MFRI Annual Report

YLAND

MFRI

STITUT

AR

U IN

E

M

AND RESC

E

FI

RE

ANNUAL REPORT University of Maryland Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

CONTENTS

Message from the Executive Director ........................................1,2 Mission and Vision Statement......................................................3,4 FY 2019 Statistics and Certifications ..........................................5-8 Capital Projects.............................................................................7,8 New Tools, Equipment and Props...............................................9,10 New Programs and Curriculum...................................................11,12 Industry Partnerships.....................................................................13,14 Maryland’s First Lady Visits HQ..................................................15,16 State and Federal Activities..........................................................17,18 Student and Instructor of the Year...............................................19,20 Regional Training Centers............................................................21-24

Message from the

Executive Director

01

As another year at the Institute comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all of our faculty, staff, students and instructors for making fiscal year 2019 another remarkable year at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) of the University of Maryland. These individuals have continued to make MFRI a household name as a premier emer­gency services training agency locally, national­ly and globally. I am truly proud to be associated with an organization filled with so many gifted peo­ple, whose never-ending drive and commitment brought fearless ideas, new innovations and a level of excellence to the more than 34,000 members of the emergency response communities that we had the pleasure of serving this year.

This year also marked a transformational time at the Institute as we began numerous new initiatives, such as the establishment of a customer-centered stra­tegic planning process; the piloting of a new EMT program to help improve success rates across the state; and the establishment of Pearson VUE testing centers at the headquarters facility located in Col­lege Park, and all six regional training centers state­wide. We are also at the early stages of planning a capital renovation project at the Western Maryland Regional Training Center.

Similarly, MFRI has maintained its status at the fore­front of emergency services education, research and development through the pursuit of new infor­mation, tools and equipment. Through partnerships with our campus associates at the School of Public Health, Center for Firefighter Safety Research and Development, Small Smart System Center and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, we have continued our efforts to raise awareness of emerging issues, enhance operational safety, and improve of educa­tional experiences in the Institute’s program deliv­eries.

As we embark upon 2020, we will continue to strive for newer technologies, improve programs, and dif­ferent delivery models that will ultimately help to create additional opportunities for the growth and knowledge of the men and women who unselfishly serve their communities day in and day out. Like­wise, guided by our new strategic plan, the Institute will continue to foster new ideas, innovations, and collaborations to enhance and expand its services as we continue to prepare our emergency services providers through sound educational programs to successfully mitigate whatever type of incident they may be faced with in the future.

02

Mission

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute is the state’s training and education system for all-hazard responses. The Institute plans, researches, develops, and delivers quality programs to prepare agencies and individuals to protect life, property, and the environment.

03

Vision Statement

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute is and will continue to be a premier emergency services training and education organization by developing and delivering high-quality training. MFRI will constantly evolve to address developing trends and needs in emergency services training.

04

FY 2019 Statistics 59 - Seminars 225 - Company Drills 239 - Special Programs Section 1,463 - Field Operations Section

Emergency Services Programs

05

Total: 1,920

1,749 - Simulation Center 1,704 - Seminars 3,966 - Company Drills 3,304 - Specialty 1,721 - Hazardous Materials 5,023 - Management 2,275 - Rescue

Students by Discipline Total: 34,878

1,711 - ALS 5,770 - EMS 7,655 - Fire

1,704 - Seminars 3,966 - Company Drills 5,937 - Special Programs Section 23,271 - Field Operations Section

Students by Program Total: 34,878

8,279 - Seminars 3,969 - Company Drills 77,268 - Special Programs 759,891 - Field Operations

Student Hours by Program Total: 849,407

06

Capital Projects Headquarters

Rescue tower was evaluated, repaired and painted.

New burn tiles were installed in the Burn Building.

Lower Eastern Shore Regional Training Center New carpet was installed.

New HVAC systems were installed.

Southern Maryland Regional Training Center New burn tiles installed in two rooms of the Burn Building.

Western Maryland Regional Training Center New HVAC systems were installed.

Certifications

Issued by the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board, Inc.

MFRI courses eligible for certification................................................................................. 33 Pro Board certifications issued............................................................................................. 5,314 Concurrent IFSAC certifications issued............................................................................... 3,614 Maryland (MFSPQB) certifications issued......................................................................... 130 Total certifications issued............................................................................. 5,444

07

08

New Tools, Equipment and Props Using funds awarded from the 2017 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), MFRI’s Logistical Support Section (LSS) purchased various fire training props, including a Mobile Hazmat Rollover Trainer. The grant is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.

The new fire training props, which consist of a paint locker, electric motor, barbeque pit, dumpster, fuel spill and propane cylinders, were installed at MFRI’s Lower Eastern Shore and Western Maryland Regional Training Centers.

These new training tools are the closest things to simulating a real-life environment that our students will face in the line of duty.

Weighing over 7,000 pounds, the Mobile HazMat Rollover Trainer is used as a key component in the Institute’s Hazardous Materials courses. The mobile training tool is equipped with ports, panels and valves simulating a realistic gas or liquid leak. The tank has the ability to rotate 90 degrees, teaching students how to patch a leak from the side or bottom panel of the tank. It is also equipped with a generator and air compressor simulating a hazardous materials spill.

