2018 M A R Y L A N D
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Maryland’s Congressmen Visit MFRI One of the highlights at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute in October was visits from Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Anthony G. Brown (MD04). University of Maryland President Wallace Loh, Executive Director Michael E. Cox Jr. and MFRI staff briefed both congressional representatives on the emergency services training MFRI provides across the state, nationally and internationally. Congressman Hoyer, who represents the 5th Congressional District and serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, praised MFRI as the premier fire training agency in the country. “I was pleased to tour the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute this afternoon [Oct. 1] and learn more about the training the Institute develops for emergency services personnel. The College Park headquarters and the six regional training centers located around the state prepare emergency services personnel for the difficult task of protecting our communities and ensure they have the skills needed to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Hoyer in a press release. While touring the facility Hoyer spoke with students and viewed MFRI’s fire and rescue training equipment. Hoyer ended his tour meeting Prince George’s County Fire Chief Benjamin M. Barksdale and members of his department.
photo: (l to r) MFRI Executive Director Michael E. Cox Jr. UMD President Wallace Loh, Congressman Steny Hoyer and Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale gathered for a picture in front of the flammable liquids pit.
Congressman Brown, who represents Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, visited MFRI with a different expectation—to see what it’s like to be a firefighter. Transforming from congressman to firefighter, Brown donned MFRI’s turnout gear alongside his staffers, Benjamin Wolff and Jared Karbowsky. During their “Fire 101” course, Brown’s staff learned the importance of thermal imaging (an expensive lifesaving tool for firefighters) while executing two evolutions in the fire behavioral lab and flammable liquids pit. The novice firefighters were appreciative of the experience. “ We thank Congressmen Steny Hoyer and Anthony Brown for their public service, leadership and support for all federal programs that better our emergency services.” said Cox. “We’re appreciative of their visit to the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, and we look forward to hosting the congressmen again in the future.”
photo: (l to r) Benjamin Wolff, Jared Karbowsky, and Congressman Anthony Brown received instructions from John Manco and Tommy Ray on how to use breathing apparatus.
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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland is the state’s comprehensive training and education system for the emergency services. The Institute plans, researches, develops, and delivers quality programs to enhance the ability of emergency service providers to protect life, the environment, and property. Bulletin Staff Editor: Ashley Collier Creative Editor: Ana Maizel Assistant Editor: Lydia MacBride Contact MFRI tel: 301-226-9921
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“Into the future” is a phrase sometimes used to describe advancements and changes to improve particular practices going forward in an organization. Another interpretation of this phrase refers to the calculation of how big something will become in the future using new information, advancements and processes currently available. The introduction of new technologies and advancements in today’s organizations certainly would invoke the use of the phrase “into the future.” Technology has become a major component of all organizations that lend assistance and new approaches to old problems. The speed at which new technologies are now available is incredible. In many cases, technologies developed and implemented today quickly become outdated or obsolete as other more effective and efficient methods are devised. Nonetheless, organizations should constantly be aware of these advancements that are made day in and day out to help lower costs, improve efficiency and drive better customer outcomes. Fire service training organizations should make every effort to embrace new technologies, that offer tremendous advancements to the health and safety of students and instructors. Innovations in the training environment, such as thermal imaging, personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, drones and the use of virtual reality, translate to improved safety benefits in real-life emergency situations. The implementation of new technologies in the training environment also offers additional proficiencies through the realization of cost efficiencies, time savings, paperless solutions, improved records management, secure student testing processes and better supply chain logistical management of assets, facilities and equipment.
As we continue to embark on a new strategic planning process over the next three to four months, we will challenge ourselves to look into the future in order to continue to be a leader in our field. I would ask that our instructors, faculty, staff and partner groups, who will be involved in this process, incorporate fresh, new ideas, technologies and innovations into our daily practices to solve our organizational challenges. I would also ask that everyone remember the phrases “I can’t,” “it won’t work here” and “the status quo” do not apply or exist in world-class organizations. Since its inception, MFRI has enjoyed a reputation of being a leader in the emergency services training field locally, nationally and internationally. This recognition has surely been the result of our great instructors, faculty and staff members and their no-quit attitudes. As we plan and chart our course for the next four to five years, I hope we continue to take steps to embrace our organizational values and listen to our customers as well as our stakeholder and partner groups. Our educational programs must be sound, relevant and address the emerging issues facing our emergency responders. The planning, research, development and delivery of these programs are the first steps in improving the health and safety of our emergency responders. All of which begin with the ideas and actions of our instructors, faculty and staff.
