social media - the Ohio Fire Chiefs` Association

Transcription

iNCOMMAND
A PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
D E V E L O P I N G P O L I C I ES
9 11 ALT E R N AT I V ES
HE LP F UL AP P S
SOCIAL
MEDIA
BLOG
FAC EB OOK
T W I TT E R
T EXT ME SSAG
S M A RT PHONE
HEALTH
LIFE
DENTAL
VISION
WELLNESS
Ohio Public Entity Consortium
Ohio Public Entity Consortium is a non-profit organization that
groups small and medium entities to negotiate cost discounts and
benefit advantages.
The OPEC programs are underwritten by
,
Delta Dental, Vision Service Plan, and have earned the
endorsement of the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners,
Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, and
Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association.
Advisory Board
Members
Kenn Taylor
Fire Chief, Violet Township
To discuss these comprehensive packages, please contact our
exclusive marketing agent:
Past President, Ohio Fire
Chiefs Association
Betty Klingenberg
Past Board Member
Government Finance
Officers Association
We would appreciate the opportunity to serve your entity.
Frank Weirick
Ret. Sgt., Columbus
Police
(800) 989-9095
Former State
Trustee
Fraternal Order
of Police
Beth Bickford, MS RN
Executive Director,
Association of Ohio
Health Commissioners
Frank Harmon
James Organ
Patrick McClelland
Brian Savage
Megan Toitch
Brad Gaglione
Kevin Watts
Past President,
Ohio Association of
Professional Fire
Fighters
8120 Corporate Boulevard
Plain City, Ohio 43064
Office (614) 873-2906
Toll Free (800) 989-9095
COBRA ADMINISTRATION
2
January/February 2011
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InCommand Magazine
DISABILITY
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The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association
Post Office Box 1136
Dublin, Ohio 43017
Fax (614) 873-2916
HOME & AUTO
iNCOMMAND
A PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION
IN COMMAND MAGAZINE
OFCA PRESIDENT
Chief Bernie Ingles, OFE
Westerville Fire Dept.
IN COMMAND EDITOR
Susan D. Lengal
Executive Director, OFCA & OFESF
IN COMMAND STAFF
Mary Pat Helvey, Copy
Erica Schortgen, Advertising
Riding Tigers Communications, Design
IN COMMAND COMMITTEE
Chief Tom Stewart, Chair
Asst. Chief Bob Bates
Chief Ted Heck
Retired Chief Paul Hemmeter
Chief Bernie Ingles
Chief David Long
Chief Clifford L. Mason
Ret’d Assistant Chief Anita Stickle
Chief Jonathan Westendorf
SOCIAL MEDIA
SPECIAL FEATURES
BATTLE OF THE BADGES PARTNERS
WITH ARNOLD FITNESS EVENT. .........16
HEALTHY CHIEF: FIREFIGHTERS AT
RISK FOR HEARING PROBLEMS .........20
Ohio Fire Chiefs Association
131 Dillmont Dr. #101
Columbus, OH 43235
Tel: 614-410-6322
Toll Free: 800-347-3704
Fax: 614-410-6324
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ohiofirechiefs.org
In Command is published six times a year by the
Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association. Questions about
submitting articles, advertising in the magazine or
joining the association can be directed to Mary Pat
Helvey by telephone at 614-410-6322 or by email at
[email protected].
Statements or opinions expressed herein are those
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those
of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association, its officers,
board, or staff. Members of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’
Association are encouraged to submit articles for
possible publication in “IN COMMAND”. The Ohio
Fire Chiefs’ Association reserves the right to reject
or edit any submission for publication. All submissions, including photographs, become the property
of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association. Requests to
reprint articles must be submitted in writing.
InCommand Magazine Correction
In the last edition of InCommand, Chief Marvin Wheeler,
Wauseon Fire Dept. was incorrectly listed as deceased. The
deceased was actually Marvin L. Wheeler, former Fire Chief
at Licking Township EMS and Fire Dept. and Frazeysburg
Fire and Rescue. Our apologies to Chief Wheeler of
Wauseon. We regret the error.
DEPARTMENTS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ...................................... 4
OFCA FINANCIAL UPDATE.................................... 5
OFCA TODAY ........................................................ 6
OFESF UPDATE .................................................... 7
SCUTTLEBUTT ..................................................... 8
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ........................................ 18
MEET THE CHIEF ................................................ 22
ASK THE OLD MAN ............................................ 54
THE BIG PICTURE (IAFC REPORT) ..................... 56
OFCA DIRECTORS .............................................. 59
CALENDAR .........................................BACK COVER
35 Social Media SOGs
40 Developing a policy on
electronic communications
41 Public using social media
as a 911 alternative
44 Public or Private? Employers must use
caution when using information from
social media websites to discipline
employees
48 Five steps for social media: Managing
workplace social media in a fire
organization
51 Hot apps for the fire service
SPECIAL SECTION:
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
& POLITICAL ACTION
Win a full conference registration! ...... 10
2011 Winter Symposium ..................... 11
2011 Leadership Conference ............... 12
PHOTO JOURNAL:
WESTERVILLE CITIZENS
TRAINING ACADEMY
|
Administrative Assistant’s Conference . 13
SAFER Grant helps fund Service
Leader Training Program...................... 14
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Social media is quickly becoming common in fire service
BY CHIEF BERNIE INGLES, OFE
PRESIDENT, OHIO FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION
I
trust you all enjoyed yourselves over the recent
holiday season. As I get older, it seems that
time goes by quicker each year, and holidays
and other important events seem to not so much
sneak up on me as in the past, but catch me by surprise at how quickly they arrive without warning.
As I ponder this awareness, I am also facing how
new technology is becoming so much more important in my career. My city has a Facebook page and
a Twitter account where our citizens can get information at a pace that they are requesting. Instead of
waiting for new brochures touting new recreation
programs, or watching the City Council meeting
every other week on the local cable channel for
information, they are getting updates on new programs and other important information in a timely
manner and fashion that is becoming more popular
each year. For example, we had a major road closed
for construction this fall, and the date/time that it
finally re-opened was sent out by the city through
these accounts notifying residents immediately. We
also used these accounts to send out safety information from our fire prevention bureau for the holidays. This is advantageous to us because instead of
relying on a resident to view our website or call us
on the phone for information, we are reaching out
and making that contact to get the information to
them. This is huge.
Recent statistics listed on http://bit.ly/4r8Mqr
show that the number of people using social networking sites has been growing enormously over
the past three years. Along with the most popular
sites Facebook, YouTube and Wikipedia, there are
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other sites that
show strong support, including
LinkedIn, Tagged,
Yelp and many
others. The number of people using
these networks is
astounding. In July,
Facebook had 500
million people on
their site. In April,
Twitter shared that
they had 105 million registered users, experiencing 50 million tweets
per day.
As an older person (over 50), these sites do not
interest me personally. I have a Facebook page that
I was asked to set up in 2008 for our 150th Anniversary, but I rarely look at it, and I certainly don’t
respond or post anything. But that doesn’t mean
that I should ignore the reality of this technology
and how I can best use it to improve my organization. Imagine notifying your residents of an impending tornado, or of a major incident that affects
traffic, or a fund-raising event, or hiring/recruiting
new employees/volunteers. The use of these sites is
only limited by your imagination.
Of course, concerns about proper usage must be
addressed, and there are many policies out there
that a fire chief can adopt for his/her organization.
I recommend http://bit.ly/4UUbHV as a starting
point for guidance.
As the fire service gets younger, we cannot ignore
how they currently communicate and how they
may intend to communicate in the future. Use of
this technology now will only enhance each of
our futures. ■
OFCA FINANCIAL UPDATE
OFCA Financial Update
MONTHLY REPORTS FOR AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2010
The following represents our financial report for August and September 2010. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact Sue Lengal, Executive Director, by phone at (614) 410-6322 or by email at
slengal@ohiofirechiefs.org. Thank you.
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OFCA TODAY
Audited financials for fiscal year 2010
Promotional Testing and Assessement & Consulting produced record revenues
As everyone knows, due to the current economic situation, this has been another tough year. I am happy to report, though, that
we finished in the black and achieved a $4,990 positive outcome. Although our advertising revenue took a dive, our Promotional
Testing and Assessment & Consulting businesses produced record revenues. Our sincere thanks go out to Deputy Chief Tom
Talcott and Retired Deputy Chief Keith Larsen as well as Retired Chief Stan Crosley. Without their dedicated service, the outcome
would have been very different. We will continue our efforts to operate as leanly as possible and to guard the financial health of
this organization. — Sue Lengal, OFCA Executive Director
October 1, 2009 - September 30, 2010
Audited Fiscal Year Expenses
October 1, 2009 - September 30, 2010
Audited Fiscal Year Revenues
OFCA members to receive discounts on Sprint services
S
print is offering a discount program to our members. The
OFCA just used it. Additional information will be sent to
the membership.
Partnership provides free pet oxygen masks
The OFCA will partner with the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association to make available free pet oxygen masks and training.
Members will be notified via e-blast and the website as more
information becomes available.
Testing programs keep OFCA in the black
The accountant presented his audit for 2009-2010. Although
advertising was down dramatically, our assessment and written
testing programs kept us in the black. Our audited financial
report is included above.
Board finalizes position on OPERS
After careful examination and discussion, the Board finalized its
position regarding OPERS. This is being reported in this issue
of INCOMMAND.
Various decisions were made regarding the 2011 Conference.
The upcoming conference is scheduled for July 16-20, 2011 at
the Hilton Easton, Columbus.
The Board approved sending the President, Executive Director
and Legislative Liaison to the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CFSI) Annual Meeting in April.
Board votes to continue with current insurer
Board selects law firm
In a blind process, the Board selected a law firm to handle the
association’s legal needs. In addition, the Board was brought upto-date regarding the amicus brief we are involved in.
Greg Redden, our SAFER Grant Manager, attended the most
recent board meeting to bring everyone up-to-date on the kickoff of the $1.2 million Grant. There was also discussion about
the $2.9 million grant that we recently applied for as well as
plans to apply for another grant to purchase an EVOX simulator. This is more of a longshot.
OFCA will send representatives to CFSI event
Conference set for July 16-20
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Board receives update of SAFER grants
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A presentation was made to the Board regarding our insurance
member benefit. The Board voted to continue with our current
vendor conditioned on his providing reports and stepping up his
marketing campaign. ■
OFESF UPDATE
New OFCA Members
Board members receive update
on $1.2 million SAFER grant
G
reg Redden, our SAFER Grant Manager, attended the
most recent board meeting to explain the $1.2 million
grant awarded the Ohio Fire Chiefs. Redden also discussed
the application for a $2.9 SAFER grant that would involve the
Foundation more because it involves tuition reimbursement.
Although a longshot, work on an additional grant to purchase
an EVOX simulator is also underway.
Chief Michael Clem
Honda Emergency Services
Captain Dan Raudebaugh
Ashland Fire Dept.
Chief Craig Davis
Clyde Fire Dept.
Chief Scott Smith
Calcutta Fire Dept.
Chief John Drsek
Maple Heights Fire Dept.
Chief Matthew Wheeler
Licking Twp Ems & Fire Dept.
Chief Richard Fletcher
Westfield Fire & Rescue
Captain Jay Womack
Euclid Fire Dept.
Chief Jeremiah Floyd
Providence Twp. Fire & Rescue
Chief Scott Gilman
Lakewood Fire Dept.
RETIRED
Assistant Chief Bill Hodges
Perkins Twp Fire Dept.
Captain Chris Heaton
Jefferson Twp. Fire Dept.
Chief Bradley Jones
Sidney Fire & Emergency Services
New courses under discussion
Chief Cornel Munteanu
Olmsted Falls Fire Dept.
A report was given by the Education Committee and their
work which included a membership survey. Discussion
ensued about the calendar of programs, offering a different
subject each month. The Fire Inspector classes are once again
off to a great start. Other subjects being considered are Health
and Wellness and a New Chiefs Handbook along with a oneday workshop.
Battalion Chief Ben Higgenbotham
Sandusky Fire Dept.
Chief Mike Meinzer
Sandusky Fire Dept.
Chief Doug Coletta
Norwalk Fire Dept.
Lieutenant Brian Novotny
Streetsboro Fire Dept.
Assistant Chief Richard Palmer
State Fire Marshal
Maxwell Program expansion possible
Chief Mark Wolf, Chair of the Education Committee,
reviewed the survey and results which will provide guidance as
we expand our offerings to include on-line programming.
911 Artifact news
Executive Director Sue Lengal received word about the 911
Artifact which we requested almost two years ago. Documents
were signed and we should be hearing shortly about the
artifact and pick-up or shipping of it.
Solution
Maximize
Your Cash Flow
Charter Fellow nomination letters
The Board of Trustees is working on the next class of Fellows.
Letters will also be going out to the Charter Fellows for
nominations.
New Foundation event planned
Plans are underway for a stand-alone event which should be a
lot of fun as well as raise money for the Foundation. We will
keep you posted as event details become available. In addition,
plans are underway for the Winter Symposium reception.
Maxwell Program a success
Did you know that between 125 and 130 students have
worked their way through the Maxwell Program over the last
four years? ■
Principles and Values are our Foundation.
330.874.1140 or 888.689.6446
!
358
Edgebrook NE ! The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association
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SCUTTLEBUTT
Chief Ted Heck announces retirement
C
hief Heck will be
stepping down as
Fire Chief of Jackson
Township effective
March 2011. Heck is
retiring after 35 years
of service with The
Jackson Township,
Stark County. Ted
joined the department
as a volunteer in 1967.
