MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN S ASSOCIATION Representing the Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Personnel

Transcription

1 MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN S ASSOCIATION Representing the Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Personnel Paul H. Sterling, Jr. PO Box 1963 Wheaton, Maryland Home Fax Cell paulsterlingjr@aol.com Report of the To the Executive Committee December 1, 2007 Ocean City, Maryland Chairman Seavey, Vice s Underwood and Powell, members of the Executive Committee, Committee Chairs, officers and members of the LAMSFA, and guests; good morning. Thanks to each of you for taking time from your personal schedules to support the MSFA this weekend. A special thanks goes to Jay Jester, Chief Chris Larmore and the officers and members of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary for hosting the MSFA this weekend. As I have done in the past, I would like to pause to remember those who have passed since our last meeting. Let us remember Chief George Willie (Hillandale VFD), Chief William Stone (Laurel VFD), Chief Arthur Thomas Cropper Davis (Ocean City VFC), Robert Wright (Bowie VFD and MFRI), Mrs. Betty Reamy (Brentwood), Mrs. Alice McWilliams (Seventh District VFD), Marie Trice (Denton VFC), Dwight Whitey Campbell (Pocomoke City), George Freeman (Mardella Springs) and Marion Heltzel (Silver Spring VFD). Please keep Past s Raymond Adkins ( ), Ed Preston ( ) and Leonard King ( ) in your thoughts and prayers as they struggle with health issues. Since our last meeting, both Financial Secretary Fred Cross and Memorial Committee Chair Don Mooney have had health issues. I also ask that you remember FF Steve Calloway (Ocean Pines VFC), Mr. Wes Thompson (Good-Will VFC), Bennie Shelton (Sudlersville VFC), and Ron Graf (Earleigh Heights VFD) all who have also experienced some medical issues. The power of friendship and prayer does work. I would like to thank Past Lee Sachs and Treasurer Ron Siarnicki for serving as MSFA liaisons to Leonard King and his family during Leonard s recent health issues. I also appreciate the efforts of the Office of the Chaplain and Chief Chaplain John Long. I also appreciate the efforts of the Office of the Secretary and Assistant Secretary Jackie Olson who have been assisting with Leonard s duties. To all who have visited and called Leonard, thank you. We continue to pray for Leonard s healing. On October 23, 2007, Governor and Mrs. Martin O Malley hosted a reception for the MSFA leadership at the Governor s Mansion in Annapolis. This was a very enjoyable evening, which afforded us time to speak about the MSFA and our legislative and budget needs in the coming year. I had the opportunity to present the Governor with a Black eyed Susan. The Governor announced that he has appointed Deputy Secretary of State Brian Moe as his liaison to the fire and rescue service. Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and is certainly no stranger to the MSFA. I wish Brian well and look forward to working closely with him.

2 Report of the Executive Committee December 1, 2007 Page 2 Since the September Executive Committee meeting, the MSFA Leadership has continued working to advance the Legislative and Budgetary agendas of the organization. The Governor called a Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly on October 29, The MSFA was very active and present during the session and we did testify on several bills. I would like to thank those County Associations and member companies who took time to contact your elected officials in support of an amendment to include the MSFA in HB3 and SB 3. My thanks also to those County Associations and member companies who contacted their elected officials in opposition to HB 14, State Lottery Agency - Tip Jar Games - Exclusive Authority. Chair of the Legislative Committee, C. Daniel Davis will provide a complete report later in this meeting. The following is a summary of my activities since the September Executive Committee meeting. Conducted meetings with State Comptroller Franchot, Speaker of the House Busch and of the Senate Miller. Hosted a briefing of the Executive Director Work Group with our EMSOF partners at MIEMSS. Received support of all EMSOF partners for the position and funding from the EMSOF. To date, letters of support to the Governor have been received from MFRI, Shock Trauma and MIEMSS. I thank them for their support of this important initiative to the MSFA. Participated in a conference call meeting with the Executive Committee regarding a recommendation from the MSFA Office of the Attorney concerning disposition of the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria. Worked with Treasurer Siarnicki to develop a handout card promoting an increase in the MSFA Membership dues. I would like to thank Jenni McClelland, from Ron s staff at the NFFF for her efforts in the design of the handout. In order for this increase to be approved by the membership at the June 2008 Convention and Conference, it is critical that the officers and Executive Committee members lobby and educate the member companies within your region as you visit the various meetings. In an ongoing effort to market the MSFA and improve communications, I extended an invitation to the leadership of each County Association (through the Executive Committee representatives) to meet and discuss MSFA activities and future plans. To date, meetings have been conducted with the leadership of Anne Arundel, Allegany- Garrett, Baltimore, Carroll, Dorchester, Eastern Shore VFA and Howard. If others respond, we will be happy to meet with them. So far, these meetings have been well received and very productive. I wish to thank Vice s Frank Underwood and Roger Powell for their participation and contributions. Since our last meeting, I appointed Clarence E. Chip Jewell, III (Frederick County) as the MSFA Representative to the State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC). Governor O Malley established the SIEC. The SIEC is comprised of: 7 municipal representatives 7 County representatives 7 State representatives

