FEMSA News Summer 2009 Newsletter

Summer2009

The Resource for Public Safety Businesses

Firehouse, Firehouse.com and Firehouse Eventsare the proud sponsors of the FEMSA 2009 Summer Newsletter

FEMSA 2009 Annual Meeting with “Stimulus Package”October 8th and 9th

Featuring “Capitol Hill Day”

FEMSA 2009 Annual Meeting with “Stimulus Package”October 8th and 9th

Featuring “Capitol Hill Day”

Official Publication of the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association

PRESiDENt’S FiNAl MESSAgE - Page 2FEMSA 2009 BOARD OF DiRECtORS - Page 3FEMSA WElCOMES itS NEWESt MEMBERS - Page 5FEMSA ANNUAl MEEtiNg... WHAt’S iN StORE! - Page 6-8ON A PERSONAl NOtE - Page 7FEMSA PARtNERS WitH USAF ON “tRiBUtE tO HEROES” CAMPAigN - Page 9 HOME DAY 2009 - Page 92008 SURvEY WiNNER - Page 11gAC CORNER - Page 11FEMSA … What’s in it for You? - Page 12CFSi UPDAtE - Page 14CAPitOl Hill DAY - Page 15FEMSA’S WEBSitE gEtS A FACE liFt - Page 15MANAgE CUStOMER SAtiSFACtiON PROACtivElY! - Pages 16 & 19iN MEMORiAM - Page 19WElCOME tO OUR WORlD - Page 19COMMON tHREADS - Page 20PREPARiNg FOR iNtERSCHUtz 2010 - Page 21FEMSA MEMBER NEWS - Pages 22-27tHE 2009 EvENtS PlANNER - Page 27

PRESiDENt’S FiNAl MESSAgE

2 || femsa.org || Summer 2009

For the past four and a half years it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the President of FEMSA. During my tenure I have had the pleasure of working with some truly wonderful people within FEMSA and from other associations. It is important to me that I thank those that have helped FEMSA to grow and improve. Although it may sound cliché, whatever success FEMSA has enjoyed has far more to do with their efforts than mine.

First and foremost the Board of Directors both past and present deserves a huge thank you. These men and women give freely of their talents, energy and time. They choose to be involved and to work towards improving the industry for all of us. Whether planning and organizing the Annual Meeting, crafting and working within a fiscally responsible budget or helping to recruit and grow the membership, these folks have always risen to the challenge. I cannot thank them enough for their assistance and support.

There has always been a good relationship between FEMSA and FAMA but in the past few years that relationship has solidified and grown and now the associations are working more closely together than ever before. Working together we bring more value to our respective memberships and a stronger presence to the table in Washington D.C. To the FAMA Board of Directors, many thanks for helping develop such a strong partnership. Bill Webb, Sean Carroll and everyone at CFSI have been invaluable in guiding our Governmental Affairs activities. Whenever we have asked them for help with an issue or an event they have been there for us. The strides that the GAC has made simply would not have been possible without their help.

The IAFC, IAFF, IAAI, NVFC, NFFF and the ICC have all been extremely helpful and supportive. Over the past several years by working closely with these organizations we have helped to advance the fire service’s issues on Capitol Hill. We have learned a great deal from them and hopefully will continue to work together closely for many years to come.

FEMSA has enjoyed tremendous support from these associations; they are key stakeholders in the Fire and Emergency services. All of them have my most sincere gratitude.

As anyone who has worked on the FEMSA Board of Directors knows the person most responsible for FEMSA’s success is Karen Burnham. Karen has been the foundation of FEMSA for as long as I have been involved. She is a supremely talented administrator, an incredibly dedicated worker and a fabulous coach. I cannot adequately put into words my gratitude for Karen’s help and guidance, I am just not that good of a writer, so I’ll simply say thank you.

In August I will resign as President of FEMSA and hand over the reins to Vice President Dan Reese. This will allow a stagger between the officers’ terms and ensure continuity during Board transitions. Dan is more than up to the task and I am sure that under his leadership FEMSA will continue to strengthen and grow.

In closing I would like to thank you, the membership, for your support and commitment to FEMSA. For me it has been a very rewarding experience and one that I will always count as a highlight in my career.

For the last time,

Giff Swayne

Summer 2009 || femsa.org || 3

Officers/Executive CommitteetHE 2009 FEMSA BOARD OF DiRECtORS

William “giff” Swayne (2009)President (2010/P-3)Holmatro, Inc.(410) 768-9662 [email protected]

Dan Reese (2009)Vice President (2010/VP-3)Alexis Fire Equipment Company(309) [email protected]

Melinda Freeman (2009)Secretary-Treasurer (2010/ST-3)Class 1, Inc.(352) [email protected]

Roger Weinmeister (2010)Executive Committee MemberSuper Vacuum Mfg. Co., Inc.(970) [email protected]

Don Welch (2011)Executive Committee MemberGlobe Manufacturing Co.(603) 435-8323, [email protected]

(Year of Re-Election)

Bill lawson (2011)PBI Performance Products, Inc.(704) [email protected]

Mike Natchipolsky (2009)Firehouse.com(301) [email protected]

Doug Bonney (2011)Kochek Co., Inc.(860) [email protected]

Paul Andrews (2010)FirefighterNation.com/Go Forward Media(240) 595-2352 [email protected]

Ken Nielsen (2010)Paratech Incorporated(815) [email protected]

Janet Wilmoth (2009)Fire Chief Publications(312) [email protected]

John granby (2010)Lion Apparel, Inc.(937) [email protected]

Rick Singer (2009)Akron Brass Company(330) [email protected]

BOARD MEMBERS

Karen Burnham Executive Assistant to the BoardFEMSA(781) [email protected]

James J. JuneauLegal CounselJuneau, Boll & Ward(972) [email protected]

Bob grimaldi Travel AgentRome Travel Bureau, Inc.(315) [email protected]


iN MEMORiAM

FEMSA WElCOMES itS NEWESt MEMBERS

Firefighter One LLCJonathon Van Norman, President664A Rt 15 SouthLake Hopatcong, NJ 07849Tel: (973) 810-2670Fax: (973) 663-1527Email: [email protected]: www.firefighteroneonline.com Distributor of PPE, rescue tools, thermal imaging, hose, etc.

Science Diving & Environmental Co.Karl Luttrell, General Manager3814 Trade Center DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48108Tel: (734) 677-0690Fax: (734) 677-0690Email: [email protected]: www.kingsberg-mesotech.com Distributor, underwater search & rescue electronics

Novation North America, inc.Brent Merriam, VP/General Manager387 Lafayette Road, Ste. 206Hampton, NH 03842Tel: (603) 758-6486Fax: (603) 758-6489Email: [email protected]: www.cosmas.it Distributor of Personal Protection Equipment/Boots

Sperian Protection Americas, inc.Justin J. Wilbur, Business Development Manager900 Douglas PikeSmithfield, RI 02917-1874Tel: (770) 740-8976Fax: (866) 222-9199Email: [email protected]: www.sperianfire.com Manufacturer of Personal Protection Equipment/SCBA, Turnout Gear, Gas Detection Instruments

AWg Fittings, llCChristian Pehl, President43 Summer StreetSouth Walpole, MA 02071Tel: (508) 850-5261Email: [email protected] Manufacturer of adapters, hose couplings, valves, nozzles, monitors, fire suppression systems, etc.

ESi Equipment, inc.John K. Evans, President440 Horsham Road, Suites 4 & 5Horsham, PA 19044Tel: (267) 803-1440Fax: (267) 803-1447Email: [email protected]: www.junkyarddogindustries.com Manufacturer of rescue stabilization struts & equipment bags

FireDos/Thermo-GelWayne Hepper, Product Manager923 E. Interstate AvenueBismarck, ND 58503Tel: (701) 258-8208Fax: (701) 258-7259Email: [email protected]: www.firedos.info or www.thermo-gel.com

Distributor of water driven proportioning systems

©Copyright 2009, FEMSA, MA (USA)Editor: Karen H. Burnham

Newsletter Committee:Eric Schlett, Chair

Melinda Freeman, Board LiaisonSimon Steinbach, Layout

Summer 2009

thanks to our advertisers...

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Official Publication of The Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association, Inc.P.O. Box 147, Lynnfield, MA 01940-0147Phone - 781-334-2771Email - [email protected] - www.femsa.orgCopy and Advertising Deadlines:Contact the FEMSA office.Provided to members as a benefit of member-ship. Articles from members are invited. FEMSA reserves the right to edit for factual content, brev-ity and clarity.


FEMSA ANNUAl MEEtiNg... What’s in Store!Looking at the cherry blossoms, attending the CFSI dinner, running into the Obamas riding the Metro, or listening to Vice President Biden with laryngitis during a speech to the FEMSA membership … these are things you probably are not going to get to do or see at the FEMSA annual meeting this October 8-9, 2009. However, if you want to work with others in the fire service community, build relationships within our industry, learn about current events, and build on relationships with your governmental representa-tives and their staffs, the FEMSA annual meeting along with “Capitol Hill Day” need to be on your calen-dar and in your budget!

At tHE ANNUAl MEEtiNg ... Listen how agencies purchase products through a buyers’ roundtable. Participate in networking opportunities with other companies and people in our industry. Hear from leading fire service members on how the economy is affecting fire departments around the country. Participate in discussions on a wide range of business and trendy topics. Share ideas with companies that have similar interests to you and your company. Hear qualified business speakers talk about subject that can help us all do things better. [See the meeting notice below for further details.]

By: Dan Reese, FEMSA VP

[emailed June 2009]

“StiMUlUS PACKAgE” FOR FiRSt-tiMERS!

FEMSA ANNUAl MEEtiNg NOtiCE

Never attended a FEMSA Annual Meeting? If your company is new to FEMSA or if your company has been a member for years but never attended an annual meeting, FEMSA will discount your 2010 membership renewal dues by $50 if you attend this year. It’s that important to the association that you make the commitment and become involved.

The opportunity to invest in your business is now. One of the best values for your time and money is to attend the FEMSA Annual Meeting - October 8-9, 2009. Registrations are now open at www.femsa.org … simply click on the “Annual Meeting” banner on the home page, or go directly to www.femsa.org/meetingReg

TO: All FEMSA Members

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 1 of the bylaws of the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA), notice is hereby given that a meeting of the general membership will be held October 8-9, 2009, at the

Crystal City Marriott Hotel1999 Jefferson Davis Hwy.Arlington, VA 22202

FAMA will host its fall membership meeting during this time, and will share some meeting time and events with FEMSA.

CRitiCAl tO tHiS MEEtiNg: “Capitol Hill Day”, thursday, October 8th.

REgiStRAtiON DEADliNE: August 14, 2009 - www.femsa.org/meetingReg

The preliminary meeting schedule of events at page 8 of this newsletter

outlines all meetings and functions being planned during your stay in the Washington, D.C. area.

PROgRAMS - In answer to your survey comments from last year, you can expect to see a lineup of quality speakers and presentations that will provide great take-away.

This year’s FEMSA Fire Drill will include business subject matter such as dealing with Nexus, human resources issues, distribution relationships, trendy tasks like how to “Twitter”, along with other social networking and marketing tactics. More topics will be featured. FAMA members are invited to participate.

In addition, industry and governmental leaders will speak about the state and future of the fire service in these tougher economic times.

The wildly successful buyers’ round table will return this year. We are asking for your valuable input and suggestions as we look to attract a variety of experts including

people with federal agency purchasing expertise. Please pass them along to Karen – [email protected].

Joe Mancusi is this year’s business speaker for the Friday afternoon joint session with FAMA. Dr. Mancusi’s mission is to inspire personal and organizational excellence through dynamic programs tailored to manage change, build leadership skills, and enhance teamwork. His goal is to help people go from Existing to Excelling.

SPONSORSHiP OPPORtUNitiES – The following sponsorship opportunities are available to all members attending the 2009 annual/fall meetings and events:FEMSA/FAMA Friday Member Lunch - $6,500FEMSA/FAMA Friday Reception (preceding banquet) - $4,200FEMSA/FAMA Friday Banquet Open Bar - $2,500FAMA Friday Member Breakfast - $2,000

(Please email Karen – [email protected] – if you have interest in any of these opportunities.)

A SiNCERE tHANK YOU to the following FEMSA members for their sponsorship commitments that benefit FEMSA and FAMA members:FEMSA/FAMA Business Speaker - $4,000 – Fire Chief MagazineFEMSA general Meeting Breakfasts - $4,200 – FireRescue companiesFEMSA/FAMA Coffee Breaks - $4,500 – Firehouse companiesFEMSA/FAMA Hospitality Suite - $11,000 – Fire Engineering Magazine & FDIC

SPONSORSHiP BENEFitS – • Formal recognition in meeting materials and from podium each day• Opportunity to place signage and promotional materials during your sponsored event *• Exposure to the FEMSA and FAMA memberships• Build new relationships with potential customers

(* Sponsors will be recognized from the podium and will be allowed to place banners, literature and promotional materials on the table(s) provided during the sponsored event. Promotional materials must be approved, in advance, by FAMA.)

PERiODiC UPDAtES will be e-mailed to you providing additional details on the roundtable panelists, caucus breakouts, other presentations, as well as the hotel and area attractions.

ON-liNE REgiStRAtiON is now available at www.femsa.org/meetingReg. If you do not receive an electronic confirmation from Bob Grimaldi within 48 hours of submitting your on-line registration, contact Bob directly at [email protected]. Your confirmation will include a receipt for your requested booking. In addition, we will e-mail broadcast a list of registered attendees periodically. If you registered and do not see your name on the list, contact Bob immediately. These procedures will ensure that everyone is accounted for.

ROOM BlOCK - All members are encouraged to book their rooms at the Crystal City Marriott through the FEMSA/FAMA room block (see on-line registration form). Our group is guaranteed the best available rate for the dates of our stay at the hotel.

In order to accommodate all member requests and fulfill our room block commitment, registration deadline has been set for August 14th. At that time we must advise the hotel how many sleeping rooms will be required each night of our meeting events.

MEEtiNg FEES, RESERvAtiON POliCY AND CANCEllAtiON POliCY

1. Meeting Fees: No “a la carte” meeting fee schedules are available to members, spouses and/or guests with the exception of children under 11 years of age.

2. Reservation Policy: FEMSA/FAMA negotiates a special room rate each year. The room block this year closes August 28th. After that date, the FEMSA/FAMA rate might not be available and you will have to pay the full rack rate. We set aside a fixed number of rooms based on anticipated attendance. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. If our main hotel sells out, we will make reservations for you at a hotel nearby.

3. Cancellation Policy: If you cancel a reservation after August 28, there is a one-night cancellation fee. Also, if you check out prior to your original reservation departure date, you will be charged a one-night cancellation fee. No-Shows will be charged for the nights missed.

4. Refund Policy: Annual membership meeting fees will not be refunded, but will be credited toward the next annual membership meeting.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact your annual meeting planners directly or the FEMSA office.

We look forward to seeing you this October in Virginia.

FEMSA Annual Meeting Committee:Dan Reese, Chair/VP– [email protected] Wilmoth – [email protected] Grimaldi – [email protected]

ON A PERSONAl NOtE...

Wedding bells rang for Brie Strobo (Paratech) and Jeff Brubaker on April 11, 2009 in Florida – best wishes!

Garry Briese’s recovery is “moooving” along well since his aortic valve replacement on April 20th (a procedure he knew would happen eventu-ally, although

he was able to delay it for some 18 years. It was time to bite the bullet so he could get on with the rest of his life). Garry has a new found apprecia-tion for cows and has lost his “taste” for hamburgers & steaks since it was a bovine valve that will enable him to continue hiking, skiing, camping and playing with Grandson Ezra. In a recent communication, Garry reports he is making the most of the unex-pected gift of a short break to “enjoy the journey” and he’s looking forward to exploring the future of new oppor-tunities.


[subject to change]

FEMSA ANNUAl MEEtiNg SCHEDUlE OF EvENtS


Time Program Topic / Speaker

Arrival Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

12:00p.m.‐1:00p.m. FEMSABoardLunch

1:00p.m.‐5:00p.m. FEMSABoardMee;ng

3:00:00p.m. Break

Thursday ‐ October 8th, 2009

6:30a.m. FAMABoardBreakfast

7:00a.m. FAMABoardMee;ng

6:30a.m.‐7:30a.m. FEMSABreakfast

7:30a.m.‐10:15a.m. FEMSAAnnualBusinessMee;ng

10:15a.m.‐10:30a.m. Break (FEMSA and FAMA)

10:30a.m.‐12:00p.m. HillPrepara;on(FEMSA/FAMAJAC)JOINT SESSION

12:00p.m.‐5:30p.m. VisitstoHill(Lunchonyourown)

5:30p.m.‐7:30p.m. FEMSA/FAMARecep;on(oQsite) RayburnOfficeBldg/Foyer

Friday ‐ October 9th, 2009

6:30a.m.‐7:00a.m. FAMAMemberBreakfast

7:00a.m.‐9:45a.m. FAMAMembershipMee;ng

7:00a.m.‐8:00a.m. FEMSABreakfast

8:00a.m.‐9:45a.m. FEMSAMee;ng

9:45a.m.‐10:00a.m. Break (FEMSA and FAMA)

JOINT SESSION BALANCE OF DAY

10:00a.m.‐11:30a.m. FEMSAFireDrillwithFAMA

NEXUS,A]orneyonDistribu;on

Law,HRA]orneyaboutallofthe

newlawsonCOBRAandrecovery

billchanges,Socialnetworking

(Twi]er)`othertopicsTBD

11:30a.m.‐12:45p.m. FEMSA/FAMAEaecu;veCommi]eesLunch

12:00‐1:00p.m. Lunch(FEMSA/FAMAMembers)

12:00p.m. FEMSA/FAMASpousesProgram TBD

1:00p.m.‐5:00p.m. FEMSA/FAMAMee;ngPresenta;ons

1:00‐1:30p.m. EconomyInsight MarkLight

1:30‐2:45p.m. Buyers'Roundtable PanelistsTBD

2:45‐3:00p.m. Break

3:00‐5:00p.m. BusinessSpeaker DrJosephMancusi

6:00‐7:00p.m. FEMSA/FAMACocktails

7:00‐9:30p.m. FEMSA/FAMADinner+Speaker

FischelsonAwardPresenta;on

Departure Saturday ‐ October 10th, 2009

FFM10.09Schedule6.11.09


Has your company made plans for a “Home Day” this year? Home Day activities can range from large events coordinated with other FEMSA/FAMA members in your state or region, or they can be smaller, simpler events involving just your company.

