GLOUCESTER COUNTY FIRE CHIEF’S & FIRE
OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION
Washington Township Fire Headquarters
Hosted by
Grenloch Fire Company
April 14, 2016
The meeting was called to order by President Cardile at 1930 hours. The
group saluted the flag then observed a moment of silence after which the
invocation was given by Chaplain Rev Kevin Davis.
Address of welcome was given by Battalion Chief Joe Mason, Grenloch Fire
Company
NEW MEMBERS:
Donald Brown, Captain Washington Twp. Fire Dept.
Motion to accept member by Bill McNulty with second by Pat Robinson.
Motion Carried
Business suspended at 1934 hours for presentation by Kenneth Barnshaw,
Vice President of Municipal Govt. Services from SJ Federal Credit Union on
financial opportunities for the fire companies. Meeting resumed at 1942
hours.
MINUTES OF PAST MEETING:
Alphonso Giampola motion that the minutes of the February meeting be
approved as emailed seconded by, Bill Beckett motion passed.
FREEHOLDER REPORT: Dep. Director Chila reported on the progress
with the 700 MHz systems and also the pager/programmer systems for the
fire departments that were given out tonight. He also reported that the county
has been in talks with other counties and cities to provide dispatch services
to those areas. More to follow.
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 March 01 to March 31, 2016 and the
totals for the year of 2016.
Inspections for the period: 196 Total for the Year: 512
Fire Permits for the period: 8 Total for the year: 31
Fire Investigations for the period: 10 Total for the Year: 122
Fire Fatalities for the period: 1 Total for the Year: 1
Fire Scene Injuries for the period: 11 Total for the year: 22
Juvenile Fire setter actions for the period: 2 Total for the Year: 3
Training Sessions for the period: 3 Total for the Year: 6
Fire Extinguisher Inspections: 4 Total for the Year: 518
Meetings/Lectures/Court for the period: 14 Total for the Year: 37
Fire Prevention Demo for the period: 0 Total for the Year: 0
Fit Testing for Other Agencies for Period: 70 Total for the Year: 111
Site Plan Review for Towns: 5 Total for the year: 8
Total Actions Taken by the Fire Marshal’s Office to date: 1291
Respectfully Submitted;
Edward J. Johnson
Also Ed gave update on the county update on town(s) they picked up. Chief
Bruce Scott (Pitman FD) asked about the county’s crime scene unit response
to calls noting they had an incident in their town and they refused to
respond. Ed reported the current policies in place with the unit, but Chief
Scott still had concerns and asked to have the chief’s association draft a
letter to the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office asking for their policy.
FIRE ACADEMY REPORT: Bob Hill’s report is as follows:
Gloucester County Firefighter’s & Fire Officer’s Association
FIRE ACADEMY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
REPORTING MONTH: April 14, 2016
GLOUCESTER COUNTY FIRE ACADEMY
FIREFIGHTER 1
Spring program continuing with ten students.
Pleased to report that both the Mid-term practicals and the state
Hazardous Materials exams went well.
Graduation set for Thursday May 26.
FIRE ACADEMY GENERAL BUSINESS
The fire academy is now positioned to begin offering compliance
training for: Hazardous Materials / NJ RTK/ & Global
Harmonization. Additionally we can begin offering compliance
training on some of the job performance requirements as
mandated by NFPA 472 Chapter 5 for operational level
personnel. Expect a formal announcement with dates within the
coming weeks. In anticipation of requests to do this training in
stations, yes, most of the training can be completed at your
location. However some of the skills drills for operations will
necessarily be completed at the academy. Personnel completing
this training will have specialized certificates in that the certificate
will indicate which part of 472 was addressed. Additionally, the
station will receive a copy of the skills sheet also denoting the
JPRs satisfied with this drill.
GCFA is also poised to assist with mandatory training on
“Recognizing and Preventing Workplace Harassment”. I
intentionally used the word “mandatory” as this was part of NJ
Supreme Court’s decision and opinion in two separate cases. In
both cases, the court stated that training on this topic is
mandatory for supervisors and must be offered to all employees.
Contact me for additional information on how this program can
be customized to your organization and/or to schedule this most
important training.
Still room in the Professional Driver Phase 1 class scheduled for
Sunday April 17 at the fire academy. Recall this is the pilot. The
class is full day, no charge and certificate will follow. Contact the
academy to register.
To be scheduled soon, Instructor Level-2 and Drill Ground
instructor.
TRAINING & EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Will be meeting next week. I will seek guidance on exam
development for the driver training program phase 1 as well as a
pathway to phase 2. NJ
DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY:
Respectfully submitted
Robert V Hill Sr.
Director II
G.C. EMERGENCY RESPONSE REPORT: Dennis Kappler
reported that installation of fire/EMS apparatus radios was completed and
that they are now working on getting county agencies on board with their
radios.
Fire Coordination: Chief Kappler reported that the county mutual aid
plan was due for review/update this year and advised that local mutual aid
agreements would be going out soon. And finally advised that he will be
calling a meeting with the deputy coordinators in the future
A question was raised by Batt. Chief Hooper, Deptford FD on a FEMA issue
he noted on grants for radios to the 700 MHz system stating that they do not
recognize at this time.
President Cardile reported that he had a meeting with FEMA on another
item at his station and asked about the radios grants and was advised they
are recognizing the radios and Chief Murtaugh also stated he has a meeting
with Senator Norcross and would also bring up the issue
A question was then raised about an issue he had with Atlantic City Electric
on a fire advising over a 2 hr wait for a trouble man to arrive for a live wire
that fell during a dwelling fire. A follow up call will be made for further
explanation.