3 Report of the Executive Committee December 1, 2007 Page 3 Additionally, 3 fire service representatives have also been appointed, representing the MSFA, MFCA and EDIAFC The SIEC is currently focused on the Public Safety Interoperability Communications (PSIC) DHS Communications Grant ($22 million), which is due on Dec. 3. The SIEC will focus on the 700 MHz Request for Proposal (RFP), which should go out in January / early February. Chip will have a full report and recommendation later this weekend. I would like to thank John Contestabile and Clay Stamp for their efforts in getting Fire Service representation on the SIEC. Thanks also to Chief Pete Mellits for his contributions and coordination. Chief Pete Mellits continues to serve as the lead for the volunteer fire service regarding the Maryland Intrastate Mutual Aid (IMAS) Program. In accordance with the Constitution and By-laws, Article VIII, Section 2, Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board, I have appointed Eugene Curfman (Union Bridge) to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Richard Baker (Mount Airy). Gene will represent Carroll and Howard Counties. Ricky has been relocated by his employer, to New Mexico for 24 months. I wish to thank him for his service and wish him well in his new position. We look forward to his safe return to Maryland. Re-activated the Finance / Funding Resource Group, from the July 2006 MSFA Leadership Retreat. (See copy of charge memorandum) The Finance / Funding Resource Group has been asked to provide an update at the December Executive Committee meeting with a final report to me prior to the February 16, 2008 Executive Committee meeting. The Work Group has been charged with the following: Thorough follow-up on the recommendations from the July 2006 Retreat, as cited in the Retreat Report. Explore possibility of utilizing personnel from the University of Maryland School of Business to assist the Finance / Funding Resource Group with total examination of the MSFA financial records, past and future. ( ) The review will include examination of the Convention and Conference finances. Recommendations to achieve current and future financial solvency as well as improve our total financial situation. Met with leadership of MEMA regarding continuing problems with administration of the VCAF. Participated in the Selection Process for the 2008 Shock Trauma Gala Awards. Continue to work with the Minimum Training Standards Committee of the MFRETC regarding NFPA 1403 and it s application in Maryland. As in the past, I encourage our member companies to take advantage of the Maryland Weekend at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland on January 19-20, Additional information is available on the MFRI web site. I wish to offer my congratulations to Dr. Robert R. Bass, Director of MIEMSS for being recognized by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) on October 9, 2007 in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Bass received the Outstanding Contribution to EMS Award for his significant contributions to the development or promotion of emergency medical services.

4 Report of the Executive Committee December 1, 2007 Page 4 Congratulations are also in order for MSFA Assistant Secretary Ron Watkins. Ron was the recipient of the Chief Larry Johnson Award at the November 11, 2007 Awards Banquet of the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department. This is the highest award given to a long time member in recognition of their lifetime achievements to the department. I also offer my congratulations to a longtime member of the MSFA, Keith Fairfax from Bay District VFD. Keith was recognized by Bay District VFD at their Annual Banquet on November 11, 2007 for 50 years of service, and 25 years as of the organization. In addition to presenting Keith with a certificate on behalf of the MSFA, I had the honor of installing their officers. We continue to enjoy an excellent working relationship with our allied partners at MEMSS, MFRI, Shock-Trauma, The Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Maryland State Police and MEMA. I personally appreciate the cooperation and open line of communications from the leadership of each of these allied agencies. I would like to thank the various county associations and departments I have visited during my travels. Thank you for the invitations to the many functions. The friendship and hospitality has been tremendous. To those who continue to serve the MFSA through service on committees and in other functions, I thank you. LAMSFA Rose Pandolfini and I will host the Annual MSFA Holiday Party at Good will VFC, Centreville on Sunday December 16 from 1 5PM. Please let Rose know if you will be attending so we can plan accordingly. Finally, I wish to extend my best wishes to each of you and your families for a Happy Holiday Season. Fraternally, Original signed by Chief Paul H. Sterling, Jr.

