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TTHHEE CCAAPPIITTAALL BBUULLLLEETTIINN June 10th, 2017

Tom Rinaldi, Editor

Information for Fire District Commissioners, Treasurers, Secretaries and Chiefs If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Fredrick Douglas

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Due to being at the State Chief’s Expo next week, there will not be a Capital Bulletin next week, the next issue will be on the 24th of June. I know I will see many of you there.

Do any of you do Physiology Testing or full Background Checks for prospective new members. Please answer me at trinaldi@arvinhart.org – Thanks.

NFPA announces the fire prevention week theme for 2017; “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out”

WEBINAR; AVOIDING THE PAPER AVALANCHE THE QUEST FOR THE PAPERLESS OFFICE o Tuesday June 20th, 10:30 to 11:30am presented by NYS Archives register on their website at: To

register, please go to our website at: http://www.archives.nysed.gov/workshops/schedule/avoiding-the-paper-avalanche-the-quest-for-the-paperless-office-webinar-2017-06-20

Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman said Wednesday she'll hire 100 firefighters now that the fire union has won an arbitration case dealing with firefighters' schedules. Neuman said she'll ask the County Council for $3 million to pay for the new firefighters and add fire training academy classes. The county had proposed moving firefighters from a "one day on, three days off" schedule to a "one day on, two days off" schedule. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts. Neuman said in negotiations earlier this year that the county "put an attractive financial package on the table" to try to convince firefighters to agree to the new schedule, but no deal was struck and the issue ended up in arbitration. "The Fire Department has been clear that they need one day on and three days off," Neuman said.

National Grid will demonstrate a Live Line and Gas Safety Demo on June 27th at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds. If you have never seen this, it will give you a new respect for high voltage. Live Line demos, 9 – 11- 1pm; Gas Safety 10 – 12 – 2pm. You must RSVP emergencyservices@saratogacountyny.gov

NFPA Report: Cardiac Issues Remain Leading Cause of On-duty Firefighter Deaths The National Fire Protection Association has released its annual report on firefighter fatalities in the United States, and a leading cause of on-duty deaths in the fire service remains cardiac issues despite those deaths hitting an all-time low in 2016. Last year's total of 69 on-duty deaths marked the fifth time in six years that the number was below 70, according to the NFPA's 2016 Report. The 26 deaths attributed to cardiac issues marked the fewest since the NFPA began this study in 1977,

For Gosh Sakes if you plan on attending this year’s State Chief’s conference, do something different, take the time to attend the Opening Session, Keynote Speaker and the Memorial Service. Thursday 9am in the Showroom, first floor. Please don’t just kick the tires and look for a tee shirt, go to one of the many educational programs being offered, you won’t be disappointed and you just might learn something.

The best place to find referenced information will be the Capital Area site at www.afdca.org. or the State Association site at www.afdsny.org and you will be directed as such.

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If there are changes on your Board please let us know, new members, no longer members, new email addresses, we need to know to change our records.

Register on the Capital Area Web Site at afdca.org. to be able access everything.

Future meeting dates all are at the West Crescent Fire Station unless otherwise noted: 7pm, Thursday July 13th 7pm, maybe a cook out? Thursday September 14th 7pm, Thursday November 9th 7pm (Elections), Saturday January 6th 2017 reorganizational meeting.

Mark it on your Calendar, the Capital Area Association of Fire Districts Fall Workshop November 11th 2017 Boght Community Fire District, Latham NY

Subjects to be Covered Are: Human Resource Issues for the Volunteer Fire Service – Mike Dallessandro

Role of the PIO for the Fire District – Art Hunsinger Your Opportunity to Ask the Attorney

Attorneys Bill Young, Tim & Terry Hannigan and Jack Clarke

As always the workshop is planned on a half day schedule beginning at 8:30 and ending with Lunch provided.

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Last Day in 2017 to obtain Commissioner Training is September 28th 2017

It’s Official, the Annual Meeting and workshops move to the Marriott on Wolf Road in April of 2018

NEW WEBSITE GOES LIVE: THE NEW STATE ASSOCIATION WEB SITE IS WWW.AFDSNY.ORG

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ON-SITE AND ON-LINE COMMISSIONER TRAINING CHANGES New Contact for 2017

Cathy Deluca AFDSNY Program Coordinator

PO Box 496 Selkirk, NY 12158

(C) (518) 275-6585 program.coordinator@afdsny.org

Association Web Site www.afdsny.org

BBEESSTT PPRRAACCTTIICCEESS None Reported this Week.

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Cutting edge technology helps Arizona firefighters with early skin cancer detection Firefighters are at an elevated risk of getting the deadly skin cancer, melanoma. In fact they are three times more likely to get it than the general population. That's according to a recent study. But now cutting-edge technology has just arrived in Tucson to help protect our first responders. "The first time you hear somebody say you have cancer – it's definitely a shocking thing," Northwest Fire Deputy Chief, Ryder Hartley said. After 17 years as a firefighter with the Northwest District, Ryder Hartley has been treated four times for Basal cell skin cancer. "That's a scar on the side of my neck," Hartley said. However, it is not just from sun exposure. With fires burning hotter and faster now as more homes are built with synthetic materials, chemicals are released and can seep through the cloth on their helmets. Hartley believes the “Derm Spectra” machine will play a crucial role in early detection, especially for Arizona firefighters, as the state has the highest rate of skin cancer in the country. “Melanoma is a very deadly type of skin cancer but if identified early, 98 percent of those cases are curable,” Well America Physician, Dr. Wayne Peate said. Dr. Wayne Peate explains the screening process. After a series of photographs, every inch of skin is documented and put on a CD for the firefighter’s dermatologist. So at every check-up, doctors can monitor any changes. “It eliminates the recall bias, did that look bigger last time or not?” Dr. Peate said. Dr. Peate hopes to open this resource up to the public down the road. For Hartley, he said he takes pride in protecting our community and is looking forward to having a new way to protect his fellow firefighters. The Greater Tucson Fire Foundation is helping to provide more than 1,800 southern Arizona firefighters with free skin cancer testing. The Foundation along with the Pima County Fire Chiefs Association each donated more than $11,000 to purchase the “Derm Spectra.” The machine cost a total of $115,000.

