Statewide Mutual Aid Plan Growing Stronger
(Posted: 5-7-12)
The IFCA has been involved for several years on the development of an intrastate mutual aid plan. The goal of such a plan would be to use resources from within Idaho to help in an organized manner when another portion of the state requests help. IFCA District 4 Director Perry Oldenburg has led a group in trying to make this plan a reality. In cooperation with the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security a working statewide mutual assistance program is much closer to being a reality. The following is a document of the program:
Idaho Fire Service Resource Response Plan (IFSRRP):
/Assets/dept_1/PM/pdf/Idaho Fire Service Resource Response_2.docx 
2012 Fire Fighter License Plate (FFLP) Grants -
Application period is officially OPEN!
(Posted: 3-21-12)
This year the FFLP Grant application period runs until Friday, June 29th. Please download and carefully read the Grant Instructions before applying. Then complete the Application form and mail it to the IFCA. It is estimated this year that $45,000 in grants will be awarded. Good luck!
Grant Instructions: /Assets/dept_1/PM/pdf/2012 Grant Instructions LTR 3-11-12.pdf 
Application Form: /Assets/dept_1/PM/pdf/2012 FFLP App Form0001.pdf 
NOTE: All 2011 FFLP grant award recipients have until June 29, 2012 to submit their grant accountability report, per the instructions on your grant award letter. If anyone has any questions regarding that please contact the IFCA Office at 208-890-9397 or by email at: idahofirechiefs@gmail.com.
USFA Document on Funding Alternatives for EMS, Fire Departments
(Posted: 4-25-12)
The document includes sources of federal funding as well as other new and innovative funding sources not discussed in previous editions.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), supported by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Health Affairs (OHA), and in partnership with the International Fire Services Training Association (IFSTA), has released “Funding Alternatives for Emergency Medical and Fire Services.” This latest edition provides the most up-to-date information regarding funding for local-level emergency medical services (EMS) and fire departments. The document includes sources of federal funding as well as other new and innovative funding sources not discussed in previous editions.
"Adequate funding is one of the most challenging issues facing EMS and fire departments today," said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell. "This document provides valuable information for local-level departments facing financial challenges."
A key part of the project initiative was an enhanced study of critical funding issues for both fire and non-fire service-based EMS systems.
"OHA is pleased to provide guidance on this important topic," said Alexander G. Garza, DHS assistant secretary for OHA and chief medical officer. "Funding is critical for the successful operation of EMS response agencies—key to this nation's homeland security."
EMS and fire departments require funding for expenses such as equipment, training, and salaries in order to provide necessary protection to their respective communities. However, with tighter budgets, less government subsidies, and fewer donations, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for fire and emergency services departments to meet greater and more complex demands for its services.
For more information on EMS research initiatives, go to http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/research/ems/index.shtm.
FREE Turnout Gear for Volunteer FD's
(Posted: 4-7-12)
To celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2012, Globe has partnered with Dupont and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to donate 125 sets of turnout gear to deserving volunteer fire departments.
Volunteer firefighters selflessly devote their time and risk their own safety to protect their communities. Yet many volunteer fire departments are struggling to provide the gear and equipment necessary to keep their personnel safe. Departments are forced to make due with an inadequate amount of turnouts or with worn out gear they can’t afford to replace. As the world’s largest and most trusted manufacturer of structural firesuits in the world, Globe is giving back to first responders in need through this remarkable donation program.
Globe, Dupont, and the NVFC are saying thank you to volunteer firefighters nationwide by awarding 125 sets of Globe turnout gear to deserving volunteer departments across the country. To be eligible to apply, departments must meet the following criteria:
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Departments must be all-volunteer. Combination and paid-on-call departments are not eligible.
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Departments must serve a population of 25,000 or less.
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Departments must be located in the U.S. or Canada.
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Departments may request up to 12 sets of gear.
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Departments must demonstrate a need for the gear.
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Departments who receive a donation of gear must use the gear for the benefit of their department and not for any other purpose. Gear cannot be resold.
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Departments who receive gear agree that their department name, details from application essay, and photo may be used in media by Globe, Dupont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council for the purposes of promoting the donation program.
125 sets of gear will be awarded between July and December 2012. If you have any questions, please contact the National Volunteer Fire Council at nvfcoffice@nvfc.org or 202-887-5700.
To apply click on this link: https://nvfc.wufoo.com/forms/globe-gives-125-for-125th-anniversary/
Applications must be received by May 31, 2012.
