Command Post: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

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December 21, 2007	SUBSCRIBE	UNSUBSCRIBE	PREFERENCES

Study in Eastern Kentucky University's completely online programs: Bachelor of Science in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology with a concentration in Fire Administration and Certificate in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology. 1-866-277-9878 • www.firescience.eku.edu.

2008 ERG at 2004 Pricing
The 2008 edition of the ERG is expected to be released in early 2008. Reserve your copies now at 2004 pricing — you won't be billed until they ship!

www.jjkeller.com/erg2008

Table Of Contents

	The Gift that Keeps on Giving
	Volunteer Firefighter Act Passes House
	IAFC Issues Vehicle Safety Reminder
	Maine Fire Chiefs Move Toward Interoperability
	Hannan Named Charlotte Fire Chief
	Schantz in as Emergency Management Coordinator
	Asst. Fire Chief Dies of Heart Attack
	Send Holiday Greetings Overseas
	Dangerous Waters
	At a Premium
	Study Group
	Full Calendar at FireChief.com

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From Janet's Notebook

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

By Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director

"It's the most wonderful time of the year," especially here in Chicago. There's snow on the ground for this long weekend before Christmas, and there's sure to be more for New Year's Eve.

Between your shifts and call-outs, I hope you'll have time with family and many friends over the next 10 days. Can I suggest an idea for a gift from you to them? Give the gift of your knowledge.

Start in your own home by reviewing your escape plan. Ask your spouse or partner, kids and grandkids what one location would they meet at outside if there were an emergency in your home? (Babysitters should know this information, too.) Do your children have your home phone number as the first speed dial or in ICE on their cell phones? Click Here for More ...

Polycom's Grant Assistance Program (PGAP) helps fire departments find and apply for funding sources, such as the Assistance to Firefighters grant, to buy critical communications equipment for training and distance learning. Go to www.polycom.com/pgap to learn more. We provide up to $1,500 towards the cost of grant writers to help you apply.

Top Story

Volunteer Firefighter Act Passes House

The House of Representatives passed the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act, prohibiting the federal government from taxing benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by state and local governments. Click Here for More ...

Take the Fire Chief and Mountain State University Pop Quiz.

Mountain State University provides working professionals affordable, convenient and completely online leadership degree programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Click here to put your knowledge to the test and you could win a free iPod from Mountain State University.

In the News

IAFC Issues Vehicle Safety Reminder

The International Association of Fire Chiefs urges fire departments to review their vehicle operations policies and safety procedures in response to the increasing number of critical vehicle crashes involving fire and EMS response vehicles in the past several weeks. Click Here for More ...

Maine Fire Chiefs Move Toward Interoperability

The Maine Fire Chiefs' Association began planning the implementation of the two Assistance to Firefighters Grants awarded for regional interoperable communications. Click Here for More ...

Hannan Named Charlotte Fire Chief

Deputy Fire Chief Jon Hannan has been named fire chief for the city of Charlotte, N.C., effective Dec. 30. Hannan will replace Luther Fincher, who will retire on Dec. 29 after 42 years with the department. Click Here for More ...

Schantz in as Emergency Management Coordinator

Shelby County, Ind., native Mike Schantz has come out of retirement to become the county's first full-time emergency management coordinator. Click Here for More ...

Asst. Fire Chief Dies of Heart Attack

Derry (Pa.) Volunteer Fire Department First Asst. Chief Alphonse Vincent Germano Jr. died Dec. 15 of an apparent heart attack. He was 60. Germano had more than 18 years of service. Click Here for More ...

Do you have questions? We have answers!

FireChief.com is featuring a new service where you can ask industry professionals your questions in specific categories. Class 1 is currently answering questions related to Electronics, and Hale is currently answering questions related to Pumps.

If you would like to be an expert on FireChief.com you can learn more about the program here.

Firefighters Abroad

Send Holiday Greetings Overseas

During this holiday season, many American firefighters are doing double-duty for their country, serving as soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and in other nations abroad. Command Post readers have contributed the names of the soldiers on this list; these are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, colleagues and friends, fathers and mothers in the fire service family. Click Here for More ...

From Mutual Aid, a FIRE CHIEF Blog

Dangerous Waters

By Rick Markley, Editor

When Universal Pictures released the second Jaws movie in 1978, it came with the tag line, "Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water." It was the original movie's scariness that made this tag line resonate. Click Here for More ...

Attention Wildland Fire Management Professionals
Wildfire Magazine is the resource chief and wildland managers use in their efforts against urban-interface and wildland fires. Each issue of Wildfire focuses on the demands of leaders responsible for managing and controlling wildland fires. Wildfire addresses issues at the local, state and federal levels and provides a unique international perspective.
Subscribe to Wildfire magazine - wildfiremag.com/subscribe_now

As Seen in FIRE CHIEF

At a Premium

By Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director

Charleston's Class 1 rating has raised many questions about ISO's rating system. Vice President Mike Waters has some answers. Click Here for More ...

Study Group

By Chris DeChant & Jim Higgins

A new joint-use public safety training facility uses state-of-the-art props to enhance both team and individual preparedness. Click Here for More ...

Upcoming Events

Full Calendar at FireChief.com

Do you have an upcoming event to share with our readers? Please send information to Lisa Allegretti, Managing Editor, at lisa@firechief.com.

JANUARY 2008

Firefighter Life-Safety Initiatives Program Facilitators Forum
12, Rockville, Md., or
19, Brighton, Mich.
Contact: 609-397-1370;
www.everyonegoeshome.com

Firefighter Life-Safety Initiatives Implementation Workshop
13, Rockville, Md., or
20, Brighton, Mich.
Contact: 609-397-1370;
www.everyonegoeshome.com

20th Annual Apparatus Specification & Vehicle Maintenancy Symposium
20-23, Orlando, Fla.
Contact: Sally McCormack, FDSOA, 508-881-3114; www.fdsoa.org

Fire-Rescue East
22-26, Jacksonville, Fla.
Contact: Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, www.ffca.org

Working Together Emergency Services Midwest Conference & Exposition
30-Feb. 2, Milwaukee, Wis.
Contact: Don Hunjadi, 800-793-6820; www.wisconsinems.com/conf.htm

FEBRUARY 2008

Public Safety Grant Writing
6-7, Atlanta
Contact: David Furrer, Chief Grants, 800-733-9281, x 4535; www.chiefsupply.com/grants/seminars.asp

APRIL 2008

Technical Large-Animal Rescue Training
18-20 or 22-24, Lexington, Ky.
Contact: Eastern Kentucky University Loss Prevention and Safety Department, 859-622-1009

Hazmat Decontamination of Large Animals
25, Lexington, Ky.
Contact: Eastern Kentucky University Loss Prevention and Safety Department, 859-622-1009