JANUARY-MARCH 2020 | VOL.50 | NO.1
Annual Officers Seminar Equips Participants with Operational and Administrative Tools for the Fire Service Andy Levy, Coordinator, North Central Regional Training Office The John W. Hoglund Maryland Officers Seminar was held on March 7-8 at the Universities at Shady Grove, Conference Center in Rockville, MD. Nearly 128 students attended the event, representing 60 fire departments. The theme of this year’s seminar was “Tools for the Tool Box.” This year’s program opened with a solemn tribute to Director Emeritus John W. Hoglund, the founder of the original Chief Officers Seminar. Hoglund, who passed away Jan. 2, 2020, was an avid leader in firefighter education, prevention and public safety. For the past 52 consecutive years of the seminar, Hoglund rang the bell signaling the program to order and the return time from breaks. The seminar bell was first brought to MFRI (then the Fire Service Extension Department) by Director Bob Byrus in 1957 and later was introduced to the Chief Officers Seminar by Director Hoglund. In honor of his memory, members from the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department sounded the bell three times. The bell remained silent for the remainder of the weekend. The keynote address was delivered by Colonel Royal P. Mortenson, director of the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, who offered his perspective on leadership. Mortenson, who also held previous roles as a commander in the United States Marine Corps; adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon and director of the Marine Corps Staff and Command College shared his perspective with audience members. In addition to the keynote address, the event featured presentations on administrative and operational topics. Firefighter Paul Doughty, who is also a practicing attorney for the Curt Varone Law Group in
Exeter, Rhode Island, focused on legal considerations and liability issues concerning “Hazing, Pranks and Bullying” in the fire service. He presented an additional presentation titled “Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)” and “Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs).” The second day of the seminar featured breakout sessions by Robin Zevotek of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Firefighter Safety Research Institute. Zevotek’s presentation explored current research trends with fire behavior, flow in structures and real world scenarios on the fireground. Deputy Chief (Ret.) Thomas Dunne of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) presented four key elements that contribute to stress on the fireground and how to manage the effects of this pressure in his presentation “Seeing the Elephant: A fire officer’s guide to functioning under stress.“ The program concluded with a presentation by Lt. Bill Schnaekel of the Fairfax County, Va. Fire Department and Lt. Mike Dowling of the Prince George’s County, Md. Fire/EMS Department. They shared with the audience the thought and operational process of the company officers who often make or break operational success by their initial actions when arriving on the fireground. The seminar was very successful and attendees were able to take away a variety of lessons for their operational and administrative tool boxes. photo: Colonel Royal P. Mortenson delivers a session at the John W. Hoglund Maryland Officers Seminar
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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 all-hazard responses. The Institute plans, researches, develops and delivers quality programs to prepare agencies and individuals to protect life, property and the environment
BULLETIN STAFF Editor Creative Editor Assistant Editor
Ashley Collier Ana Maizel ShaVon Diaz
CONTACT MFRI tel: 301-226-9921 fax: 301-314-0752 www.mfri.org bulletin@mfri.org
As we begin a new decade, workgroups have been hard at work here at the Institute trying to achieve the various objectives placed upon us as a result of our new strategic planning process. These groups are researching, testing, making recommendations, and helping to introduce various new items and processes. Some of these projects underway are: ● Electronic-based testing ● Electronic evaluations ● Reporting requirements ● A new LMS system ● Development of an Institute risk management plan ● Automated staffing programs ● A new website ● Development of an equity/human dignity statement ● Creation of a new organizational structure
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Bulletin (MFRI) University of Maryland (ISSN 10742298) is published quarterly by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Periodical postage paid at College Park, MD 20740. Postmaster: Send address changes to Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Bulletin, 4500 Campus Drive, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. The MFRI Bulletin is distributed as a public service of the University of Maryland. The Bulletin is dedicated to the publication of information that will help educate its readers on the subjects of fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue, leadership and training. This publication may contain some articles and illustrations provided by readers. MFRI does not necessarily agree with information nor endorse any products depicted in the Bulletin. Address all communications to Editor at MFRI. For change of address, send mailing label and new address.