Assistant Director Preston Announces His Retirement by Karen Haje, Special Projects Coordinator
Lawrence L. Preston, MFRI’s assistant director of Field Operations, announced his retirement from the University of Maryland, effective January 5, 2019. Following his retirement as a major/assistant chief from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department in 1995, Preston taught math in the Anne Arundel County school system for over four years before accepting a full-time position at MFRI in 2000. He began his MFRI career in the Institute Development Section as a curriculum developer. In 2004, he was promoted to manager of the Logistical Support Section and served in that position until 2009, when he was appointed manager of the Field Programs Section. In 2011, former director Steve Edwards promoted him to assistant director of Field Operations, where he served until retirement. Preston’s passion throughout his career at MFRI has been certification. He was appointed as Prince George’s County’s representative to the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB) in 1988 and has served in that role for the Institute since 2004. Also, in 2004, he was elected to the first of several three-year terms on the National Pro Board Committee on Accreditation. He was elected chair to the Pro Board’s Advisory Committee, a position which gave him a seat on the board of directors. Again in 2004, he was elected to the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress’s (IFSAC) Certificate Assembly Board of Governors for the first of multiple terms. For over 20 years, Preston has been an active ambassador for both the Pro Board and IFSAC, participating in or leading accreditation site visits both nationally and internationally. In January 2016 at the annual Pro Board Accreditation Conference, Preston was awarded the prestigious Johnny G. Wilson Memorial Award, their highest recognition for an individual involved in certification. This past June, he was awarded the Russell J. Strickland Award by the MFSPQB at their annual meeting. This award is presented to a worthy individual who has made significant contributions towards the promotion of certification in the state of Maryland. Preston has exemplified these qualities and has been instrumental in the elevation of Maryland’s certification system to the highest level of national prominence. A married father of five, Preston has no plans to retire to the rocking chair. As an avid runner, he will continue training for the next marathon. He and wife Edie will also be having fun with their two beautiful grandchildren. His leadership, wisdom and sense of humor will be missed at MFRI.
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Annual Conference Addresses Life Safety and Risk Reduction by Karen Haje, Special Projects Coordinator This year’s Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference (MALSC), sponsored by the Fire and Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland (FABSCOM), was held Sept. 25 at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Laurel. Nearly 200 people attended the conference participating in an array of workshops ranging from construction fire prevention, school safety and security, smoke alarm updates, creating accessible public safety information and more. Chris Strong from the National Weather Service delivered the luncheon presentation, “Extreme Weather in Maryland.” Following his remarks, FABSCOM named Photo: l to r, Brian S. Geraci, Maryland State Fire Marshal, Bruce Bouch, John C. Spiker Jr. Bruce D. Bouch the 2018 recipient of the John C. Spiker Sr. Excellence in Life Safety Educator his career in fire safety and education, Bouch developed and implemented a nationwide fire marshal mentoring of the Year Award. program and served as a subject matter expert with code Bouch, a lifelong fire safety educator in Carroll County and and standards. Bouche retired last year as senior deputy across Maryland, has relentlessly educated his community state fire marshal. He currently serves as a fire program about the importance of smoke alarms, sprinkler systems specialist for the U.S. Fire Administration and was recently and fire safety at open houses, school functions and events deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands as the EA specialist. such as National Night Out. In response to multiple and currently serves as a fire program specialist for the residential fires in Carroll County, Bouch participated in U.S. Fire Administration and was recently deployed to the a neighborhood canvasing program with the Gamber and U.S. Virgin Islands as the lead EA specialist. In addition to Community Fire Company, advising community members his service, Bouch served five years as the committee chair about fire prevention and home safety checks. Throughout for MALSC.
New Phone System to Better Training
by Robyn Dwyer, Program Management Coordinator, Logistical Support Section Corsica Telecom and ComStar Technologies have teamed up to provide MFRI’s six regional training centers with a phone system upgrade. This upgrade includes a paging system installation. The paging system has the capability to communicate (paging) from inside the main building to anywhere on the property during training activities. The communication devices will be added or relocated where needed. The new phone system will expand MFRI’s technology and communication capabilities.
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Faculty and Staff Spotlight Jack Beall Jr. Jack Beall Jr. joins MFRI as the second regional coordinator at the Southern Maryland Regional Training Center. Beall served 17 years as a volunteer firefighter in Prince George’s County with Company 10 in Laurel and 25 years at Anne Arundel County Fire Department as battalion chief. He graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Beall lives in Severna Park with his wife and three children. Outside of work, he enjoys recreational crabbing, fishing and boating.
Andy Poe At this year’s Performance Review and Development Training, Andy Poe was recognized for his 20 years of service at the University of Maryland. As the sole automotive service mechanic in the Logistical Support Section, Poe is responsible for over 40 vehicles and training equipment that is used for day-to-day drills and operations.
Edward Hobbs Edward Hobbs of Special Programs was awarded Safety Professional of the Year by the Delmarva chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals. The award recognizes safety professionals who exemplify outstanding contributions to their region. Pictured is Joseph Bedard, Delmarva Chapter president, Edward Hobbs and Paul Flippin, Special Programs manager.