In addition to the seven newly purchased props, LSS team members refurbished its existing rope rescue mobile laboratory, outfitting it with new ropes, carabiners, harnesses, Aztek devices and rigging kits with everything needed for a rope system.

09

MFRI Becomes Pearson VUE Testing Center

MFRI joined the growing list of authorized testing centers in Maryland to deliver the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive examination. In 2014, the state moved to adopt the National Registry for those seeking certification as emergency medical technicians and emergency medical responders. Prior to the National Registry certification, testing was a part of the structured class schedule. After the NREMT testing was initiated, students were faced with existing testing centers that were not conducive to their schedules. The launch of these testing centers will ensure the examination will once again become part of the EMT class schedule, alleviating scheduling conflicts and other road blocks students were experiencing.

Two regional training test centers are currently in operation, hosting 15 test takers, including the headquarters office hosting 30. The remaining three centers are scheduled to be in operation by February 2020.

10

New Programs and Curriculum Pilots

MFRI piloted a new EMT program that was originally developed by the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services. The course, EMS-101, Emergency Medical Technician, is designed to be more student focused and more interactive.

1. EMS 101 utilizes:

• A new textbook • Tablet based quizzes and course material • Web based module exams through Platinum EMS Testing and group activities • Learning skill and assessment • Real-time analytics • A National Registry-adaptive test study tool

2. Fire 113: Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator (pilot released Jan. 2020)

3. Fire 130: Emergency Vehicle Operator (pilot released July 2019)

11

New Courses

A new EMS Officer series was created based on the NEMSMA Seven Pillars of EMS Officer Competencies: • MGMT 203: EMS Officer I: The Supervising Officer (released July 2018) • MGMT 218: EMS Officer II: The Managing Officer (released July 2018) • Hazardous Materials Awareness (6 hrs) • Hazardous Materials Operations (36 hrs) • Hazardous Materials Operations – Extended Version (42 hrs) • Hazardous Materials Technician (60 hrs) • Hazardous Materials Incident Commander (18hrs)

Curriculum Highlights

1. Obtained designation as a Registered Leaderhip Education Provider from NEMSMA with renewal in July 2018 2. EMS Officer I course received accrreditation from the National EMS Management Association 3. New partnership to deliver FEMA classes. Partnership expands course offerings for responders on all levels including: • Emergency Operations Center • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) • ALS Refresher Program meets National continued competency program requirements

12

Industry Partnerships

Firefighter David McGill gets a tutorial of the thermal imaging camera from a Qwake Technology representative

C-THRU Technology

MFRI was the host location for Avon Protection and Qwake Technologies “voice of the customer” research and development product demonstration. Representatives from both companies shared their SCBA adapted with mask-mounted camera equipped with C-THRU thermal imaging. Assisted

by MFRI’s Logistical Support Section, MFRI instructors and firefighters from Annapolis, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, they conducted live-fire evolutions in the burn building to test how well the apparatus would perform against the battling an environment filled with smoke and heat. Participants paired up to compare Avon and Qwake’s equipment alongside thermal imaging cameras that are currently being used by fire service organizations around the region.

13

Signing of MOU with GFDH’s Director Jung-Ho Yim, MFRI’s Executive Director Michael Cox and UMD’s Senior Vice President and Provost Mary Ann Rankin.

New Partnership Expands MFRI Training to South Korea

A formalized agreement between MFRI and the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters (GFDH) from the Republic of Korea was signed on May 1, 2019 to provide EMS, fire, rescue and hazardous materials training to their first responders. The first cohort of GFDH first responders received eight certifications from IFSAC and Pro Board in Firefighter I, Vehicle Technical Rescuer I and six levels of Hazardous Materials, which includes 1) awareness 2) core competencies, PPE & product control 3) mass decontamination 4) technical decontamination 5) detection/monitoring/sampling 6) victim rescue and recovery. A second cohort was welcomed in the fall of 2019.

14

Maryland’s First Lady Welcomes Korean Delegation to MFRI Maryland’s First Lady Yumi Hogan visited MFRI’s headquarters on July 15, 2019 to extend an official “Maryland welcome” to the first responders of the Gyeonggi-Do Fire and Disaster Headquarters (GFDH) from the Republic of Korea. The 12-member team spent seven weeks receiving EMS, fire, rescue and hazardous materials training from MFRI’s Special-member Programs Section.

Her first time visiting MFRI, Mrs. Hogan received greetings from University of Maryland, College Park President Wallace Loh. “She is a wonderful representative for Maryland,” said Loh. Hogan shared words of encouragement to the GFDH delegation. “Always dream. Continue to work hard,” said Hogan. “My husband and I are one of the biggest supporters of first responders.”

Following her remarks, Hogan graciously took questions from the audience, including those from the delegation who were curious about how she has remained true to her Korean traditions as Maryland’s First Lady.

Hogan was presented with an Asian painting and a portrait of her with husband Governor Larry Hogan from the GFDH delegation as a token of their appreciation for her visit.

