GLOUCESTER COUNTY FIRE CHIEF’S
ASSOCIATION
Verga Fire Company
November 12, 2020
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Smith at 1930 hours. The
group saluted the flag the invocation was given by Chaplain Tim Nessler
Address of welcome was given by Chief Ferriola of the Verga Fire
Company.
NEW MEMBERS:
Captain Karl Taraska of the Franklinville Fire Company
Dennis Kappler motion to accept Karl into the Association, seconded by,
Bill Bates, motion passed.
MINUTES OF PAST MEETING:
Dan Baker motion that the minutes of the October meeting be approved as
emailed seconded by, Bill Beckett, motion passed.
FREEHOLDER REPORT: Freeholder Christy was unable to attend the
meeting.
FIRE MARSHALS REPORT: The following is the
report:
FIRE ACADEMY REPORT: Bob Hill’s report is as follows:
Gloucester County Chief’s Association
FIRE ACADEMY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
REPORTING MONTH: NOVEMBER 2020
GLOUCESTER COUNTY FIRE ACADEMY
FIREFIGHTER 1
The fall Firefighter 1 class is underway with 9 students participating.
Class sat last night for their 100 question general knowledge exam.
Program now entering final weeks.
Spring program tentatively set to begin Friday January 15.
Academy staff will meet in the coming weeks to discuss among other
things, whether to combine Firefighter 2 with Firefighter 1. The primary
benefit for departments; members who complete the program would
satisfy one of the requirements for Fire Officer 1 certification. (NFPA
1021 @ 4.1 2020 Edition.
The inclusion of the program will necessarily add additional hours; the
exact number is yet to be determined.
ACADEMY GENERAL BUSINESS: Academy drill requests that include
live burn on the main training field are being put on hold. A significant leak
is suspected in the underground water storage system. My plan is to empty
the tank and have the interior inspected and hopefully repaired. As of this
date, I cannot offer a timeline for completing this work.
This restriction does not include the Class A container or any other prop.
All academy training props remain operational and available for company
drills.
Thank you to the Gloucester County Emergency Response Center for the
donation of the SCBA. The units will be used for training as a means to
guard against damage to departmental packs.
TRAINING & EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Last week we met virtually. Mr. Nesweinder, head of the Training and
Certification unit of the NJDFS announced that a bill regarding junior
firefighters was on the Governor’s desk.
In short, if signed, and we are optimistic it will be, juniors, commonly
regarded as members between the ages of 16-18 would be permitted to
participate in the entire Firefighter 1 program. It is recognized that there is
more work to be done and the individual fire companies will need to address
the limitations if any would be imposed. Such as: their level of activity at
emergency scenes, physicals, and department insurance coverage.
For now, we are pleased to have full control of the training of this group.
DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY
The division with the assistance of Kean University continues to offer many
online programs. To access the brochure and register, please visit
www.keanfiresafety.edu
We have completed work on validating our Firefighter 1 exam banks to the
new textbook, JB Fourth Edition that will replace the existing text.
Depending on when the academy gets both the books and the instructor’s kit
the new program might be delayed until the fall 2021 class.
Tomorrow, we begin work on revisions to skill sheets used for Firefighter 1
certification.
Robert V Hill Sr.
Director I
G.C. EMERGENCY RESPONSE REPORT: Director of Fire Services
Jim Schmidt: Reported that Director Tom Butts will be retiring effective
December 21
st
.
1. 2021 Department Profile Forms will be sent out at the beginning of
New Year. Important to provide accurate information as this was
utilized for PPE distribution this year.
2. Working on an Everbridge database for Municipal Construction
Officials for notification purposes.
3. For any Fire Dept Planned holiday activities / County Health will
assist with specific questions regarding events relating to the
current health emergency.
4. NJDFS Fire Officer Requirements email sent.
FIRE COORDINATION: Dennis Kappler advised that he had sent the
Secretary a report for the October meeting.
My apology to Dennis I did not see the email that he had sent. It is as
follows, again my apologies to Dennis:
Good Morning:
I received the email of the minutes from September and did not see the
below information included in the minutes as I was not able to attend. This
is what I submitted for the meeting to be reported on and the September
minutes reflect no report for both hazmat and fire coordination. Please make
this part of my report for Thursday night/or modify September’s minutes. I
will not be in attendance Thursday night. Thanks for your attention to this
matter.
HAZMAT: We have resumed our in person training within the GCHMRU
with training in August consisting of Grounding/Bonding and work on
MC306/DOT406. September’s Team training will focus on Technical Team
Decon and Gross Decon. Also work continues on the review and revision of
our County Emergency Support Function (ESF 10) plan with hopes of
submitting to the County Office of Emergency Management for review and
approval by the end of 2020. Lastly we will have 3 new team members
attend the HAZMAT Technician program in the month of October in Salem
County.
