GLOUCESTER COUNTY FIRE CHIEF’S & FIRE

OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION

Deptford Fire Department

Fisher Ave. Station

March 10, 2016

The meeting was called to order by President Cardile at 1930 hours. The

group observed a moment of silence for past brothers and sisters in the fire

service and for Trooper Cullen who lost his life in the line of duty during an

accident on RT 295 earlier this week in our county. The group then saluted

the flag and invocation was given by Assistant Chaplain Archie Roemmich.

Address of welcome was given by Captain Bryant Fiddler of the Deptford

Fire Department.

NEW MEMBERS:

Chief William Opdyke of the Ferrell Fire Company

Asst. Chief Nicholas Barber of the Williamstown Fire Company

Captain Kenneth Ridgell of the Harrisonville Fire Company

Lt. James Massagtlia of the Harmony Fire Company

Dave Raso motion to accept the gentlemen into the Association seconded by

Pat Robinson, motion passed.

At this time the gentleman came forward and was sworn into the Association

by President Cardile, by taking the Oath of Membership.

MINUTES OF PAST MEETING:

Terry Gismondi motion that the minutes of the February meeting be

approved as emailed seconded by, Pat Robinson

motion passed.

FREEHOLDER REPORT: Freeholder Chila spoke on the tragedy at the

accident scene on Rt. 295 on Monday night where Trooper Cullen lost his

life. He stated that incidents like that bring the seriousness of the job that we

do to light. He again asked that everyone be careful and stay safe.

The Freeholders have been working on the budget and hope to have it

introduced at next week’s Freeholder Meeting.

He stated that the 700 radio project is moving forward, and that they are

planning a press conference next week. The County is still working on the

glitch between Camden Counties radio system and our new system. The

problem is with the Camden County system, and he hopes that the problem

will soon be a rectified.

Freeholder Chila also stated that within the next few weeks new personnel

are being added to the administrative staff at the Communications Staff.

Chief Mike Gallagher and Chief Jim Schmidt will be starting along with

retired Police Chief’s Mernock and Zimmerman.

He also wished Butch Myers a Happy Birthday and congratulated Chief

Hoffman on his recent retirement from the Washington Township Fire

Department.

FIRE MARSHALS REPORT: The following is the report:

The following is my report for the actions taken by the Gloucester County

Fire Marshal’s Office for the period of February 01 to February 29, 2016

and the totals for the year of 2016.

Inspections for the period: 229 Total for the Year: 316

Fire Investigations for the period: 19 Total for the Year: 37

Fire Fatalities for the period: 0 Total for the Year: 0

Fire Scene Injuries for the period: 3 Total for the year: 10

Juvenile Fire setter actions for the period: 1 Total for the Year: 1

Training Sessions for the period: 1 Total for the Year: 3

Fire Extinguisher Inspections: 510 Total for the Year: 514

Meetings/Lectures/Court for the period: 11 Total for the Year: 23

Fire Prevention Demo for the period: 0 Total for the Year: 0

Fit Testing for Other Agencies for Period: 39 Total for the Year: 41

Total Actions Taken by the Fire Marshal’s Office to date: 935

Respectfully Submitted;

Edward J. Johnson

FIRE ACADEMY REPORT: Bob Hill’s report is as follows:

Gloucester County Firefighter’s & Fire Officer’s Association

Fire Academy Directors Report

Reporting Month: March 10, 2016

Firefighter 1

Spring program continuing with ten students. Haz Mat exam completed,

awaiting results.

Mid Term practical skills exams next week

Graduation set for Thursday May 26.

Fire Academy General Business

Committee met to discuss various academy issues. More will be said later.

Presented first of three “pilot” deliveries of the driver training program.

Comments were very favorable. Two more deliveries are scheduled before

presenting this class for the division through Kean University.

Gross revenue brought into the academy is $ 35,646.29 Net revenue was

$20,536.73.

Training & Education Advisory Council

Continuing discussion on possibility of having continuing education

requirements for certain certifications. Fire Officer and Fire Fighter 1

discussed.

I reported on progress to date with draft driver training program

NJ DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY:

Registration period for division classes now open

Registration must be completed online

Respectfully Submitted

Robert V Hill Sr.

Director II

G.C. EMERGENCY RESPONSE REPORT: Director Tom Butts

reported that the highway responses that are presently in the system are

going to be reviewed by Jim Schmidt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Kappler and

Chuck Murtaugh. The incident Monday night on Rt. 295 brought to light

that these responses need to be reviewed.

The problem with the Camden County radio system and our new radio

system is our new radio system has an option that the Camden did not

include in their system. Some of Camden Counties radios will have to be

modified to be able to talk to our system. After many meetings, our

Freeholder board will cover most of the cost of this option for the affected

Companies in Camden County that border our county.

Chuck Murtaugh reported that the radio installation in the fire vehicles is

going well, and he thanked all for their support and assistance in making this

happen. Within the next few weeks the installations in the Fire service

vehicles will hopefully be completed.

Fire Coordination: Dennis Kappler advised that Chief Steve Smith had

been appointed to fill the Deputy Coordinator spot that was open due to the

resignation of Chief Al Silbaugh.

The CBRNE Team has completed their level A & B competencies for this

year.

If any departments have personnel interested in joining the team applications

are available and should be in by the end of March. They will be conducting

testing for new members in April.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY EMS: Chris Rosser is unable to attend Andy

was going to try to attend. He wanted to remind everyone of the Symposium

next Friday March 18, Saturday March 19 and Sunday March 20. Pat

McIlhenney will be taking over the scheduling of CPR Classes. He can be

reach by contacting our office or at pmcilhenney@co.gloucester.nj.us.