“I’m very happy to have you visit with us. We’ve met so many Korean Americans since being here, but we are so honored to have met you,” said Lt. Haeja Kim, GFDH. Hogan’s visit comes after a series of events MFRI sponsored for the delegation during their stay in College Park.

“I appreciate Mrs. Hogan taking time out of her busy schedule to visit with us and offer her kind remarks to our guests,” said Cox.

15

16

State and Federal Activities

Prince George’s Professional Fire Fighters Fire Ops 101

Thirty-five of Maryland’s lawmakers attended the third annual International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Fire Ops 101 at MFRI’s headquarters sponsored by IAFF Prince George’s County, MD Local 1619.

The event is a partnership with Prince George’s County Professional Fire Fighters, Montgomery County 1664, Annapolis Local 1926, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and the Annapolis Fire Department. Attendees included Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and state delegates, senators and officials from Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. They viewed a live burn, traversed through a confined space maze.

Andrew Pantelis, IAFF 4th district vice president, Councilwoman Monique AndersonWalker (Prince George’s County, District 8), Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Photo courtesy of Joseph Andrucyk

17

photo: top (l to r) MFRI Executive Director Michael Cox, UMD President Wallace Loh, Congressman Steny Hoyer and Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale (ret.) in front of the flammable liquids pit.

Maryland’s Congressmen visit MFRI

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), met with MFRI students and staff during his tour of the College Park facility on October 1, 2018. Hoyer is the current House Majority Whip and serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), experienced what it’s like to be a firefighter during his visit on October 11, 2018.

CFSI Day at MFRI

In its 26th year, MFRI hosted this unique event in partnership with the Congressional Fire Services Institute to educate members of Congress on the importance of supporting legislation benefiting the fire and emergency services. Over 70 Congressional staffers, University of Maryland personnel and invited guests attended the event to experience the drills and training firefighters undergo to prepare for the rigors of their profession.

With the assistance from local departments, participants traversed through a confined space maze, used tools for an auto extrication, viewed a live-burn demonstration, extinguished flammable liquid fires and ascended 100 feet in an aerial platform.

18

Student of the Year

Kaylah Smothers was awarded the 2018 MFRI Student of the Year on Feb. 22 at what she thought was a county association meeting with the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association in Hagerstown, Md. Smothers was nominated by her EMT instructor Bev Witmer, who described her as an exceptional student and leader who is patient, kind and approachable.

During her junior year at Washington County Technical High School in Hagerstown, Smothers joined the school’s fire and rescue academy. She believes it was the best decision she ever made.

The two-year cadet program, which is a partnership with MFRI and the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, is offered to students who desire to be employed in the fire and emergency services field. The curriculum provides real-life training of fire, rescue and hazardous materials skills and techniques that are currently used in the field.

The budding firefighter graduated from the Oliver Robert Dubé Fire and Rescue Training Academy in August with the Loudoun County Department of Fire and Rescue in Leesburg, Virginia. She also volunteers with the Halfway Volunteer Company.

19

(l to r) Michael Cox, executive director; Pat Marlatt, assistant director; Thomas Harmon; Steve Cox, assistant director; and Eric Peterson, vice chair of the MFSPQB

Instructor of the Year

Thomas A. Harmon was honored as the 2019 Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year. Since becoming a field instructor in 1994, Harmon has taught classes totaling over 11,000 instructional hours. He has taught MFRI courses including Fire Officer I-IV, Health & Safety Officer Programs, Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator and Safety Officer.

Tom possesses an impeccable instructional record, and has remained active in the development of numerous emergency services program. Even when he’s not teaching, he can always be found providing assistance to other instructors on program and curriculum development.

The award was first established in 1977 by the Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors, is now jointly presented by MFRI and the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB) in recognition of an individual or a group’s contribution to the EMS fire and rescue training and education in Maryland.

20

Regional Training Centers

In addition to our headquarters in College Park, Maryland, MFRI provides state-of-the-art fire, rescue, and emergency medical training programs throughout the state of Maryland. MFRI’s faculty and staff is supported by over 700 state-certified instructors who deliver programs through site-specific mobile training, or at any of the regional training centers.

21

NERTC

Edgewood, MD

The North Eastern Regional Training Center serves Harford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties and Baltimore City.

UESTC

Centreville, MD

The Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center serves Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel Counties.

LESTC

Princess Anne

The Lower Eastern Shore Regional Training Center serves Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester and Somerset Counties.

22

Regional Training Centers (continued)

23

WMRTC

Cresaptown, MD

The Western Maryland Regional Training Center serves Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties.

NCRTO

Mount Airy, MD

The North Central Regional Training Office serves Carroll, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery Counties.

SMRTC La plata, MD

The Southern Maryland Regional Training Center serves Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s and Prince George’s Counties.

24

EDITING Ashley Collier

Communications and Public Relations Specialist

ShaVon Diaz Editor

Karen Haje

Special Projects Coordinator

DESIGN

Cameron Eaton Student Designer

25

26

YLAND

MFRI

STITUT

AR

U IN

E

M

AND RESC

E

FI

RE

ANNUAL REPORT University of Maryland Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute