Prevention Division

The IFCA's Fire Prevention Officers (FPO) Division was established to further the professional advancement of the fire service through education, training, legislation, and other means as may be available.  They also formed to ensure and maintain greater protection of life and property from fire, natural and man made disaster, or other sudden emergencies.

To carry out this purpose, the Division actively seeks to:

• Advise the Idaho Fire Chief's Association in matters pertaining to fire prevention
• Promote fire safety information throughout the state of Idaho through public education programs, conferences and training seminars
• Participate in the code development process
• Serve as a watchdog on legislative matters
• Serve as an advocate and educational source for residential fire sprinklers  

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NEWS:  The FPO Division held its 2009 Annual Conference and business meeting at the Shilo Inn Suites Hotel in Idaho Falls, ID on March 30 & 31.  The conference was attended by 25 persons.  The FPO Division is still the largest division in the IFCA. 

The training portion of the conference featured State Fire Marshal Mark Larson and Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal Doug Brown (Caldwell FD) who gave a presentation on Fire Codes in the WUI and Rural Areas.  This was very timely since some proposed State legislation (HB 202, HB 218 and HB 220) may have a significant impact on our abilities to enforce codes in rural areas.  Also presenting on Public Ediucation programs was Pam Orr (Meridian FD) and a group from the Treasure Valley Fire Prevention & Life Safety Cooperative.  This dedicated group did a number of fire prevention skits in their "clown attire" and were backed up by hand puppets.  The fire safety message delivery to small kids was spot on as attested to by an enthusiastic day care group who got to participate.

The busienss meeting saw Deputy Chief Karine Aebi (Jerome FD) re-elected as the FPO Division President and Fire Marshal Larry Boatwright (Kootenai County FD) re-elected as Vice-President.  Next year's conference wil be in conjunction with IDABO for 2009 I-Code training.

The FPO Division Board extends its thanks to all who braved snow storms, closed highways and strong winds to attend the conference (just like last year in Lewiston!). 

Fire Prevention Officers (FPO) Division Contact:

Deputy Chief Karine Aebi
Jerome City Fire & Rescue
140 East Ave. A
Jerome, ID 83338
Phone: 208-324-8189 Fax: 208-324-8240
Email:  kaebi@ci.jerome.id.us