5 Paul H. Sterling, Jr. September-07 Date Event Location 9/3/2007 Judge - Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade Gaithersburg, Md. 9/4/2007 AACVFA Convention Memorial Service Glen Burnie, Md. 9/6/2007 MSFA PIO Meeting Kensington, Md. 9/6/2007 SEMAC Meeting Baltimore, Md. 9/6/2007 AACVFA Convention Meeting Ferndale VFD 9/8/2007 MSFA Constitution and By-Laws Committee Cambridge, Md. 9/10/2007 Meeting with David Bliden - MACO Annapolis, Md. 9/11/2007 Meeting with Secretary of Management and Budget Annapolis, Md. 9/11/2007 Orioles BB Game at Camden Yards - Governor's Skybox Baltimore, Md. 9/12/2007 MFRETC Meeting LaPLata, Md. 9/12/2007 BCCRS Alumni Association Meeting Bethesda, Md. 9/13/2007 NFFF Weekend Memorial Planning Committee Emmitsburg, Md. 9/14/2007 Delaware State Firemen's Association Convention Dover, De. 9/16/2007 Eastern Shore VFA Meeting Cordova, Md. 9/17/2007 Wicomico County VFA Meeting Sharptown, Md. 9/18/2007 ATAC Executive Committee Meeting Columbia, Md. 9/18/2007 Lunch with Mark Wasserman - Shock Trauma Baltimore, Md. 9/18/2007 MCVFRA Convention Memorial Service Damascus, Md. 9/19/2007 NFFF Memorial Weekend Planning Committee Emmitsburg, Md. 9/19/2007 PGCVFRA Convention Past 's Dinner Accokeek, Md. 9/20/2007 PA. State Firemen's Association Convention York, Pa. 9/21/2007 MSFA Executive Committee Meeting Damascus, Md. 9/22/2007 MSFA Executive Committee Meeting Damascus, Md. 9/23/2007 MSFA Executive Committee Meeting Damascus, Md. 9/25/2007 Mid Atlantic Life Safety Conference Laurel, Md. 9/25/2007 KVFD Training Room Dedication Kensington, Md. 9/27/2007 Caroline County VFA Marydel, Md. 9/29/2007 Maryland Fallen FF Memorial Annual Gala Annapolis, Md. 9/30/2007 MSFA Awards Committee Severna Park, Md.

6 Paul H. Sterling, Jr. October-07 Date Event Location 10/1/2007 Meeting with Md. Comptroller Franchot Annapolis, Md. 10/3/2007 Md. FF Memorial Foundation Meeting Baltimore, Md. 10/4/2007 Lunch meeting with Mark Wasserman Baltimore, Md. 10/4/2007 SEMSAC Meeting Baltimore, Md. 10/5/2007 NFFF Memorial Weekend Frederick, Md. 10/6/2007 NFFF Memorial Weekend Frederick, Md. 10/7/2007 NFFF Memorial Weekend Emmitsburg, Md. 10/7/2007 Miss Fire Prevention - Frederick County Walkersville, Md. 10/8/2007 Breakfast meeting with Chief Mike Robinson Catonsville, Md. 10/8/2007 MSFA Executive Committee Conference Call Millersville, Md. 10/8/2007 Meeting with AACVFA Leadership Millersville, Md. 10/8/2007 Conference Call with Executive Committee Millersville, Md. 10/9/2007 Meeting with House Speaker Busch Annapolis, Md. 10/10/2007 Talbot County VFA Easton, Md. 10/11/2007 Meeting with Director Edwards - MFRI College Park, Md. 10/11/2007 STG Gala Hero Award Committee Meeting Baltimore, Md. 10/13/2007 LAMSFA Fall Conference Union Bridge, Md. 10/13/2007 Baltimore County VFA 100th Anniversary Timonium, Md. 10/16/2007 ATAC Executive Committee Columbia, Md. 10/16/2007 Conference Call with Training Comm. Chairs Wheaton, Md. 10/18/2007 Washington County VFRA Hancock, Md. 10/19/2007 Helicopter Replacement Committee MIEMSS - Baltimore 10/19/2007 Talbot Co. VFA/Dorchester Co. VFA Cambridge, Md. 10/20/2007 Training Committee Meeting at MFRI College Park, Md. 10/20/2007 Lisbon VFC Banquet Mount Airy, Md. 10/22/2007 Briefing of EDWG Report to EMSOF Partners Baltimore, Md. 10/22/2007 Dinner Meeting - Shock Trauma Leadership Annapolis, Md. 10/23/2007 Evening Reception at Governor's Mansion Annapolis, Md. 10/24/2007 Retirement Party for Faron Taylor Havre de Grace, Md. 10/25/2007 Meeting with BCVFA Leadership Owings Mill, Md. 10/27/2007 Blood Bank Drive - Carlos Alfaro, Jr. Silver Spring, Md. 10/28/2007 Memorial Service for Robert Wright Bowie, Md. 10/29/2007 St. Mary's County Commissioners Leonardtown, Md.

