NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

STATE FIRE MARSHALS

JANUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Happy Holiday Blessings to Everyone from the

NASFM Board of Directors & Staff! 

********************************************

Michael Desrochers, Brian Taylor, Sean Toomey,

Tim Bean, Michael Morgan, Doug Nelson,

Mariana Ruiz-Temple, and Julius Halas. 

Executive Director Butch Browning, Joy Browning,

Phil Oakes, Gary West, and George Keeley. 

NASFM Monthly Leadership Exchange

Each month will consist of an educational presentation of interest and followed by an open discussion by any attendee. The calls are kept under a strict 60 minutes of duration.

The Next Virtual Call is December 19, 2024 @ 3pm Eastern

Please mark your calendars and watch for a NEW meeting invite from Executive Director Butch Browning.  If you are a Principle Member and not receiving the invite, please let us know.    

Vermont's Robert Howe Fire Safety Calendar Award Ceremony

Each year during Fire Prevention Week, hundreds of 3^rd grade students are encouraged to participate in a fire safety poster contest.  Students submit a poster with an important fire safety message focused on seasonal fire tips.  The artwork is judged by volunteers and 12 posters are selected as “winners” and make up the safety calendar. We also recognize 12 runners up posters for special recognition.  The students, teachers, parents, grandparents, fire departments and friends are invited to the State House (House Chambers) to recognize the student's artwork.  The students receive a certificate signed by the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Director of Fire Safety.  In addition, the students receive a teddy bear and a gift bag and enjoy refreshments afterwards.  For many it is the first time they have been in the Capital building. 

2025 Symposium

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

Time is running out, submit your proposals soon!

Deadline: January 15, 2025

NASFM PROUDLY SUPPORTS KIDNEYS FOR COMMUNITIES!

First responders waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant now have the attention and power of communities nationwide. In our September newsletter, we announced that the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) has partnered with Kidneys for Communities, a national community- directed living kidney donation organization, to offer its Kidneys for First Responders program.

Kidneys for First Responders is a comprehensive support system for first responders and their families in their fight against end-stage kidney disease. The program provides access to and facilitates living kidney donations by connecting those who need lifesaving kidneys with people from around the country who want to help first responders. It also provides support, education, best practices for the patients and prospective donors, and covers many out-of-pocket costs for the donors.

The program is based on a community-directed donation model that leverages individuals' affinity with membership-based communities, like the community of fire safety organizations in your state.

Kidney disease is a challenge we face as a country and as a first responder community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that kidney disease affects an estimated 37 million people in the U.S., and approximately 90% of those with kidney disease don’t know they have it. Based on statistics from the National Institutes of Health, Kidneys for Communities estimates that approximately 11,000 first responders in the country have end-stage kidney disease and currently need, or will shortly need, a lifesaving kidney.

I ask that you consider sharing information about Kidneys for First Responders with your region and join others in our firefighter community, including the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, First Responder Center for Excellence, and the Knox Company, to take action and help those dealing with the hardship of kidney disease.

Moving forward, we will be working with you and your PIOs to support the distribution of information about this program to your state organizations.

I have attached additional information for you to review. The program provides support, education, and best practices for the patients and prospective donors, and covers many out-of-pocket costs and other benefits for the donors. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with this partnership and contact me or Atul Agnihotri at atul.agnihotri@kidneysforcommunities.org, who is leading this effort, with questions.

Kidneys for First Responders is here to help you. You can learn more about the Kidneys for First Responders initiative by visiting the Kidneys for First Responders page.

Sincerely,

Michael Desrochers, President

National Association of State Fire Marshals

Fire Safety Research Institute

Reminds Holiday Shoppers to Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety When Purchasing and Using Lithium-ion Battery-Powered Devices

FSRI shares safety risks and tips for safer use

of lithium-ion battery-powered devices

Nov. 21, 2024 - Columbia, Md. – As holiday wish lists fill with the latest tech gadgets, the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, reminds shoppers of the unique fire risks lithium-ion batteries pose and how to prevent fires through proper storage, charging and recycling.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in household items like personal shavers, remote control toys, drones, laptops, handheld power tools, e-scooters and lawn equipment. While lithium-ion battery-powered devices have many benefits, such as longer charge time and higher efficiency, they also pose unique fire risks. They store energy more densely than traditional batteries and can become unstable if damaged (punctured, swollen), improperly used (overcharged) or exposed to extreme temperatures. This instability can lead to overheating, sparking and even explosions.

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, FSRI has released a new public service announcement (PSA) to educate shoppers about the safe selection and care of lithium-ion battery-powered devices. The PSA vividly demonstrates the energy potential stored within a range of lithium-ion battery sizes from one to more than 100 cells and are used in many common household devices.

Additional Info / Read the FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE! 

Commissioner Gilman Appoints

Lauri Volkert as State Fire Marshal

Volkert set to begin new role on December 2; succeeds William Abbott, who has been in state service since 2005

11/22/2024 Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commissioner Michelle Gilman today announced that she is appointing Lauri Volkert to serve as state fire marshal beginning on December 2, 2024. Volkert will be the first woman to hold the position. Volkert has served as fire marshal for the Town of Windsor since 2023 and previously served as a fire inspector for the town.

“Lauri Volkert brings significant institutional knowledge, stellar communications skills, and deep relationships across the fire service community,” Commissioner Gilman said. “I envision her utilizing her position not only to protect the life and safety of Connecticut residents through her work on creating and enforcing the fire code, but also prioritizing community risk reduction and public information. I am confident that Lauri has the skills and experience to be a highly successful state fire marshal.”

Volkert succeeds William Abbott, who is retiring in December after 19 years of state service, including 11 years as the state fire marshal, and more than 25 years as a firefighter and municipal fire marshal.

“I join my colleagues from across the state in thanking Bill Abbott for his lifetime of dedication to the fire service in Connecticut,” Commissioner Gilman added. “There is no doubt that Connecticut residents have been well-served by his dedication and professionalism over the years.”

Full Store / Additional Info Here! 

18th Annual Truman Legacy Symposium Focuses on Fire Prevention & Life Safety in Key West, Florida

Executive Director Butch Browning & Board Member Mike Morgan attended and represented NASFM.

First-Ever Statewide Smoke Alarm Blitz Sees over 5,000 Smoke Alarms

Distributed to 71 Illinois Fire Departments

1,678 residents in Illinois are now protected with new, working smoke alarms

Springfield, Ill- The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the Illinois Community Risk Reduction Taskforce launched the first-ever statewide smoke alarm installation blitz the week of October 20th in conjunction with Fire Prevention Month.

Blitz Data (Data listed below is what has been reported by participating departments as of 11/6/24):

• 71 – Participating fire departments
• 5,232 – Smoke alarms distributed to fire departments
• $130,800 – Equipment value provided to fire departments
• 2,351 – Smoke alarms installed by fire departments
• 743 – Homes protected with new, working smoke alarms
• 1,678 – (989 high-risk) residents protected with new, working smoke alarms

For the full story... CLICK HERE!

For More Information

Contact JC Fultz, PIO, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

1035 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703

Office: 217-785-1026  Cell: 217-685-2041

New England State Fire Marshals meet at the 9th annual Northeast Carbon Monoxide Summit.

ME State Fire Marshal, Shawn Esler, NH State Fire Marshal, Sean Toomey, CT Fire and Life Safety Specialist, Patrick Holland, VT State Fire Marshal, Michael Desrochers, MA State Fire Marshal, Jon Davine

During November each year The Northeast Alliance presents a summit that is designed to provide a professional opportunity to convene multiple stakeholders to explore the latest carbon monoxide poisoning issues in the region.

The Northeast CO Alliance includes members from public health, fire & life safety educators, State Fire Marshal’s Offices, and other state agencies and businesses. It also includes CO victims, their families, members of Congress, medical professionals, researchers, responders, and several other state, national, and international partners.

This year with the assistance of NASFM the alliance was able to provide a full day of speakers and informational programs at the New Hampshire Fire Academy in Concord, NH. The New England

State Fire Marshals all provided updates and an overview of the issues they face in their state, additionally, they also took advantage of the opportunity to meet to discusses other state fire topics. Planning is now underway for the 10th annual summit.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FY 2024 AFG Grant Application Period - Opened

Attention: The FY 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Application period opens Nov. 12, 2024 at 9 a.m. ET and closes Dec. 20, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET.

Plan your FY 2024 AFG application by reviewing the FY 2024 AFG NOFO today at AFG Grant Documents | FEMA.gov.

TRAINING & MEETINGS

Maximizing the Impact of Fire Prevention and Safety

FREE NASFM TRAINING! 

Reminder: Red Cross Home Fire Response as a Community Service

The Red Cross responds to a disaster every 8 minutes. Our volunteers are always ready to help families post-disaster, 24/7. The most frequent disaster Red Cross responds to is a home fire.

We can help families start their road to recovery when called upon at our exclusive fire department line: 833-583-3111. When contacted by emergency services, Red Cross can mobilize and assist families with support including emergency lodging, financial assistance and emotional support.

Red Cross is grateful for our partnership with Fire Service, and we invite you to check out Rosa’s Story, a powerful 2 min video of what it meant for one community member to receive help in their recovery.

As we enter fall & winter months and a potential uptick in seasonal home fires, please share the number above with your local fire and emergency communications stakeholders. Your help is

greatly appreciated in amplifying this message of how to contact us and initiate help for families after a home fire disaster.

If you wish to seek a point of contact in your area, you may search here by zip code for your nearest Red Cross office and additional contact information.

November 15, 2024

Vermont Urban Search and Rescue Chief Receives National Award

The leader of the Vermont Urban Search and Rescue team has been honored by the National State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance (SUSAR) for his service to his and other states. Michael Cannon was honored with the Jim Riley Leadership Award at the organization’s annual conference in Florida this week.

Cannon leads Vermont Task Force 1, which has conducted hundreds of evacuations and rescues in Vermont during storms and other incidents over the past two years. Cannon and his team have also deployed to several other states, such as Florida, North Carolina, and others, to provide mutual aid for rescue crews there following recent hurricanes.

“We are extremely proud that Vermont’s Urban Search and Rescue team is held in such high regard,” Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison said. “Vermonters are fortunate to have the team led by Mike Cannon, which has saved countless lives over the past couple of years in Vermont and in other states. This award is well-deserved.”

The National State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance encourages the sharing of ideas and discussion about Urban Search and Rescue among teams nationwide. The annual conference is a platform for that dialogue and a forum for training.

For more information on the National Urban Search and Rescue Alliance, visit https://susar.org/

For more information on the Jim Riley Leadership Award, visit https://susar.org/jim-riley-award/

Send stories and info for the Newsletter to Gary@browning.red

This message was sent to you by the National Association of State Fire Marshals

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FIRE MARSHALS

PHONE: 225-806-0803    ADDRESS: PO Box 1224, Brusly, LA 70719

Facebook • Twitter

Unsubscribe