sanford asked if Essentials 5 would require us to up-date, Fire 1 said no and added that a copy of Essentials 5 would be provided to each volunteer company soon. Tom Brandt commented on Fire 1’s enthusiastic support for the volunteers doing well with this program.
Fire 1 talked about the Fire Science course, he said that there had been a few young graduates referred to volunteer companies, some were turned down. Fire 1 asked that we give them a chance, this could be a valuable resource, especially due to the fact that most Volunteer companies are short-handed.
SCBA was discussed, Fire1 said that new specs are coming for audible alarms as well as ruggedized capabilities. MSA Firehawk was chosen because FF’s preferred that model, MSA was only model tested that FF’s could converse in without a radio com system. They agreed that there was better all-round visibility with the Firehawk.
Fire 1 handed out Incident/Accident Report forms, he explained how to use the form and it’s importance. Fire 1 also talked about injury coverage and the possibility of some further coverage from a private agency, he will check into this for a future meeting.
Tom Brandt brought up the issue of funding for the Volunteer website for 2008, Company 19A paid for 2007 and Fire 1 offered to pay the approx. hundred dollars for 2008! Tom said that Doug Keown does a great job of making this service available for our use, keeping it current and posting anything of interest. Doug added that he welcomes any info and encourages more company info as well as photos.
Fire 1 talked about the VIP program and said that Dr. Denis Onieal would like to see more Hawaii volunteers make use of this program. There are quite a few courses to choose from and ushers are needed for family members of Fallen Firefighters. Airfare and meal tickets are provided. Fire 1 said that he will get info posted on the volunteer website soon.
Fire 1 asked that any plans be discussed with your VolunteerTraining Officers before making them final. Recently monies were obtained thru Bob Jacobson for Pahala, Naalehu and Fern Acres, some mistakes were made that could have been easily avoided. Clyde and Henry are always more than happy to help acquire anything that enables us to do a better job.
Mack Goddard reported on his previous day’s Helicopter Training. He said that it was very useful and interesting and recommended that everyone encourage all of their company to attend if possible.
Arson issues were brought up, Fire1 said that Fire Commissioner /7B VolunteerJohn Bertsch has been working on an education program for volunteers/career fire and the public. Fire 1 added that HPD also has an investigator assigned to any suspicious fire. The Sayre Foundation will be offering a reward upon prosecution of arson crimes. CrimeStoppers also offers a reward upon prosecution. John Bertsch is working on getting a HotLine together, but for now inform your commanding officer of all info. Make sure all of your volunteers are aware of what to look for approaching and at a scene, also to protect and preserve anything questionable.
Ron Sanford asked if Fire and Police dispatch would be combined in the new facility. Fire 1 said that they would not, they will be in the same building but completely separate rooms. Fire 1 said that we will be going to 700 megahertz, this will require 11 to 15 new sites. He added that in about five years existing equipment will be unserviceable, he also said that all county agencies will go to the 700 megahertz system.
Fire 1 asked that all companies turn their full PPE lists in to their training officer by January 21st. HFD is trying to standardize everyone’s PPE’s to make sure everyone has what they need.
Tiki Morris asked if Fire 1 knew what happened to 16A gear? He said he wants to try to get 16A back in operation but is having a hard time getting volunteers. Tiki said that he can obtain gear from mainland sources but he doesn’t want to conflict with HFD standards. Fire 1 said that he is well aware of problems nation-wide in getting volunteers. John Bertsch said that he would do whatever he can to help Tiki get 16A back up and running.
Clyde Komatsu said that Ainaloa is scheduled for a CPR/AED class Feb. 23rd, this will get them another step towards operating as a company.
Clyde also talked about the importance of attending Helicopter safety training, he stressed that every volunteer needs to be able to operate safely in and around this very useful, very dangerous tool. Clyde said that wildland fire classes would be available soon at HPA , contact him or Henry for specifics. Clyde said that he is also hoping to get John Bowen to hold HAZMAT awareness training in the last half of 2008, probably multi-company classes on both sides of the island.
Henry DeSa asked for input/ideas on training, what do companies think they need. H nry also said that he is working on a LPG Safety class to be held in Hilo. Henry and Clyde are working toward more career/volunteer mutual training in the future.
Fire 1 said that part of the FF1 training graduation process will include a physical agility test, stair-step, hose drag, etc.. Everyone will need to do this.
Equipment acquisition and grants were discussed, Fire 1 said that the system is much easier now, just remember to work with your trainer so every step is done correctly with no nasty surprises for anyone. Fire 1 said that he highly encourages procuring equipment, it just needs to be done in partnership.