He was a volunteer
fire captain for the
township before
becoming the first
CHIEF TED HECK
fulltime firefighter in
1972. In 1975, Ted moved up to Chief.
Under Heck’s leadership, Jackson Township’s
fire service grew to what they are today.
He is recognized in his community for his
accomplishments over the years and has been on
the cutting edge of regionalization.
The community recognizes that Heck will
be hard to replace and asked for his assistance in
finding a new chief.
Ohioans attend National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend was held October
2-3, 2010 in Emmitsburg, MD. As in the past, Ohio was well represented.
Among those attending was 1st Vice President Mike Warner who participated
in the Red Helmet Motorcycle Ride on Saturday afternoon. Several hundred
bikes participated in this event. Others included: Deputy Chief Ron Terriaco,
who was in charge
of Logistics and
Battalion Chief
Steve Kimple, who
served as a Branch
Director for the
weekend. Chiefs
Bruce Moritz and
Jim Newland,
Deputy Chief Bryan
Bird and Captain
Ryan Grant served
as Family Escorts.
Chiefs Daryl
McNutt and Barry
Cousino attended
AMONG THE OHIOANS ATTENDING THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS WEEKEND
the ceremonies
IN MARYLAND WERE CHIEF MIKE WARNER, CONCORD TWP FD; CHIEF DARYL MCSaturday and
NUTT, WHITEHOUSE FD; CHIEF BARRY COUSINO, SPRINGFIELD TWP FD; AND CHIEF
Sunday. ■
BRUCE MORITZ, ALLEN-CLAY JOINT FD.
A Letter from Chief
CHIEF JIM NEWLAND, RIDGEWAY FD, APPLAUDS AS CAPTAIN JACK CRAMER ACCEPTS
HONORS FROM CHIEF SCOTT SKELDON, JEROME TWP FD, AND PAST PRESIDENT OF
OHIO FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION.
Church honors Cramer on Firefighter Sunday
On October 10, 2010, the Ridgeway United Methodist
Church held its annual Firefighter Sunday, their way of
honoring those in the fire service dedicated to serve and
protect the community. This year Captain Jack Cramer was
chosen for his dedication and 47 years of service.
Cramer is also known as the character for which the book
My Hero Doesn’t Wear a Cape was modeled after.
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Clifford L. Mason
, OFE
Dear Friends,
I would like to take
this opportunity to
say thank you to all
called, sent a card,
who
visited me, or perha
ps said a prayer for
my three month illn
me during
ess and recovery. I
thank you all so ver
am now back in the
y much. I
office four hours pe
r day, and hope to
full duty on 13 De
return to
cember.
I would like to say
a special thanks to
Assistant Chief Bates
“holding down the
for
fort” and to my wi
fe, Rose, whom I co
have made this recov
uld not
ery without.
I also would like to
thank those who ha
ve “filled in” for me
during my absence.
I feel terrible that im
mediately following
term as President of
my
this great organizatio
n, I have not been
attend any meeting
able to
s or serve as I am cal
led to serve as imme
Past President and
diate
Chair of the Ohio
Fire and Emergency
Foundation. Thank
Services
you to all who have
contributed on my
Thanks again to all
behalf.
, and may you be ble
ssed by God, as I kn
have, especially durin
ow I
g this holiday season
.
Clifford L. Mason
Past President
OFCA
Retirement Benefits
OFCA takes a position on OPERS: no law change
F
or a number of months the Ohio Fire
Chiefs’ Association Board of Directors
has sought input on the question of whether
an Ohio law change should be sought to
mandate the participation of part-time
firefighters in the Ohio Public Employees
Retirement System (PERS). Under current
law, these part-time employees receive Social
Security benefits for their service, unless
they were employed as part-time firefighters
prior to 1992 and chose to remain in PERS
at that time.
Based on the feedback received from the membership
of the OFCA, as well as information received from PERS
officials, the Board has elected not to pursue a law change at
this time.
A number of concerns were raised and high among them is
a concern that many part-time firefighters asked to be removed
from PERS when this law was last changed in 1992. Federal
law mandates a reduction in the Social
Security benefits of an individual who
also receives a public pension from a job
not covered by Social Security. Based
on this Windfall Elimination law, there
is concern that changing Ohio law could
end up hurting part-time firefighters
who currently pay into Social Security
in their private sector employment.
There is little doubt that many parttime firefighters would benefit from
having a retirement option in addition to
Social Security. Currently, a number of Ohio fire departments
are responding to this need by providing private sector based
retirement options to their employees. It is the position of
the Board that these optional retirement benefits should be
encouraged rather than pursuing a one size fits all change in
Ohio law that could end up hurting many of Ohio’s part-time
firefighters. ■
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Win a FULL 2011 Conference Registration!
T
he Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association is offering a scholarship opportunity to its members to attend the 2011
OFCA Conference at the Hilton Columbus at Easton,
July 16-20, 2011.
This scholarship will cover a four-night stay at the Hilton
AND a full conference registration for you and a guest. Annually, over 500 attendees participate in the educational
sessions, networking, exhibits and social activities presented by the association.
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR NOW!
To enter:
s3UBMITANESSAYOFWORDSOR
less outlining how you and your
department would benefit from
this opportunity. Your essay must
include specific educational and
financial benefits.
s#OMPLETEDENTRIESMUSTBEPOSTmarked no later than Friday, April
15, 2011 (just like your taxes!). The
winner will be notified by May 1,
2011.
s3CHOLARSHIPSARENONTRANSFERRABLE
2011 OFCA
CONFERENCE
July 16-20, 2011
Hilton Columbus
Easton Town Center
Mail your entry to:
131 Dillmont Drive, Suite 101
Columbus, OH 43235
ENTER BY
APRIL 15!
2010 Conference Financials
The following pie charts represent the revenue and expenses for the 2010 Conference. We thought we would try to more clearly
explain the financial operation of the conference. We also want to thank Chief Tom Wallace for all of his hard work for the past
14 years as Conference Director. The revenue raised by the conference is needed to run the operations of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’
Association.
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POLITICAL ACTION
2011 SYMPOSIUM AGENDA
Tuesday, March 15 1300-1700 hours
Hyatt on Capitol Square, 75 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43125
1300 – 1310
Welcome, Opening Remarks
OFCA President Bernard Ingles, Westerville Fire Dept.
Pledge of Allegiance
OFCA First VP Mike Warner, Concord Township Fire Dept.
Symposium Agenda
OFCA Second VP Chief Bruce Moritz Allen – Clay Joint Fire District
1310-1330
Legislative Committee: Legislative Update
Dan Fitzpatrick, OFCA Legislative Agent
Assistant Chief Robert Bates, Madison Twp. Fire Dept.
1330-1430
Regionalization Consolidation
MARCH 15-16, 2011
HYATT ON CAPITOL SQUARE
& THE OHIO STATEHOUSE
R
egister now for another powerful legislative
agenda at the OFCA’s 2011 Winter
Symposium, March 15-16. We will return
to the Hyatt on Capitol Square and The Ohio
Statehouse for important legislative updates and
meetings with our state representatives and senators.
Registration is $80 for members and $120 for
non-members. Day one starts at 1300 hours and
will include legislative updates and sessions. The
Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Foundation will
sponsor a social hour on March 15. Day Two begins
at 0700 with a buffet Legislative Breakfast in the
Statehouse Atrium and features remarks by special
legislative guests. Visits to legislator offices will
follow. ■
2011 WINTER SYMPOSIUM & LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
1430-1445
Break
1445-1600
Panel discussion on The Ohio Commission
on Local Government Reform and Collaboration
Lake County Commissioner Daniel Troy
Lucas County Treasurer Anita Lopez.
1600-1700
OFCA SAFER Grant I, “Recruitment and Retention”
& SAFER Grant II, “Tuition Reimbursement”
Greg Redden
1700-1710
Closing Remarks, OFCA President Bernard Ingles
Social Hour following Closing Remarks
Sponsored by the Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Foundation
Wednesday, March 16
REGISTRATION FORM
POSITION OR RANK
NAME
DEPARTMENT
EMAIL ADDRESS
DEPT. PHONE
PERSONAL PHONE
ADDRESS
SELECT EVENTS:
SYMPOSIUM ($80 MEMBERS / $120 NON-MEMBERS)
❑ ENCLOSED IS MY CHECK FOR:
$
REGISTRATION DUE BY FEB. 12, 2011
DEPT. FAX
CITY
❑
0700-1000 hours
Statehouse Atrium, Ohio Statehouse. Attire for Legislative Breakfast is “Class A” Dress Uniform.
0700
Coffee Service
0730
Buffet Breakfast
0820
Remarks by Special Guests
0900
Visits to Legislators’ Offices
STATE
❑
RECEPTION ($25)
ZIP
If your dues are not paid in full, you will be
expected to pay the non-member price.
❑ PLEASE CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD IN THE AMOUNT OF:
$
Name on Card: __________________________ Account #: _______________________________ Exp. Date: ________ 3 Digit Security Code: ________
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
To reserve an overnight room for March 15, 2011, call 888-421-1442. Hotel reservations are available online at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/ofca2011.
Mention that you’re with the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association to get the special room rate of $99 Single, $99 Double, $109 Triple, or $119 Quad, plus tax.
Attire for the Legislative Breakfast is “Class A” Dress Uniform.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received prior to seven (7) days before the event will receive a full refund less a $10.00 administrative fee.
Cancelled registrations received within one week of the date of the activity and unfulfilled registrations (no-shows) are non-refundable.
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InCommand Magazine
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11
2011 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
May 25-26, 2011
Cherry Valley Lodge, Newark, Ohio
Presented by the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation
LEADERSHIP WHEN IT IS NEEDED THE MOST
This popular two-day experience will allow for networking,
energetic dialogue, self-evaluation and new tools to increase your
abilities as a leader in the Ohio Fire Service.
CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED. REGISTER EARLY.
A POWERFUL 2-DAY AGENDA!
Day 1
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Day 2
Hidden Dangers of Residential Fires
s2EVIEWRESEARCHANDTESTINGBY5NDERWRITERS,ABS
NIST, Tyco and NRC
s#ASESTUDIESOFlREGROUNDINCIDENTSRISKMANAGEMENT
& tactical recommendations
s4RAININGININTERACTIVEWEBBASEDOUTREACHPROGRAM
Presented by Bob Pautke, President of Soar Consultancy, a strengths
based company specializing in performance excellence focusing on
personal and organizational leadership.
Presented by James Dalton, Coordinator of Research and
Development, Chicago Fire Dept. and Peter Van Dorpe,
Chief of Training, Chicago Fire Dept.
2011 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
SOAR from Leadership:
s,EADFROM3TRENGTHS
s$ECISIONS$OOR$IE
s2EPUTATION#OMMUNITY,EADERSHIP
Registration Form
Full Conference (Includes 1 night hotel)
❑ $375 Member
❑ $562.50 Non-Member
One Day Only
❑ $300 Member
❑ Wednesday, May 25
Full Conference (Without hotel)
❑ $275 Member
❑ $412.50 Non-Member
YOUR NAME
TITLE
DEPARTMENT
EMAIL ADDRESS
FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE?
❑ $450 Non-Member
❑ Thursday, May 26
❑ YES ❑ NO
DAYTIME PHONE
ADDRESS
CITY
OH
$
ZIP
$
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO THE OHIO FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES FOUNDATION (OFESF)
Mail to: OFESF, 131 Dillmont Dr., Suite 101, Columbus, OH 43235 Or fax to: 614-410-6324
Room Deadline: May 10, 2011
12
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2011 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
CONFERENCE
Thursday, May 5, and Friday, May 6, 2011
Hampton Inn and Suites Easton, Columbus, Ohio
Presented by the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation
The Conference Sessions
All About The Ohio
Open Records Law
Thursday, May 5
LARRY BENNETT, ESQ.
11:30 a.m. – Noon ....................... Meet and Greet
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND PROGRAM CHAIR
FIRE SCIENCE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
12:00 p.m.– 1:00 p.m. .................. Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ................... Ohio Open Records Law
The Latest in
Microsoft Office
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. .................... The Latest in
Microsoft Office
KEVIN DORSEY
5:00 p.m. ..................................... Dinner on your own
AWARD WINNING FORMER CTO AND MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL
COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Friday, May 6
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. .................... Breakfast
The Benefits of
OPERS Membership
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m................... The Benefits of
OPERS Membership
OPERS FIELD REPRESENTATIVE/
GROUP EDUCATION COUNSELOR
10:00 a.m. – Noon ....................... Stress Management
ABOUT EASTON
Easton Town Center is Columbus’ #1 retail destination.
It’s 1.7-million square foot urban town center features
pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, open-air gathering
spaces, fountains, and more than 170 best-in-class retail,
entertainment and dining locations.
Stress
Management
DR. STEPHEN DOUGLAS
ASSOCIATION FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY
2011 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS CONFERENCE
Registration Form
YOUR NAME
TITLE
DEPARTMENT
EMAIL ADDRESS
FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE?