Lastly, as I’m sure everyone has heard, Gloucester County EMS’ unit

numbers have changed using the BLS prefix with a two digit number. I

wish everyone a great meeting and I am looking forward to seeing everyone

soon. Stay safe. Tom Butts also urged members to attend the EMS

Symposium there will be many knowledgeable presenters. This is a great

opportunity.

N. J. DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY: Captain Gallagher gave an overview

of the RT. 295 incident which happened on Monday night. He stated that

the Verga and Colonial Manor fire companies handled the incident with the

utmost professionalism, considering the complexity of the incident. They

did a fantastic job and did nothing wrong. Verga’s Fire Chief was taken to

the State Police barracks in Bellmawr. He was taken there because he was

an eyewitness to the accident involving Trooper Cullen. Chief Ferriola

stated he was treated very well by the investigators.

Mike again repeated that this incident again shows the importance of

wearing your safety vests while working on an incident on the highway.

And that all responders have to be vigilant while working an incident on the

highways.

If any company wants him to come out to their station to conduct the

highway response training, he will be happy to do so.

Mike stated that Chief Kramer of the Division sends his regards.

Mike also stated that his last day working for the Division will be next

Thursday.

N.J. STATE FIREMEN’S RELEIF ASSOCIATION: Bill McNulty

reported that all Officer reports and green sheets were turned in on time. He

reminded all that the Delegate and Alternate forms will be due into the State

office by May.

Bill stated that anyone who wants to run for an Office there is now a petition

online that needs to be filled out and returned to the State office by June 1

Bill also advised that there will be an audit of all Secretaries and Treasurers

books on September 20

N.J. FIREMENS HOME: Harry Strube advised that they are working on

the 2017-2018 budgets for the home. They will be holding their annual golf

outing to raise funds for the home. Harry stated the quests are looking

forward to the summer, and outside activities.

N.J. EXEMPT ASSOCIATION: Glenn Roemmich reported that the

Memorial Service will be held on April 16

in Hamilton Twp. The Exempt

Convention will be held on Saturday June 25

in Sayreville, where Glenn

will be installed as the State President.

LAW & LEGISLATION: Frank Lambing reported that there have been

124 bills introduced that involve the Emergency Services.

LEADERSHIP: Nothing to report at this time.

AUDITING COMMITTEE: John Hoffman reported that the committee

had audited the books on March 4

, and all books were found to be in order.

BANQUET COMMITTEE: President Cardile reported that Vice President

Ross has been working on setting up a meeting with Adelphia’s. So far the

bar tender fee is going to be returned. The contract called for all inclusive,

which was also supposed to include a sit down family style dinner, there was

a miss understanding after the meeting to set up the banquet. They are still

working on some of the issues.

BY-LAW COMMITTEE: Nothing to report

BEAREAVMENT COMMITTEE: Rick Thomas advised there is nothing

to report.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES:

RADIO COMMITTEE: President Cardile explained what had taken place

at meetings with Camden County about the radio projects.

TECH RESCUE: The secretary had not received a copy of their last report.

TENDER TASK FORCE: Advised that there is a tender on the task force

that does not have the required equipment. They are working on replacing

that unit. They are working on having a drill in East Greenwich the date will

be announced. Their next meeting will be in April in Clayton.

FOAM STRIKE TEAM: They will have a report at next month’s meeting.

LARGE DIAMETER HOSE TASK FORCE: They are presently

reviewing the units in the task force to make sure that they do not have the

same unit listed in another task force.

ST. FLORIAN COMMITTEE: The St. Florian service will be held on

May 1

at Christ Church in Woodbury. They are still in the planning stage,

but the Camden County Emerald Society has been contacted and they are

committed to the event. There are posters on the front table announcing the

event, please take them back to your stations.

WEBSITE: President Cardile advised they are still in the process of setting

up a meeting so that the updates can be done.

TRAINING COMMITTEE: It was reported that they committee had met

with Director Hill of the Fire Academy, and they are working on the

possibility of some new classes. There will be a questionnaire that will

going out to the fire companies in the next few weeks, they ask that you

answer them, and return them.

CORRESPONDENCE: None

PAYMENT of BILLS:

Fire Companies. Com Website $ 119.97

Scott Powell motion to pay the bills seconded by Butch Myers, motion

passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

REPORTING MONTH(S):

March 10, 2016

STARTING BALANCE

$7,841.73

TOTAL OF DEPOSITS

$ 335.00

TOTAL OF EXPENSES

ENDING BALANCE

$8,176.73

RECEIPTS

2/11/2016

CAMPTOWN

$ 95.00

3/10/2016

BANQUET TICKETS

$ 240.00

DEPOSITED

$ 335.00

EXPENSES

EXPENSE TOTAL

RESPECTFULLY

SUBMITTED

Robert V Hill Sr.

Treasurer

Dave Raso motion to accept the report seconded by Bill McNulty, motion

passed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

President Cardile advised that the website is still a work in progress.

NEW BUSINESS:

Rick Thomas motion that the Association donate to the Firemen’s Home

Golf Outing as we have in the past $ 300.00 seconded by Anthony

Baldersao, motion passed.

President Cardile advised that there is Fire Science Application on the front

table for the GCIT program.

CAMPTOWN: $ 88.00

GOOD & WELFARE OF THE ASSOCIATION: Butch Myers advised

that East Greenwich Fire/Rescue will be holding their Annual Pancake

Breakfast on Palm Sunday.

PLACE OF NEXT MEETING: April 14

Grenloch Fire Station on

Hurrfville Grenloch Rd. Washington Township at 1930 hours.

At this time the roll call for those in attendance at the meeting was read. If

your name was not called you did not sign in see Larry Crane before you

leave the meeting in order to get proper credit.

Frank Lambing motion to adjourn seconded by Fred Loch, motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 2024 hours.

Respectfully Submitted

Glenn Roemmich

Secretary