John Bertsch, speaking for the Fire Commission, thanked everyone for their attendance and input. He also thanked Clyde and Henry, Fire 1 and Tom Brandt for their efforts and encouraged those present to attend the Fire Academy if possible. John also thanked Derek for hosting the meeting and said that Council man Angel Pilago had provided for our lunch.
Tom Brandt also thanked Derek for hosting and asked for a volunteer to host the next meeting. Fire 1 quickly volunteered to host the next meeting scheduled for April 19th.
11:55 Meeting adjourned
Next Chief’s Meeting re-scheduled for April 26, 2008
Do you have personnel with 10,15,20,25,30 or have retired in the last year. IF so call Tom with the info
By FireRescue1 Staff
WASHINGTON — New legislation that would give volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel tax benefits won unanimous approval Tuesday in the House of Representatives.
It is part of a package of tax incentives, called the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act of 2007, to help volunteer first responders, veterans and active duty military.
The bill will exclude from taxable income all property tax benefits and up to $360 per year of any other benefit paid to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by state and local units of government.
The bill will now go to the Senate, where it will be considered by the Committee on Finance.
In 2002, volunteer benefits took a hit when the IRS ruled that property tax abatements to volunteers should be treated as taxable income, significantly diminishing volunteers' financial incentives.
Statistics show that the number of volunteer firefighters in the country have decreased over the last 20 years, with the average age of volunteers increasing. The hope is that with these new incentives, volunteer numbers will rise nationwide. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, passage of the HEART Act (H.R. 3997) will result in $994 million in tax savings for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel over the next 10 years.
The HEART bill was introduced in May this year by its co-sponsors Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Gordon Smith (R-OR). A similar piece of legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman John Larson (D-CT) in February.
Among the groups supporting the bill has been the NVFC. It worked closely with other organizations and members of the Ways and Means Committee to ensure that language providing tax relief to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel was included in the bill.
Every Volunteer FireFighter on the Island needs to Contact their Senator and urge them to support of this bill.
akaka.senate.gov/email.cfm
inouye.senate.gov/abtform.html
Hi all, While I was in kona last week working on a new movie called "Landboarding" Joy hiked out to the new lava flow and got some great pictures, She submitted them to CNN and they published them, you can look at them at http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/10/volcano.irpt/index.html I hope all of you are doing well, Sheldon
TO : ALL PERSONNEL
FROM : DARRYL OLIVEIRA, FIRE CHIEF
SUBJECT : INPUT OF VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE IN RMS
Effective October 1, 2007, Company Officers and Battalion Chiefs shall ensure that Volunteer Firefighter response to any incident is documented in our Records Management System. The entire Volunteer Company roster presently drops in RMS whenever they are dispatched.
Listed below are guidelines for your reference:
Volunteer unit dispatched and arrives at scene: All Volunteer Companies have been provided with an accountability sheet which should be turned in to the in-district Captain or Battalion Chief at the scene. This information shall be transferred into the Incident Report.
Volunteer unit dispatched but cancelled enroute, or Volunteer unit dispatched with more than one apparatus responding from that unit, but the volunteers are listed all on one unit, or Volunteers dispatched but apparatus dispatched doesn't have volunteers assigned to that apparatus: In any situation where the volunteer personnel do not automatically drop into the Resources/Apparatus/Personnel tab in RMS, manually add all personnel from the responding volunteer company. Be advised that this is a temporary measure until a process can be devised to inform you who was responding.
I would like to commend Captains Clyde Komatsu and Henry DeSa, as well as Data Systems Analyst Laurine Carvalho, for seeing this project to fruition. As you all know, documentation and accountability at all incidents is paramount to any successful mission. In addition, the information captured through this means will be immeasurable in providing valuable statistical data that can only enhance our Volunteer program.
I would like to ask that we all do our part to ensure accurate data entry.
Any questions, comments or suggestions on this project may be referred to Assistant Chief Quince Mento at 981-8354.
DARRYL OLIVEIRA
Fire Chief
Reminder to all volunteer companies that when your volunteers come in to do their physicals that they must have all information completed prior to their appts. All Hilo physicals that paper work is not done will be rescheduled effected today 4/13/07. Please make sure you have the correct forms, if you don't have the form please see Clyde.
Laurie sent me an email to let those who had planed to attend ,that the dinner has been canceled and checks returned. please post this Thanks Tom
Also the 6th Annual HFD reunion at HPA is 3/15 Sat. from 1700-2100 hrs. HFD and Vol. members are $15.00 and Guest $20.00. Menu is Sirlon Stk., Salad,
Fish, tofu, etc. Please let fire Admin. Know ASAP if you plan to attend. 981-8394.