Fire Coordination: I want to thank those that were part of the regional
taskforce coverage and tender taskforce deployment to assist Salem County
during their recent fire at the Chicken facility. Also work continues on the
review and revision of our County Emergency Support Fuction (ESF4) plan
with hopes of submitting to the County Office of Emergency Management
for review and approval by the end of 2020. I am not sure if I already
reported that our County Fire Mutual Aid plan was submitted to the Division
of Fire Safety and approved through 2021.
Take Care!
Dennis W. Kappler
GLOUCESTER COUNTY EMS: it was reported that all County EMS
Units have CO meters on board.
N. J. DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY: Captain Tharp advised to keep an
eye out from the Division regarding Incident Management Level 1. He also
advised if you take any I-200, 300 or 400 courses, make sure that they are
certified by the Division. The Foam take back plan has been completed. He
wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
N.J. STATE FIREMEN’S RELEIF ASSOCIATION: Glenn Roemmich
advised that all of the Local Associations have sent in their pink & blue
convention forms on time. The reorganizational meeting will be held on
Saturday November 21
st
at the State Office.
Bob Hill questioned Glenn about Past President George Heflich being
appointed as the Hudson County Board of Manager for the Firemen’s Home.
Glenn stated that President Ordway appointing Mr. Heflich as that was the
name forwarded by the Hudson County Executive Committeeman, after a
search to find someone to serve on the Board of Managers.
N.J. FIREMENS HOME: No Report
N.J. EXEMPT ASSOCIATION: Glenn Roemmich nothing to report.
LAW & LEGISLATION: Frank Lambing reported that Bill S-238 which
revises the law governing the training and duties of Junior Firefighters was
voted out of both houses and sent to the Governor’s desk for his approval or
denial.
BANQUET COMMITTEE: Dan Baker brought up the subject of the
Annual Banquet. After some discussion, Dan Baker motion that the 2021
Banquet be canceled due to Covid 19, seconded by Len Fisler, motion
passed.
AWARDS COMMITTEE: Rich Thomas advised that anyone with
nominations for awards should have them to the committee before the
December meeting or bring them to the December meeting. The award
period runs from December 2019 to the end of November.
It was also decided that the Association get a plaque for Tom Butts for all
that he had done for the Fire Service during his time as Director of the
Communication Center.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE: The nominating committee report is as
follows:
The following is a list of those who expressed to the committee an interest in
being an Officer and the Office they were interested in added with the
nominations from last month:
President: Matt Cardile
Vice President: Dan Baker
Dan Baker is not eligible to run for Vice President.
Secretary: Glenn D. Roemmich
Membership Secretary: Larry Crane
Treasurer: Bob Hill
Trustees Anthony Baldasaro
Joe Petsch
Eric Farley
Delegate to the Executive Committee: Mark Gismondi
BY-LAW COMMITTEE: No Report
BEAREAVMENT COMMITTEE: Rich Thomas asked the Secretary to
read the letter that he had given the Secretary, the Letter is as follows:
November 12, 2020
This memo is to serve as notice that I am stepping down as the
Gloucester County Fire Chief’s Association Bereavement Committee
Chairman.
Serving in this role, I have assisted numerous fire departments in four
counties with the preparing of a funeral for a fallen firefighter, permitting
these fire departments with having a much deserved send off for their
members.
However, I cannot do this activity alone and for far too many funerals, it
was just that, Alone.
I have been before the body of this association on numerous occasions
detailing what goes into assisting fire departments and pleading for help and
when the next funeral occurs, I find myself performing the duties alone.
I will assist the next chairman with all the paperwork to prepare him/her
for the duties of the chairman of this committee.
Thank you
SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
RADIO COMMITTEE: No Report
TECH RESCUE: No Report
TENDER TASK FORCE: No Report
FOAM STRIKE TEAM: Nothing to report
LARGE DIAMETER HOSE TASK FORCE: Chief Nessler reported that
we have the equipment to do the job, we do not have the personnel. If
anyone wants to assist with the command structure of the task force contact
him.
TRAINING/FIRE ACADEMY COMMITTEE: Bill Bates talked about
RIC operations not being able to be added to the Firefighter 1 program.
They do MAYDAY training during Firefighter 1. The Academy can assist
company officers to prepare for their department training. Also Bill is
working on a RIC policy for the County, more information will be
forthcoming.
WEB SITE: Dan Baker brought up about the Web Site and brought the
proposal which was in the October minutes forward.