Have an idea to make MFRI better? We would like to hear from you! Coming soon, suggestion boxes will be installed at all six locations. Students, employees and guests can anonymously place comments in the suggestion boxes. Urgent concerns or observations can be emailed to equity@mfri.org for immediate response.
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New Hazmat Training Courses Now Available by Angela Bennett, Manager, Institute Development Section In December 2018, MFRI will release a series of revised courses that correlate with the recently released professional qualification standard from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to meet the needs of responders to situations involving hazardous materials that threaten lives, property and the environment. Previously, a professional qualification standard did not exist. In the past, MFRI’s hazmat series of courses were correlated to NFPA 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents. For the first time, MFRI’s course materials and testing instruments for the hazmat series will be correlated to NFPA 1072, Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications instead of NFPA 472. “The updates to the hazardous materials programs to the NFPA 1072 standard will make our firefighters safer and better trained and provide them more flexibility to work on hazardous materials incidents within the incident command system,” said Steve Heller, retired deputy chief of Fort Detrick, Maryland, and member of MFRI’s hazardous materials course development team. NFPA 1072 is intended to identify the minimum job performance requirements (JPRs) for personnel at the scene of a hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction incident at the following levels: awareness, operations, operations mission-specific, hazardous materials technician and incident commander. The biggest changes to course content are at the hazardous materials operations level and include the addition of missionspecific content related to mass decontamination, technical decontamination, detection, monitoring and sampling, victim rescue and recovery, evidence preservation and public safety sampling and response to illicit laboratories. There will be five courses within the hazardous materials family: Hazardous Materials Awareness (6 hours), Hazardous Materials Operations (36 hours), Hazardous Materials Operations – Extended Version (42 hours), Hazardous Materials Technician (60 hours) and Hazardous Materials Incident Commander (18 hours).
ALS Course Offerings NCCP Compliant
by Nicole Deutsch, Training Coordinator, Advanced Life Support Section Advanced cardiac life support satisfies the Individual Content requirement for the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) for paramedic recertification. When combined with MFRI’s ALS Refresher Course and 15 hours of jurisdictionally-defined Local Content, nationally registered paramedics are fully compliant with NCCP requirements. All MFRI ALS courses are NCCP compliant and can be taken free of charge by any Maryland affiliated EMS personnel. To register for an upcoming refresher course, visit https://www.mfri.org/students/schedules/advanced-life-support-courses/
photo: (l) Students are analyzing the ECG, checking for a pulse and preparing to defibrillate if indicated.
photo: (r) Students are preparing to analyze the ECG at the end of the 2-minute CPR cycle.
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Special Programs hosts University of Maryland Women’s Soccer Team Annually, MFRI delivers over 1,800 programs to emergency responders, public and private entities. This past August, Special Programs delivered a unique program to the University of Maryland women’s soccer team. Ray Leone, the team’s head coach, who happened to stop by MFRI out of curiosity, thought having his team visit the training institute would be the perfect lesson for his players to learn the importance of teamwork and understanding work concept. Upon arrival, the team was welcomed by MFRI Special Programs Instructors William Dobbin and Jimmy Artis. Instructor Dobbin shared a presentation about the Great Chicago Fire, history of MFRI and what to expect during the tour. At the Incident Command Center, the team viewed simulations of residential fires to understand the importance of open communication firefighters must have at an incident, similar to soccer players on the field. Dobbin and Artis, led the team to the tower where they toured the maze to get an understanding of the confined spaces that firefighters often find themselves in. Before exiting the tower, two players were left purposely to see if the
photo: University of Maryland women’s soccer team gathered for a photo with MFRI Special Programs Instructors, William Dobbin and Jimmy Artis.
rest of the team would notice that two were missing. Dobbin explained that similar to firefighting, no member should be left behind and that teamwork is crucial for survival. “When we enter a building together, we leave together,” said Dobbin. The players were appreciative of their time spent at MFRI. The Special Programs Section looks forward to hosting similar programs such as these.
Beijing Delegation Tours MFRI Facility The Special Programs Section hosted the GSafety delegation, which is a spinoff company started by Tsinghua University’s Institute of Public Safety Research in Beijing, China. The delegation toured the facility and training grounds.
photo: (l to r) Paul Flippin, (MFRI), Xinwei Sun (GSafety), Guofeng Su (GSafety), Mengxue Li (UMD/OIEP), Michael E. Cox (MFRI), Longquing Li (GSafety).
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Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute College Park, MD 20742
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Register Now for the 2019 National Fire Service Staff and Command Course The National Fire Service Staff and Command Course features nationally distinguished fire service speakers. It provides participants, under the guidance of leading experts in the field, five days filled with in-depth discussions and debate of the current and evolving issues in emergency services management that face fire/EMS departments.
For more information, visit www.mfri.org/sac or call 301-226-9962 or email sac@mfri.org