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Click control/enter on the Green to submit!!

Tell Congress to Create a National Firefighter Cancer Registry! U.S. Representative and Senators to cosponsor the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act! The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would provide access to better information regarding the relationship between duty-related exposures and the increased risk of cancer. Ask your

Tell Congress to Make Volunteer Benefits Tax-Free! The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (H.R. 1550) exempts property tax benefits and up to $600 per year in other incentives that volunteer fire and EMS personnel receive as a reward for their service from being taxed by the federal government. Contact your U.S. Representative using the NVFC's Legislative Action Center and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1550!

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Tell Congress to Increase Cap on LOSAP Contributions! The LOSAP CAP Adjustment Priority (LOSAP CAP) Act (H.R. 1720) would increase the annual cap on contributions into an individual's length of service award plan (LOSAP) account, and create a mechanism for the cap to increase with inflation. The current cap was established in 1996 and has not been adjusted since. LOSAPs are retirement plans for volunteer emergency services personnel, and approximately 20 percent of volunteer firefighters nationwide participate in one.

Tell Your Senators to Support AFG/SAFER Reauthorization! Legislation reauthorizing the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs (S. 829) has been introduced by Senators John McCain, Thomas Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Jon Tester (D-MT). The bill extends the authorization for AFG and SAFER through 2023 and eliminates a "sunset" provision currently set to take effect in January 2018 that would eliminate the programs.

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Just 7 days left in this session.

Association of Fire Districts Legislative Scorecard Updated June 7th

The Scorecard has already grown to 8 pages! Control/Click to open here:

http://afdca.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2017-Bills-May-Scorecard-7June2017.doc

ISSUES OF UNITED CONCERN Legislation

1. Expanded Cancer Coverage – (S1411 Griffo/A711 Gunther) Provides a rebuttable presumption that several types of

cancer are covered under VFBL and VAWBL.

Has Passed in the Senate, stuck in Assembly Local Government Committee despite being

sponsored by about 80 members of the Assembly. The fire service organizations may offer

some mitigative measures to get this bill moved out of committee.

2. Fair Play Ambulance Cost Recovery for Fire Departments – (S363A Little/A7717A Jones) Allows all fire

departments and fire districts to bill for ambulance services to even the playing field with all other ambulance providers

across the state.

In Assembly Local Govt Committee, In Senate moved to Finance Committee. There is hope

for this bill this session. The bill has been amended and recommitted to the Finance

Committee.

3. Illegal Building Conversions –(S6178 Brooks/A1226 Zebrowski ) The IUC supports the continuation of discussions

and cooperation with the New York Department of State and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention Control to

address the issue of illegal building conversions which endanger residents of the illegally converted buildings and fire

firefighters. The IUC further supports any regulatory or legislative initiatives that result from these discussions.

Passed in the Assembly, referred to the Senate Housing, Construction and Community

Development Committee.

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VFBL/VAWBL Increase – (S3904 Griffo/A6367 Magnarelli) Provides for an increase in VFBL/VAWBL temporary

total disability benefit levels from $400 to $650 per week for those volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers injured

after July 1, 2017.

This has passed in the Assembly, referred to the Senate Local Government Committee

Chaired by Kathy Marchione and has moved Rules Committee on 6/617.

4. Fire Apparatus Lemon Law – Provides that Fire, and E.M.S vehicles and apparatus be included under the New York

State Lemon Law.

5. Upholstered Furniture Fire Safety Standards –(S742 Richie/A3368 Brindisi) Enhances fire safety standards for

upholstered furniture by methods that do not require the use of cancer causing fire retardants.

In the Senate in the Environmental Conservation Committee, Referred to the Assembly

Codes Committee and has Advanced to Third Reading on the Calendar on 5/25/17

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June 14 – 17th NYSAFC 111th Annual Conference & FIRE 2017 Expo June 14-17, 2017 Turning Stone Resort • Verona, NY Program details and registration form

FASNY Convention August 9-12 2017 Holiday Inn Electronics Parkway, Exit 37 NYS T-way, Liverpool, NY

New York State Fire Marshals & Inspectors Assoc. Annual Conference Location: Liverpool, NY The New York State Fire Marshals & Inspectors Association Annual Educational Conference 2017 Liverpool, New York September 5th through September 8th.