HAZMAT/CBRNE
Dennis reported that they are accepting members to the team and if you wish
to apply contact Dennis or Jay Jones via their county email address. He also
reported that they are updating their certifications and will be working the
weekend with the FF1 program at the fire academy.
NEPTUNE
Had a minor issue with the foam tender in Colonial Manor that is being
worked on.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY EMS: No Report
N. J. DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY: No Report
N.J. STATE FIREMEN’S RELEIF ASSOCIATION: Bill McNulty
reported on local relief reports still outstanding including five (5) local relief
reports and seven (7) delegate/alternate reports. He also reported that the
IRS 990 forms are due by May 15
th
and also on the new procedure for
running for state offices which are due by June 1
st
, and reported on the audit
that will be happening in September , also the new form to be filed for
members wanting to join the association or not
N.J. FIREMENS HOME: Harry Strube handed out forms on the home and
also reported that a new swing set was donated and assembled for the guests
and also reported that the budget to be finalized in May for year 2017.
N.J. EXEMPT ASSOCIATION: Archie Roemmich reported that the
Memorial Service will be held this Saturday in Hamilton Twp. The Exempt
Convention will be held on Saturday June 25
th
In Sayerville.
LAW & LEGISLATION: Frank Lambing reported little activity due to
working on the state budget
BANQUET – Progress will follow up with further information
BY-LAW COMMITTEE: No Report
BEAREAVMENT COMMITTEE: Chief Farley reported they assisted
with a service for the Mantua Twp. Fire Dept
SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
RADIO COMMITTEE: President Cardile at this time recognized Chief
Murtaugh on taking care of the fire service agencies during the transition of
radios, also reported on a meeting the committee had with the
communications center admin and supervisors to open a line of
commutations. It was agreed to have dispatchers hail the resources for
staffing levels one (1) time and if no response document no staff. Also
questions on the toning and vocal transmissions, single tones on Task Force
assignments, use proper chain of command if issues arise and update of
chiefs/officer listings. President Cardile read a letter from this meeting and
to have attached to the minutes.
TECH RESCUE: – Will have report next month
TENDER TASK FORCE: Meeting on May 5
th
at Clayton Fire Company
FOAM STRIKE TEAM: Will have report next month
LARGE DIAMETER HOSE TASK FORCE: Chief Farley reported that
they reviewed and will make modifications and updates to the task force
(Report attached)
LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
Chief Pierson reported that they are working on a class sometime in
November. Will follow up with details in future.
ST. FLORIAN COMMITTEE: Reverend Davis reported on the service
on May 1
st
starting with the static display and blessing at 5 pm followed by
the service at 6 pm. Also nominations for medal of mercy to be turned in by
April 25
th
.
A motion to purchase metals for service made by Dana Decesari along with
numerous seconds. Carried.
FIRE ACADEMY COMMITTEE: President Cardile reported on the
upcoming training that Director Hill also reported. He also advised that they
met with a vendor on the new burn building plans and will be having 2 more
meetings with other vendors sometime after the FDIC this month. Chief
Steve Smith asked on the type of building layout with President Cardile
advising on a mid rise tower. He also reported on a upcoming class on
managing the mayday on the firegorund with Bill Bates as the lead
instructor. This to be an approximately 8 hour course.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
PAYMENT of BILLS: Motion made by Alphonse Giampola with second
by Bill Beckett to pay for the surety bond for $150.00. Motion Carried
TREASURER’S REPORT:
REPORTING MONTH(S):
March 10, 2016
STARTING BALANCE
$7,936.73
TOTAL OF DEPOSITS
$ 509.00
TOTAL OF EXPENSES
$ 419.97
ENDING BALANCE
$8,025.76
RECEIPTS
3/10/2016
BANQUET TICKETS
$ 240.00
3/10/2016
CAMPTOWN
$ 88.00
3/10/2016
DUES
$ 66.00
3/10/2016
MEMBERSHIP
$ 40.00
3/10/2016
REFUND ADELPHIA
$ 75.00
DEPOSITED
$ 509.00
EXPENSES
3/10/2016
FIRECOMPANIES.COM
$ 119.97
3/10/2016
FIREMEN HOME GOLF
$ 300.00
EXPENSE TOTAL
$ 419.97
RESPECTFULLY
SUBMITTED
Robert V Hill Sr.
Treasurer
Motion Bill McNulty with numerous seconds. Carried
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
GOOD & WELFARE OF THE ASSOCIATION: Asst. Chief Scott Powell stated
that companies that want to purchase a brick for their memorial need to have
the orders in by next week.
Representatives from Mission BBQ gave an update on their opening of the store in
Deptford Twp. And also advised of a firefighters day in May
Chief Mike Gallagher advised that a Highway Safety Class will be held on
April 28, 2016 at 1900 hours at the Gloucester County Government Services Building
and also gave a brief update on the incident on Rte 295 involving the death of NJSP Trp.
Cullen.
President Cardile advised the floor on a update coming to the county communications
plan with input from the chiefs association
Roll Call was called by President Cardile
PLACE OF NEXT MEETING: May 12th Gibbstown Fire Company at 1930 hours.
Drew Sole motion to adjourn seconded by Chuck Murtaugh, motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 2039 hours.
Minutes Taken By Vice President William Ross