The FEMSA/FAMA GAC has developed a “Tool Kit” to get you started. Also, it is designed to help you understand the importance of establishing and building relationships with your local and state legislators in your home towns or districts, and to host a get-together with them at their offices, at your facilities, or at an appealing venue for FEMSA and FAMA members in your state or region. Log on to www.famafemsagac.org and click on the “Home Day” button at the bottom of the page.

It is recommended that Home Day events be held by the time of the FEMSA and FAMA fall meetings in October so we can discuss your successes at the meeting.Several members have either hosted or are in the process of hosting Home Days in their areas.

illiNOiS FEMSA and FAMA members in Illinois, along with the Illinois Metro Chiefs, hosted an Illinois Fire Service Home Day on June 4th. Congressional staffers took part in a fire training exercise at the Carol Stream Fire Protection Districts training center, followed by a luncheon. (A full report is expected for the fall issue of this newsletter.)

Task Force Tips of Valparaiso will sponsor its own “Home Day” for federal, state and local officials on September 18th in conjunction with its new facility opening. Further information will be forthcoming.

W.S. Darley & Co. hosted Congressman Peter Roskam this spring to tour Darley’s new headquarters in Itasca and to share with the Congressman issues facing the fire service and those who serve the industry. Congressman Roskam has become an advocate for the US Fire Service, and recently joined the Congressional Fire Services Institute. In a recent letter he wrote, “I came to Washington to ensure our nation’s homeland remains secure. One of the most important components of guaranteeing our communities are safe is supporting our first responders who stand on the front lines daily to protect our way of life.”

OHiO Sutphen Corp. held a small home day in May at its Springfield chassis manufacturing plant. Many local politicians, state legislators and Congressman Steve Austria (R-OH 7th) attended the event. The Congressman is on the Budget

FEMSA PARtNERS WitH USAF ON “tRiBUtE tO HEROES” CAMPAigN

In May 2009, FEMSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Fire Administration (USFA) to serve as a partner of the “Tribute to Heroes” Campaign that will re-launch in September 2009. This year’s campaign refresh seeks to continue USFA’s goal to encourage Americans to practice fire safety, protect themselves and their families, and protect the firefighters who work each day to save lives. The “Tribute” campaign will recognize firefighters as heroes, stress the fact that the children of firefighters want their fathers and mothers to come home safely, and emphasize the need to have a working smoke alarm, which can help save the lives of occupants and firefighters. As an entity of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the United States Fire Administration is to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination and support. The USFA serves the Nation independently, in coordination with other Federal agencies, and in partnership with fire protection and emergency service communities. USFA is working with 28,000 fire departments and stations across the country, as well as child safety advocates, seniors’ groups, and professional fire organizations. USFA partners include, among others, FEMSA, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the National Fire Protection Association.

For more fire safety information, please contact the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov.

Committee and shared information about the budget process. Sutphen representatives were able to drive home the importance of the AFG program to his district

MiNNESOtA On July 28th, Waterous Company of South St. Paul will host “Home Day” at its offices welcoming other FEMSA and FAMA members to co-host the event including FoamPro, Rosenbauer America, Metro Fire, and Firehouse Events. The event will demonstrate the importance of these companies within the fire and emergency services industry, introduce legislators to some of their over 280 employees, and provide a unique opportunity to discuss with them important aspects and issues facing the fire and emergency services field.

NEW HAMPSHiRE A statewide “Government Officials’ Day” is being planned for early October. The event will be hosted at the New Hampshire Fire Academy in Concord and will be oriented toward state and local government officials (City Managers, Selectmen and the like), with a focus on educating them about the training and equipment needs of their local first responders.

When you schedule your “Home Day”, please be sure to let us know. The FAMA/FEMSA GAC is available to you if you need assistance. Contact Karen Burnham at [email protected].

FEMSA is the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association. FEMSA includes nearly all major manufacturers of SCBA’s, Personal Protective Gear, Rescue Equipment, Water Delivery Equipment and many of the top Fire Equipment Dealers.

This survey helps FEMSA members better understand issues facing the fire and emergency services.Take a few moments to complete this quick online survey and you are qualified to win $5000 worth of equipment for your department from any FEMSA member company.

To complete the survey, visit www.femsa.org/survey

WIN $5000

Worth of Equipment

2008 WINNERAl Duffy,

North Naples Fire Rescue, Naples, FL

HOW IS THE ECONOMY AFFECTING YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT?


WE NEED EvERY FEMSA MEMBER NOW! It is fair to say that the fire service was surprised and dismayed when the Obama Administration released its detailed federal budget for fiscal year 2010 on May 7. The president’s budget proposal recommends cutting funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program by 70%, from the $565 million in current FY2009 to $170 million for FY2010, which begins on October 1 of this year. AFG is one of the most popular programs in Congress, and to receive such a dramatic proposed cut is a shot across the bow for the program.

In the last two years, the Bush Administration proposed funding the AFG program at only $300 million, and in both years Congress rejected the proposed cut and funded the program with slight increases.

Similarly, the SAFER program, used to hire and retain firefighting personnel, had been proposed for elimination in FY 2008 and 2009,

gAC CORNER

2008 SURvEY WiNNER

By David Gatton

but Congress responded by funding the program with significant increases.

In a major shift, the Obama Administration proposes doubling funding for the SAFER program to $420 million, giving the hiring program priority over the AFG program. In the past, the AFG program has always enjoyed significantly more funding than SAFER, although Congress has lessened that gap by giving SAFER the majority of the increased fire grants funding for two straight years.

All HANDS ON DECK The AFG program is now in a fight for its life and every part of the fire service, including the fire chiefs, firefighters, emergency responders, and every sector of the industry that equips them, must work to encourage Congress to reject the proposed cut in the AFG program.

AFG is one of the most efficiently run programs in the federal government, with administrative costs of around 5%. The funds go directly to the nation’s first responders, ranging from rural volunteer fire departments to urban departments. The

equipment purchases made possible through the AFG program keep firefighters and emergency responders safe as they make over 20 million calls annually to serve the public. And AFG helps provide universal emergency services throughout the nation, wherever one travels.

Calling on Congress to reverse the reductions in AFG funding in the president’s proposed budget will require an all-hands-on-deck response from FEMSA members. The FAMA/FEMSA Governmental Affairs Committee will continue to monitor the appropriations process and keep you updated. In the meantime, call and write letters to your Congressional delegation—House members and Senators—asking them to provide full funding for the AFG program in fiscal year 2010. America’s first responders need our help and we need to enlist the participation of every FEMSA member in this effort to right the ship.

The North Naples Fire Rescue is the largest Fire District in Collier County. NNFR services an area almost 70 square miles, with 80,000 residents and more than 10,000 buildings. There are seven stations, 165 personnel, and they respond to more than 12,000 incident calls per year. Services include traditional fire control, hazardous materials response, water rescue, technical rescue, and emergency medical services.

Members of the department got together and picked the following items:

• 6” Jet Siphon• 5” Turbo Draft• Rearview Backup Camera • 1- K-Tool Kit

The items were delivered in Marchand quickly put into service.

CAPtAiN Al DUFFY, NORtH NAPlES FiRE RESCUE, NAPlES, Fl. WON $5,000 WORtH OF EqUiPMENt FOR HiS DEPARtMENt SiMPlY BY COMPlEtiNg tHE 2008 ONliNE FEMSA SURvEY


FEMSA … WHAt’S iN it FOR YOU?

As business persons, when consider-ing potential investments, we always evaluate what the return on that invest-ment may be. When determining which industry association to join, we consider how it will benefit our businesses.

So why FEMSA? Over 150 companies have made the sound decision to join FEMSA, the Fire and Emergency Manu-facturers and Services Association, and over 95% of those companies have been members for 10 or more years. Each of those members understand the value of maintaining their mem-berships from year to year.

In 2009, FEMSA celebrates its 43rd anniversary of dedication to the fire and emergency services industry. Throughout the years, many programs and annual events have been introduced and welcomed by the member-ship to assist in the conduct of their businesses.

Annual Meeting … FEMSA holds its annual membership meeting in the fall each year. The business meeting segment allows FEMSA to conduct the required business of the organi-zation, hold board elections and plan for the future. The Board of Directors and meeting planners work hard to ensure that the time and money spent by members to attend is well worthwhile. With educational content, caucus group meetings and “fire drills”, business and planning sessions, and the joint session with the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA), the annual meeting is a busy and produc-tive time.

User information guides … are of-ficial publications of FEMSA, originally established in 1996. Manufacturers of PPE (ensembles and equipment) want first responders to know the strength of their products as well as their limita-tions. Proper care of garments is also addressed in the publications. FEMSA publishes 17 guides for PPE that are copyrighted and updated periodically consistent with applicable NFPA stan-dards. The interest and participation of members in other product areas will

drive the expansion of the UIG program.

trade Show Report Cards … Members are active in the association’s Trade Show Report Card evaluation process, rating a number of trade shows during the year. Members find this of great value when de-termining where best to place their market-ing dollars for the following year.

Personal Responsibility Code … In 2005, FEMSA published and copyrighted a Per-sonal Responsibility Code (PRC). Through the PRC, members that provide emergency

response equipment and services warn responders of the dangers inherent in their profession and point out that failure to follow the guidelines outlined may result in death, burns or other severe injury. This publica-tion has been endorsed by the Interna-tional Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA), and the Fire Depart-ment Safety Officers Association (FDSOA). Members may order several formats of the PRC or enter into an annual licensing agreement to use the PRC in company literature, on web sites, or wherever it best suits the member company.

governmental Affairs Committee … Keeping the membership abreast of issues on Capitol Hill is the primary component of

FEMSA’s strategic plan. FEMSA, in co-operation with FAMA, has become the eyes, ears and voice for all emergency equipment and service providers from the fire marketplace in Washington, DC. Through the restructuring and refocus-ing of association resources and the hiring of a dedicated Washington con-sultant, members are (a) actively en-gaged in the bureaucratic process and legislative matters that impact emer-gency equipment providers; and, (b) are informed of funding and emergency service grant monies to help members,

and the fire departments they supply, to make best use of the available funding. A growing number of members participate each year in the “Home Day” and “Hill Day” events coordinated by the GAC. These programs help to project FEMSA’s critical role in Homeland Security and our politi-cal power to legislators and their staffers.

Firegrantdata.com … In 2007, the FEMSA/FAMA GAC, launched a new web site called FireGrantData.com. This web site is a resource for legisla-tors and their staff to quickly understand the impact that the Fire Act Grants have had on their districts. The site includes success stories, facts about the grant program and easy access to grant award history sorted by state and political districts. The site has been very well received

and our usage statistics indicate that it is being used quite often by the folks on Capitol Hill.

Our industry needs a strong trade as-sociation, and FEMSA will continue to represent and support your company’s interests in today’s complex political and business environment. If you are not already a member, please consider joining today because as our member-ship grows, so does our ability to serve you.

FEMSA offers both active and associate memberships. Visit www.femsa.org, our affiliated sites … www.firegrantdata.com and www.famafemsagac.org, or contact FEMSA … [email protected], (781) 334-2771 … for a membership information packet.

FirefighterNation.com is the online home of FireRescue Magazine.The fire service’s go-to magazine and largest professional network are working together to bring you the latest in training, news, products and more.Look for more exciting developments...

ContaCt your representative for more details:eastern sales representativeJoe skey(856) 673-4000 [email protected]

Western advertisinG direCtorsheri Collins(520) [email protected]

emedia sales representative, Western territory(661) [email protected]

FFN_FemsaFP.indd 1 5/18/2009 8:41:14 AM

CFSi UPDAtE

On Thursday, April 2nd, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) hosted the 21st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner. The dinner, held at the Hilton Washington, was a resounding success, with 2,000 fire and emergency services leaders, members of Congress, and Administration officials in attendance. The theme of this year’s dinner was “New Beginnings... New Opportunities” capturing the opportu-nity presented to the fire service to work with the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress on a broad range of homeland security issues. The dinner culminated a two-day program that included CFSI seminars cover-ing a broad range of national fire and emergency services issues. Congressional staff, administration officials and national fire service leaders participated in seminars to offer their observations and insights on such issues as interoperable communications, fire service-based EMS, federal grant programs, prevention and education, and other salient issues. The keynote speaker for the evening was Vice President Joseph Biden. Ad-dressing the dinner, the Vice President said, “I want you to know our administration recognizes that you’ve all acted bravely just by becoming firemen. And now we owe it to you to make sure that all you do after that in your line of work is as safe as it can possibly be.” While serving in the Senate, Vice President Biden was a co-chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, the largest caucus in Congress with approxi-mately 300 members. During the 109th Congress, he was Chairman of the Fire Cau-cus, serving as a catalyst on a number of important legislative priorities for the nation’s fire and emergency services. “The truth is, as you commit to saving the lives of endangered Americans, we have to do everything we can to save your lives. Even as we continue to face econom-ic turmoil, we still have to remain committed to America’s bravest domestic defenders,” said Biden. Three of the eight leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus attended the dinner and shared the podium in paying tribute to our nation’s first responders. Congressman Peter King, recently selected as Chairman of the Fire Caucus for the 111th Congress was the first caucus leaders to speak. He was followed by House Ma-jority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-5), and Congressman Rob Andrews (NJ).

The dinner concluded with a special performance by the Washington, DC based comedy troupe, the Capitol Steps, co-sponsored by FEMSA and FAMA.

NigHt OUt At tHE NAtiONAlS

Come out and enjoy some food and baseball while showing your support for CFSI and the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department. A hospital-ity area will be provided prior to the game at 5:40. Complimentary food and beverages will be served and all guests will receive a free seat cushion for the game. All guests will be ushered to their seats following the first pitch at approxi-mately 7:10 p.m. Can’t Attend? We are sorry to hear that, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t make a difference! Sponsor a group of local firefighters and we will be sure you get the recognition. For information on how to do this please call (202) 371-1277. Visit www.cfsi.org for further details.

viCE PRESiDENt BiDEN ADDRESSES AttENDEES OF tHE 21St ANNUAl NAtiONAl FiRE AND EMERgENCY SERviCES DiNNER



CAPitOl Hill DAY 2009

Another Washington, DC Hill Day is approaching! Are you ready? This year will be a defining moment for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Programs (FIRE Act and SAFER). The reauthorization of the programs are up for debate in Congress in 2009. The Administration’s recent budget request to Congress recommends significant reductions in federal grant funds for firefighter equipment and training. There are many unanswered questions about the future of these very important programs that support the first responders our industry serves. This year’s Hill Day will give you the opportunity to clearly express your position in person to your Members of the House and Senate. Attend the annual FEMSA/FAMA meeting this fall and make your voice heard on the hill! The Governmental Affairs and Meeting Planning Committees have a great day planned for you on Thursday October 8, 2009. We’ll get you warmed up with a morning preparation program where we will provide you with a legislative update, meeting tips, literature, and prescheduled meeting itineraries with teams of fellow FEMSA/FAMA members. In the afternoon, we will send you up to Capitol Hill fully prepared to discuss the important issues facing the fire service and our industry. Culminating the day, you’ll attend a wonderful reception held in one of the Congressional office buildings. So what do you need to do? First, make the personal commitment to come to the annual meeting. We all realize this is an uncertain and trying year for our country. However, this is your opportunity to have an impact on the federal programs that are important to all of us. Second, please indicate on your registration forms the Congressional Members you would like to target for meetings this fall. Finally, be prepared to cultivate long-term relationships with your Congressional offices through follow-up phone calls and visits to your local Congressional offices, often working with fellow FEMSA/FAMA members in your area. These efforts, in combination with our Hill Day agenda, will enhance your ability to get your points taken seriously on the Hill. This is your chance to do so! Our goal is to make the day an experience that will have you confident in your purpose, while making it an enjoyable event that you will remember. Most importantly is the fact that you are participating in the process that was set forth by the founding fathers of our great nation! There will be much more to come over the next few months leading up to the meeting. Stay tuned and begin your planning now!

Sincerely,John Granby and Mike Power GAC Co-Chairs George Goros and Bill Lawson GAC Events Co-ChairsSteve Lawrence GAC Contributing Writer

FEMSA’S WEBSitE gEtS A FACE liFtBy: Mike Natchipolsky and Gabe Steinbach

FEMSA’s website, FEMSA.org, was re-launched in June to incorporate new graphics and verbiage developed by the Marketing committee. This was part of an initiative to improve consistency of message across all platforms.

In addition to the new look and feel, FEMSA.org has undergone a number of functional improvements over the past year. Most notably, members can now take advantage of online signup and payment for the Annual Meeting and Annual Dues. In addition, prospective members can submit their application and payment online.

Another area that is frequently updated is the FEMSA resource library. This is an excellent source for guidelines and resources, and to find out more about FEMSA services and activities. After you log in as a member, you’ll find secure access to “FEMSA Members Only” documents and downloads.

As always, there are areas on the site where you, as a member company, can post available jobs, company press releases, and special events on the FEMSA calendar. Finally, don’t forget to keep your member profile up to date.

FEMSA.org is a dynamic place and is always being updated and improved. Don’t forget to check back often to see the newest information!

MANAgE CUStOMER SAtiSFACtiON PROACtivElY!By Bob Cicerone, Aaron Hekele, and Jason Morado

s assessing customer satisfaction like trying to catch chickens after they’ve escaped from a chicken coop through

an open door? It is when the assess-ment of customers’ satisfaction with a supplier does not combine a traditional (reactive) assessment of customer satisfaction with a (non-traditional) proactive analysis and evaluation of the supplier’s two internal functions that are the root causes of customer level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction.

Customers’ level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction is determined by their cumulative experiences at all of their points of contact with a supplier organization. Two critical functions internal to a supplier determine the characteristics of each point of contact and, thus, are the root causes of customer loyalty and level of customer satisfaction/dissatisfaction. These two internal functions are market research and the management of those organizational variables that control employee job performance (performance management).

Traditional assessments of customer satisfaction, by definition, require customers to have had experiences with a supplier organization. Traditional assessments of customer level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction are a reactive approach to managing customer loyalty because a company’s managers make appropriate adjustments to the points of contact after feedback from customers has been obtained. In addition, a traditional assessment of customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction does not directly analyze and evaluate the two key functions that are the root causes of customer level of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the six points of contact.

In stark contrast, a proactive approach directly analyzes and evaluates the market research and performance management functions to identify where opportunities exist to improve them, then takes appropriate corrective actions. Proactive assessment of the market research and performance management functions requires a

template or model to guide and direct the analysis and evaluation of each function.

According to a model developed by the senior author, customers have six points of contact with a supplier: the supplier’s core products or services (e.g., cleaning and polishing chemicals, motor vehicle parts, contract security services, banking services); policies (e.g., credit and warranty policies); procedures (e.g., ordering and returned goods procedures); non-core business functions (e.g., billing); properties (e.g., vehicle fleet, website, voice mail system); and personnel (e.g., switchboard operator, service technician, customer service rep, sales staff).

Market research should provide five kinds of information about each of these six points of contact:• Customers’ expectations.• Key attributes that influence customers’

selection of a supplier and the importance of each key attribute.

• Customers’ level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction.

• Customers’ suggestions to improve.• Strengths and weaknesses relative

to other suppliers – as judged by customers.

Guided by this model, a proactive analysis and evaluation of the market research function for a company’s products asks whether the company’s market research provides each of the five kinds of information. For example, Does our current market research provide us with specific, detailed information about the characteristics our customers and prospects expect our products to have, the relative importance of each characteristic in selecting a vendor, customers’ level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction, customers’ suggestions to improve our products, and the competitive strengths and weaknesses of our products? Similar questions would be asked for each of the other five points of contact.

The discipline of Human Performance Technology provides a model for managing employee job performance, including job performance that impacts customer loyalty. This model shows that thirteen factors, acting together, control the job performance of individual employees, the output of work processes, and the job performance of all employees.

SEvEN FACtORS CONtROl tHE JOB PERFORMANCE OF iNDiviDUAl EMPlOYEES. Expectations: The standards that customers expect a product or service to meet and how customers expect to be treated by employees. Feedback: Data that tell employees how closely their job performance meets customers’ standards.Consequences: What happens to employees when their job performance meets or exceeds customers’ expectations and when it doesn’t.Abilities: The skills and knowledge required for job performance to meet customers’ standards.Resources: The tools, supplies, materials, equipment, procedures, and physical space required for job performance to meet customers’ standards.Capacity: The physical capabilities required for job performance to meet customers’ standards.Preference: Whether an employee is willing to perform as expected under the physical and social conditions that exist at the job site, for the rewards that are available when job performance meets or exceeds expectations, and for the compensation and fringe benefits.

tHREE FACtORS CONtROl tHE OUtPUt OF A WORK PROCESS.Complexity: The number, sequence and difficulty of steps in a work process; interference from competing assignments.Internal Supplier/Internal Customer Relations: How well the work of internal suppliers (individuals and departments) meets the requirements of their internal customers (individuals and departments) who contribute to the same work process. Process outcome specifications: How closely specifications for the output of a process match the expectations of the internal and external users of that output.

tHREE FACtORS iNFlUENCE A COMPANY’ S ENtiRE WORK FORCE.

continued on page 19

i


Fire Chiefs, Purchasing Committee Members, Trustees, Commissioners,Finance Committees and those whose job it is to buy Trucks, Tools, TurnoutGear and Firefighting Equipment, read Fire Apparatus & EmergencyEquipment for news and insight to make well-informed buying decisions.

There is just

ONE MAGAZINE

that writes ONLY about

Fire Manufacturers and the

products YOU make and sell !

And we’ve been doing it for 13 years . . .

We figured out long ago that our readers — fire chiefs, fire officers and firefighters —already know how to operate a pumper, spot an aerial, handle hose lines and vent aroof. And they have all seen enough smoke and flames to last a lifetime.

Most fire magazines repeat the same themes year after year, but we are the onlymagazine writing exclusively about Your Company and Products You Make & Sell !

The magazine dedicated to helping you market products to fire departments nationwide.

www.fireapparatusmagazine.com


Customer Focused Mission: A mission statement which clearly dedicates a company to satisfying its customers, then living up to the intent of the statement.Compensation: Bonuses, salary/wage increases, and promotions given to employees who regularly satisfy internal and external customers.Performance Appraisal: Every employee is held accountable in some specific way for meeting the expectations of their internal and/or external customers.

Follow these five steps to proactively determine if opportunities exist to strengthen what your company does to manage employee job performance that impacts customer loyalty.

1. Select a position in your company that has significant impact on customer loyalty.

2. Answer these questions as they apply to the employees in the position you selected in Step 1. (Note: Space limitation prevents including all the diagnostic questions for each of the thirteen factors that control customer loyalty.)

- Do these employees know in specific detail those features your core products and/or services must have in order for prospects and customers to buy from you instead of from a competitor?

- Do these employees know the standards their work unit must achieve in order to consistently meet the requirements of prospects, external customers, and internal customers?

- Do these employees know in specific detail how prospects and customers expect to be treated by these employees?

- Do these employees have current information about how closely:• Your core products and/or services

meet customer expectations? • Their work unit’s performance

meets the requirements of its internal customers?

- When the job performance of these employees consistently meets the requirements of their external and internal customers, are these employees regularly given non-financial

recognition such as appreciation, praise, and thanks?

- When these employees consistently annoy or upset their external or internal customers, do their managers deal effectively with this poor performance?

- Do the current procedures for selecting people for this position show whether candidates have all the skills and knowledge needed to meet the requirements of the external and internal customers of this position?

- Do these employees always have the equipment, materials, supplies, work space, procedures, and tools in the quantity and quality needed to consistently meet the requirements of their external and internal customers?

- Are the work procedures used by these employees regularly reviewed to determine if their outcomes would improve by eliminating unnecessary steps, combining steps, changing the sequence of steps, simplifying the steps, or eliminating boring repetition?

- Does the performance appraisal/review process clearly and explicitly hold these employees accountable for how well their individual job performance meets the requirements of their external and/or internal customers?

3. Answer the questions in Step 2 as they apply to the position that manages the position you selected in Step 1.

4. For each ‘No’ answer in Steps 2 and 3, identify how the current situation could hurt your company’s efforts to attract first time buyers, convert first time buyers into customers, retain existing customers, and increase the value of purchases by existing customers.

5. If the negative consequences identified in Step 4 are unacceptable, revise as appropriate what your company does to manage this position’s performance.

A proactive assessment of the market research and performance management functions provides managers with direct evidence about weaknesses in these two critical functions. Weaknesses that threaten a company’s success attracting first time buyers and creating loyal customers. By eliminating these weaknesses, you’ll be better able to sustain accelerated growth in customer base and sales. Other benefits

include strengthened competitive position, fewer fires created by upset customers, and fewer resources spent acquiring new customers to replace those who have switched to your competitors.

About The Authors

The authors are employees of ETC Institute in Olathe, KS. The firm’s market research services provide information that helps organizations to make better decisions. Aaron, Bob, and Jason can be reached at 913-829-1215 and by email ([email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]).

MANAgE CUStOMER SAtiSFACtiON PROACtivElY!

iN MEMORiAMFEMSA is saddened to report the passings of:

Marilyn Dobbswife of Ed Dobbs (Spartan Mo-tors) – February 10th

thomas Patrick Creesebrother of Ken Creese (Sutphen Towers) – March 4th

Eugene (Nick) Schellin (retired, Akron Brass) – May 1st

Please keep the Dobbs, Creese and Schellin families in your thoughts and prayers.

May they rest in peace.

WElCOME tO OUR WORlD…

Mathis Edward Carpentier – borh April 3, 2009 to Louis and Sophie of Innotex, Inc.

FEMSA is the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association. FEMSA includes nearly all major manufacturers of SCBA’s, Personal Protective Gear, Rescue Equipment, Water Delivery Equipment and many of the top Fire Equipment Dealers.

This survey helps FEMSA members better understand issues facing the fire and emergency services.Take a few moments to complete this quick online survey and you are qualified to win $5000 worth of equipment for your department from any FEMSA member company.

To complete the survey, visit www.femsa.org/survey

WIN $5000

Worth of Equipment

2008 WINNERAl Duffy,

North Naples Fire Rescue, Naples, FL

HOW IS THE ECONOMY AFFECTING YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT?

“This has totally changed my outlook and stress levels, said Crosby. “Ad-ditionally, it has basically eliminated some back problems I have had for years from an old fire department injury. I could go on about how much I enjoy the positive effects of Bikram Yoga for a long time.” Crosby added that Bikram Yoga studios are located all across the country. “I encourage everyone to try it out!”Tough to imagine that several of our FEMSA members are into leather and the “screaming eagles” roar of Har-ley Davidsons. Rod Carringer, vice president of sales & marketing for Task Force Tips, owns two bikes. “The black, Fat Boy, is for quick, local rides,” Rod explained. “Then I have a ’05 Firefight-ers’ Edition Harley, full-dress “Scream-ing Eagles”

Another member of the HOG (Harley Owners Group) is the IAFC’s Execu-tive Director Mark light. I remember several years ago telling Mark about my husband buying a Harley and it didn’t take long for Mark to proudly announce his dream came true also when he bought one. Mark currently owns an Ultra Classic, Screaming Eagle, anni-versary edition. Could things get better? After sitting behind Mark for awhile, Anita, Mark’s wife, decided to take les-sons and get her own bike. And that sounds like another FEMSA member, Rick Fix, National Sales Manager for Fire Research Corpora-tion, rides a big, beautiful Electric Glide Classic and his wife, Denise, recently got a new Softtail Deluxe. “The weather finally improved and I have almost 600 miles on it,” said Fix. The Fixes are thinking about heading west to Sturgis this summer.

What do you do in your spare time? Send me an email and let me know!Janet W. ([email protected])

Summertime and the living is easy! How do FEMSA members spend their free time and what activities balance their lives? We contacted several and found out that FEMSA members have a broad spectrum of interest.Mary McCormack, executive director for the Fire Departments Safety Officers Association, lives in Hopkinton, Mas-sachusetts, has an aboveground pool outside her back door and that’s where she likes to read. “Short, sweet and to the point in my spare time: I shop, clean house, take a nap, read a good book and listen to my music,” said Mary. “I watch NASCAR and/or Indy racing too.” Recent reads that Mary recommends are about Massachusetts’ favorite fam-ily, the Kennedys. Two books that Mary has been recommending include “Last Lion: The Fall and Rise of Ted Ken-nedy” (by Peter S. Canellos) and “Jo-seph Kennedy Presents His Hollywood Years” (by Cari Beauchamp.) In the summertime, one Minnesotan heads east to Wisconsin. Steve Toren, Director of Sales & Marketing, Water-ous. “My favorite pastime is hanging out at our cabin in Wisconsin, mostly with family but often also with friends,” said Steve. “As part of our cabin there is nature, fishing, golfing, and simply just hanging out it is a truly a relaxing place to be.”Bill Ballantyne, vice president, Foam-Pro, Marine/RV, Pentair Water, shoots for fun—no, not basketball, pistols and rifles. Bill is a member of the Interna-tional Defensive Pistol Association and enjoys shooting competitive defensive pistol and hunting. Bill said, “During downtime, I can be found reloading

ammunition.” While on a trip to South Africa….Bill’s prize was the Kudu Bull.FEMSA’s website wizard, gabe Stein-bach, Windmill Hill Consulting, LLC, is a real music man and for many years has enjoyed music, particularly rock bands. “Of course, it’s always much more complex than just one term to

define all music, but it’s a good start,” said Gabe.“I’ve held jobs as a band photographer, tour manager, recording studio manager, a designer and promoter, I’ve booked a club and organized events. Of course, as I’ve

gotten older and more mature (gasp!) just the chance to get out and see live music is very difficult. I enjoy learning about what is ‘new’ out there and uncover new artists, and hear what my friends have to listen to.” Gabe also belongs to a music club that meets once a month for lunch. Members swap their favorite new discoveries. He also has some close friends that work in the music industry, so Gabe always tries to be conveniently available when some last min-ute show tickets become available. “Going to see a show is a blast,” said Gabe. “I’ve always liked to witness a good band knock out songs on stage and just play.”

Western Fire Chiefs Association’s Ex-ecutive Officer Crosby grindle also rides motorcycles in the Oregon high desert. “This often involves camping trips with a group of friends I regularly ride with,” said Crosby. “Having grown up on the east coast, the wide open spaces of the west are awe-inspiring for me and provide the ultimate peaceful experience.” For a daily de-stressor, Crosby practices Bikram Yoga.

COMMON tHREADSBy Janet Wilmoth, Director

Photo is from 1995 ‘ish’ and ‘back in the day’ when Gabe was on the road with a band in Philadelphia PA.

Rod Carringer

Bill’s prize was the Kudu Bull.


Crosby Grindle out in eastern Oregon with the Steens Moun-tains in the background.


PREPARiNg FOR iNtERSCHUtz 2010

We’re about 365 days away from the start of the largest fire, rescue, disaster preparedness, security exhibition any-where. June 7-12, 2010, are the dates you want to reserve for INTERSCHUTZ, in Leipzig, Germany. So that you can get your planning team together and start thinking about arrangements, here’s a synop-sis of the important factors you should consider.Exhibit Space, USA Pavilion: The standard 10’x10’ booth we’re all familiar with equates to a 9cm x 9cm stand (in line); alternatively a 9cm x 12cm or 9 x 15cm (corner) stand, and they call them stands not booths, at this show. The stand come complete with many amenities we don’t furnish here, such as hard walls on 2/3 sides; light-ing; headline banner; table and chairs; Internet connection; hospitality lounge for you and your guests; private conference rooms (you make deals on the spot); interpreters; security and more. This is a turn key operation for exhibitors from the USA. The pavilion is located in a promi-nent location within an Exhibit Hall, and visitors flock to see what’s new in America. For those who have never been to an INTERSCHUTZ, talk to some “old hands” who have been there, they’ll tell you the Pavilion is a good bet for your exhibit money. Contact Donna Hyland, [email protected], PH: 908-735-0559, to discuss specifics about the Pavilion. She has a floor plan and can assist you in a stand location. Donna can also assist exhibitors want-ing to do an independent stand—not in the USA Pavilion. Based on your company’s product or service, your lo-cation on the fairgrounds is pretty much decided by the overall exhibit layout. Like commodities are grouped together so that all EMS products/services are in the same exhibit hall, all fire extinguish-ers are together, apparatus is usually on an outside exhibit area(s) (more than one), etc. etc. Donna, can help you make all of the arrangements for your

By: Bill Kehoe

exhibit with the INTERSCHUTZ exhibit team in Germany.For general exhibit information go to this website: www.hfusa.com/interschutz

Exhibit Transportation: Just remember the name, John Harrison. His company will contact you once you’re signed up for a stand. He will arrange for pick up, transpor-tation, customs clearance, on-site transfer, set up, re-supply as necessary during the show run, and then transportation back to your US home or wherever you may have to ship what you’ve sold. An extraordinary individual and team, he has been assisting the US companies for at least the last four INTERSCHUTZ shows (20+ years). Exhibitor Transportation (Airline, Train, Car Rental): Marie Coleman*, PH: 916-

682-2537, [email protected], can make these arrangements/reservations, or you can contact your own travel agent. The earlier booking the better your selection of flights. Unless the in-

country airlines, primarily Luf-thansa, and Air Berlin, beef up their fleet size of aircraft, seats into Leipzig will be on commut-er/regional sized aircraft, which translates into 40-50 paxs. max. per flight. * Note: Marie lives in California.Hotel Accommodations: We have blocked rooms at 4 hotels within the Leipzig area. Each hotel is rated at 4 stars in the German system, and a site visit by our US team has been made to each hotel. They all are first class, clean, modern, with WiFi capabilities, “beer gardens” (and you can’t beat German beer), and sleep sin-gle, twin, double (some suites are available). Rates will be expensive but our rates will be beat any you’ll get through a travel agent or directly through a website. Again, contact Ma-rie Coleman for hotel reserva-tions.Our US Team is here to help you get ready and enjoy this great exhibition. Do not hesi-tate to contact any one of us with questions, no matter how trivial. We’ll gladly answer and also post the questions and answers to our website to help others.Donna Hyland, Project Manager, [email protected], PH: 908-735-0559

Marie Coleman, Hotel/Travel Manager, PH: 916-682-2537, [email protected] (PDT)

Bill Kehoe, Project Consultant, [email protected], PH: 703-751-6416

The observation tower and international flags at Leipzig Messe--the Leipzig Trade Centre/Fairgrounds, Leipzig, Ger-many-site of INTERSCHUTZ, 7-12 June 2010, the world’s largest fire, emergency services, disaster response, safety, security show in the world.

visit Us at www.FEMSA.org

accepted the position of Industrial Sales Manager for the United States. Working with Elkhart’s Industrial Monitor Sys-tems Engineering team, he will be fo-cused on the sale of Industrial Systems and Electric Remote Control Monitor Systems (ERCMs). Dave comes to us with over 25 years experience in the industrial fire sector. Most recently, Dave served as National Account Manager, Govern-ment Sales Division with Hagemeyer North America. Prior to working with Vallen Safety Supply (now Hagemeyer North America), Dave was a Fire Safety Inspector for 10 years; he has also been an instructor with several private industrial fire schools. Dave attended both the University of Texas and the University of Houston. We strongly believe Dave’s cus-tomer service focus and his extensive experience with the specialized needs of the industrial fire sector will benefit future growth and development of this market. Elkhart Brass is proud Dave has chosen to be part of our team as we continue to grow to better serve our customers.

Ferrara Fire Apparatus[April 15, 2009] Holden, LA – Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. has finished con-struction of two additional on-site testing facilities, a tilt table and a second pump test pit. The tilt table is built in compli-ance with SAE and NFPA requirements, giving Ferrara’s customers another compliance option for the new NFPA 1901 standard for vehicle stability. Like the fire pump, aerial, and electrical test-ing Ferrara offers, the tilt table testing is available from an independent third party, Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. The other test facility Ferrara has added, a second pump test area, is designed to accommodate their growing industrial fire apparatus business. A man-made lake was built on Ferrara’s property and a dry hydrant system installed that allows drafting by up to three 8” hard suction lines at the same time. The water is then discharged back into the lake, making it ideal for testing 4000 GPM or larger monitors associated with industrial fire appara-tus, as well as the 1250 and 1500 GPM waterways featured on Ferrara’s line of heavy duty aerial apparatus. Required UL testing equipment is at the new test area, allowing Ferrara to conduct up to four UL pump tests at the same time, when used with their existing pump test facility.


nessee, Michigan Center, Michigan, and the Ohio headquarters to offer sales and service throughout the Eastern and Midwest states.

Frank Tutwiler has been named the new General Manager of the expanding company. Doug Ballmann is vice-president of sales, and is the main consultant for government and military sales. Pat Linn has been named National Service Manager. Charlie McKee is Sales Consultant, and works primarily with mobile systems. A new warehouse expansion in the Florida office allows for on-site work with mobile installations. The 6000 square foot expansion in the Reynoldsburg location was also done primarily to meet the increased demand from OEMs and truck manufactur-ers to install breathing air components into their vehicles. Breathing Air Systems received a Special Achievement Award from Heinz Bauer, Owner and Managing Director of Bauer International, for selling more than 3200 breathing air compressors. Breath-ing Air Systems has been the number one distributor for Bauer America for 12 years running. For information, contact Breathing Air Systems at 1-800-937-2479, or e-mail [email protected].

Cutters Edge[April 20, 2009] Tom Ruzich, President of Cutters Edge, has announced the opening of a new service center for the East Coast, located in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Eastern Fire Equipment Services, owned and operated by Ray Smeriglio and Alan Kumpf, is an Authorized Factory Service Center for all Cutters Edge Fire Rescue Saws and BULLET® Chain, including parts, repair and maintenance. You can contact EFES at: 717-412-7746 or email to: [email protected]

Elkhart Brass Mfg. Co., inc.[March 24, 2009] Elkhart Brass is pleased to announce David (Dave) Robinson has

FEMSA MEMBER NEWSAkron Brass Company[Wooster, Ohio - April 13, 2009] Akron Brass announced today that David

Durstine has been appointed to vice President of Marketing. Durstine will be responsi-ble for lead-

ing the marketing group of customer service, technical support, product line management as well as advertising and communication. Joining the company in 2001, Durstine most recently served as Director of Municipal Sales. To continue focus on customer support, Jeff Benson and Jason Riggenbach have been ap-pointed to global product line managers while Randy Tharp and Phil Hodgdon will add to technical support.

Rick Singer, Vice President of North Ameri-can Sales, will assume responsibilities for municipal sales in addition to his current responsibili-

ties with Industrial and Canada. Steve Robertson, Director of Canadian Sales, will continue to lead sales efforts with a team strategically located throughout the country.

Black Diamond Protective Equipment

Matt Cervino is the Direc-tor of Sales for Black Diamond. Matt’s spent 8 years working with a leading NY Fire Equip-ment distribu-tor and has a

strong knowledge of the fire service industry . In addition he has been a proud active officer and member of his local volunteer fire department for over 11 years. Please contact Matt for any additional information, 1-800-459-5895 or [email protected].

Breathing Air Systems[May 8, 2009] Breathing Air Systems of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, announces the opening of a new branch location at 405 S. Hamilton Street, Sullivan, Illinois. The new center teams up with offices in Ocala, Florida, Chattanooga, Ten-

Breathing Air Systems was recently honored by Bauer International after selling compressor number 3200. Heinz Bauer, Owner and Managing Director of Bauer International in Munich, Germany, visited the Ohio company to make the presentation. Shown here are Mark Schuster, President of Breathing Air Systems, Heinz Bauer, Bill Dickson, National Sales Manager of Bauer America, and Doug Ballmann, VP of Sales for Breathing Air Systems.


FEMSA MEMBER NEWSFire-Dex[May 8, 2009] Fire-Dex has enjoyed continuous double digit revenue growth through the first quarter of 2009. Fire-Dex has won new opportunities in To-peka, Kansas, Durham, North Carolina and the Washington State Contract. Fire-Dex was a recent recipient of the 2009 Northeast Ohio Success award by Inside Business Magazine. This award recognizes companies in Northeastern Ohio for their continued growth and development in their com-munities. We were please to be one of only 3 companies to be selected in Medina County.

Fire Research Corp.[May 11, 2009] Fire Research Corpora-tion has added two additional Regional Sales Managers to its staff.

Adam Edwards, a Kent State graduate, will be covering the New Eng-land States as well as several Middle Atlantic States as North-east Regional Sales Manager. Matthew Pitzer will be cover-ing the Midwest at the Midwest Regional Sales Manager. Matt is a graduate of Eastern Michi-gan University and has had

previous experience as a Regional Sales Manager.

FireRescue MagazineFirefighterNation.com and FireRescue Magazine - FirefighterNation.com, the popular professional and social net-working site for firefighters and rescue personnel worldwide, has now become the flagship online home of FireRescue Magazine, published by Elsevier Public Safety (EPS). With more than 35,000 registered members*, plus thousands more within its Facebook and LinkedIn communities, the site will expand in the coming year to include more news, video, Webcasts, education and a new depth of industry networking features. (*Source: Publisher’s Data: Google Analyt-ics, January 2009) JEMS Wins Award for War on Trauma Supplement - Elsevier Public Safety received a Western Publica-tions Association Maggie award for best

editorial supplement/trade for “The War on Trauma: Lessons Learned from a Decade of Conflict.” The supplement, published in the October 2008 issue of JEMS, was spon-sored by North American Rescue, Inc. FireRescue Magazine was nomi-nated for the following awards:• Public Safety/Trade category: Novem-

ber 2008 Issue• Best News Story/Trade category: “Cali-

fornia Burning,” January 2008 Issue New Team Member - Cindi Richard-son has joined the advertising sales team at FireRescue Magazine/FirefighterNation.com as the new eMedia Sales Representative, Western Territory. Cindi has been selling ad-vertising for 16 years, both print and online. She may be reached at (661) 297-4027 or [email protected].

FireRescue 1.com[SAN FRANCISCO- May 15, 2009] FireRes-cue1.com announced it has taken home the award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Trade at the Western Publishers’ Association’s 2009 Maggie Awards. Each year, the Maggie Awards honor the best print publications and Web sites in the Western United States. FireRescue1 received the award for Close Calls on Camera, written by Jason Poremba, a New York firefighter and the owner of firefighting video Web site Fire-fighterSpot.com. The monthly column is an innovative combination of dramatic firefight-ing videos with analysis and instruction, providing readers the unique ability to learn important safety lessons from incidents caught on tape. FireRescue1 received three total nominations for the 2009 awards, with nods in the Best Web Article/Trade and Best Web E-Newsletter/Trade categories in addition to the Column nomination. The total exceeded FireRescue1’s one nomination for the 2008 awards, when it was recognized in the Best Web Article/ Trade category for the article “Young Chiefs Come of Age,” by FireRes-cue1 Editor Jamie Thompson. “We are honored to receive an award that recognizes us not only as a lead-er in online media for the fire service, but among a much broader segment of trade media,” said Jon Hughes, Online Director for FireRescue1.com. “We of course share the credit for the award with our excellent columnist, Jason Poremba, whose ability to convey in an entertaining and impactful manner lifesaving tips is representative of the talent present in FireRescue1’s roster of expert columnists.” Also taking home an award was sister site EMS1.com, which won the Mag-gie for Best Web E-Newsletter/Trade for the bi-weekly EMS1 eNews. FireRescue1’s parent company,

the Praetorian Group, received eight nominations for the 2009 Maggie Awards across its primary online por-tals: PoliceOne.com, FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. The eight nominations ranked the company among the most-nominated media companies for this year’s awards, and surpassed Prae-torian’s total of four nominations from 2008. The Maggie Awards, the West-ern Publications Association’s most prestigious publishing event, honors editorial, design and promotion excel-lence in magazine, tabloid, newsletter and online publishing. The Western Publications Association has represent-ed magazine publishers and companies who interact with magazine publishing industry for over 50 years. The WPA presents more than a thousand Maggie

Award nomina-tions each year to publications across the Western United States.

Hannay Reels[May 5, 2009] Employee Changes - De-

nis Bleile is taking over the position of Sales Manager, from David Guilzon at Hannay Reels. Retiring after 39 years of ser-vice is Hannay Reels’ Sales Manager, Dave Guilzon. Dave spent most of his years with Hannay in the Sales Depart-ment, serving more than 12 years as Sales Manager, and in that time helped innovate and develop many new prod-ucts. He now takes a well-deserved re-tirement with his wife of 46 years, Carol. The entire Hannay Reels family wishes Dave all the best, and thanks him for his many years dedicated to serving our customers. Assuming the Sales Manager title in May, 2009 is Denis Bleile. With over 25 years experience in the indus-trial sector, Denis comes to Hannay as a well respected figure in the field of OEM sales. Denis is moving to Westerlo from Norwalk, Ohio, with his wife of 23 years, Anne, and their two daughters. He looks forward to partner-ing with our customers, providing them with the highest levels of quality, quick delivery, industry-leading service, and unmatched support after the sale. We look forward to Denis spearheading our continued market expansion, and lead-ing our sales team through the chal-lenges of the new global economy.

continued on page 26

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manufacturing and marketing offices will remain in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth, Mich. Joe Bernert said that each company

will continue with a “business as usual” philosophy, and that current Havis-Shields and LEDCO-CHARGE-GUARD customers will continue to work with their current

company representatives for products and services. iAFC Foundation[May 12, 2009] The IAFC Foundation recently established the Heather Westphal Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit wom-en first responders. This fund is created in memory of Heather Westphal, IAFC’s Membership Marketing Manger who died in a tragic accident in October 2008. The fund is also supported by the IAFC. Mark Light, IAFC’s Executive Director stated that “On behalf of the IAFC we are honored to support the Heather Westphal Memorial Scholarship Fund. All who worked with Heather or knew her can take comfort that her passion for and intention to improve the fire service is reflected in this scholar-ship fund benefiting women first respond-ers.” “Women are in the minority in the fire service and the IAFC supports efforts to increase participation and promote ad-vancement for women. In this way, we can remember Heather, honor her efforts to im-prove the fire service and benefit women in the fire service through educational scholar-ships.” says, Chief Ernest Mitchell, Jr., IAFC President 2003-2004, member of IAFC’s Human Relations Committee and a member of the IAFC Foundation Board. The International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services (www.i-women.org) is also supporting this scholarship fund with a donation from their organization. iWomen President Cheryl Horvath said “iWomen is pleased to part-ner with the IAFC Foundation in this effort to provide advancement opportunities for women through this newly created memo-rial scholarship.” Division Chief Horvath encourages all iWomen members to sup-port the fund and encourages female first responders to consider applying for this scholarship. The IAFC Foundation hopes to reach its goal of $10,000 by August of 2009 and make the first annual award this fall. To donate to the Heather Westphal Memorial Scholarship Fund please contact Judy G. Kirk at [email protected] or call 703-537-4830. It is our hope that the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services community will

Havis-Shields Equipment Corp.[March 3, 2009] Havis-Shields today announced a merger with LEDCO-CHARGEGUARD, Plymouth, Mich., a manufacturer of mobile computing solu-tions and vehicle power management systems. The merger of these two trusted industry leaders will define the new mobile workspace. This partner-ship truly delivers on maximizing worker productivity. The combination of Havis-Shields and LEDCO-CHARGEGUARD creates a broad portfolio that better serves the mobile workspace by offer-ing a complete line of products. As part of the merger, current Havis-Shields president, Joe Bernert, will become the chairman and chief executive officer of the newly formed company. Michael Bernert, currently the vice president of sales and market-ing for Havis-Shields, will become the president of the merged companies, and current LEDCO-CHARGEGUARD president, Mike Zani, will become the new company’s chief operating officer. Havis-Shields’ Joe Bernert said the merger is a win-win for both com-panies and will provide its respective customers with an expanded line of the most comfortable and safest solutions in the industry. “We think the merger of Havis-Shields and LEDCO-CHARGE-GUARD will give us the opportunity to increase the level of service and the quality of products we provide to our customers”. Michael Bernert further ex-plained that “this merger will give our Fleet and IT sales channel partners access to both LEDCO-CHARGE-GUARDS’s industry leading docking products and Havis-Shields innovative mounting solutions.” LEDCO-CHARGEGUARD’s Mike Zani agreed, and said the merger will bring two industry leaders together to provide customers with a “one-stop shop” for all their mobile computing, mission critical fleet and vehicle power management solutions. “Havis-Shields is one of the most trusted names in public safety and mission critical equip-ment. That reputation, coupled with the perfect fit of LEDCO-CHARGE-GUARD’s respective product lines gives us the ability to quickly respond to customer needs with the best and most complete mobile workplace equipment in the market, all from one source,” Zani said. The company headquarters will remain in Warminster, Pa., and the current LEDCO-CHARGEGUARD

support the IAFC Foundation’s efforts to prepare and educate the leaders and decision makers and ensure increased opportunities for women in the fire ser-vice through educational scholarships. Please visit www.iafcf.org to learn about the IAFC Foundation and all its scholarship opportunities. To read the tributes to Heather, please go to www.iafc.org and click on the “In loving Memory of Heather Westphal.”

l.N. Curtis & sons[May 9, 2009] L.N. Curtis & sons is pleased to announce continued growth and added assets to better serve our customers! We have recently opened an ECMS facility in Seattle, WA. ECMS is our partner company specializing in the inspection, cleaning, and repair of personal protective ensembles and ensemble elements. Our Seattle facility brings us to a total of five full-service locations. You may contact our Seattle location at 206-464-6559 or visit our website at www.ecmsinc.biz. L.N. Curtis & sons is also proud to partner with Firefighters Bookstore. With a store in Huntington Beach, CA and superb on-line ordering for those that are not local to the Southern Cali-fornia area, Firefighters Bookstore is a complete resource for books, videos, and software for fire and emergency services. You may call the Bookstore at 800-727-3327 or visit the website at www.firebooks.com.

Sperian Protection Americas, inc.[April 23, 2009] At a time when many families of fallen firefighters are suf-fering job losses and hard times, Sperian Fire has announced a unique program to boost support for these families. Sperian is donating a com-bined $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Cana-dian Fallen Firefighters Foundation in a grassroots effort to increase aware-ness and support for these foundations. It is the largest charitable donation in Sperian Fire’s history. “Even with the economy down, we can’t desert the people who protect us all,” said Bill Sokol, Vice President Marketing for Sperian Fire. “At Sperian we decided to take the money we nor-mally spend to ship, assemble, disman-tle and return our large FDIC exhibit booth – roughly $100,000 US – and use it for a donation to help the families of fallen heroes.” In a unique twist, the dona-tion will not be made in Sperian Fire’s name, but rather in the names of any US and Canadian firefighters who take

FEMSA MEMBER NEWS

Metro Chiefs .................................................................................................... Jun 21-25 ............................................................... Edmonton, ALBHealth, Fitness and Safety Symposium (Phoenix FD) ....................................Jun 23-25 .....................................................................Phoenix, AZMaritimes Fire Chiefs Conf. ................................................................................ Unk. ............................................................................................. IAFC Missouri Valley Division ...........................................................................Jul 9-11 ...............................................................Overland Pk, MOFirehouse Expo: ...................................................................................Jul 21-26, (Ex. 23-25).........................................................Baltimore, MDContact: Mary Velline, 800-827-8009 Fire-Rescue International ...............Aug 27-29 ........................................................................Dallas, TX Contact: Sara Baeth at IAFC 443-627-2200FAMA Tech Meeting .......................................................................................... Aug 29 ..........................................................................Dallas, TXIncident Management Symposium (Phoenix FD) .............................................Sep 2-4 .......................................................................Phoenix, AZIAFC Southwestern Div. ...................................................................................Sep TBD ................................................................. Little Rock, ARNew Jersey Firefighters .................................................................................. Sep 17-18 .................................................................. Wildwood, NJPittsburgh Fire/Rescue & EMS .......................................................................Sep 18-20 ..................................................................Pittsburgh, PA Contact: Kelly Simon Productions 800-747-5599FDSOA Annual Conf. .....................................................................................Sep 21-25 ..................................................................... Orlando, FL Contact: FDSOA 508-881-3114Fire Rescue Canada ........................................................................................... Unk. .............................................................................................National Fallen Fighters Memorial Weekend ...................................................Oct 3-4 ................................................................Emmitsburg, MDFall Meeting : FEMSA (8-9) FAMA (10-11) ....................................................... Oct 7-11 ............................................................... Washington, DCFirehouse Central/EMS ...................................................................................Oct 26-30 ...................................................................... Atlanta, GA Contact: Mary Velline, 800-827-8009 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium .............................................. Nov TBD ...................................................................Charlotte, NCIAFC Volunteer & Combination Officers Symposium .......................................Nov 5-8 ...........................................................Clearwater Bch, FL Contact Ed Nichols 203-840-5968

tHE 2009 EvENtS PlANNER


a moment to sign the donation registry at www.sperianfire.com. Registrants have an opportunity to offer a few words of encouragement or make their do-nations in memory of individual fallen comrades. Beginning at the FDIC show on April 23 and continuing through June 30, Sperian Fire will be collecting names from participating members of the firefighting community to present with the final donation checks to the two organizations. The donor names will not be used for any sales purpose. “We felt this was a great op-portunity to help firefighters get person-ally involved in showing their support for this important cause without actually asking them for a donation,” Sokol said. “Instead, we’re putting up the money to give in their names.” As Sokol spoke, firefighters were lining up at the Sperian Fire booth (#2112) to sign the registry. Without its usual imposing booth structure, the Sperian Fire exhibit itself was a simple affair. That was all right with Sokol, who said the families of fallen firefighters need help a lot more than Sperian Fire needs its exhibit booth this year. “This is a wonderful, thoughtful, and very much appreciated effort,” said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Direc-tor of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, as he registered to make his donation in honor of “some fallen friends who will always remain in my

FEMSA MEMBER NEWSthoughts and prayers.” “I can’t remember ever receiving so much support,” added Captain Robert Kirk-patrick of Mississauga, Ontario, President of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Founda-tion. “Every fighter should go to the Sperian Fire site and register. We in the firefighting community need to show our support for companies willing to help us. It will take less than two minutes to show that support.” “We’re very excited about this on-line donation program,” said Anne Cham-bers, Channel Manager for Sperian Fire. “We hope to build a grassroots, word-of-

mouth cam-paign that di-rectly engages firefighters and raises greater aware-ness and support for the fallen fire-fighter founda-tions. After the Sperian Fallen Firefighters Program con-cludes June 30, donation checks will be

presented at ceremonies in July. You can learn more about the dona-tion and check on the latest news about Sperian and the Fallen Firefighters Founda-tion at www.sperianfire.com.

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Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association, Inc.P.O. Box 147Lynnfield, MA 01940-0147

Register now...www.femsa.org/meetingReg2009 FEMSA Annual Meeting and Capitol Hill Day Events

October 8th and 9th

Register now...www.femsa.org/meetingReg2009 FEMSA Annual Meeting and Capitol Hill Day Events

October 8th and 9th

Documents

FEMSA News Summer 2009 Newsletter