● Salary and compensation review for faculty and staff While these groups are in various stages of their processes, there will be additional groups assembled over the five-year life span of the new Strategic Plan. Each and every one of the objectives accomplished in this process will help achieve one of the major goals developed by the steering committee that participated in this process to establish a road map for the Institute to follow into the future. Although I have been talking about our current activities as we move forward over the next five years here at the Institute, it also important not to forget about where we have come from. On Jan. 2, 2020, John W. Hoglund, the first MFRI Director, passed away after a lengthy illness. Mr. Hoglund served 22 years leading the Institute through many initiatives and achieving many significant milestones during his tenure. This issue of the MFRI Bulletin is dedicated to his lifelong accomplishments and the legacy he leaves behind for others to follow.
Michael E. Cox Jr.
The MFRI Bulletin is produced entirely in house. We extend our gratitude to our contributors who make this publication possible. volume 50 | issue 1 | p 2
COVID-19 UPDATE
COVID-19 PLAN OF ACTION As of Thursday, March 19, 2020 all MFRI regional training centers and headquarters locations are operating remotely in support of the health and safety of our students and employees to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All regions can be contacted Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or via email at adminsvc@mfri.org.
POSTPONEMENT/CANCELLATIONS All training programs at all MFRI facilities are postponed until May 26, 2020. With the exception of some career recruit classes, all training programs hosted at county/municipal training academies and career/volunteer fire stations will continue to be postponed by the respective local agencies or authority having jurisdiction until further notice.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Headquarters
(301) 226-9900
Western MD
(301) 729-0431
North Central
(301) 829-2020
North East
(410) 676-5409
Upper Eastern Shore (410) 758-2112 Lower Eastern Shore (410) 749-0313 Southern MD
(301) 934-2600
Professional Development for Instructors Symposium scheduled for April 4, was cancelled. All instructors scheduled to recertify in April and June of 2020 will automatically be given an extension until August 1, 2020. Additional information can be found at www.mfri.org/micrb. MFRI “Skills Enhancement” scheduled for April 18-19, and “Skills Weekend” scheduled for May 2-3, are cancelled. They will be rescheduled in late May or early June. The new dates will be announced as soon as they are available.
ONLINE TRAINING The Planning Section, formerly known as the Institute Development Section, is currently transitioning courses to an online format. When this occurs instructors and students will be notified on a class-by-class basis. As of March 30, 2020 MFRI’s Incident Simulation Command Center started delivering “Simulations of the Week” at www.mfri.org/simoftheweek
PEARSON VUE TESTING MFRI’s EMR, EMT, and Paramedic Testing will continue its curriculum. Testing will be conducted in accordance with all social distancing recommendations, including that no more than 10 people (including test proctors) will be permitted in the test session.
Continue to stay abreast of MFRI’s COVID-19 action plan at www.mfri.org/covid19
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A LIFE OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE: JOHN W. HOGLUND (1930-2020) Karen Haje, Special Programs Coordinator On January 2, 2020, the emergency services community lost a legend. John W. Hoglund, Director Emeritus of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, passed away peacefully after a long illness. He joined the faculty of the Fire Service Extension Department at the University of Maryland in 1963, and served for 43 years, 22 as director. During his stellar career, he would come to be known as a visionary, leader, and tireless advocate for the advancement of training, education and safety for America’s fire service. Devoted husband to Nancy; father to Jackie, Jeanne, John and Jennifer; and grandfather to Matthew, he was a man of deep faith and strong conviction – a U.S. Marine who lived every day by those tenets.
In many aspects, he was like a stern father figure to me - even though my name did not start with a J - and he instilled in me a strong work ethic that I still adhere to and have passed along to my son. Early on he and “Miss Mabel” Weitzell taught me several things that kept me out of trouble in the early years – that perfect is not good enough; if you’re on time, you’re late; and between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the University’s clock had no room for goofing off on it. He wore a suit and tie every day. EVERY DAY. He said, “It’s a lot easier to wear a coat and tie and keep work clothes in your locker than it is to wear work clothes and keep a complete set of business attire in your locker. You never know when the President’s Office will call!”
