Industry News

AUNIQUE APPROACH TO MANAGING FIREGROUND RISK

Most everyone can agree that consistent drills and training help make for a safer fireground. In Wilton, NYthe local volunteer fire department has taken that one step further. To further mitigate risk, they include group exercise training to help make sure their responders are fit, not just for emergencies, but for everyday life too.

AJournal of the American Heart Association Report republished in September 2018 by the American Red Cross states “that among firefighters, more job-related deaths stem from cardiac arrest than from any other cause.” “Firefighters face many dangers, but the greatest risk is from underlying cardiovascular disease in combination with the physiological strain on the firefighter,” said study lead author Denise L. Smith, Ph.D. who works adjacent to Wilton as the director of the First Responder Health and Safety Laboratory for Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY.

To help control these risk factors, The American Heart Association recommends the management of blood pressure, maintaining proper weight and getting active among other healthy habits.

While under the watchful eye of a certified trainer, Wilton Fire hosts exercise classes three days a week at their main station for all members and has seen great results with the program. One-member, Three-year volunteer Christopher Brown, is down 28 pounds and has taken 45 seconds off his mile time since participating in the group classes. An added benefit to this group exercise program is more time to socially interact and build camaraderie with colleagues who they normally only see during drills or calls. One member stated that although the classes are challenging, the fact the whole group is working through a personal challenge helps motivate everyone that they can get through it. “There is strength in numbers,” they said. Managing risk on the fireground and in your own life can sometimes require extra dedication. It may not always be easy, but when it matters most, it will be worth it. - Andrew Bobbitt, NBT Insurance Agency, LLC

TIME TO REVIEWYOUR LOSAPINVESTMENTS

The past two years have been very difficult for all of us. The pandemic and geo-political unrest has taken its toll on everyone. The LOSAPinvestments are no exception! We have seen our economy struggle to keep up with inflation and the stock market plummeting. This is not a time to panic. It’s time to speak to your investment advisors to see what the best approach will be for your specific investments. If your LOSAPis invested in fixed annuities, your annual report will reflect your actual returns. If you are invested in the market, you may see your annual report reflect a dip in overall funding. One of the most important things we should be aware of as fiduciaries is our assumed rate of return vs. our actual returns. This means that the rate of return that is used as the determining factor for establishing your annual contribution may lead to larger unfunded liability in the long run if your actual returns are substantially less.

One way to alleviate this concern is to have a financial advisor do an independent audit of your LOSAPplan. This trusted advisor should be able to explain your funding and your overall plan in laymen’s terms so that all board members can understand the ramifications. Another prudent action a board can take is to establish an “Investment Policy.” Fire Districts have many policies in effect but very few Districts have an investment policy that would determine the intent of the current board for their LOSAPinvestments. For example, a board may want to take an extremely conservative approach and only invest in guaranteed funds, but another board may only want their operating account in guarantees and other funds in investments that could to lead to a higher rate of return. This is a discussion the board should have with their investment advisor. The policy going forward, would create a path for future boards and can be adjusted as needed. Forecasts for our countries economic future vary, however, keeping an optimistic outlook, as well as staying realistic is imperative as we move forward.

On a personal note, I am looking forward to seeing all of you again and looking forward to our world getting back to normal. - Diane Setter, Diane Setter &Associates, 631-806-4402, d.setter@hotmail.com

Obituary

Westbury’s Joseph M. Riccardo

On March 6, 2022, Westbury ex-Chief Joseph M. Riccardo passed away at the age of 84.

Ex-Chief Riccardo, was a member of Westbury Hose Company 2, and served the department and the community for 62 years. He was a dedicated member of the Westbury Turtles Drill Team and was also quite handy having worked as a Local 66 laborer.

Visitation took place at the Donohue Cecere Funeral home on March 10, 2022. Afuneral was held on March 11, 2022, at Saint Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church in Westbury. Interment took place at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and Joseph C. Sperber