National Association of State Fire Marshals

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FIRE MARSHALS

A Strong United Voice for Fire Prevention

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FIRE MARSHALS

National Association of State Fire Marshals Celebrates 32^nd Annual Fire Prevention and Safety Symposium

NEW ORLEANS, LA- The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) is in New Orleans this week celebrating its 32nd annual Fire Prevention and Safety Symposium.

NASFM membership comprises the most senior fire officials in the United States with the mission to protect human life, property and the environment from fire and related hazards.

The conference and symposium features educational opportunities for attendees as well as a technology expo, featuring fire safety and property protection industry representatives from across the world. This year’s event kicked off with a keynote address from Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Tonya Hoover.

In addition, the association elected its new leadership structure. Vermont State Fire Marshal Michael Desrochers was elected President while Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci was elected Vice President and North Carolina State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor was elected Secretary/Treasurer. The following additional state fire marshals were elected as executive board members—Doug Nelson from North Dakota, Sean Toomey from New Hampshire, Mike Morgan from Colorado, and Peter Ostroskey from Massachusetts.

Two annual awards given at the conference this year recognized the association’s recently retired executive director and the Maine State Fire Marshal.

Jim Narva received the Olin Green Outstanding Fire Prevention Service Award for devoting 35-plus years to emergency services and fire prevention at the local, state, and federal levels. The President’s Award, which recognizes outstanding efforts and leadership during the prior year, was presented to Joe Thomas. Thomas, Maine State Fire Marshal, serves on the NASFM Nominations committee as well as represents the association on the NFPA 921 committee and has consistently contributed vital input and excellent recommendations to all of his fellow members of NASFM.

Click here for a copy of the full announcement.

Vermont Fire Safety Director Elected President of NASFM

NASFM Membership Elects Michael Desrochers to Serve as President.

The Director of the Vermont Division of Fire Safety (DFS) has been elected by his peers to lead a national association of senior fire officials. Michael Desrochers has been elected President of the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM). Desrochers is a 32-year veteran of the Division of Fire Safety and is a resident of Morrisville.

Director Desrochers has served in his current role for the past ten years. Since joining DFS in 1990 he has served in a several roles, as a Fire Prevention Officer, a Hazardous Materials Technician on the State’s Hazmat Response Team, Regional Manager, and Deputy Director. As Director, Mr. Desrochers serves as the State Fire Marshal and oversees fire service training, code enforcement, trade licensing, and represents the State on many local and national boards and committees.

“Director Desrochers has worked for many years to make Vermont a safer place,” Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison said. “His experience, expertise, and relationships will be as invaluable to NASFM as it is to the Department of Public Safety and the state of Vermont.”

NASFM is a national group whose mission is to protect human life, property, and the environment from fire and related hazards. Its membership comprises of the most senior fire officials in the United States.

“I’ve been honored to work with NASFM and serve on its board of directors for the past six years,” Desrochers said. “As President I look forward to further assisting other states by sharing best practices from Vermont, and benefitting from the work of others to improve fire safety here.”

"Director Desrochers will be an amazing President for NASFM,” Association Executive Director Butch Browning said. “His passion and steadfast work in protecting the lives of others has been noticed and affirmed by our membership, as his vision for better partnerships in research, technology and education are paramount in this organization's mission."

The Vermont Department of Public Safety now boasts two division Directors who lead their national professional organizations, Vermont Emergency Management Director Erica Bornemann currently serves as President of the National Emergency Management Association.

Click here for a full copy of the press release.