If you’re reading this edition of the MFRI Bulletin, you have most likely already seen the career recap, which includes the bevy of organizations and committees he was involved in. You are aware of all the well-deserved accolades as he’s been eulogized, recognized, idolized, awarded, honored, revered and quoted. That’s not what this tribute is about. This is my “John Hoglund story.”
He had the remarkable ability to make you feel special. He remembered EVERYTHING. Good, bad or just plain trivial, it was important to him. What was even more significant is that he remembered something about everyone he ever met. It was surreal, and that memory ran deep. He also had the magical ability to be everywhere. If there were a meeting in Western Maryland, a banquet in La Plata, and a memorial service in Princess Anne on the same weekend, he would find a way to be front and center at all of them, with his brown folder full of handouts and taking “copious notes.” And he would still make it to BWI to catch a plane to NFPA, FDIC or IFSTA. Later when his health began to decline, his loyal team of chauffeurs, which often included his “bride” Nancy, would drive his “chariot“ to the appointed location. We knew he was still in reasonably good health when someone reported a “John Hoglund sighting.”
Having worked for and with him for my entire 48 year career at the University of Maryland, as you can imagine, I have a lot of John Hoglund stories in my repertoire. We all have at least one – whether he was your “Brother John,” JW, John or Mr. Hoglund. Far more poignant for me are the life lessons that I learned along the way. From the day he interviewed me to the last time we spoke, I called him “Mr. Hoglund,” never John, and I am not alone. His persona just commanded reverence. He could walk into a room, and like the old E.F. Hutton commercial, when he spoke, people listened. He had the gift of eloquence and the attributes to effectively deliver it – strong vocals and beautiful penmanship. I learned to write, not from college English and journalism, but from John Hoglund. There are phrases and words that will forever be “Hoglundisms,” and “in that light” they still slip back into my work from time to time.
Leave it to John to outlive most of his colleagues. The turnout to his memorial was very impressive, but was more of a reflection of his influence – the next generation of fire service leaders he mentored or who in some way were inspired to carry on his legacy. God’s speed, Mr. H – we’ll take it from here.
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NEW ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES COMES TO BENEFIT STUDENTS & PARTNER GROUPS As part of MFRI’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, the steering committee recommended a goal to ensure an effective organizational structure to meets the needs of its customers as well as maintain efficiency in its day-to-day operations. As a result, the work group assigned to this project restructured the current management teams and functional units, resembling the national incident management system. The new organization structure that was adopted uses common emergency services terminology, functional units and enhances communication throughout the organization. These improvements were fiscally prudent as positions that already existed were utilized. The changes are as follow: Jim Radcliffe has been appointed to the newly created position as manager of the QA/ QI improvement section. Radcliffe began work at MFRI in 2004, starting as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) instructor before joining the fulltime faculty in 2015 as a coordinator and later as manager for ALS. As the manager of QA/QI, Radcliffe is responsible for supervising all class and facility reviews and the Cer tif ications Office.
Operations Section. Cox joined MFRI in 1975, and retired in 2003 as manager of Field Operations. Cox returned in 2018 as the assistant director. This section now split in two as State Programs and Special Programs, will continue to be responsible for implementing and delivering programs throughout the state to private industries and the government. MFRI’s ALS unit has been moved under the Operations Section, reflecting its new name as State Programs. Jason Shorter will serve as interim manager of State Programs until the position is filled. Shorter joined MFRI in 2014 as an instructor in ALS before being promoted to an ALS coordinator in 2017. Darl McBride will continue to oversee Special Programs.
Audrey Williams will serve as the Equity Adm i nistrator in addition to her job responsibilities as Section Chief of the Finance/ Administration Section formerly known as Administrative Services. In this role, Williams oversees finance and administrative processes for the Institute as well as issues involving complai nts , accom modation requests, and fair practices in the employment search and selection operation. Steve Cox, the current assistant director of Field Operations will assume his role as Section Chief of the unit under its new name as the
All
Business Services Specialists positions currently operating within State Programs and Special Programs have remained in their respective positions. Although no changes have been made to the Logistics Section, the pr i nt i n g s er v ic e s unit formerly housed with i n Ad m i n i st rat ive Services, is now a part of this section. The Planning S e c t i o n , formerly known as the Institute Development Section will be supervised by acting managers Diane May & Rebecca SpicerHimes. May has been with the Institute for 34 years teaching EMS and management courses in the Western Maryland region. Spicer retired in 2015 after 35 years working full-time at MFRI. After retirement she worked part-time on various projects. As part of the restructure, two new units were added - analytics and graphics. Both units existed in other areas before being moved to the section. The new restructure was effective March 1.