❑ YES ❑ NO
DAYTIME PHONE
ADDRESS
CITY
OH
ZIP
❑ $325 FOR CONFERENCE WITH HOTEL (SINGLE) ❑ I’LL BE SHARING A ROOM WITH: _____________________________________________
❑ $225 CONFERENCE WITHOUT HOTEL
DO YOU HAVE ANY DIETARY RESTRICTIONS? ❑ NO ❑ YES (PLEASE SPECIFY) _____________________________________________________
(EACH PERSON WILL PAY $275 WHEN SHARING A ROOM)
$
$
ROOM DEADLINE IS APRIL 21, 2011 - WE CANNOT GUARANTEE A ROOM AFTER THIS DATE. MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO THE OHIO FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES FOUNDATION (OFESF)
Mail to: OFESF, 131 Dillmont Dr., Suite 101, Columbus, OH 43235 Or fax to: 614-410-6324
|
InCommand Magazine
|
13
SAFER Grant will help OFCA with volunteer
firefighter retention and recruitment campaign
BY GREG REDDEN
OFCA GRANT MANAGER
n the last issue of INCOMMAND,
OFCA President Chief Bernie
Ingles announced that OFCA was
awarded a 4-year Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response
(SAFER) grant in the amount of
$1,195,700. The SAFER grant aims to
retain and recruit additional volunteer
firefighters throughout Ohio communities. This grant was awarded to
help you increase the number of total
volunteers in your department and
will be successful if all Ohio fire service
leaders work together to take full advantage of the opportunities included
in the grant.
I
Why Is This Campaign Needed?
Throughout rural Ohio, citizens
and current firefighters are at risk
because of the lack of volunteer firefighters to adequately protect people
and property from fire and fire-related
hazards. As call volume increases,
more departments depend on volunteer firefighters. Throughout Ohio,
80 percent of the fire departments
14
|
depend on volunteer firefighters to
sustain operations. In order to comply
with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, the Ohio fire
service must increase the number of
volunteer firefighters by 30 percent.
OFCA attributes the volunteer recruitment problem to the lack of communication between the fire service and
the public. The public does not realize
there is a need for volunteer firefighters
and does not know where to obtain
more information about becoming a
volunteer firefighter.
The retention problem can also
be attributed to the lack of resources
available to volunteer fire department
leaders. Many fire service leaders lack
the experience and knowledge to
effectively implement a local plan to
retain and recruit volunteer firefighters. To turnaround the declining trend
of volunteer firefighters, OFCA was
awarded a two-part recruitment and
retention SAFER grant.
How Will the Grant
Funds Be Spent?
The grant funds will be used to
implement a two-part program. The
InCommand Magazine
|
first part is a volunteer recruitment
marketing campaign focused on
raising awareness about the need for
volunteer firefighters. The integrated
marketing campaign will be modeled after the successful campaigns
designed and implemented in Alaska,
Idaho, and California. OFCA will
implement the same components that
were successful in these campaigns,
such as television commercials, printed
material, online Facebook ads, and an
interactive web site with an application
distribution process.
OFCA will track responses and
collect applications from prospective
volunteers, then send the information
about the prospective volunteers to local fire service leaders in the respective
area. Throughout the next 4 years, the
marketing campaign should generate more than 3,500 responses from
prospective volunteers.
The second part of the retention and recruitment plan is the Fire
Service Leader Training Program. Over
the course of the next 4 years, 16 twoday workshops will be held throughout
the state for 400 volunteer fire service
leaders. All travel and expenses to
attend the workshops will be reimbursed
with the grant funds. Qualified instructors
with recruitment and retention experience
will lead the workshops. The subject matter will include material from the U.S. Fire
Administration (USFA), the International
Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the
National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
and will include the following topics:
s#OLLECTINGANDREVIEWINGVOLUNTEER
applications
s)MPROVINGINTERVIEWINGTECHNIQUES
s$ESCRIBINGEXPECTATIONS
s%VALUATINGPROSPECTS
s-OTIVATINGNEWVOLUNTEERS
s#REATINGACOHESIVEENVIRONMENT
s!NTICIPATINGRETENTIONCHALLENGES
s2EWARDINGPERFORMANCEWITH
incentives
s)MPLEMENTINGALOCALRECRUITING
campaign
Together, the marketing campaign
and training program will complement
each other as the program focuses on the
volunteer process from beginning to end.
Implementing the entire program at once
will provide a more time-efficient and costeffective initiative.
(DHS), and OFCA has the responsibility
to report all of the grant activities and the
final results of these activities.
What Is Your Role?
This project depends on the active
participation of Ohio’s fire service leaders. By attending the training and quickly
responding to volunteer inquiries and
applications, you can help increase the
number of volunteer firefighters in your
area and retain those valuable volunteers
already protecting your communities. Your
role can be summed up in three easy steps:
1. Sign up today for one of the 2-day Fire
Service Training Program workshops in
2011. Locations, dates, and applications
are posted on www.ohiofirechiefs.org.
2. Respond to all potential volunteer
applicants within 1 week of
receiving the application from info@
ohiofirechiefs.org.
3. Complete the follow-up surveys to
report the status of each volunteer
applicant.
SAFER grant funding is being provided
by the Department of Homeland Security
|
Who Will Manage the Campaign?
Greg Redden, president of the Redden Group, will be the OFCA Project
Manager. Greg is a leadership training and
membership development professional,
specializing in membership retention and
recruitment. Greg has assisted a variety
of clients for over 26 years with retention
and recruitment initiatives, from local fire
departments to the National Volunteer Fire
Council.
The Redden Group provides associations like yours the tools to apply for and
manage these SAFER grants. Greg oversees
the management of eight DHS SAFER
grants across the country, ranging from local incentive programs to statewide media
campaigns. The Redden Group team is
available to help all OFCA members obtain and manage additional SAFER grants.
You can learn more by emailing greg@
reddengroup.org, calling 208-345-5109,
or visiting the Redden Group’s web site at
www.reddengroup.org. ■
InCommand Magazine
|
15
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Nathan Niekamp of
the New Bremen Fire Dept. Niekamp was the
fastest solo climber in 2010: He climbed 40 flights
in full turn-out gear in just over 8 minutes.
“Battle of the Badges” partners again
with Arnold Sports Festival in 2011
BY SUSAN DEUTSCHLE,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CYSTIC FIBROSIS
FOUNDATION - CENTRAL OHIO CHAPTER
T
he Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is
again teaming up with the Arnold
Sports Festival to present their
high-profile “Battle of the Badges” stairclimbing competition on March 5, 2011
in Columbus. Hundreds of firefighters
and law enforcement officers from all over
Ohio will form two-person or four-person
relay teams and race up 40 flights of stairs
in the Rhodes Tower – Central Ohio’s
tallest building.
The toughest competitors will tackle
all 40 flights on their own and the fastest
16
|
solo climbers will be awarded medals by
Arnold Schwarzenegger during a private
lunch being held during the Arnold Sports
Festival – the largest multi-sports festival
in the world.
“We were so excited when the
organizers of the Arnold Sports Festival
asked us to move “Battle of the Badges”
to the same weekend as their event. This
partnership, and the involvement of
Arnold himself, is truly thrilling,” said
Susan Deutschle, executive director of
the Central Ohio Chapter of the Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation.
Participants can register online for
“Battle of the Badges” by going to the
following website: www.centralohioevents.
InCommand Magazine
|
com/climb.
The registration
fee is $40 per
person through
December 31st.
After that, the
price goes up
$50. In recent
years, many IAFF locals have paid the
registration fees for their members. All
registered participants will receive an
event T-shirt and a goodie bag. The first
100 people to register will also receive a
ticket to attend the Arnold Sports Festival,
which runs March 3-6, 2011. (www.
arnoldsportsfestival.com)
“We’re encouraging all Ohio Fire Chiefs
to send at least one four-person team to
the event,” said Deutschle, who cites some
compelling reasons for participating.
“It’s an event that really showcases
the strength, stamina, endurance,
determination and teamwork of Ohio’s
safety forces. Many departments across the
state have faced, or are facing, cutbacks
The stair climbing
component of “Battle of
the Badges” isn’t exactly
a firefighter versus law
enforcement competition.
Firefighters compete
against other firefighters
in full turn-out gear.
Likewise, law enforcement
officers compete against
their peers wearing a
weighted vest. The headto-head competition
between fire and law
comes with the optional fundraising
component. Although fundraising isn’t
required, it is encouraged.
“Participants will receive one raffle ticket
for every $100 they raise. The raffle winner
will meet Arnold Schwarzenegger at a
private luncheon, along with the fastest solo
“We’re encouraging all Ohio fire chiefs to send at
least one four-person team to the event.”
— Susan Deutschle, Central Ohio Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
due to the current economic climate. Now,
more than ever, it’s important for fire and
law enforcement to have a high profile in
the communities they serve. The event is
also a great way to connect with other safety
forces personnel and make a difference in
the lives of kids with cystic fibrosis,” said
Deutschle.
climbers. They also receive a framed picture
with Arnold,” said Deutschle.
“’Battle of the Badges’ is an important
fundraising event for the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation. We really hope the participants
will try to raise $100 to help us find a cure
for this terrible disease that destroys the
lungs and shortens the lifespan of people
"ATTLEOFTHE"ADGESs-ARCH
Raising $100 is easy!
Ask 5 family members to donate $5
Ask 5 co-workers to donate $5
Ask 5 friends to donate $5
Ask 1 business to donate $25
=$25
=$25
=$25
=$25
Total
=$100
who suffer with it,” said Deutschle.
Lt. Kalub Patterson, a Pleasant Township
firefighter, is one of many Ohio safety
forces personnel who has a child with
Cystic Fibrosis. His 3-year-old daughter,
Mckenzie, was diagnosed shortly after she
was born.
“She’s one tough little girl who has been
a real fighter from the very beginning. I
can’t begin to describe the pain that my
family has gone through since learning of
Makenzie’s diagnosis. Our dream is to find
a cure. Plain and simple – a cure. And we
want it soon! Not just for my daughter
– but for every child who faces the same
uncertain future. That’s why this personal
call for help is being made to my extended
family of firefighters. Please consider
forming a team or climbing by yourself
and seeking pledges for every flight of stairs
you climb. You’ll be doing something really
great for a fellow firefighter in need. See
you all in Columbus on March 5th. Let’s
“extinguish” any possibility of the cops
climbing those stairs faster than us!” said
Patterson. ■
When Preparing for the Worst,
Expect the Best.
For generator sales, service or rental call 866-644-6228 or email: [email protected]
|
InCommand Magazine
|
17
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
REGISTER NOW!
Join us March 15-16 in Columbus as
we meet with our new legislators
and learn more about the issues
that affect your department. More
information and your registration
sheet is on page 11.
Republicans sweep November elections
Set to take control of state government
BY ASST. CHIEF ROBERT BATES
MADISON TWP. FIRE DEPT.
OFCA LEGISLATIVE CHAIR
N
ow that the 2010 statewide
election has been decided, we
have a good idea of what to expect in
the 129th General Assembly. With the
Republicans’ sweep of statewide offices,
retaking control of the Ohio House
of Representatives and maintaining
control of the Ohio Senate, governance
of Ohio will return to one party
control when the General Assembly is
convened this month.
The new statewide officeholders
will be as follows: Governor John
Kasich (R), Lieutenant Governor Mary
Taylor (R), Secretary of State John
Husted (R), Attorney General Mike
DeWine (R), Auditor David Yost (R)
and Treasurer Josh Mandell (R). In
the race for Supreme Court Justices,
Republicans Maureen O’Connor,
Judith Lanzinger and Paul Pfeifer were
elected.
Republicans will have control of
the House of Representatives with a
majority of 17, 19 or 21 depending
18
|
on the results of two races which are
required to be recounted. The new
leadership team for the majority in the
House has already been selected.
Rep. Bill Batchelder (R-Medina)
has been selected as Speaker of the
House of Representatives. The new
majority leadership team for the 129th
The minority leadership team in
the House will be led by Minority
Leader Rep. Armond Buddish
(D-Beachwood), Assistant Minority
Leader Rep. Matthew Szollosi
(D-Toledo), Minority Whip Rep. Tracy
Heard (D-Columbus) and Assistant
Minority Whip Rep. Debbie Phillips
A significant repercussion is that Republicans will
control the State Apportionment Board, which
redraws house and senate districts.
General Assembly will also include
Rep. Lou Blessing (R-Cincinnati) who
was elected Speaker Pro Tem, Rep.
Matt Huffman (R-Lima) will serve
as the Majority Floor Leader, Rep.
Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania) will serve
as Assistant Majority Floor Leader,
Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney) will serve
as Majority Whip and Rep. Cheryl
Grossman (R-Grove City) will serve as
Assistant Majority Whip.
InCommand Magazine
|
(D-Athens).
In the Senate, Republicans increased
their majority 23 to 10. Democrats
voted unanimously to keep Senate
Minority Leader Capri Cafaro at
the helm. Other members of the
minority leadership team will include
Senator-elect Edna Brown (D-Toledo)
who will serve as the Minority whip,
Sen. Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) as
Assistant Minority Leader, and Sen.
Governor John Kasich
and Leiutenant
Governor Mary Taylor
ran a campaign
based on promises
of lower taxes and a
more efficient state
government.
Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana) as Assistant
Minority Whip.
The majority leadership team has not
been decided at this time but it appears that
Sen. Tom Niehaus (R) New Richmond will
be elected as the President of the Senate and
Sen. Keith Faber (R) Celina will remain on
the leadership team. Other senators who
have been mentioned as possible members of
the senate leadership team include Sen. Bill
Seitz (R) Cincinnati and Sen. Chris Weidner
(R) Springfield. Sen. Steve Bueherer, who
was the Majority Floor Whip, has been
tapped by Governor–Elect Kasich to serve as
the Administrator of the Bureau of Workers
Compensation.
In congressional races, Republicans won
the lone Senate seat with the election of Rob
Portman who will replace retiring Senator
George Voinovich. Republicans also won 13
of 18 seats in the House of Representatives
defeating five incumbents.
A significant repercussion of the 2010
election results is that Republicans will
|
control the State Apportionment Board
which will redraw the boundaries for both
state and federal house districts and state
senate districts this year. This is particularly
significant because Ohio is expected to lose
two seats in the House of Representatives
and it is likely that these will be seats that
have traditionally been Democrat controlled
districts. There are also some state districts
that may be re-apportioned to make them
more Republican friendly which could
increase the Republican majority in the
Ohio House. ■
The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association urges
its members to educate themselves about the
legislative process. Visit the Members Only
section at www.ohiofirechiefs.com for the
latest legislative news and positions on issues
pertaining to Ohio’s Fire Service.
InCommand Magazine
“We in America do not have government
by the majority. We have government by
the majority who participate.”
— Thomas Jefferson
|
19
HEALTHY CHIEF
Was That
Fifth Street or
Smith Street?
Where’s the Fire?
Firefighters are at
an increased risk
of hearing loss
BY JOAN HAZLETT, MA, CCC-A
LEAD AUDIOLOGIST
DELAWARE SPEECH
AND HEARING CENTER
S
o, you have a little ringing in your
ears, and your spouse complains
that the TV is too loud…What’s the big
deal? For firefighters, hearing loss can
significantly reduce the ability to tell
which direction sound is coming from,
to hear and understand radio communication (including numbers in street
addresses), hearing in training meetings,
and hearing and understanding in background noise. The risk of noise related
hearing loss can be significantly reduced
by using hearing protection.
Research is available that clearly
demonstrates that firefighters are an “at
risk” group for hearing loss related to
noise exposure. By far the greatest cause
of acquired hearing loss is the most eas-
20
|
ily preventable. Exposure to loud sound
or noise has been shown to permanently
damage hearing. I would like to share
some of my observations and personal
experiences with the firefighters in my
own community. I have been conducting annual hearing screenings at the local fire station for the past eight years. I
reviewed the screening forms of 88 firefighters. Each firefighter answered several questions to determine their history
of noise exposure both in and outside
of the workplace. Nearly three-quarters
(72%) of the firefighters reported either
occupational or recreational noise exposure outside of their job as a firefighter.
The most commonly reported factors
included a history of military service,
use of heavy machinery or power tools
in manufacturing or agriculture, recreational use of firearms, and listening to
loud music.
While these were not diagnostic
InCommand Magazine
|
hearing tests, I observed the following
results. Almost 40% of the firefighters
showed some sign of hearing loss, ranging from very mild to responses in the
severe hearing loss range. According to
the 1991 National Center of Health
Statistics, the incidence of any kind of
hearing loss for those ages 45 to 64 years
is only 14%. This appears significant
since the average age of the firefighters
screened was approximately 34 years
old. The youngest firefighter to demonstrate evidence of potential hearing
loss was 23! Nearly all of the firefighters
indicated the use of hearing protection
while at work. However, very few used
hearing protection outside of work.
Whenever screening results suggested possible hearing loss with a history of
noise exposure, I provided information
for “off the shelf ” and custom hearing
protection. Hearing protection can be
customized for many situations includ-
ing use of power tools and firearms, motorcycle and ATV riding, and for musicians.
To date, not a single firefighter has contacted me to schedule a consultation regarding
hearing protection.
Although hearing protection is the most
effective way to prevent noise induced
hearing loss, other causes of hearing loss
require different preventative measures.
Hearing loss can be acquired or inherited.
Inherited hearing loss is not limited to
childhood hearing loss. Within families,
there can be a predisposition towards age
related hearing loss. Members of a family
might be more likely to lose their hearing at a younger or older age than average.
Unfortunately, not much can be done to
prevent inherited factors relating to hearing
loss. Recent research has also found an area
where acquired and inherited hearing loss
overlap—a genetic link to how susceptible
a person might be to hearing damage from
loud noise exposure.
Examples of acquired hearing loss in-
clude those as a result of a disease process
such as chronic middle ear infections or
loss following traumatic head injury. Prevention can include timely medical management and following safety protocols.
Additionally, the inner ear is very susceptible to damage from a lack of oxygen. There
are places within the inner ear where blood
vessels are so small that blood cells must
pass single file. Firefighters may sometimes
find themselves in emergency situations
where the oxygen supply may be compromised. Lifestyle habits that promote good
cardio-vascular health can also help to prevent acquired hearing loss.
As a group, firefighters are more likely
to be exposed to occupational or recreational noise outside of the work setting
which increases their risk of hearing loss.
I am not suggesting that they NOT engage
in these activities; rather, that they engage
in them safely. Hearing loss has the potential to interfere with clear communication,
which is critical for the firefighter. Your
|
local audiologist can provide appropriate
hearing protection for both occupational
and recreational noise exposure. When it
comes to reducing noise induced hearing
loss the most effective tool, as in firefighting, is prevention. ■
Joan Hazlett, MA,
CCC-A is Lead Audiologist at the Delaware Speech and
Hearing Center in
Delaware, Ohio. Her
degree was conferred
in 1987 from the
University of Akron.
She has also earned continuing education
awards from the American Academy of
Audiology and the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association. She can be
contacted at [email protected].
InCommand Magazine
|
21
MEET THE CHIEF
Clearcreek Fire District
STAFF: 30 Full Time, 2 Administrative
Clerks, 54 Part Time
APPARATUS: 3 Stations, 4 ALS Engines,
4 ALS Ambulances, 1 Ladder, 1 Light
Rescue, 1 Brush Truck
CALLS: 2738 calls per year, 1660 EMS
and 1078 other calls for service
Chief Bob Kidd Clearcreek Fire District
Years in the fire service: 20
Career “journey”
Started with the City of Xenia in
1990, Washington Twp in 1998
promoted from Firefighter, to
Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy
Chief until leaving to become
Clearcreek’s Chief in 2010.
Career benchmarks
OFE graduate 2006, Master of
Public Administration 2007
22
|
Population served
27,000 with suburban and rural
areas over 52 square miles
Form of government
Township
Source of funding for political
jurisdiction served
Property tax levy and inside
millage.
Source of funding for department
Property tax levy and EMS Billing
InCommand Magazine
|
Minimum qualifications for
entry level firefighters Level II
Firefighter/ EMT Basic for part
time and fulltime must also be a
paramedic
What do you consider the most
challenging issue or issues facing
your department today?
Like many others, the most
challenging issue facing our
department is funding. We are
trying to provide the level of
service our community deserves
with the same funding levels we received more than
10 years ago. Our levy funding unfortunately doesn’t
increase with the cost of operations. With the current
economic situation our county and community
face, it will be difficult to ask for more money. Our
community hasn’t been successful passing some area
levies for several years and we are unsure of the climate
to ask for funds now. Of course, those we serve
still expect the same level of service and we want to
provide that service level, so we will cut whatever we
can to continue providing the best service we can.
personnel from all ranks. We identify our weaknesses,
frequency of events and how the training benefited us
in past events. Part of this approach has us expanding
our training division. We will now have a training
lieutenant for EMS and one for Fire on each shift.
Their training effort will be coordinated by our
40-hour training captain in an attempt to have a
unified voice. Our crews train nearly every day. Our
department primarily responds to EMS events, so fire
training is critical to keep us up-to-date and prepared
for the low frequency events we encounter.
To what extent do you think that training, specifically a good continuing education program within
a department, affects quality service delivery?
Can you tell us a little about the structure and requirements of your department’s training program?
How would you describe your management style?
Along these same lines, what do you consider to
be some of the greatest challenges facing a fire
chief in the management of a contemporary fire
department?
Service is absolutely affected by good continuing
education. It is essential to offer variety and frequency
in training. We form a committee to offer input
into what we should plan for the next year. The
committee is comprised of part time and fulltime
My management style is mixed. I believe this is true
of many leaders. Obviously there is scene management
using the authoritarian management style; do it now;
no questions. That’s needed there. A participative
style is the approach I prefer to use at the station and
Continued on next page
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InCommand Magazine
|
23
MEET THE CHIEF
Continued from last page
on projects. I seek ideas
from those I work with
and I seek their solutions.
We offer quarterly
meetings and everyone is
allowed to bring up likes,
dislikes and ideas for
improvements. We make
THE CLEARCREEK FIRE DISTRICT INCLUDES TWO STATIONS IN SPRINGBORO AND ONE IN LEBANON.
sure that improvements
and projects are
with are receptive to giving ideas and I try to be open
championed by those who have the desire to take
to what they offer. This has allowed our department to
on the challenge. We are empowering people to take
seek opportunities and be willing to be more effective
projects on from start to finish.
around the station and community.
Prior to my arrival, the department didn’t allow
One of the greatest challenges facing the fire service
projects to be managed by line officers from start to
is the interaction of different generations. We have
finish.
priorities that are different for each group. This is
Our members have the ability to be actively
interesting to see and to learn different approaches that
involved with these projects and this has improved
work with different generations. I have been fortunate
morale. We offer support and guidance to them as they to see a great blend of people at my organization.
work through the project. This allows everyone in the
Many of my leaders take an active interest in those
organization to have input and see we take what they
they work with and try to help improve their team
have to say serious. If we turn a project down, then
every day. I am able to learn from this and help adapt
I make sure our personnel know why. Those I work
the way I deal with each group to meet their needs. ■
24
|
InCommand Magazine
|
VERY FEW THINGS CAN SURVIVE AN INFERNO.
OUR MISSION IS TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE ONE OF THEM.
The flames build. The smoke gets thicker and more intense by the second. People are fleeing. And what do you do?
You push forward ready to do battle. It goes against every natural human instinct. But then again, firefighters are a
different breed. For your infinite courage and selfless dedication, we salute you. But more importantly, we’re going to do
everything we can to protect you. We’re MSA. And we equip firefighters with the most advanced thermal imaging
cameras, helmets, air masks and gas detection devices available. Coincidentally, we’re somewhat of a different breed
ourselves. You see, we’re a safety innovations company that’s been on a relentless crusade to protect lives for more than
90 years. Today we protect firefighters, soldiers, construction, iron and steel workers, oil riggers, utility workers, miners,
consumers and hundreds more. Wherever there are workers who need to be protected, we will be there.
` www.fsssohio.com & 937-686-2000
|
InCommand Magazine
|
25
TOP LEFT: OFCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SUE LENGAL PRACTICES EXTRICATION.
AT RIGHT: THE AUTHOR BEHIND THE WHEEL.
26
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InCommand Magazine
|
Westerville Citizen’s Fire Academy:
Weeks 6-10
OFCA staff member documents fire training with other citizens
BY MARY PAT HELVEY
OFCA PROGRAMS/PUBLICATIONS
COORDINATOR
Week 6 – Vehicle Extrication
Week 6 was a lesson in just how
strong, quick and enterprising EMS
personnel need to be in life-threatening
situations. Before donning our turnout
gear, helmets and safety goggles, the
class gathered in the station’s bay for a
demonstration of the various extrication
tools. Along with the standard fare,
there was a hodgepodge of pieces and
parts. Apparently it’s not uncommon
for firefighters to pick up odds and
ends they find (even along the roadside)
as you never know when that “piece”
might come in handy in crafting some
“homemade”, life-saving tool. It’s like a
“Tim the Tool Man” meets “MacGyver”
treasure trove. Now that’s enterprising!
We then returned to the classroom,
suited up and ventured out onto the lot
for the hands-on experience. There sat
a partially wrecked vehicle ready for the
carving. Each of us had a hand at using
the shears, spreader and reciprocating
saw. I was impressed with both the
strength it takes to maneuver these
tools and the speed with which one can
dismantle a vehicle. Under the watchful
eye of my instructor, I peeled back the
driver’s side door and sheared off the
trunk lid in no time!
By the end of class, the car was
nothing more than a pile of mangled
parts....and we students walked away
with yet another level of appreciation for
the demands placed on these brave men
and women of the fire service.
Week 7 – EMS
In Week 7 we learned that the
majority of calls to the fire station are
EMS related. As such, all newly hired
Westerville employees are required to
have paramedic certification, a standard
all fire departments are increasingly
moving towards.
We got an inside look at the Medic
and the various equipment and drugs
used to stabilize and transport the sick
and injured. In addition, students had
an opportunity to “ride” the evacuation
chair down the station’s staircase. We
learned about the different types of EMS
runs and finished Week 7’s class with
instruction in infant CPR.
Week 8 – Vehicle Operations
Week 8 was another highly
anticipated class as we were going to
drive the trucks! How excited we all
were to have such a unique opportunity
to not only sit behind the wheel, but
actually drive these vehicles. This session
was held on a Saturday morning so we
could have access to a vacant parking
lot in a local business park. After some
initial classroom instruction, we headed
out for the business park. We arrived to
a parking lot void of cars, but chock full
of strategically placed orange cones and
two shiny, red emergency vehicles. One
by one we hopped aboard the medic and
fire engine and under the direction of
our instructor (and co-pilot), weaved our
way through the obstacle course. I felt
|
InCommand Magazine
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27
28
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InCommand Magazine
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Continued from page 27
CANCER
like I was 16 again, taking my “in-car” to get my
driver’s license!
I’m happy to report that both Sue and I
completed the course without wheel wells full of
orange cones. And according to our instructors,
Class 10 had some of the fastest drivers they
had ever seen! Sirens blaring, we all hit the
straightaway with pedals to the metal.
All in all, this week’s session was just flat out
FUN!
EXPOSURE
or…
Week 9 – Fire Prevention
Fire prevention was the theme for Week 9.
Class began with a sobering look at the Rhode
Island Station Night Club Fire in 2003 that took
100 lives. This video was a stark reminder of the
tragic outcome of a fast-moving fire in a facility
with little or no fire protection features.
Westerville’s Fire Prevention division works
diligently to reduce the risks of fire from ever
occurring through its extensive training and
education programs. These programs are offered
to businesses, schools and residents of all ages
throughout the community. Of particular
interest was the Family Safety Education Center.
This 36-foot trailer, complete with simulated
smoke, teaches hands-on fire safety tips in
addition to severe weather preparedness.
The evening concluded with a tour of the
NAS-T (Northwest Area Strike Team) Vehicle,
a complete command center on wheels. Housed
at Station 111, it’s shared with other area
departments and is an invaluable resource for
Hazmat, fire investigation and other emergency
operations.
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Westerville’s Station 112 was our host for the
final 3-hour class in this 30-hour program. The
station’s staff opened their facility to us, inviting
us to sit in their “recliners” as we gathered for
class one last time prior to graduation.
Before trying our hand at extinguishing fires,
we learned about the many different types of fire
detection, alarm and suppression systems. Fire
alarms are one of the best prevention devices
you can buy to protect your home and family.
However, these alarms must be installed properly
and maintained properly in order to be effective.
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InCommand Magazine
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29
Continued from previous page
Sadly, we learned that too many times, fire
fatalities are the result of missing or improperly
installed and/or maintained alarms.
Although I was aware that you should change
out the batteries on a regular basis, I did not
know that fire/smoke alarms over 10 years old
should be replaced; they can simply wear out.
We were also instructed to make it a practice to
test our smoke alarms on a monthly basis, even
those that are “hard wired”. As I listened to the
instructors that evening, I realized that a trip to
Home Depot needed to be added to my “honey
do” list. And while he was at it, he needed to
pick up a new fire extinguisher and Carbon
Monoxide Detector as well.
Finally, we had hands-on experience in the
use of various fire extinguishers. We practiced
pulling the pins and sweeping the extinguishers
down low and from side-to-side to put out
“controlled fires”.
I found this class to be particularly
empowering to the “lay person”. I knew I could
immediately incorporate the lessons we learned
in Week 10.
This brought to a close the Westerville
Citizen’s Fire Academy. The following week
we would be graduates of this prestigious
community program. ■
30
|
InCommand Magazine
|
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11330 Mosteller Rd.
Sharonville, OH 45241
25970 US Route 25
Perrysburg, OH 43551
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5232 Walcutt Court
Columbus, OH 43228
Westerville Citizen’s Fire Academy
instructors go extra mile for program
BY MARY PAT HELVEY
OFCA PROGRAMS/PUBLICATIONS
COORDINATOR
Under the direction of Chief
Bernie Ingles, the instructors of the
Citizen’s Fire Academy made the
whole experience “come alive”. Their
expertise, enthusiasm, and patience
were second to none in allowing us to
experience a small piece of the lives
of professional firefighters. Under
their tutelage and over the course
of 10 weeks, we learned about fire
behavior, how it is suppressed, and
the critical components of the gear
and equipment used by the men and
32
|
women in the fire service industry.
In addition, we learned about EMS
protocol, equipment and transport.
We thank these veteran
professionals for their time and
talent. We’d also like to thank CART
(Citizen’s Auxiliary Resource Team)
for their moral support and food prep.
Finally, we would be remiss if
we did not make special mention
of Firefighter/Medic Brian Miller.
In Week 3 alone, Firefighter Miller
climbed the aerial ladder 13 times!
His efforts ensured that each member
of the class had an opportunity to
climb in a safe environment. If it
InCommand Magazine
|
weren’t for him, many of us wouldn’t
have had the courage to make the
memorable ascent.
In the words of Chief Ingles, “We
have worked really hard to make
this academy a fun, interesting, and
rewarding experience.”
To Chief Ingles and his instructors,
“Mission accomplished!” ■
Fire Chief Bernie Ingles
Battalion Chief John Bokros
Inspector Doug Arter
Firefighter/Medic Marcus Chapman
Firefighter/Medic Brian Miller
|
InCommand Magazine
|
33
MEDIA
34
|
InCommand Magazine
|
TEXTS
B L O GS
S MART P HO NE S
SOCIAL
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social Media SOGs
By Michelle Decrane, Public Information and Marketing Manager, Austin Fire Dept.
W
hen you hear the words
“social media,” do
you automatically think
“cocktail party”? Does getting
a “tweet” mean the robins have
come home to roost? Does getting
“tagged” mean the same thing as
it did when you were 5 years old?
Does “friending” someone mean you
have a lunch date? If you “go viral,”
do you need to take a sick day?
If your answer to any or all
of these questions is “yes,” you
may need some help. All of these
terms are part of the lexicon of
online social media, a networking
revolution that includes Facebook,
Twitter, MySpace and several other
social networking sites, all of which
demand your attention and input—
both on duty and off.
But the landscape of social media
is complex and ever-changing, so if
you aren’t pre-pared for it or don’t
know how to properly use it or guard
yourself against it, you could find
your department on the receiving
end of a whole host of problems
you’ve never even considered.
The Birth of
The Social Media Policy
Having a social media policy in
place is old news for most for-profit
organizations. When MySpace first
took off several years ago as the
baby of the social media family,
proactive companies developed a
policy to protect themselves, as well
as their employees, assets, brands —
and reputations.
These days, one wrong click
of the mouse and a company’s
reputation that took years to develop
could be completely destroyed.
But municipalities — and most
specifically, public safety agencies
— have been slow to get wired.
Whether they’re scared to embrace
new technology, are hoping it will
just go away or are stumped about
how to deal with it, the fact remains
that every department must take the
necessary steps to ensure they know
how to protect their members from
misusing these tools.
Example:
The Austin Fire Department
The Austin Fire Department (AFD)
was one of the first departments
in the City of Austin to establish a
social media policy. Prior to creating
this policy, both the AFD Code of
Conduct and Computer Use policies
had not been updated since the
1970s — and we all know that things
have changed since then! Rather
than waiting for an issue to arise,
we decided to be proactive and
incorporate the following language
into both policies: “Members of the
Austin Fire Department shall not
criticize or ridicule the Department,
its policies, its officers or other
members by speech, writing or other
expression, when such speech,
writing or expression:
1. Is defamatory, obscene,
slanderous or unlawful; and/or
2. Tends to interfere with the
maintenance of proper discipline;
and/or
3. Damages or impairs the
reputation and/or efficiency of the
Department or member.
“This includes, but is not limited
to, written, auditory and/or visual
messages communicated via or
on Department resources or via
personal devices, such as cell
phones, PDAs, etc., and/or social
media (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace,
etc.). Any written, auditory and/or
visual messages communicated by a
member that are relative to the Austin
Fire Department in any capacity are
the sole property of the Austin Fire
Department. This includes, but is not
limited to, any written, auditory, and/
or visual messages communicated
via or on Department resources or
via or on personal devices and/or
social media.”
Added Protection
As you can see, the AFD’s
social media clause provides the
department with added protection
by stating that any information
communicated via social media
that’s relative to the AFD is the sole
property of the AFD. This includes
our intellectual property, such as our
logo, name, uniform, equipment,
etc., as well as photos and written
Continued on page 38
|
InCommand Magazine
|
35
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Seatbelts Are Not Enou
While vitally important, seatbelts are only the starting point
of a comprehensive approach to
ambulance occupant safety, not
the end result. To suggest they
are adequate protection creates a
very false sense of security. Crash
tests, in fact, show a fully restrained occupant, even with a
five-point seat belt, is in danger
from headstrikes to the cabinets
and cushions. The headstrike
data recorded in instrumented
testing programs is alarming—
far above the recognized indexes
for fatal incidents.
The cushioned head padding
typically depended upoton to
absorb those hits today in most
ambulances has proven to be
woefully inadequate in helping
reduce the severity of these
blows. The fatal headstrikes take
place right through the “protective” cushion. What the industry
traditionally relies upon for
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InCommand Magazine
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InCommand Magazine
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37
SOCIAL MEDIA
content.
This added protection is crucial
because employees aren’t always
mindful of how they use social media
sites when sharing information about the
AFD, but they need to realize that the
information they share could be used
in ways they haven’t considered. For
example, a firefighter could innocently
tweet about a call he’d been on recently,
but that information could be passed
to an attorney who’s suing the city over
the incident. Or a fire-fighter could
post a photo from a call she ran on her
Facebook page only to find out later
that a third party copied and pasted the
photo to an adult website. There are too
many “what-if” type situations like those
described above, which is why the AFD
thought it best to establish a property
ownership caveat. Truthfully, it’s as much
for the employees’ protection as it is for
the department.
First Amendment Rights
When establishing your own social
media policy, it’s important to establish
strict rules and/or guidelines, but you
must also factor in the employee’s right
to free speech as provided by the First
Amendment.
A government employee has the
right to freedom of speech, unless
that speech impairs the public service
that the employee is paid to provide.
Their speech can be restricted, but the
restriction must be very narrowly tailored
to meet the needs of the given public
service.
made international news. But what you
probably didn’t know was that several
local media outlets first learned about
the incident not from their scanners or
reporters, but from a tweet sent out by a
passerby who took a photo with his cell
phone, uploaded it and immediately sent
it out to everyone he knew. As a result,
Austin was thrust onto the international
stage in just a few seconds — literally. So
if you think you have complete control
over the dissemination of information on
the fire and/or rescue scene, think again.
Conclusion
If you don’t currently have a social
media policy, the time has come to be
proactive and institute one. They’re great
tools when used properly and a vital
part of protecting your department’s
reputation and image among your
community.
If you don’t understand social
media or social media policy, set aside
some time to study the different sites.
Start a Facebook or Twitter account
and familiarize yourself with how they
38
Reprinted with permission of Elsevier
Public Safety, 2010. This article first
appeared in the September 2010 issue of
FireRescue magazine.
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building that housed local IRS offices; it
function, their privacy policies and how
each one can work to your advantage.
If you simply don’t have the time to
do some research on your own, I’m sure
there’s more than one person on your
staff who’s a social media buff and can
teach you all about it. Whatever you do,
don’t wait for something to happen to
your department or one of your members
to enact a policy. By then, it will be too
late.
The days of waiting to catch up on
current events by watching the evening
news at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. are long
gone. We live in a 24/7 world where
anyone with a cell phone cam-era can
capture your story, your mistake or your
embarrassing moment and send it out to
the entire world, if they so choose. You
owe it to your organization and your
employees to know the benefits, as well
as the risks, involved with social media. ■
[email protected]
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39
SOCIAL MEDIA
Developing a policy on
electronic communication use
By Todd W. Thompson, Senior Vice President, Risk Control Services
A
recent article in the California Lawyer points out that
“legal work is growing as bosses mingle in social media
sites.” Technological and communication advancements
have heightened the risk of personnel-related litigation for all
organizations. The increased use and accessibility of computers, the
Internet, e-mail and cell phones in the working environment raises the
possibility of the number of costly lawsuits facing emergency service
organizations (ESOs). ESOs should be aware of-and address the
hazards of-members using technology in their daily tasks. This article
cannot address all of the hazards in the use of technology, but it can
provide ESOs with a starting point. The best course of action is to
have the ESO’s attorney work with them in developing an overall
Electronic Communication Systems policy.
ESOs rely on the professionalism and
good conduct of their members. With the
proliferation of electronic communication
devices, the organization’s Code of
Conduct should be updated to include
their proper use. Setting management’s
expectations for staff’s use of these
devices is an important first step in
raising their awareness of the issue. The
organization should expect its staff to
conduct their daily electronic interaction
in the same manner in which they would
interact personally with other members
and the public-that is, with professionalism
and conduct that is acceptable in the
workplace and customer environment.
An Acceptable Use Policy should also
be developed by the organization. The
policy should state that the organization’s
information technology system is
specifically for business purposes
and that any personal use granted
to the members is a privilege that is
40
january/February 2011
granted to them by the ESO. The
policy should outline what represents
acceptable or unacceptable use. Some
examples include unethical behavior;
illegal activities; behavior harmful to the
ESO; inappropriate language, jokes or
photos; or any use that would disrupt
daily work on the system. The members
should be aware that any use of the
ESO’s electronic communication systems
is treated as business-related information
or communication. The ESO thus has the
right to monitor any and all electronic
communication or use and determine
whether it meets the Acceptable Use
Policy.
The consequences of violating the
policy should also be clearly stated. The
organizations’ progressive discipline
policy should be updated to include
the unacceptable use of the electronic
communication system or the employee’s
own cell phones, etc., while working at or
| InCommand Magazine | The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association
representing the ESO. The severity of the
progressive discipline should match the
severity of the unacceptable act. In some
cases, then, there may be an incident
where the unacceptable act is so severe
that the only course of action is immediate
termination of the member.
Once the Acceptable Use Policy is
developed, all members should be given
copies of it and acknowledge that they
have read, understand, and will abide
by the policy. An acknowledgement form
signed by each member should be placed
in his or her personnel file.
Taking these preliminary steps
to educate your members on the
organization’s electronic communication
guidelines will help to mitigate negative
consequences in the future. Equally
critical, understanding these policies
means that members can continue the
positive impact that the emergency
service organization has in their
community. ■
Reprinted with permission from VFIS.
Public using social media
as 911 alternative
By Ed Ballam, Firehouse.com
I
n the last few years, there’s been
an explosion of technology and
more and more people are turning
to social media as an evolutionary
method of emergency communications.
For better or worse, Twitter and
Facebook are now considered by the
public viable means of connecting with
emergency services.
To verify what many had suspected,
the American Red Cross recently
conducted a social media survey
that revealed the public is relying on
social media as a form of emergency
communication. The surprise was that
those who do use social media to
report emergencies expect someone to
be on the receiving end and ready to
respond getting the needed help to the
individual in an hour or less.
The organization questioned
1,058 adults in an online survey
and one in five said they would use
e-mail, websites or social media if
they couldn’t reach 9-1-1. Of those
same respondents, 44 percent said
they would ask other people in their
social network to contact authorities,
35 percent would post a request for
help directly on a response agency’s
Facebook page and 28 percent
would send a direct Twitter message to
responders.
Wendy Harman is the director of
social media for the American Red
Cross and was a catalyst for the survey.
“It became clear to me and for us,
that there’s an expectation in the public
that responders are monitoring social
media and will respond to requests
for help,” Harman said in a telephone
interview.
Recent items in the news and
antidotal stories bear witness to that
phenomenon as well.
A bicyclist in Connecticut suffered
injuries when she crashed in a remote
wooded area during a mini-triathlon.
The woman, an amateur cyclist from
Philadelphia tried screaming for help
but no one heard her, according to an
article published by USA TODAY.
She was just far enough out of
range to make a call to her cell phone,
but she did have enough to send a
Twitter message: “I’ve had a serious
injury and NEED Help!” she typed.
“Can someone please call Winding
Trails in Farmington, CT tell them I’m
stuck... bike crash in woods.”
Within minutes, more than a half
dozen people notified authorities and
shortly after, the woman heard an
ambulance siren. Her Tweet for help
was heard.
A similar event happened recently in
Atlanta. A city councilman used Twitter
to notify paramedics of a woman
suffering at a downtown intersection,
according to WSBTV Channel 2 in
Atlanta. The councilman’s cell phone
battery was low and he was concerned
about losing power during a 9-1-1
call. Instead, he Tweeted: “Need a
paramedic on corner of John Wesley
Dobbs and Jackson St. Woman on the
ground unconscious. Pls ReTweet.”
The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association | InCommand Magazine | January/February 2011
41
SOCIAL MEDIA
Within seconds, fellow Twitter
followers were on the phone with 9-1-1
and the paramedics took the woman
to a nearby hospital for treatment of
seizures.
Harman, Red Cross’ social media
rep, had a similar experience herself
when the devastating earthquake hit
Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
Haitians started Tweeting that loved
ones were trapped and needed help.
Harman intercepted at least one of
those message sent to the American
Red Cross and tried to mobilize aid.
What she didn’t realize, however,
was the magnitude and scope of the
need and the difficulty of mobilizing
assistance.
“It became clear to me about what
I could and I could not do,” Harman
said. “I think I was a little naïve.”
What she did realize though is that
when all other forms of communications
are down, people will use whatever
means they can to get help. Twitter
and email will sometimes work when
other conventional means, like landline
phone service and even cell phones
won’t.
From that experience with the
Haitians looking for help, Harman
decided to conduct a survey about
the public’s habits and then convene a
summit of important emergency service
providers to reveal the results.
“It was a very disparate group
of people all in one room,” she said
of the 2010 Emergency Social Data
Summit which was held on Aug. 12 in
Washington, D.C.
42
|
Harman said emergency
service providers, federal agencies,
including representatives of from
the White House, policy makers
from Facebook, and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA), all gathered to talk about
how social media is changing the face
multiple postings from different sources
about the same event make it difficult
to discern if there’s more than one
accident or disaster and the exact
nature of the event.
She said there are technical
aspects to making social media more
generically accepted and there will
When all other forms of communications
are down, people will use whatever
means they can to get help.
of emergency service delivery and
alerting.
From the summit, it was also noted
that messages and photos transmitted
from the site of the accident or disaster
can change the perception of the
severity of the emergency and even the
response, Harman said.
While no one is looking to create
a new 9-1-1 system, most agencies in
the social media business and those
in the emergency services recognize
Twitter, Facebook and other networking
devices and systems do augment the
traditional services.
Police departments and dispatching
centers, like the Boston Police, monitor
social network postings and respond to
them as auxiliary method of emergency
communications.
Harman said there are only a
few drawbacks with social media for
emergency communications. It can
be challenging to determine if the
request for help is recent, or something
that was posted a while ago and
InCommand Magazine
|
have to be application program
interface (API) software programs
that will allow different types of social
media to work together, Twitter and
Facebook, for instance.
Another alternative is a brand new
“agnostic” platform could be created
to allow all kinds of requests for
emergency help to be received from
any system.
“It’s so cool that we have this
intersession of technology to help with
in times of crisis,” Harman said.
She added that after the summit,
when more voices were heard and
more information was shared, everyone
realized that social media is in its
infancy when it comes to using it for
emergency communications. She said a
white paper will be generated soon to
really examine the issues.
“Right now, we have more questions
than we have answers,” Harman said. ■
Reprinted with Permission
© 2010 Firehouse.com.
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InCommand Magazine
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43
SOCIAL MEDIA
Public or Private?
Employers must exercise caution when using information
obtained from social media websites to discipline employees
By Angela Courtwright, Schottenstein Zox & Dunn
A
ccording to recent statistics, 80% of Americans
use at least one form of social media each
month. Nearly the same percentage of HR
professionals reportedly search the Internet to obtain
information about potential or current employees.
With a quick search on Google, Twitter, Facebook or
LinkedIn, employers are able to discover a significant
amount of information about an individual. Personal
web pages, blog postings, or social networking profiles,
can provide insight into an employee’s personality,
interests, associations, and habits. Disgruntled
employees are also able to vent workplace gripes or
disclose organizational secrets for all to see with just
a few keystrokes. Once this information is unleashed
into cyberspace, it can be difficult, or impossible, for the
employee to retract.
The question as to what options an employer has
to counteract an employee’s potentially devastating
use of social networking against the employer remains
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InCommand Magazine
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uncertain. While not directly applicable to public
employers, one Regional Director of the National
Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) has recently taken the
position that an employee’s use of social networking
sites to criticize his or her employer is generally
protected activity. (American Med. Response of Conn.,
NLRB Reg. 34, No. 34-CA-12576). In furtherance of
this position, the NLRB has filed a complaint against an
ambulance service that fired an emergency medical
technician who posted derogatory comments regarding
her supervisor on her personal Facebook page in
violation of company policy prohibiting employees from
depicting the company “in any way” on social media
sites. No final decision has been issued by the NLRB.
Similarly, it is yet to be determined whether Ohio’s
State Employment Relations Board (SERB) would follow
the NLRB’s position on this matter under O.R.C. 4117.
Public employers need also be mindful that
its employees’ speech is protected by the First
Amendment’s right to free speech. An employee does
not forfeit his or her constitutional right to privacy or free
speech by accepting employment in the public sector. An
employee’s speech may be protected if it (1) pertains to a
matter of public concern and (2) the employee is speaking
as a citizen rather than an employee. If these factors have
been met, a reviewing court will conduct a balancing test to
determine whether the government’s interest in maintaining
an effective, non-disruptive workplace outweighs the
employee’s right to speak freely. If these factors have not
been met, free speech protections do not apply.
Another prevalent concern in this area relates to
whether an employer is permitted to monitor and/or
review statements made by an employee on a “private”
social media outlet such as a restricted “friends” only
Facebook account or blog, if the statements were made
utilizing government property. For example, the United
States Supreme Court recently held that, although a
police officer has a reasonable expectation of privacy
in text messages sent on a pager provided to him by his
employer, his employer’s retrieval and review of the text
messages was reasonable because it was motivated by a
legitimate work-related purpose. City of Ontario, CA v.
Quon, 103 S.Ct. 2619 (2010). In rendering this opinion,
the Court expressed reluctance to address the full scope
of an employee’s expectation of privacy guaranteed by
the Fourth Amendment when using electronic equipment
owned by a government employer but recognized that “the
principles applicable to a government employer’s search of
an employee’s physical office apply with at least the same
&/Z_/>>/E'_D^
Yourdepartmentismeasuredbyit.So
arewe.Andfor16years,Cornerstone
hasdeliveredcosteffectivebillingand
revenuerecoverysolutions,with
Employers must strive to find
a balance between protecting
their own interests and allowing
employees the freedom to
express their opinions.
force when the employer intrudes on the employee’s privacy
in the electronic sphere.” The employer must then establish
that the search was reasonable under the circumstances. A
search will be considered reasonable if it is justified at its
inception, is conducted for a non-investigatory, work-related
purpose or for the investigation of work-related misconduct
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InCommand Magazine
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45
SOCIAL MEDIA
and measures are taken to ensure that the search is
not excessively intrusive.
In light of the limited judicial guidance in this area,
employers should exercise caution when seeking to
access information disclosed by the employee on
social media sites and/or disciplining employees
for publishing such information. Employers must
strive to find a balance between protecting their own
interests (i.e., preventing disclosure of confidential
information, maintaining a positive public image,
etc.) and allowing employees the freedom to express
STAY IN TOUCH
WITH OFCA
ONLINE.
GET MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT OFCA’S PROGRAMS,
RESOURCES, EVENTS, JOBS AND
NEWS ANYTIME YOU WANT ON
OUR WEBSITE
Policies should be narrowly
tailored to address only
legitimate, business-related areas,
such as restricting trade secrets
and confidential information.
their opinions and to be themselves, particularly
during “non-work” time. Policies very broadly
banning an employee’s statements concerning
the employer should be carefully evaluated. The
policies should be narrowly tailored to address only
legitimate, business-related areas, such as restricting
disclosure of trade secrets, confidential information,
and communications that may violate the employer’s
discrimination and harassment policies. Even with
these safeguards in place, public employers must be
mindful of the employee’s free speech protections
and exercise caution before disciplining an employee
for speech that may be considered protected by the
First Amendment.
For questions, please contact Angela Courtwright
or any member of Schottenstein Zox & Dunn’s Labor/
Employment Practice Group. ■
WWW.OHIOFIRECHIEFS.COM
Are you testing in
your area in 2011?
Post a notice on the
OFCA Website!
Is your department doing hiring and/
or testing in 2011? If so, would you like
to post such notices at our website?
Departments are encouraged to
contact us. With a membership of
1500+, OFCA can help you spread the
word! For more information, contact
Mary Pat Helvey at 614.410.6322 or
800.347.3704 or email to mphelvey@
ohiofirechiefs.com.
Angela Courtwright is an associate
in Schottenstein Zox & Dunn’s Labor
and Employment Practice group.
She has experience with a variety of
civil litigation and corporate matters
including commercial premises
liability, professional liability, 28
U.S.C. 1983, employer intentional
tort, ADA, ADEA and Title VII.
46
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InCommand Magazine
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47
SOCIAL MEDIA
5 STEPS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA
Managing workplace social media in a fire organization
By Dan Guttman
T
ools like Facebook, Twitter, Blawg.
com, YouTube and Yelp are
revolutionizing the way people
share information and build relationships.
This revolution also is rapidly spreading
throughout our workplace – and fire
organizations are no exception.
As fire organization administrators
recognize, the growth of social media is
more than an interesting phenomenon
that offers new ways to add value to
communication: It also represents risks to
48
|
an organization’s well-earned reputation
and to its relationships with citizens
and other constituents. How, then, can
fire organizations - where reputation,
the confidence of the public, and
professionalism are so critical - manage
the risk of social media?
Here are five important ways
fire executives can protect your
organization’s reputation and minimize
legal risks posed by posting, sharing and
tweeting:
InCommand Magazine
|
1. Create a policy
Decide upon and communicate your
organization’s overall approach to
social media. Does your organization
actively encourage employees to
participate in social media, as a way
of improving public outreach? Or does
your organization take a more neutral
stance, choosing simply to acknowledge
that employees might participate, and
outlining expectations for such use? Or
does your organization take a more
restrictive approach, choosing to prohibit
all workplace and work-content driven
social media and allowing only limited
use of electronic resources for businessrelated communications? (By the way, this
third approach was adopted by the U.S.
Marine Corps in late 2009, when it banned
Twitter, Facebook and other sites for security
reasons.) It is critical that your management
team understand the Chief’s position on
social media to best fashion consistent
and coherent policy, and, if need be, the
enforcement of expectations.
2. Put it in writing
Draft a written policy that clearly articulates
your organization’s expectations. For
example, this might include such
provisions as:
©dyyw~zzy{w
sensitive information of the organization or
the public – this may include pictures from
accident scenes or fire scenes. In fact,
you should not post pictures of employees,
residents, guests or local businesses without
first obtaining written permission.
Dan Guttman is
a Partner with the
Columbus office
of Ohio law firm
Baker Hostetler
LLP (Columbus,
Cleveland and
Cincinnati offices.) Dan’s practice has
a particular emphasis on public safety
force counseling. Dan and his Partners
at Baker Hostetler represent numerous
fire organizations ranging from large
municipal departments like Columbus
to various suburban municipal
departments like Westerville, as well
as Township departments, joint fire
districts and consolidated fire dispatch
operations. www.bakerlaw.com.
©Zww}}{{{}w{{w
could give rise to libel suits. Sending out
false or misleading messages may just
pave the way for legal action.
©e|{{B{z{z|¢y
to interpret than verbal interaction, and
particular care should be taken to consider
all possible interpretations before posting
an entry. Once something is posted via
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49
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social Media, it is virtually impossible
to remove the post.
©W{w}{~w}~wyw~{
“voice” or position of the organization
must be approved by the appropriate
commander.
3. Communicate the policy
Communicate with and train employees
on the organization’s policies and
obtain written acknowledgement that
they understand the policies. Think you
don’t need to take this step? Twentyfour percent of employees surveyed in
a recent Deloitte study said that they
didn’t know if their company even had a
policy on social media. A good policy
that is not explained and effectively
communicated is “not worth the paper
it’s written on.”
4. Be consistent
Be consistent in the way you manage
social media and enforce your policies.
Social media is changing rapidly, so it’s
a bit of a moving target. But it’s essential
that you take a
firm position on
the issue, and provide employees with
a consistent frame of reference for how
they should approach this exciting, if
risky, new way of communicating.
Fire Chiefs (or Mayors, City
Managers, Trustees or Council
Members) who wouldn’t want their safety
force employee’s Tweets associated with
paid-for advertisements. ■
5. Understand the media
Read and monitor the terms and
conditions of any approved social
networking site. Be sure to understand
the service, privacy, ownership, and
security terms of any social network
accounts or sites that have been
“approved” for your organization’s use.
For example, Twitter has announced
plans to place advertising alongside
users’ streams of messages. The new
service, called Promoted Tweets,
will highlight “ordinary” Tweets from
organizations to a wider group of
users. Promoted Tweets will be placed
at the top of some Twitter.com search
results pages. While this might be
advantageous for “for profit” companies
wishing to promote their brands,
these ads might not resonate well with
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50
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OFCA5885
InCommand Magazine
|
HOT
APPS
PUT YOUR SMARTPHONE TO
WORK WITH THESE CHEAP AND
HANDY FIRE SERVICE APPS
Droid Apps
Hydraulic Fire Hose Calculator
Calculate engine discharge pressure and
friction loss. Hydraulic formulas based off
IFSTA coefficients.
$2.99 GrantWare.net
Firefighter Flash Cards
Study or review firefighting information.
Quiz your friends or test yourself. General
and advanced fire questions and answers.
$2.99 GrantWare.net
Red Alert Navigation
Using the given address, it creates a
notification. When the notification is clicked,
it will start a navigation to the location.
Free
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Fire,Fireman Flashcards & Quiz
Review and learn more than 500 fire,
safety, firefighter terms and concepts.
Multiple-choice, flashcards, and dictionary.
$1.99 SageMilk.com
Simple Fire Size Up
Size up checklists for a variety of incident
types. Customize considerations to your
department’s protocol or preference.
$1.99 fullyinvolvedmedia.com
FrictionLossCalc
Calculate friction loss based on hose
diameter, hose length, gallons per minute,
and number of appliances.
$0.99 Polyclefsoftware
Shift Calendar
Simple ABC shift calendar schedule for
firefighters, EMT and family members. This is
the 24-on/48-off schedule only.
$1.99 GrantWare.net
Wildland Fire Weather
For wildland firefighters. Calculate
probability of ignition, relative humidity,
reference fuel moisture, dew point, more.
$1.99 fullyinvolvedmedia.com
|
InCommand Magazine
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51
SOCIAL MEDIA
Droid Apps (Continued)
EMT Abbreviation Flash Cards
100 different flash cards to review EMT
information.
$2.99
GrantWare.net
iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad Apps (iTunes.com)
Emergency Radio
Listen to live police, fire, EMS, railroad, air
traffic, NOAA weather, coast guard, and
others from Atlanta to Australia.
$0.99 edgerift.com
Fire Truck (Puzzle)
The Fire Truck puzzle is a variation of the
classic block sliding game featuring 1,010
different puzzles.
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Kids Can Read: Firefighter Hero
Animated, interactive story for young
children with an engaging adventure about
the important job of firefighters.
$0.99 kidsbestplace.com
Fire Logger
Log the times of events specific to fire
activity to avoid fumbling for paper and
pencil during an emergency.
Free By Gary Huntress
Emergency Response Guidebook
For first responders to hazardous material
incidents. Quickly identify classification of
materials and procedures.
$0.99 By Gary Huntress
EMS Meds
Drug reference and study guide for
paramedics. Actions, indications,
precautions, side effects, dosage and more.
$2.99 By Gary Huntress
ShiftPro
Shift calendar and a shift trade monitor
developed by a firefighter. View days
working, days off and vacation days.
$3.99 shiftproapp.com
911 Toolkit
Hydraulics, water delivery, incident
response checklists, EMS, training/study
guides, Hazmat guide, knots, and more.
$7.99 peakviewsoftware.com
Medical Spanish (with audio)
Phrasebook with audio, search,
conjugation, bookmarking. Glossary of
6,000+ medical terms and phrases.
$4.99 medicalspanishapp.com
FireRescue1
News from the firefighting website,
including breaking fire news, columnists, tips
and other relevant information.
Free
firerescue1.com
EMS1
Features breaking EMS news, columnists,
useful tips and other relevant information
from EMS1.com.
Free
ems1.com
52
|
InCommand Magazine
A Note
The OFCA has not reviewed all of these apps and presents
them only as a helpful guide for our members.
|
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InCommand Magazine
|
53
ASK THE OLD MAN
Fire language can become war of words
Civilians may respond to plain language better
Yo, You Grumpy Old Geezer,
How’d you like that NIST study? Kinda
blows holes in your infinitely flexible
fireground tactical systems, doesn’t it?
From now on, fire chiefs will have this
peer-approved, analytical, scientific proof that the four-person crew
is a tactical necessity and MUST be the basis for staffing. No more
of your shilly-shallying all over, trying to match understaffed crews
with unforeseen fireground emergencies. Say one thing, Old Man,
at least you’ve been consistent, consistently wrong. Lemme see you
scarf down some overcooked crow now that it has been scientifically
established how wrong you’ve been. Oh, and watch fire chiefs go to
their mayors and city councils and get the kind of fire service funding we really deserve.
— Love and kisses, Chief A. Y.
Dear Lord, who turned loose an inmate from the board of
education? Presumably, Acey, you refer to the April 28 report
of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which
quantified the effects of fire crew size on response times and
crew performance. It’s a swell study and every chief ought to
examine it and know how rigorously scientific it truly is. (You
can download a PDF copy of the report, titled The Report
on Residential Fireground Field Experiment, NIST Technical
Note 1661, at the NIST website.) To cite one small example,
the NIST folks determined that four-person crews were able to
complete 22 essential fireground tasks 25 percent faster than
three-person crews in a typical residential structure.....impressive
findings backed by impressive research conducted by impressive
folks.
And utterly beside the point, Chief A.Y. Some things to
ponder:
Commanding an emergency scene
is a managerial enterprise, not a
mechanical or scientific enterprise.
Commanding an emergency scene is a managerial enterprise,
not a mechanical or scientific enterprise, so it will not be
“solved” by mechanical, scientific means. A whole lot of us have
adopted two-in/two-out, RIT teams, etc. in order to provide a
mechanical solution to the problem of firefighter injuries and
death. With the result that LODDs remain at essentially the
same level as before those mechanical “solutions.”
That doesn’t mean that the mechanical is not important,
54
September/October 2010
|
InCommand Magazine
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even in a managerial activity. In fact, the mechanics provide a
foundation, a necessary foundation, on which the broader, bigger
enterprise is built. But just satisfying the base mechanical needs
barely gets us started. Kinda like the Cleveland Indians. They put
nine guys on the field too, but that doesn’t make them the New
York Yankees. Now, in the case of the NIST study, all kinds of
things that make a fire attack work were NOT considered. The
study does not address crew coordination, interoperability, crew
discipline, training, equipment, tactical experience and skill,
communications, etc. and etc.
Moreover, the study does not tell us how much the improved
task performance improved the town’s safety, or its financial
conditions, or the safety of the firefighters themselves.
Finally, ginning up financial support for our service is
fundamentally a political undertaking, of all human enterprises
perhaps the least amenable to scientific, mechanical persuasions.
In short, I like the study, A. Y., but only as an answer to
crew task performance. As to tactical, economic, and staffing
problems…phooey! Only a liberal could be that optimistic.....
and that blind. Back to school.
Hey Old Man:
I heard your speech at Columbus last week where you told prospective promotional candidates the kind of questions they would get in
oral interviews for promotional exams. And you emphasized that
they would get some variation on the “What-do-you-think-is-yourweakest-managerial-trait” question. I get that, all right, but my
question to you is: What’s the best way to answer that question?
— Battalion Chief D. H.
Hey your own self, Double-header. The point I was trying to
make — and which it appears I have flubbed — is that since you
know the question’s coming, ANSWER IT! I’ve sat on interview
panels up the ying-yang by now where two or three candidates
either refused to confront their shortcomings or else tried to skirt
the issue like a Democrat running from a budget cut. Don’t do
that. Answer the question head-on. Answer precisely what the
panel asks, and then tell what you’ve done to correct your failure/
mistake/whatever.
Again, you know that question, in one or another of its many
guises is coming, so prepare for it. Now, nobody cares what your
precise shortcomings are. If you are without sin, just reach back
and cast the first stone. Or sign up for your local Democratic
party. The panel wants to see that you’ve at least grappled with
the concept of failure…and done something positive about it. ■
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THE BIG PICTURE
Washington Update
New Congress means that status of
current legislation is up in the air
BY KEN LASALA
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS
L
ame duck Congresses can be infamous for their rollercoaster-type characteristics. There are always one or two
issues that need to be resolved, which forces Congress
to return after the election. These issues are invariably controversial, which leads to a lot of drama as both parties work
to resolve them. Meanwhile, Congress also attempts to clean
up less controversial items, which usually get entangled in the
larger controversies. In addition, some Members of Congress
returned after losing elections to fulfill their terms with a sense
of duty to their constituents, while their families waited for
them to come home for the holidays. All of this createed an
environment of high tension, anxiety, last minute deals, and
complete unpredictability.
This “lame duck” session is even more contentious, because
the Republicans won the House in the November elections
and picked up seats in the Senate. So, the Democrats were
rushing to pass as many of their bills as they could before the
111th Congress ends, and the Republicans were interested
in delaying action on most issues until the 112th Congress,
when they can have more control over the national legislative
agenda.
At the time this column is being written, it is unclear how
the 111th Congress will end. The Administration and Congressional Republicans and Democrats are trying to figure out
how to deal with the expiring Bush tax cuts. Also, Congress
is debating whether to pass an omnibus appropriations bill
to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 or,
instead, pass a new continuing resolution to “keep the lights
on” until the new Congress is seated in January.
Here is a brief summary of where we stand on a number of
the fire service bills that I have discussed in the past year:
H.R. 3791/S. 3267, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act
Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) currently maintains his
“hold” on the passage of the Senate bill to reauthorize the
FIRE and SAFER grant programs. The Senate calendar is too
short to take the time needed to work through Senator Coburn’s procedural hurdles and pass the bill. Instead, the staffs
of the House Science and Technology Committee and Senate
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee are
working on a compromise bill that they could attach to other
legislation that must pass by the end of the year. There is a
chance that this bill can pass this year, but I expect that we will
have to work on legislation to reauthorize these programs next
year. It is important to point out that the FIRE and SAFER
grant programs will exist next year as long as they are funded.
56
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InCommand Magazine
|
What’s
missing?
A “quick glance” would
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when it comes to
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For example, does
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benefit for
permanent
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to prepare for the unexpected—before you need
help. Because what’s
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|
InCommand Magazine
|
57
THE BIG PICTURE
Appropriations
Both the House and Senate versions of the Fiscal Year (FY)
2011 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations
bills include funding for the FIRE and SAFER grant programs.
The House would fund both the FIRE and SAFER grant programs at $420 million each, while the Senate bill (S. 3607) would
fund the FIRE grant program at $390 million and the SAFER
grant program at $420 million. Both bills include $45.93 million
for the U.S. Fire Administration, which would be a small increase
over the FY 2010 appropriation. These bills are tied up in the
larger debate over passing an omnibus appropriations bill for FY
2011 appropriations, and a final decision may not be made until
Christmas.
The Public Safety Wireless
Broadband Legislation
While there has not been final passage of legislation on this
issue, there has been a lot of progress. In March, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) proposed auctioning the
10 MHz in the 700 MHz band (known as the “D Block”) to
a commercial bidder with minimal public safety requirements.
Public safety needed this spectrum to obtain the necessary 20
MHz to develop a nationwide, public safety wireless broadband
network. In response to the FCC, a number of public safety leadership organizations, including the IAFC, the Major Cities Chiefs
Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials – International, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the National Emergency
Management Association, the National Governors Association
and other major state and local governmental organizations, and
others went to the Obama Administration and Congress to make
the case for allocating the D Block to public safety. By presenting
a unified voice in Congressional hearings, meetings with members
of the President’s and Vice President’s staff, and at public press
conferences, we were able to achieve the introduction of legislation in both the House and Senate (H.R. 5081 and S. 3756,
respectively) to accomplish our goals. In the new Congress, we
will have to work with our allies to reintroduce these bills and
pass them early in 2011.
Currently, volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel are able to
exclude property tax abatements and up to $360 per year of other
state and local incentives from federal taxation. The authorizing
legislation expires at the end of the 2010 calendar year. Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) and
Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation (H.R. 3666 and S. 3136, respectively) to extend
this exclusion through 2013 and increase the exclusion to $600
per year. We currently are working to extend the existing provisions through 2011 as part of the final legislation that extends
Depending on how this Congress concluded at the end of the
year, we may end up working on a lot of these issues again in the
112th Congress. It is important to recognize that it usually takes
more than one Congress to pass even fairly noncontroversial legislation. As this year begins, we will focus on trying to ensure that
the FIRE and SAFER grant programs are adequately funded and
their reauthorization bill passes in the first quarter of 2011. Other
priorities will be the passage of legislation to allocate the D Block
to public safety, and to prevent the federal taxation of state and
local benefits for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. As the
new Congress starts, both the OFCA and the IAFC will keep you
informed on what happens. ■
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58
the Bush tax cuts, and then try to pass legislation similar to H.R.
3666 and S. 3136 next year.
Collective Bargaining: It remains to be seen what happens
with the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of
2010 (S. 3991). Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), the Senate Majority
Leader, would like to bring up the bill before the end of the session. However, he needs 60 votes to prevent a filibuster of the bill
by its opponents. On December 1, all of the Senate Republicans
sent a letter to Senator Reid informing him that they would not
support the passage of any legislation that did not address a full
extension of the Bush tax cuts or the FY 2011 appropriations. So,
it is not clear that Senator Reid will have the votes that he needs
to pass S. 3991.
|
InCommand Magazine
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CZildg`lî];Zaadl8dbeVcnD[ÒXZgh
GZXZ^kZI^bZan6aZgihdc7gZV`^c\CZlhIgZcYh
6cYbjX]bdgZ
JOIN TODAY!
WWW.IAFC.ORG/COMPANYOFFICER
OFCA DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
1st VICE PRESIDENT
Chief Bernard E. Ingles, OFE
Westerville Fire Dept.
400 W. Main St.
Westerville, OH 43081-6107
(614) 901-6606
[email protected]
Chief Mike Warner, OFE
Concord Twp. Fire Dept.
11600 Concord-Hambden Rd.
Concord Twp., OH 44077
(440) 354-7503
[email protected]
2nd VICE PRESIDENT
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
Chief Bruce Moritz
Allen Clay Joint Fire Dept.
3155 N. Genoa-Clay Ctr.
Genoa, OH 43430
(419) 885-4733
[email protected]
Chief William Houk
Jefferson Twp Fire Dept.
745 W. Main St.
West Jefferson, OH 43612
(614) 879-8251
[email protected]
NW DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Chief Jeff Klein, OFE
Perrysburg FD
140 W. Indiana Ave.
Perrysburg, OH 43551
Phone: 419-872-8025
[email protected]
SE DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Chief David Lacy
Zanesville Fire Dept.
332 South St.
Zanesville, OH 43701-3646
(740) 455-0715
[email protected]
SW DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Chief Paul C. Wright
Montgomery Fire Dept.
10150 Montgomery Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 985-1633
[email protected]
AT-LARGE DIRECTOR
Chief Brent Gates
New Concord Fire Dept.
PO Box 10, 2 W. Main St.
New Concord, OH 43762
(740) 826-4986
[email protected]
NC DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Assistant Chief Paul Ricci
Sandusky FD
600 W. Market Street
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419/627-5848
[email protected]
AT-LARGE DIRECTOR
Chief Porter Welch, OFE
Scioto Twp. Fire Dept.
P.O. Box 204
Commercial Point, OH 43116
(614) 877-9124
[email protected]
SC DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Ass’t Chief Matt Noble
Orange Twp. Fire Dept.
7700 Gooding Blvd.
Delaware, OH 43015
(740) 548-1776
[email protected]
AT-LARGE DIRECTOR
Chief Mark Wolf, OFE
Greenville Fire Dept.
100 Public Square
Greenville, OH 45331
(937) 548-3040
[email protected]
NE DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Chief William J. Shaw
Solon Fire Dept.
5595 Harper Rd.
Solon, OH 44139-1828
(440) 349-6333
[email protected]
OFCA OFFICE
131 Dillmont Dr. #101,
Columbus, OH 43235
Tel: 614-410-6322
Toll Free: 800-347-3704
Fax: 614-410-6324
[email protected]
02/&%33)/.!,s2%,)!",%s+./7,%$'%!",%
59 S. Terrace Ave. | Newark Ohio 43055
Phone (740) 522-8815 | Toll Free 1-800-838-4187
www.medbillcorp.com
|
InCommand Magazine
|
59
Medicount
M A N A G E M E N T
I
N
C
O
R
P
O
R
A
T
E
D
188 Y
Years Uninterrupted
errupted Operation
on A
And Growth As Medicount Management, Inc.
Our Stability And Longevity IImproves YOUR Stabillity And Longevity
LONG TERM Management Stability
INCREASED REVENUE For Every New Client
FULL CORPORATE DEDICATION To EMS Billing Will Improve
Your REVENUE and CUSTOMER SERVICE
Business
ness Minds
ds for
fo Business Solutions...
1-800-962-1484
80
w w w . m e d i c o u n t . c o m
60
Homenick Door Co.
96690 Sugar Ridge Rd.
North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039
440-327-7270
The Fleet Doctor
22801 Aurora Rd., 6-A
Bedford Hts., Ohio 44146
216-518-3387
OFCA5899
OFCA5909
Herda’s Truck Repir
7214 Industrial Park Blvd.
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-942-2701
Flair Corp.
6940 S. Edgerton Rd.
Brecksville, Ohio 44141
440-838-1400
OFCA5854
OFCA5914
Painesville Recycling
83 Stage Ave.
Painesville, Ohio 44077
440-354-5700
Sammon & Bolmeyer
614 Superior Ave., 1160
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
216-781-7990
OFCA5855
OFCA5915
Kerek Industries
685 Miner Rd.
Highland Hts., Ohio 44143
440-461-1450
Stewart’s TV & Appliance
468 Cleveland St.
Elyria, Ohio 44035
440-365-7321
OFCA5906
OFCA5863
|
InCommand Magazine
|
Proud Supporters of Ohio’s Fire Depar tments
OFCA5889
Grassa’s Body Repair
1051 Lear Industrial Pkwy.
Avon, Ohio 44011
440-937-7554
OFCA5864
Tecmark Auto Sport Ltd.
7754 Metric Drive
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-7600
OFCA5875
State Auto Insurance
6993 Pearl Rd.
Middleburg Hts., Ohio 44130
440-842-6200
OFCA5839
OFCA5952
OFCA5637
OFCA2009
|
InCommand Magazine
|
61
Proud Supporters of Ohio’s Fire Departments
INSURANCE
SOLUTIONS
THE
HOFFMAN
GROUP
AUTO / HOME / LIFE
BUSINESS
www.thehoffmangrp.com
OFCA5912
OFCA5884
62
January/February 2011 | InCommand Magazine | The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association
800.826.4006
OFCA5929
OFCA5888
OFCA5923
OFCA5953
The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association | InCommand Magazine | January/February 2011
OFCA5868
OFCA5931
63
OFCA5911
OFCA5926
OFCA5921
OFCA5838
64
|
InCommand Magazine
|
OFCA PATRONS
The Cub House, Parma Heights
Ken Lampe Arts Marketing Service, N. Ridgeville
Cintas Corp., Solon
Solar Testing Laboratories, Brooklyn Hts.
VM Machine & Grinding, Brooklyn
Subway, West Jefferson
General Services Co., N. Ridgeville
OFCA5680
OFCA5880 OFCA5932 OFCA5902 OFCA5905 OFCA5910 OFCA5919 OFCA5867
OFCA5681
OFCA5644
CMS Towing
6330 Proprietors Rd. Ste C
Worthington, OH 43085
614-301-9781
Verantis Environmental Solutions Group
7251 Engle Rd., 300 Plaza South 1
Middleburg Hts., Ohio 44130
440-243-0700
OFCA2009
OFCA5682
Edgar’s Restaurant
530 Nome Avenue
Akron, OH 44320-1234
330-869-3000
Giant Eagle Westerville
650 N. State St.
Westerville, Ohio 43082
614-865-0357
OFCA2009
OFCA5684
Equity Oil & Gas
Ste 410, 343 West Bagley Rd.
Berea, OH 44017-1357
440-234-4202
Melinz Industries
64099 Melinz Parkway
Eastlake, Ohio 44095
440-946-3512
OFCA2009
OFCA5577
Pinnacle Auto
0D\¿HOG5G
Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124
440-442-6365
Great Lakes Plumbing Service
6325 Brecksville Rd.
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-990-5211
OFCA5691
OFCA5650
Magic City Pit Stop
425 W Hopocan Ave.
Barberton, OH 44203
330-861-0404
Patton’s Towing
29700 Lorain Rd.
North Olmstead, Ohio 44070
440-777-1735
OFCA2009
OFCA5882
65
The Ohio Fire Chiefs’The
Association
| InCommand
| Magazine
September/October
2010
Ohio Fire Chiefs’
Association Magazine
| InCommand
| January/February
2011
65
OFCA5954
OFCA2009
OFCA5596
OFCA5941
OFCA5966
66
|
InCommand Magazine
|
OFCA5933
OFCA5857
OFCA5860
OFCA5930
OFCA5959
OFCA5583
OFCA5584
OFCA5869
|
InCommand Magazine
|
67
www.johnsonite.com
www.johnsoniteenvironment.com
OFCA5934
OFCA5820
OFCA2009
68
|
InCommand Magazine
|
OFCA5956
OFCA5913
OFCA5920
OFCA5887
OFCA5916
OFCA5865
OFCA5886
|
InCommand Magazine
|
69
OFCA5917
OFCA5922
OFCA5958
OFCA5589
OFCA Sponsors
Safety Auto Service
36071 Lakeshore Blvd.,
Eastlake, Ohio
PC Qik
1488 Mentor Ave.,
Painesville, Ohio
Fusco Auctions
38016 Euclid, Willoughby, Ohio
Konica Minolta Meritech
Asian American
Martial Arts Supply
31399 Lorain Rd.,
N. Olmsted, Ohio
Paul’s Marine, Inc.
6140 Columbus Pike,
Lewis Center, Ohio
Culinary Chameleon
2 Main St., Akron, Ohio
4577 Hinckley Industrial Pkwy.,
Cleveland, Ohio
A Better Choice
Debbie’s Auto Detail
The Media Cellar
135 Olive St., Elyria, Ohio
38123 W. Spaulding,
Willoughby, Ohio
Kenilworth Tavern
7519 Mentor Ave., Mentor 44060
18204 Detroit, Lakewood, Ohio
Dynamic Tool & Mold
J&M Industries
12126 York Rd.,
N. Royalton, Ohio
7555 Tyler Blvd. Unit 9,
Mentor, Ohio
OFCA5955
Clark Buckley
Heating & Cooling
12995 York Delta Dr. D-1
North Royalton, Ohio
OFCA5593
OFCA5940, 5938 5937, 5968, 5900, 5904, 5858, 5907, 5918, 5871, 5870, 5872, 5962, 5961
OFCA5594
70
|
InCommand Magazine
|
OFCA5677
Preferred overhead.
BlazeMaster®
Fire Sprinkler Systems
For reliability, ease of installation and cost-efficiency, more builders and fire protection
contractors choose BlazeMaster® CPVC Fire Sprinkler Systems.
And with good reason.
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n Size for size, CPVC fire sprinkler piping is the best material
for maximum water delivery
n Approved for exposed, stand alone fire sprinkler piping systems
and multipurpose fire sprinkler/plumbing piping systems
n Not combustible and will not contribute to flashover
For fire protection that’s corrosion-resistant,
longer lasting, easier and less costly to install,
call 888-234-2436. Or visit our website
at www.blazemaster.com.
With over one billion feet of piping systems installed in over 50 countries since 1984,
BlazeMaster CPVC is the most recognized and specified non-metallic fire sprinkler piping
system in the world. BlazeMaster pipe and fittings have more listings and approvals than
any other non-metallic piping system and is the only pressure rated fire sprinkler piping
system recognized by the Plastics Pipe Institute proving long-term life expectancy.
BlazeMaster® is a registered trademark of The Lubrizol Corporation
© 2007 The Lubrizol Corporation
OFCA5908
|
InCommand Magazine
|
71
iNCOMMAND
131 Dillmont Dr. #101, Columbus, OH 43235
Join us at the Statehouse on March 15-16. Register now. See page 11.
SOCIAL
MEDIA
OFCA C A L E N D A R
January
10-21 ............Fire Officer I, Baltimore, Ohio
12..................OFESF Board Meeting
13..................OFCA Board Meeting
February
UÊÊSocial Media SOGs
6-11 ..............Fire Officer II, Norwich Twp.
UÊÊDeveloping a policy on
electronic communications
March
UÊÊPublic using social media
as a 911 alternative
UÊÊPublic or Private? Employers
must use caution when using
information from social media
websites to discipline employees
UÊÊFive steps for social media:
Managing workplace social
media in a fire organization
UÊÊHot apps for the fire service
14-25 ............Fire Officer I, Norwich Twp.
15-16 ............Winter Symposium, Columbus
May
5-6 ................ Admin. Assistants Conference, Columbus
25-26 ............ Leadership Conference,
Cherry Valley Lodge, Newark

social media - the Ohio Fire Chiefs` Association

Transcription

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