WFCA Hosts 2012 President's Forum
(Posted: 3-26-12)
WFCA President Jim Critchley has announced that the 8th Annual Western Fire Chiefs President’s Forum was held in Seattle, WA, on March 22 and 23, 2012. The purpose of the Forum is to bring Executive Officers of the 11 Western States and Territories together to discuss common issues and to work toward better communication, coordination, and vertical integration of the 11 western states/territories, WFCA and IAFC.
The agenda reviewed the successes, legislative activities and critical issues of each state association as well as a discussion of current issues and potential solutions to the challenges facing the fire service. One of the main objectives of the Forum is to bring the leadership of the 11 western states/territories fire chief associations and state fire marshal’s together while providing an opportunity for sharing information with the WFCA in an effort to collectively align our organizations.
IFCA President Kenny Gabriel represented Idaho at the forum and IFCA VP to WFCA Brad Trosky participated in the co-scheduled WFCA Board meeting at the same venue. Caldwell Fire Chief Mark Wendelsdorf is the current Vice President of the WFCA and will soon serve as its next President. An early congratulations to Mark who has been an IFCA member for many years.
IFCA Member Chief Ron Sampert Honored
(Posted: 3-21-12)
By BRIAN WALKER/Staff writerThe Coeur d' Alene PressPOST FALLS -
Kootenai County Fire Chief and former IFCA Board Member Ron Sampert is not retiring unnoticed.
Sampert, who has served the local fire service for 38 years and has been Kootenai County Fire and Rescue's chief since it formed in 2001, recently received the Idaho Distinguished Service Medal.
In a separate ceremony, he was named KCFR's Outstanding Firefighter during the American Legion banquet.
"Chief Sampert's commitment to providing the best possible emergency services to the citizens of Kootenai County is evident in every aspect of KCFR," said Samantha Babich, KCFR's director of administration, during the Legion dinner.
"He knows that success never really belongs to only one man. But we know that many of our successes may have never happened without his vision and leadership."
Sampert received the Distinguished Service Medal from the Bureau of Homeland Security. Also, on behalf of Gov. Butch Otter, he was presented the governor's Challenge Coin reserved for members of the military and public employees who have distinguished themselves.
Sampert is being replaced as KCFR's chief this month by Warren Merritt, who has served with the Bellevue (Wash.) Fire Department since 1980, including the past six years as deputy chief of operations.
President Gabriel Welcomes New IDL Director
(Posted: 3-15-12)
The following is a recent letter sent to the new Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Director, Tom Schultz, by IFCA President Kenny Gabriel:
Dear Director Schultz:
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the membership of the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association I would like to congratulate you on your recent appoint of Director of Idaho Department of Lands (IDL). We have always enjoyed a great working relationship with IDL and are looking forward to enhancing that as time goes on.
If I, or any member of the Board or Association can be of assistance, please let us know. We are proud to be your partners in the Fire Service in Idaho.
Yours in Public Safety,
Kenneth G. Gabriel
President
EST Announces NFA Courses for Idaho
(Posted: 2-28-12)
EST Training Coordinator Jim Hitch has informed us of the following NFA classes that were approved for the next fiscal year. Thank you for your requests. If you have any questions please contact Jim Hitch at 208-334-3216 office / 208-429-5534 direct line / 888-242-0210 toll free / 208-334-2365 fax / 509-595-0454 cell or email at jhitch@pte.idaho.gov
F458 - Preparation for Initial Company Operations
Date: October 13, 2012 - October 14, 2012
Location: Bellevue, ID
F729 - Incident Safety Officer (Revised)
Date: October 20, 2012 - October 21, 2012
Location: Moscow, ID
F729 - Incident Safety Officer (Revised)
Date: November 3, 2012 - November 4, 2012
Location: Pocatello, ID
F610 - Introduction to Wildland and Wildland/Urban Interface
Firefighting for the Structural Company Officer
Date: November 10, 2012 - November 11, 2012
Location: Gooding, ID
F805 - Leadership III for Fire and EMS: Strategies for Supervisory Success
Date: November 10, 2012 - November 11, 2012
Location: Hayden, ID
F290 - Training Operations in Small Departments
Date: January 19, 2013 - January 20, 2013
Location: Naples, ID
F803 - Leadership I for Fire and EMS: Strategies for Company Success
Date: February 2, 2013 - February 3, 2013
Location: Emmett, ID
F455 - Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations
Date: February 23, 2013 - February 24, 2013
Location: Lewiston, ID
F455 - Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations
Date: March 2, 2013 - March 3, 2013
Location: Blackfoot, ID
NOTE: This information will be re-posted to the Scheduled Events web page.
IFSAC Certification Now Good For Life!