Dan Baker motion to move forward with the Web Site seconded by Glenn
Roemmich, motion DID NOT PASS.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
PAYMENT of BILLS:
$ 90.72 for Deptford Canteen
Bill Bates motion to pay the bill seconded by Fred Lock, motion passed.
Randal Gartner motion to table the bill from Fire Companies Dot Com,
seconded by Bill Beckett, motion passed.
TEASURER’S REPORT:
DATE November 12, 2020
REPORT MONTH(S) October 15, 2020-November 11, 2020
STARTING BALANCE $ 14,019.40
1
TOTAL OF DEPOSITS $ 37.00
TOTAL OF EXPENSES $ -
ENDING BALANCE $ 14,056.40
RECEIPTS
CAMPTOWN $ 37.00
TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS $ 37.00
EXPENSES
TOTAL EXPENSES $ -
SUNSHINE FUND $ 1,652.50
10/23/2020
CAMPTOWN SPLIT $ 18.00
$ 1,670.50
AS OF
13-Mar
ASSOCIATION TOTAL WORTH $ 14,056.40
TOTAL WORTH SUNSHINE FUND $ 1,670.50
ASSOCIATION WITHOUT SUNSHINE FUND $ 12,385.90
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED
Robert V Hill sr
Treasurer
Bill Beckett motion to accept the treasurer’s report seconded by Dana
Decesari motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
NOMINATION’S:
The floor was then opened for additional nominations:
President: Matt Cardile
Rich Thomas motion to close seconded by Dan Baker, motion passed.
Vice President: Dana Decesari nominated by Dan Haus seconded by
Bill Beckett.
Rich Thomas motion to close seconded by Bill Beckett, motion
passed.
Secretary: Glenn D. Roemmich
Rich Thomas motion to close seconded by Dennis Kappler, motion
passed.
Membership Secretary: Larry Crane
Rich Thomas motion to close seconded by Dennis Allonardo, motion
passed.
Treasurer: Bob Hill
Bill Beckett motion to close seconded by Dennis Kappler, motion
passed.
Trustees Anthony Baldasaro
Joe Petsch
Eric Farley
Bill Bates was nominated by Jim Schmidt seconded by Dan Hauss.
Jim Schmidt motion to close seconded by Dan Hauss, motion passed.
Delegate to the Executive Committee: Mark Gismondi
Bill Beckett motion to close seconded by Dennis Kappler, motion
passed.
Rich Thomas motion to close the nominations for 2021 Officers,
seconded by Dennis Kappler, motion passed.
NEW BUISNESS:
Dennis Kappler motion to make a donation to the Deptford Canteen for $
500.00, seconded by Dan Baker, motion passed.
It was suggested from the floor that the By-Law committee and the 20201
Executive board consider raising the dues to include an annual donation to
assist the Canteen with funding.
The Secretary read the following meeting schedules for 2021:
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
FIRE CHIEF’S ASSOCIATION
2021 MEETING SCHEDULE
To Be Determined JANUARY 14
DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP FEBRUARY 11
Cooper Street Station (Almonesson)
FRANKLINVILLE MARCH 11
DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP APRIL 8
Delsea Drive Station (New Sharon)
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP MAY 14
Grenloch Station
EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTER JUNE 10
NO MEETINGS IN JULY OR AUGUST
FIRE ACADEMY SEPTEMBER 9
DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP OCTOBER 14
Fisher Street Station (Helping Hand)
NOMINATIONS
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP NOVEMBER 11
Hurffville Station
NOMINATIONS
GIBBSTOWN DECEMBER 9
ELECTIONS
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
FIRE CHIEF’S ASSOCIATION
2021 OPERATIONAL MEETING SCHEDULE
GLASSBORO APRIL 29
EAST GREENWICH JULY 29
HIGHLAND CHEMICAL SEPTEMBER 30
DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP DECEMBER 30
Good Intent Road Station (Blackwood Terrace)
CAMPTOWN: $ 40.00
GOOD & WELFARE OF THE ASSOCIATION:
Jim Schmidt advised that the Fire Marshal’s Office was doing no shave
November along with the Star Cross Fire Company to raise funds for
Children’s Hospital.
Dennis Kappler motion that the Association match the donation for
Children’s Hospital, seconded by Dan Baker, motion passed.
It was brought to the attention of the Association that Ryan Pierson from
Pitman had been in the hospital, he has a 6 week recovery period due to
surgery.
PLACE OF NEXT MEETING: December 10
th
at Ewan Fire Company
meeting at 1930
Roll Call Taken by the Secretary
Dan Baker motion to adjourn seconded by Bill Beckett
motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 20:21 hours.
Respectfully Submitted
Glenn Roemmich
Secretary
