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Idaho Fire Chief's Association, Inc.

Our VISION is to improve career and volunteer emergency services in the state of Idaho through leadership, collaboration, education, safety, information and representation.

Our MISSION is to provide and enhance leadership to career and volunteer emergency services in Idaho.


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 ocx Document


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 pdf Document

Application Form: /Assets/dept_1/PM/pdf/2012 FFLP App Form0001.pdf pdf Document

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:

  • Departments must be all-volunteer. Combination and paid-on-call departments are not eligible.
  • Departments must serve a population of 25,000 or less.
  • Departments must be located in the U.S. or Canada.
  • Departments may request up to 12 sets of gear.
  • Departments must demonstrate a need for the gear.
  • 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.
  • 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!
(Posted: 2-10-12)
Training Oficer's Division President, David Gates, reports that the Fire Service in Idaho took a significant step forward in its relations with State Emergency Services Training (EST). At this week’s EST Advisory Committee meeting EST officials agreed to remove the continuing education component and thus the need to recertify in order to maintain IFSAC certificates. Yes, you read it right, there will no longer be a need to recertify - your certifications are now good for life!

The following points were what helped moved EST in support of this decision.
1. There are no mandated(legislated) training requirements in the state of Idaho.
2. There is no real over site as it simply took a chief signing a document that their members had conducted the appropriate amount of training.
3. That it placed unnecessary and an unreasonable burden on the fire service and EST.
4. That Idaho was only 1 of 4 that currently had a CE component to maintain certification.
5. This would free up valuable time within EST for other more important functions.
6. Idaho is a poor rural state and should not be leading the nation in training demands.
7. All delegates of the committee unanimously agreed with removing the requirement.

This is a huge win and I would like to personally thank Ann Stephens and Jim Hitch of EST for their support and understanding in this matter. Lastly, I have a request to move the next TO Division meeting from its normally scheduled March 2 @ 3pm MST to March 5 @ 3pm MST to accommodate an Officer Development Course taking place up North.



Training Officers Division Meeting
(Posted: 3-6-12)
TO Division President David Gates reminds all TO Division members that their annual Face-to-Face meeting will be held at the IFCA Annual Conference at The Grove Hotel in Boise on May 9th, 2012 at 7pm MDT in The Ivy Room. 


Did You Know . . .

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, volunteer firefighters are utilized in 93 percent of America’s fire departments, saving our nation $37 billion each year, yet the overall number of volunteers has declined 10 percent since the 1980s.



MUST SEE! "Everyone Goes Home" Video
(Posted: 1-9-12)

The United States Fire Administration has released an outstanding video called “Everyone Goes Home.” This is a film produced by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in cooperation with the Chicago Fire Department. See or download it at this link: http://community.fireengineering.com/video/video/show?id=1219672%3AVideo%3A513861 This video should be required viewing by all firefighters.

Internet Power . . .

Idahofirechiefs.com, the website of the IFCA, garnered a total of 88,399 hits and visitors from Jan.1, 2011 to Jan. 1, 2012. The IFCA Office has regularly received email from visitors to the site complimenting the information presented and the freshness of the content. Association Manager Diana Brown says "It is a lot of work keeping the content current and relevant as best as we can. We have had several school teachers write us complimenting the Resources Links section where 'hot-links' have been posted for over 100 fire and life safety sites. Students doing reports on fire and life safety projects can find facts and answers quickly from many reliable sources." An improvement being planned in 2012 is an RSS feed so any new info posted on the website homepage can be promptly viewed by subscribers on their smartphones or computers. The IFCA compliments iFocus, our web host, for their outstanding support and service.

JOIN the IFCA
(Revised: 02-18-12)

The 2012 IFCA Membership Campaign continues. IFCA membership renewals were due January 1st. Current and potential members will find a membership renewal form is available below and in the Membership link. If you wish to join or have forgotten to renew, now is the time to do so.
2012 Membership Application and Renewal form:
/Assets/dept_1/PM/pdf/MembershipForms2012.doc doc Document
(Download, printout, complete and mail with dues payment.)


Job Postings:

None at this time.

2011 - 2013 IFCA Strategic Plan
The IFCA's Strategic Plan can be viewed at this link: 2011-2013 Strategic Plan

Support WFCA's Fire-Rescue GPO
(Posted: 2-4-11)
Saving money should be at the top of every chief's list of things-to-do. The power of group purchasing and pre-qualified contracts saves departments time and money when purchasing a wide range of fire equipment and items of everyday use. We encourage all of our members to take advantage of the WFCA's Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) program. A percentage of your purchase benefits the IFCA.

FREE subscription to the Idaho Daily Dispatch
Receive email news briefs on state and national fire/EMS news, job openings, used fire equipment, courses and more delivered to your desktop every weekday. This is an excellent way to stay "in the know" and to improve your situaltional awareness. To subscribe just use this link: www.dailydispatch.com , or to place an ad go to: http://www.dailydispatch.com/

NOTE: Credit for the accident photo in the IFCA home page banner goes to Sylvia's Photography of Middleton (ID). Thanks David & Sylvia!
Other IFCA News . . .
(For daily news reports from Idaho and around the Nation please subscribe to the Idaho Daily Dispatch - see link above and also in the top right of this home page under Quick Links.)
                                                                     

5/16/2012

  

Middleton Tax Levy Passes
Over 3,000 people voted for the Middleton Fire levy, and it has passed with 72% of the vote.With voters in both Canyon and Gem Counties, 2,261 (or 72%) voted for the levy, while 870 (or 28%) voted aga Read More...


5/5/2012

  

Forest Fires - Terrorism Tool?
WASHINGTON — Al-Qaeda's English-language magazine 'Inspire' has reappeared months after its leaders died in a U.S. missile strike, offering detailed advice on how to start huge forest fires in America Read More...


4/28/2012

  

Firefighter Roadside Safety FREE Training
Free On-Line Training Modules for Roadside Safety of FirefightersBy Rick Markley, FR1 Editor Dealing with a motor vehicle collision on moderate to heavily trafficked road is one of the greatest danger Read More...


QUICK LINKS
* Boise Weather
* ID Legislation
* ID Legislators
* BURN STATUS
* NIFC Fire Info
* Incident Info
* Daily Dispatch


www.wfca.com


www.iafc.org

The Fire Rescue Group Purchasing (GPO) program provides a means to purchase fire equipment and supplies at discounted prices, saving you time and money. Find out more at:  www.firerescue-gpo.com/ 
 

Fire Sprinklers and Working Smoke Detectors
SAVE LIVES!

Your Fire Service Bookstore
Buy all your Books here!
You receive a 5% discount and the IFCA receives a commission on the profit. The IFCA Bookstore is your one-stop shopping source for IFSTA, ICC, NFPA, Delmar and many, many other publications. Call the IFCA Bookstore at 800-342-2314, or, click on the following link:  Fire Service Books
Idaho's
ARSON TIPLINE:
877-75-ARSON
Use this number to report suspected arson fires or suspects! Callers may remain anonymous. There is a $5,000 Award Fund available. Sponsored by the State Fire Marshal's Office and the N.W. Insurance Council.