Aloha Henry
Hey everyone,
BF class at HPA on 3/31-4/4 is changed to Waikii (9A) from 4/7-4/11. If you folks still can make it please let me know or Capt. Komatsu ASAP.
Aloha Henry
There will be a Wildland FF class which will be held on March 31-April 4 at the Hawaii Prep. Academy in Waimea. Start time will be from 0800-1630 with a 1hr lunch break. You can purchase lunch on campus or bring your own. Please contact Henry or myself if you are interested in attending.
This web site is for all you folks out there that are interested in fire investigation . Best of all it’s free, just register and your set. Some of the online classes are Investigating Motor Vehicle Fires, Introduction to Fire Dynamics and many more. We all know that in a lot of cases the Volunteer Firefighter is the first on scene, so a little knowledge of fire cause and determination can come in handy so were not know as the evidence eradication teams. Just click an this link and check it out http://WWW.cfitrainer.net
Let me know what you think.
Doug 18-A HPP
Eddie Wong has passed away. I don't have the details. This info was passed to me by Wayne at 17-A
Funeral services for retired Captain Eddie Wong will be held on:
Saturday, March 29, 2008 0800 to 1600 Sangha Hall
The family is requesting honor guards between 0800 to 1200. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Battalion Chief Robert Bailey.
An honor guard processional past Central Fire Station will also be done at a time to be determined.
TO : ALL PERSONNEL
FROM : DARRYL OLIVEIRA, FIRE CHIEF
SUBJECT : NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY
FY07-08 SECOND SEMESTER OPEN APPLICATION PERIOD
(NOVEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 2007)
The National Fire Academy will begin accepting applications for their second semester classes for courses (April 1 to September 30, 2008). I encourage all personnel to review the semester curriculum and submit their interest in attending any of the courses.
Course descriptions and General Admissions applications can be viewed and downloaded from the U.S. Fire Administration website at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa.
Selected personnel will be required to make their own air transportation arrangements and provide their receipts to the Fire Academy for reimbursement. We will pay for their meal and lodging fees. The participant would be placed on “in-service training” status, thereby compensated for his/her attendance.
Our attendance at the first semester classes will be limited to:
2 – Firefighters
2 – MICTs
2 – Fire Equipment Operators
2 – Fire Captains
4 – Volunteer Firefighters
Anyone interested in attending a course should submit their completed application and memorandum to me indicating the following:
Course selection;
Why you are applying;
How the course will benefit you in your position; and
How your attendance will benefit the department.
If selected, the participant will attend with the understanding that upon return from the training, they will share their knowledge with members of the department.
Deadline for submittal to my office is November 30, 2007.
DARRYL OLIVEIRA
Fire Chief
We have received confirmation that Fire Science courses are scheduled to begin for the Fall 2007 semester:
Course = Fire Science 197 Course No.= CRN#15639
Sub/No = Fire 197
Description = Introduction to Wildland and Fire Control
Course = Fire Science 198
Course No.= CRN#15640
Sub/No = Fire 198
Description = ICS and Disaster Control
Course = Fire Science 198
Course No.= CRN#15641
Sub/No = Fire 198
Description = ICS and Disaster Control
CRN# 15639 To be held Mondays from 1800 to 2050. Aug. 20 to Dec. 14,2007
CRN# 15640 To be held Tuesdays 1800 to 2050. Aug. 21 to Dec. 14, 2007
CRN# 15641 To be held Wednesdays fron 1800 to 2050. Aug. 22 to Dec. 14, 2007
The instructor for the courses, Jack Minnasian, is willing to accommodate the demands of a fire fighter's schedule. Classes will be at University of Hilo Campus - EKH 125
For new and returning students, please fill out the UH Systems Application. At the top right corner of the application, please write which class and CRN number you want to register for. You are also required to attach copies of your TB test results and proof of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination to application. Applications may be obtained at the University of Hawaii website http://www.hawaii.edu. On the left side of the home page, click on “Apply to UH” under the heading UH Information. The “Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 System Application Form” can be obtained under the heading “Undergraduate Admissions Overview.”
Each of the two classes can accommodate a maximum of thirty students.
If you are interested in attending any of the courses, Class Registration Forms and the UH Systems Applications are due to the Fire Administration office (Puainako Center, 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue) by 4:30 p.m. on July 31, 2007. All applications received after this date will be considered late and subject to a late fee.
It is imperative that each application be filled out in its entirety and be accompanied by all applicable forms, to include MMR and high school diploma.
Realizing that your attendance will involve many hours of your personal time and commitment, I commend you for taking this opportunity to enhance your career.
DARRYL OLIVEIRA
Fire Chief
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