TTHHEE CCHHIIEEFF’’SS CCOORRNNEERR When a Fire Chief Needs to Go to All Hands, in Person Communication

Linda Willing In response to hazing scandals resulting in lawsuits, FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro recently announced that he would meet in person with every fire officer on the New York City Fire Department, over 900 of them. Groups of officers would attend meetings at the Randall’s Island training facility. According to a department source that spoke to the New York Daily News, Commissioner Nigro “decided it was important to make his position forcefully known to key supervisors and the entire FDNY leadership that hazing is unacceptable, it’s prohibited and it will not be tolerated.” The decision to bring in every department officer for a face-to-face meeting with the fire commissioner is unprecedented. It is one example of how such meetings can reinforce policy and support organizational cultural change. But there is a cost involved with getting people together in this way. And in an age of wide choices with communications technology, does it really make sense to go to the trouble of holding such meetings or training sessions? It does, for several reasons. Virtual classrooms, online videos, remote interactive sessions – all these formats work well for some topics. But in-person sessions have some key advantages, especially for difficult topics. Here are five of those reasons.

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Logistic challenge message Bringing people together in the same physical space is difficult, no matter how big your fire department is. The logistics are challenging, and making it happen requires an investment of time and money. Yet these barriers are exactly why in-person meetings can better emphasize the importance of the message being delivered. Department leaders make a clear statement with their actions: this topic is important enough for us to spend time and money on, and we demand everyone’s attention to it. Complete communication Face-to-face meetings or training sessions allow for more complete communication than can happen through a virtual format. The same words can be conveyed through a video training or teleconference, but such media make it much more difficult to assess things like tone of voice, body language, gesture and inflection. These non-verbal cues in many cases contain more of the true substance of any communication. And, technology can distort or garble messages, or simply not work at all. 3. Better consistency Consistency is much more controllable within a face-to-face format. Consistency plays a role in several ways. In the example above, the fire commissioner plans to present the information personally to every group. Not only does he have the authority of position in conveying the information, but the message will be the same for every meeting. The presentation setting will also be consistent, which is usually not the case for virtual learning where some crews might watch a video together while others might do it individually. In a virtual format, multitasking among participants is common, diminishing the focus on the presentation. 4. Better questions In-person meetings allow for questions to be asked and answered in a way not possible within a virtual format. Of course, technology often allows for interaction and questions during a presentation. But it’s different. Many people watching a training video do not ask questions even if they can. They may be unaware that others watching might also be confused or want clarification, something that can be sensed and addressed by a skilled presenter. And if others do ask questions, all participants might not always hear or understand the interchange. 5. Better accountability Finally, accountability is enhanced through live training and meetings. People see each other in the same room, hearing the same message. There is no ambiguity about the intention. Questions can be answered. Key points are emphasized. The take-away is clear, and everyone is on the same page with what it is. It is logistically difficult to get large numbers of firefighters together in the same place for any reason. With existing and developing technologies, it is tempting to just go virtual for all training needs. There is no question that technology can enhance many fire service training efforts. But when I hear about departments using canned videos to combat bullying, or using an online PowerPoint presentation to meet sexual harassment training requirements, I worry. These are topics that demand discussion, that require skilled facilitation, and for which poor training can actually do more harm than good. If an issue is difficult and challenging, it is likely that virtual communication will not address all concerns or questions with it. If leadership wants to clearly make the point about the urgency and priority of the topic, then there is really only one way to go. People have to show up, in person, and have the conversation.

Why do we have a Chief’s Corner? Chief Officers are the operational staff of the Fire District and are responsible to the Board of Fire Commissioners just as the Board is responsible for the Chiefs and the members of the fire company. The attempt is to cover administrative or issues of responsibility for Chiefs.

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DDEESSIIGGNNIINNGG BBUUIILLDDIINNGGSS OORR AAPPPPAARRAATTUUSS

Considering Health and Safety in Fire Station Design By Jeffery Bacidore According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 68,085 firefighter injuries reported in the United States in 2015, and 38,955 of those injuries were not sustained on the fireground. Sprain, strain and muscular pain resulted in more than 60 percent of the non-fireground injuries. Despite these statistics, the total number of on-duty, non-fireground injuries has seen a reduction in the past five years (NFPA, 2016). This reduction has been in part due to an increase in the number of fire departments considering safety and risk management into fire station planning, renovation, and design to make safer environments for first responders. Importance of health and safety in firehouse design Building and/or facility safety is more important in a fire station than in most other buildings. Examples of risk reduction designs are those that minimize response times by providing safe, unobstructed, and well-lit pathways of travel to the apparatus bay and utilization of flooring materials that reduce slip hazards. In order to provide safe operations and improved health and wellness of firefighting personnel, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) (1997; 2016)) has published the following general recommendations when designing a fire station: Comply with all legally applicable health, safety, building and fire code requirements. Provide facilities for disinfection, cleaning, and storage in accordance with NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program. NFPA 1581 provides guidelines that recommend against the cleaning and disinfecting of protective clothing and equipment, portable equipment, and other clothing in areas used for food preparation. Other guidelines include the cleaning of food and cooking utensils, personal hygiene, sleeping and living. Requirements for disinfection include two sinks with a sprayer attachment, a rack with a drain to the sewer, medical-type non-grasp controls on faucets, and hot and cold water. Providing smoke detectors in work, sleeping, and general storage areas is also required. Comply with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code or locally adopted requirements of the building code. Design provisions for the ventilation of vehicle exhaust emissions from fire apparatus and other vehicles to prevent exposure to firefighters and contamination of living and sleeping areas. Designate smoke-free areas including work, sleeping, kitchen, and eating areas. Inspect annually to determine compliance with all legally applicable health, safety, building, and fire code requirements. Inspections must be documented and recorded. Inspect monthly to identify and correct/document any safety or health hazards. Establish a system to maintain facilities and to promptly correct any safety/health hazards or code violations. Protect stations with automatic sprinkler systems. Design begins with proper planning Adequate planning is the key to a successful station design that addresses all safety and health hazards. Station planning is an essential step of the design process and should include an expert design team, which consist of not only fire department staff, but a qualified architect and contractor who are familiar with fire station design. Contracting with firms that have a demonstrated record in fire station design and construction, a design portfolio, and knowledge of safe/functional design elements is necessary. A fundamental part of the design process begins with conducting a needs and risk assessment. The needs assessment involves identifying specific needs for the construction of the station. When needs are adequately identified, then the design team responsible for station planning can research and recommend design solutions that satisfy those needs in terms of economy and in meeting safety and health requirements. When designing a fire station many of the requirements can be addressed if the design team considers the following:

Electrical/shock hazards

Slip, trip, fall hazards

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Vehicle hazards

Falling objects

Overexertion

Hazardous materials

Diesel and vehicle exhaust hazards

Food and water-borne infections

Decontamination/cleaning areas to reduce cancer risks

Noise

Earthquake and other natural disasters

Fire

Theft, burglary, violence and station security Andrew Jasek, northern regional manager for FGM Architects, a Midwest-based architect firm, has designed numerous fire stations. As an expert in the field, he has recommended the following fire station design elements:

Heat in the apparatus bay floor provides comfort, less slippage risk, and quicker drying time

High-speed coiling doors can reduce door and vehicle incidents

Furniture ergonomics considerations have come mostly from manufacturers, but more attention is focusing on human comfort and health (improved chairs, standing desks/workstations)

Improved apparatus bay acoustics allow for improved ability to hear tones and messages with reduction in engine noise

Heated apparatus aprons

Integrated storm shelter designs are now required for public buildings in the new building codes—this is a BIG one!

LED lighting and ramping tones for emergency calls especially at night

The use of vending machines for medications and EMS supplies

Expanded fitness room dimensions to accommodate popular cross-fit workouts; the apparatus bay floor can be utilized as well

Utilization of natural daylighting—always important

Utilization of ultra violet (UV) cleansing within the heating and ventilation systems to reduce/eliminate airborne virus/bacteria

The planning and designing of a safe and well-functioning fire station is not an easy task. Many hours need to be spent when considering each of the elements discussed. It is a good idea and time well-spent for the design team to visit other fire stations to see just how other departments designed their station and inquire as too what would be done different. Firefighters typically do not hesitate to discuss what works and what doesn’t work. Design trends with health and safety in mind There have been several trends in designing fire stations that are not only exceptional in functionality and architecture, but more importantly, take into consideration firefighter safety and health issues. I have had the opportunity to serve on the judging panel for the Firehouse Station Style Design Award Contest. Notable trends that include design elements with safety in mind include:

Separate laundry areas for firefighter gear and station laundry such as uniforms; This is important as cancer among firefighters is increasing. Firefighting gear and uniforms should be cleaned in separate locations so cross contamination does not occur.

Separate cleanup/decontamination areas for EMS equipment; Once again the cleaning of blood and body fluid should be in a separate designated area away from other station clean areas.

Vehicle exhaust systems; this has been an issue for some years but there are still stations out there that do not have them. Removing exhaust fumes is a must in today’s fire station.

Carbon Monoxide detection on apparatus floor and living areas; we require carbon monoxide detection in our homes and places we live, why not a fire station. We owe firefighters the same protection as we do in our homes.

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To prevent cross contamination, consider HVAC systems that maintain a relative pressure differential between apparatus bays and living/office areas.

Bunk rooms on the same level as apparatus room which includes unobstructed pathways to the apparatus room; In the middle of the night firefighters are required to go from a sound sleep to getting to their apparatus quickly. Stairs and fire poles are accidents waiting to happen. If possible, make the travel to the apparatus as easy as safe as possible.

Security features that include controlled access to living areas and video surveillance systems; we live in a day that we can no longer allow access to the public to our living spaces. Homes and businesses limit access to the public why not a fire station. I believe firefighters welcome the added privacy and security.

Summary Does risk management have anything to do with fire station design? As a former Fire Chief and now a Risk Management Consultant, the answer is most definitely “yes”! The Fire Chief is responsible to develop, implement and evaluate a risk management program for the fire department. A successful program involves commitment, involvement, identifying/controlling hazards, compliance, training, mutual respect, good communication and continuous evaluation and improvement. Considering safety and risk management into fire station planning, renovation, and design provides for safer environments for first responders. Fire departments spend countless hours and money making the fire scene safe for firefighters, they should not disregard the building in which firefighters spend the most of their time.

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Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program 101 Are Applications Current Being Accepted: Yes Federal Register Notice: PDF Program Funding: $1,500,000 Program Factsheet PDF What does this program do? The Agency will make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, (such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations) to provide associations Technical Assistance and/or training with respect to essential community facilities programs. The Technical Assistance and/or training will assist communities, Indian Tribes, and Nonprofit Corporations to identify and plan for community facility needs that exist in their area. Once those needs have been identified, the Grantee can assist in identifying public and private resources to finance those identified community facility needs. Who may apply for this program? Public bodies Non-profit organizations Federally Recognized Tribes What is an eligible area?

Rural areas including cities, villages, townships, towns and Federally Recognized Tribal Lands i outside the boundaries of a city of 20,000 or more. How may funds be used? Assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs; Identify resources to finance community facility needs from public and private sources; Prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to develop community facilities; Prepare applications for Agency financial assistance; Improve the management, including financial management, related to the operation of community facilities; or Assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary. What kind of funding is available? Maximum grant award is $150,000 Grant funds are limited and are awarded through a competitive process

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Are matching funds required? Matching funds are not required but preference is giving to applications with cash matching funds. In-kind contributions cannot be used as matching funds Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and nonprofit entities are encouraged How do we get started? Applications are accepted on an annual basis through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in the Federal Register Program Resources are available online (includes forms needed, guidance, certifications etc.) Who can answer questions? Contact your local RD office. What governs this program? 7 CFR 3570 Subpart F; Code of Federal Regulation; 2 CFR 200 and Guidelines announced in NOFA, published in the Federal Register. NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change please always consult the program Instructions listed in the section above titled "What Law Governs this Program?" You may also contact your State Office CF TAT Contact for assistance.

First Responders Comprehensive

Addiction and Recovery Act (FR-CARA) Cooperative Agreement

Provide emergency treatment of opioid overdoses

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2017 First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (FR-CARA) Cooperative Agreements. SAMHSA will award FR-CARA funds to states, tribes and tribal organizations, and local governmental entities. Local governmental entities include, but are not limited to, municipal corporations, counties, cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, and townships. The purpose of this program is to allow first responders and members of other key community sectors to administer a drug or device approved or cleared under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Grantees will train and provide resources to first responders and members of other key community sectors at the state, tribal, and local governmental levels on carrying and administering a drug or device approved or cleared under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Grantees will also establish processes, protocols, and mechanisms for referral to appropriate treatment and recovery communities. Deadline: July 31, 2017

State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant It’s that time again! State Farm Neighborhood Assist® is back to offer $25,000 grants for worthy community causes to help good neighbors turn caring into doing. We're now accepting applications! You can submit one application in each of 3 categories: Education, Safety and Community Development. So think about an issue you care about in your neighborhood. Then, submit how you would use a $25,000 grant to help you do something to improve it. Lastly, upload photos that best capture the essence of the good you want to do for each cause that you submit.

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Before you get started, one thing to note: If you participated last year, you'll need to create a new account for this year's program. You won’t be able to login using 2016 credentials. Submissions end on June 21, 2017, or when 2,000 submissions are reached, whichever comes first. So, get started now. Spots fill up fast! You can find everything you need to know about submitting an application at NeighborhoodAssist.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

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FAQ 15-11 Our fire district has volunteers who are EMT qualified individuals; a local combination paid/volunteer EMS provider is willing to provide gift cards to our volunteers as an incentive to provide stand by services during an event that a local business regularly holds which requires EMS availability. What is the effect of our EMTs accepting gift cards from either the independent EMS provider, or from our fire company to provide this service? Also, what is the effect if the members provided stand by services for this business but did not receive any personal donation or reward for doing so?

There is definitely a need to be concerned with your firefighter/EMTs accepting gift cards from any source for services provided by them. Any activities that they engage in on those occasions would not be covered by VFBL as a “line of duty" performance by a volunteer firefighter as defined in Section 3 (3.) of the Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law. It should also be cautioned that the firefighter’s protection from liability afforded them under Section 205-b of the General Municipal law may be compromised by the acceptance of gift cards. Lastly, and least importantly any credit that they would receive towards a LOSAP benefit could not be earned for activities for which they are receiving a gift card.

The Second part of the question is answered by saying; Very possibly the stand by activity could be classified as a drill and therefore injuries or liability would be covered under Section 5(1-e) of the VFBL and Section 205-b of the General Municipal Law. But, it is strongly suggested that you confirm that possibility with the insurance carrier providing VFBL coverage for the Fire District, so that there is no back-peddling if an incident or a claim is made.

There are 20 Complete Editions of FAQs on the State Association Web Page - - www.afdsny.org You must have a log in under the Member Center to access the FAQs, any member of a dues paying fire district can obtain

an individual log on account, just request it through the web page. Disclaimer: The legal opinions published here by the Association of Fire Districts are meant to provide guidance for fire district commissioners. The materials available are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individual author at the time the facts were presented and based on the law then applicable. The information contained in these opinions is not guaranteed to be up to date. The information provided is not legal advice. Since legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing on this site should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel. The authors assume no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained herein and disclaim all liability in respect to such information. You should not act upon information in this publication without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted to practice in your jurisdiction.

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Gov. Scott Walker's administration quickly reverses itself on fire sprinkler

decision By: Patrick Marley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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MADISON – Gov. Scott Walker’s administration abruptly backed off Wednesday on plans to roll back a requirement for fire sprinklers, but the state might not adopt other safety standards that firefighters say would save lives. In recent weeks, Walker's Department of Safety and Professional Services has quietly advanced plans to end the requirement that fire sprinklers be installed in apartment buildings with three to 20 units. Two hours after the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and other USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin websites posted a story about the plan Wednesday, agency officials said they were dropping the idea. "That will not be recommended," said Deputy Secretary Eric Esser. "It will be status quo." The agency so far has declined to expand the use of circuit interrupters that prevent fire and electrocution, as recommended by an advisory committee. Such a provision would protect families buying new homes at an added cost of a few hundred dollars, said firefighters, fire chiefs and advocates for burn victims. But Esser on Wednesday said no final decisions have been made on that provision. A committee of experts assembled by the department voted 9-1 last year to expand the use of circuit interrupters. But department officials at least initially decided to pass on those recommendations. The planned overhaul of the state’s electrical and building codes is dangerous, said Wauwatosa Fire Chief Rich Ugaste, president of the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association. “It not only puts civilians’ lives at risk, it puts firefighters' lives at risk,” he said. “A department that has safety in its name and safety in its mission should not be doing things that are unsafe for the public.” Ugaste talked to the Journal Sentinel before the provision on fire sprinklers was dropped. He was discussing the provisions on both sprinklers and circuit interrupters. In September, the department's advisory panel on the electrical code recommended that it require builders to install circuit interrupters in more instances in new homes. Circuit interrupters, which include reset buttons on outlets and in circuit boxes, sense current and arcing and prevent electrical fires and electrocution. In December, less than three months after it completed its work, the committee was told its recommendations were being rejected, said Bill Neitzel, an electrical inspector and the chairman of the advisory panel. Committee members were frustrated their recommendations were being tossed aside when they had voted for it 9-1, he said. “Three of the contractors (on the panel) came out of their chairs, saying, ‘Why did you waste our time?’ ” Neitzel said. The recommendations were based on industry safety standards. Neitzel downplayed cost concerns, saying homebuyers can find ways to save money without sacrificing safety. “Maybe that home doesn’t need granite countertops,” he said. “Maybe it doesn’t need gold-plated faucets. Maybe it needs safety protection.” The Wisconsin Builders Association backed the administration's initial plan to scale back the use of fire sprinklers and stand pat on the use of circuit interrupters. Brad Boycks, the executive director of the homebuilders group, said Wisconsin would still have safe housing under such codes, but he did not dispute the claims of Ugaste and others that it could cost lives.

13 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

Requiring more circuit interrupters could add $500 to $600 to the cost of a new home, Boycks said. “Those are real dollars,” he said. “We always want to keep the cost of housing low so people have housing options. ... When you raise the price of housing, you price families out.” But Amy Acton, the executive director of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, said Wisconsin should not put lives at stake to save a few hundred dollars for homebuyers. “To me, that’s just a total no-brainer,” she said. “I don’t think anybody who’s building a home is going to notice $400 circuit interrupters.” About 2,500 people die a year in home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. “It’s just going backward in protecting our families, our children, our property,” Acton said.

Since January 1st 2017 civilian fire deaths in just 1 & 2 family dwellings have been;

Nationally – 664 + 12= 676 IN New York State – 42 + 0= 42 No Deaths in 82 Days!

Latest Death On 5/20/17 – 62yo Male, Staten Island, Richmond County IN 2016

There were 1496 residential fire deaths in 1 & 2 family dwellings nationally.

In New York State 88 friends, neighbors and relatives perished in fires in 1 & 2 family dwellings

FFIINNAANNCCIIAALLLLYY SSPPEEAAKKIINNGG

FIRE DISTRICT BUDGET PROCESS 2017

On or before September 26th 2017 Required Action

Adopt proposed budget for 2018, including fund balance estimate for 2017 (Town Law [“TL”] §181[2]).

File budget with fire district secretary

(TL§181[3]).

Post budget on fire district’s website (if district maintains as website)

(TL§181[3]).

Provide copy of proposed budget for 2018, including fund balance estimate for 2017 to town

clerk of towns in which district is located. (no statutory reference, but best practice)

Between September 27th ; October 2nd 2017 Required Action

Post notice of budget hearing on fire district

14 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

website and signboard (if district maintains a website/signboard) (TL§175-c[1]).

Provide copy of notice of budget hearing to town

clerk of towns in which district is located. (Each town clerk must post the notice on their town’s website

and on clerk’s bulletin board and town signboard)(TL§175-c[2]).

Provide copy of notice of budget hearing to town clerk of towns and secretaries of fire districts

with which district contracts. (Each town clerk and fire district secretary receiving

notice must post it on the town or district website; town clerks must also post the notice on clerk’s bulletin board and town signboard)

(TL§175c-[2]).

On or before October 12th 2017 Required Action

Publish notice of budget hearing in official newspaper or, if not official newspaper, in newspaper having general circulation in district,

and publicly post notice (TL§181[3][a]).

Post published notice on fire district’s website (if district maintains a website)(TL§181[3][a]).

Provide copy of proposed budget for public inspection

to town clerk of towns in which district is located [see September 27th tasks stated above]

(TL§181[3][a]).

Provide copy of published notice to town clerk of towns in which district is located (Each town clerk must post

the notice on the town’s website and on the town signboard) (TL§181[3][a]).

After adopting proposed budget complete tax cap

levy form for New York Comptroller’s Office and “save” but do not submit. Determine if proposed budget

will exceed tax cap (GML§ 3-c(3))

October 17th 2017 Required Action

Hold budget hearing (TL§181[3][a]).

After October 17st but before November 3rd 2017 Required Action

Subject to certain restrictions, make changes, alternations and revisions to proposed budget

(TL§181[3][b]).

15 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

Before adopting Fire District Annual Budget

determine if the tax levy will exceed tax levy cap and if so the Fire District

must pass a resolution by a 60% vote of its board to override the tax cap

(GML§ 3-c(5))

On or before November 4th 2017 Required Action

Before adopting Fire District Annual Budget and after passing any resolutions necessary to

override the tax cap levy “submit” the Fire District budget/ tax cap form to the

New York State Comptroller’s Office on the form prescribed by them. (GML3-c(7))

Adopt fire district annual budget

(TL§181[3][b]).

Annual Date On or before 3rd day after adoption

of annual budget

On or before November 7th 2017 Required Action

Fire district secretary delivers two (2) certified copies of fire district annual budget to town clerk of

towns in which district is located (TL§181[3][c]) and obtains receipt.

FFIIRREE SSEERRVVIICCEE RREESSOOUURRCCEE DDOOCCUUMMEENNTT

MUNICIPAL LEASE OR INSTALLMENT PURCHASE CONTRACT; WHICH IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK? By Joe Frank, ESQ. Sounds easier than it is!! Control/Click on the link below: http://afdca.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/MUNICIPAL-LEASE-OR-INSTALLMENT-PURCHASE-CONTRACT.doc

16 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

22001177 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS PPAARRTTNNEERR’’SS

TTHHEEYY SSUUPPPPOORRTT UUSS,, PPLLEEAASSEE SSUUPPPPOORRTT TTHHEEMM The Association of Fire Districts – Capital Area would like to welcome our business partners for 2017. We will provide them exposure here

and will provide space for them to provide educational commentary to help you do your job and make good decisions.

Please Support Those Who Support Us!!

Mitchell Associates Architects

518-765-4571 Specializing in Fire Stations

www.mitchell-architects.com

Complete Line of Insurance Products Ken Andrews, Marketing Coordinator

VFIS of New York 888-834-7691

www.hubbinettecowell.com

518-459-8492 26 Computer Drive Albany, NY 12205 www.bstco.com

Glatfelter Brokerage Services 56 Clifton Country Rd, Suite 205 Clifton Park, NY 12065 800.833.8822 x6982 http:/gbsnewyork.com

HANNIGAN LAW FIRM PLLC

388 Kenwood Avenue

Delmar, New York 12054

P: (518) 869-9911

F: (518) 869-9915

www.hannigan.pro

Hubbinette-Cowell Associates, Inc

FIRE SERVICE SAFETY TESTING Life safety equipment and

ground ladder testing 1-866-788-7373

www.testladders.com

Frank & Sons Body Works

518-346-8119 Expert Fire Truck Repair

www.frankandsonsbodyworks.com

518-783-6933

www.penflexinc.com

Richard H. Dinolfo, CPA 15 Willow Road Queensbury, NY

12804 518-793-9331

rdinolfo@gmail.com

Center for Security

1659 Route 9 125 Main Street Clifton Park So. Glens Falls

NY 12065 NY 12803 518-383-5329 518-761-0812

www.centerforsecurity.com 24 Hour Emergency Service

Safety First Equipment Testing 99 Glass Lake Road

Averill Park, NY 12018 518-674-8363

www.safetyfirstfirehose.com

2388 Route 9 in Malta

518-886-5412 Firefighter Physicals –Medical Screening

Ducharme, Clarke & Sovern, LLP Attorneys at Law

10 Maxwell Drive, Suite 205 Clifton Park, NY 12065

518-373-8758 www.ducharmeclark.com

C.T. Male Associates

Engineering, Surveying Architecture Latham, NY

518-786-7400 www.ctmale.com

David Farstad, Muncipal Banking Officer

652 Albany-Shaker Rd., Albany, NY 12211 P/F: (518) 730-3120

M: 518.506.0075

E: farstadd@pioneerbanking.com

98B Troy Road East Greenbush, NY 12061 518-479-2004

www.dignuminc.com

Dave Meager Adirondack Trust Insurance Agency

POB 336 31 Church St 4th Floor Saratoga Springs, NY

518-886-0611 dmeager@adirondacktrustinsurance.com

Nationalgrid Energy Efficiency Programs

1125 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204 518-810-6224

Robert.muller@nationalgrid.com

17 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

555 Patroon Creek

Albany NY 12206

We are delighted to see these businesses who have partnered with the Capital Area Association and this message is for you! It’s not just about paying a membership and advertising. If you have information which is educational or informative for fire districts please submit it and we will use it in this Bulletin under the appropriate heading. We are inviting you to be a full partner and impart your knowledge to all of those who read this newsletter each week. Explain something, define something, educate us on a standard that you deal with, explain how something works, we have over 1000 readers who want to know.

CCLLAASSSSIIFFIIEEDD SSEECCTTIIOONN

Items For Sale By Verdoy Fire District Ingersoll Rand Air Compressor Model H15TE15, manufactured in 2002, 120 gallon tank, 700rpm pump,

max psig 250, Rating 15 for $1300.00. Compressor was too large for FD needs.

Unimac Dryer, model UT050EMTF5G1W01, manufactured 2001, 208vold 89amp 3phase. Heater input 30.0Kw $1400.00. Was replaced by a gear dryer.

Paul Russell is the point of contact, lorax_trees@yahoo.com, cell phone 518-429-5987

102 Foot Aerial Platform for Sale 1997 KME 102' aerial platform, 2000 GPM pump, no water tank, all maintenance records available, great condition, aerial tested annually and certified.

Contact Commissioner Ken Hassett via email khassett@cliftonparkfire.org

WE INVITE OUR BUSINESS

PARTNERS TO SUBMIT

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION TO BE

INCLUDED IN THIS BULLETIN FOR

DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS AND

CHIEF OFFICERS Write me at tom@rinaldi1.com

2288 5

th Avenue Troy, NY 12180 518-274-7888

www.blannequipment.com

518-842-2123

106 Hannaford Plaza Amsterdam, NY 12010

www.NBTBank.com John Lesniewski

Hudson River Tractor Company

3021 State Route 5-s Fultonville, NY 12072

518-853-8697 www.hudsonrivertractorcompany.com

Haughey Insurance Agency 850 State Route 50

Burnt Hills, NY 12027 518-399-1583

www.haugheyagency.com

PO BOX 4060 CLIFTON PARK NY

518-877-6565

WWW.VRS-SALES.COM

NATHAN SHAKERLEY

555 Patroon Creek Albany NY 12206 (518) 591-4192

518-432-5087 www.thelosapgroup.com,

518-785-0299

www.marvincpa.com

PO Box 558

Voorheesville, NY 12186 518.765.5105

Joseph Mottola Sr. VP www.H2M.com

Fire Districts Mutual Insurance

777 Chestnut Ridge Road Suite 302

Chestnut Ridge NY 10977

1-888-314-3004 www.fdmny.com

Emergency Services Insurance Program

By McNeil & Company PO Box 5670

Cortland, NY 13045 1-800-822-3747

FAX 607-756-6225 www.esip.com

mwhite@mcneilandcompany.com

18 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

BBEE PPRREEPPAARREEDD,, CCHHAANNGGEE IISS CCOOMMIINNGG

Newport and Norway boards plan public hearing on fire district Members of the town boards of Newport and Norway and the village board of Newport adopted a resolution this week to proceed forward with establishing a possible fire district in the area. "Our next (step) will be to have a joint public hearing concerning the fire district," said James Edwards, a former fire chief of the Newport Fire Co. Edwards said the public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at the Town of Norway Community Center, 3114 Military Road, Newport. He said public notices about the hearing have been posted throughout all three municipalities. "Everything went well," he said. "Each entity had a few questions." Edwards said while the formation of a fire district has been in discussion among officials for 10 to 15 years, it was only about two years ago when it got "serious." He said the Newport Fire Co. contracted with Terence Hannigan of Hannigan Law Firm PLLC in Delmar to look into the “pros and cons” of forming a district. The village of Newport currently contracts its fire service with the towns of Newport and Norway. Boundaries of the proposed fire district include parts of the town of Newport and the town of Norway, and all of the village. A notice about the public hearing states the joint fire district objective is “to provide a uniform, equitable and stable system for the governance and funding of fire protection and emergency services as provided by law.” If a fire district is formed, a board of commissioners would be selected to serve as the authority having jurisdiction. Some of the potential issues a fire district could address would be budgeting and financing in both towns and relieve contracting in the village. It might also free up insurance liability for the municipalities, and would help toward long-term planning of finances to purchase equipment. “I think it’s the way of the future,” said village of Newport Mayor Ashley Hennings, noting how other municipalities have taken similar action. Hennings said having the liability removed is one of the benefits of establishing a fire district. “To take that financial liability off of a municipality, it seems better,” said Hennings. “It’s also advantageous for us, possibly, to have more shared services among other fire districts.”

Things Getting Easier in New Jersey When the Norwood Fire Department responded Wednesday to a residential fire alarm there were two firefighters on the truck. Fifteen years ago there would've been six or eight, said Norwood Fire Department President Dominick Congiusti. "We can't get guys to join," he said. "It's progressively getting worse." When he had the ear of Assemblyman Robert Auth (R-Bergen), himself a former volunteer firefighter, at a ceremony in Norwood recently, he used the time to introduce the idea of offering online courses to new firefighters. New volunteers in Bergen County currently have to attended classes at the county police and fire academy in Mahwah two nights a week for six moths, Congiusti said. "The minute you tell them about this, they don't have the time. They can't do it," he said. A bill is expected to be introduced in the state legislature Thursday that would allow volunteer firefighters to do some of their training remotely. Auth says the change is necessary to help boost ranks in firehouses throughout the state. The bill would provide for about half of the new member course hours to be done online. New Hampshire fire department to dissolve after 64 years It served for decades, a firefighting powerhouse that lent equipment to local towns and training to area departments. But then times for the Meadowood County Area Fire Department changed, and fortunes slipped. On Wednesday, a small group of general members and board members voted to bring the 64-year-old department to an end, a long-anticipated move following years of financial losses. Between 2011 and 2013, the organization ran

19 Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

deficits ranging from $5,000 to $12,000, federal tax forms show; it did not file tax forms in 2014 and 2015, according to the IRS.

DDIIDD YYOOUU KKNNOOWW??

In the United States, a pound of potato chips costs two hundred times more than a pound of potatoes.

The moral of the story, make your own, but don’t burn the house down!

The Capital Bulletin is reaching well over 400+ fire district members and now other members of the fire service weekly, which does not include an unknown number of people that it is subsequently shared with by you!

We have recently added the Central Region to the distribution list.

Membership in The Association of Fire Districts of the Capital Area Would you like to join the Association of Fire Districts of the Capital Area and join 75 members in 8 counties? Both fire protection districts

and Village departments are eligible for membership. The yearly membership dues (January 1

st to December 31

st) shall be as follows and shall be based on the annual budget of the Fire

District/Organization; Districts/Organizations with budgets less than $300,000 $100.00 annually Districts/Organizations with budgets more than $300,000 $150.00 annually Associate Members $50.00 annually

Business Partners $100.00 annually

The Capital Bulletin is the newsletter created and edited by Tom Rinaldi, 1st Vice President of the Capital Area Association of Fire Districts and the President of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York. As an officer or employee of a fire district or

Business Partner you are welcome to submit content and information that you would like to share for consideration by the Editor. The content and information you share may find its way into a future issue of The Capital Bulletin. If you wish to submit content,

information or comments to the newsletter, please submit same by email to Tom Rinaldi at tom@rinaldi1.com. Submissions by business partners should be informational and not advertising and may result in a newsletter article as space

permits, but we can assure you that all suggestions will be considered and are appreciated.