7 Paul H. Sterling, Jr. November-07 Date Event Location 11/1/2007 Hospital visit with Secretary Leonard King Annapolis, Md. 11/1/2007 Legislative matters - Special Session Annapolis, Md. 11/2/2007 Testify HB 3 / SB 3 Video Lottery Terminals Annapolis, Md. 11/2/2007 Ellicott City VFA Annual Awards Ceremony Clarksville, Md. 11/3/2007 Testify HB 14 - Video Lottery Terminals Annapolis, Md. 11/4/2007 MSFA EMS Liberty Road VFD Randallstown, Md. 11/4/2007 Harford County Miss Fire Prevention Havre de Grace, Md. 11/7/2007 Special Session - General Assembly Annapolis, Md. 11/8/2007 Special Session - General Assembly Annapolis, Md. 11/9/2007 Hospital visit with Secretary Leonard King Baltimore, Md. 11/9/2007 Special Session - General Assembly Annapolis, Md. 11/9/2007 Kent-Queen Anne County VFA Grasonville, Md. 11/10/2007 Maryland Fire Chief's Association Glenn Dale VFA 11/10/2007 Bay District VFD Annual Awards Banquet Lexington Park, Md. 11/11/2007 Viewing for Betty Reamy Charlotte Hall, Md. 11/11/2007 Viewing for Chief William Stone, Laurel VFD Laurel, Md. 11/13/2007 EMS Board Meeting Baltimore, Md. 11/13/2007 Hospital visit with Secretary Leonard King Baltimore, Md. 11/14/2007 Somerset VFA Princess Anne, Md. 11/15/2007 MFRETC Meeting at MFRI College Park 11/15/2007 Washington County VFA Smithsburg, Md. 11/17/2007 MSFA Honor Guard Committee Rockville, Md. 11/17/2007 MSFA VCAF Board Meeting Church Creek, Md. 11/18/2007 MSFA Safety Committee Sudlersville, Md. 11/18/2007 Eastern Shore VFA Queenstown, Md. 11/18/2007 Rehab Center visit with Secretary Leonard King Annapolis, Md. 11/19/2007 Viewing for Mrs. Alice McWilliams (SDVFD) Leonardtown, Md. 11/19/2007 Viewing for Mrs. Marion Heltzel (Sil Spg VFD) Silver Spring, Md. 11/20/2007 Funeral for Mrs. Marion Heltzel (Sil Spg VFD Silver Spring, Md. 11/20/2007 Leadership Meeting - Carroll and Howard Co Mount Airy, Md. 11/23/2007 Visit with MSFA Secretary Leonard King Annapolis, Md. 11/26/2007 Visit with MSFA Secretary Leonard King Annapolis, Md. 11/27/2007 MSFA Executive Director Work Group Baltimore, Md. 11/28/2007 Meeting Major McAndrew, MSP Aviation Middle River, Md. 11/29/2007 Caroline County VFA Greensboro, Md.

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