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INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: SHAWN DAVIDSON providing quality training that gets people the help they need when they call 911. That makes every other factor meaningless by comparison.
Most memorable teaching moment. It’s impossible to narrow
my experiences down to a single “most memorable” moment. What I can tell you I love is watching the “ah hah!” moment, when a student who has struggled with a concept or skill feels the click that signifies the beginning of understanding. That moment is an awesome one to witness and even more fun to be a part of.
Best advice to a student taking courses at MFRI. Honestly
the best advice, I think, is to learn yourself before you try to learn other things. Self-awareness matters. To be successful, not just as a student but in everything, a person must know what their strengths and weaknesses are and act accordingly. What classes do you teach at MFRI? EMT, EMT Skills, EMT Experience has taught me that when a person is willing to work for their goal they are much more likely to achieve it. I Refresher and EMS Officer. know that sounds trite, but it’s true. Knowing yourself, the raw What inspired you to be an instructor? My background is material you are working with, makes it much easier to meet in elementary school special education and early childhood your goal. Each of us finds self-awareness in a different way and education. At the same time, I literally grew up around EMS – it certainly never happens overnight. Learning to know and my dad, Kim Davidson (also a MFRI instructor) is the longest appreciate yourself is an ongoing process, assuming you do it serving member in the history of Lexington Park Volunteer right. The day you think you know everything is the day you Rescue Squad with 44 years this year. I joined the same should give up everything because you have no more room left department in 1989 and just celebrated my 30th anniversary to grow. in volunteer service in St. Mary’s County. Teaching for MFRI allowed me to combine the two things I am most passionate Fun fact about you not related to teaching. My husband and I work with the Dachshund Rescue of North America. We have about: education and EMS. six miniature dachshunds of our own. The head of the rescue What do you love about being an instructor? MFRI can be has teased me about being her “fat farm” because I take in challenging – but also supremely rewarding What I do every overweight dogs and help them lose a few pounds. Currently day, from the curriculum development I work on to every class at our home we have the six dogs, three cats, twelve koi and a I ever teach, I touch the lives of countless people who visit, Juliana pig. We volunteer at the local community theater and live, and work in Maryland. I positively impact the world by have three sons, all of whom are grown.
NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE STAFF AND COMMAND COURSE BRINGS EMERGENCY SERVICES LEADERS TO ANNAPOLIS Nearly 80 emergency service providers from across the country attended this year’s National Fire Service Staff and Command Course in Annapolis, MD. Sponsored in cooperation with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the week-long event brought together chief officers, senior administrative personnel and those aspiring to be chief officers. The National Fire Service Staff and Command Course featured nationally distinguished fire service speakers such as Dr. Richard Gasaway, Dr. David Griffin and John Rukavina, J.D. Local speakers included Daniel Madrzykowski, Lt. Amy Dant,
Howard County EMS Battalion Chief Dave Sabat and Alex Cardella.
his department is utilizing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s format featured two panel discussions by local emergency personnel services. Prince George’s County Fire Chief Tiffany Green, Baltimore County Fire Chief Joanne Rund and Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Trisha Wolford were the panelists for “Learning from the Top: Getting the Perspective from Emerging Leaders.” Participants engaged in a question and answer format with the metropolitan chiefs. Dave Sabat, EMS Battalion Chief for Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services described efforts
Following this in-depth discussion, participants toured the United States Naval Academy, and the Naval District Washington, DC Fire Department.
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Dave Statter from STATter911 Communications, LLC; retired Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department Spokesperson Mark Brady; John Butler, Fire Chief, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department; and John Rukavina, J.D. closed the Staff and Command Course with their panel discussion “Torn from the Headlines: Reputation Management Decision Making.”
HEALTH STUDY WITH UMD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH FINDS LIEUTENANTS AT HIGHER STRESS LEVELS This past December Michael Baker, lead instructor and acting coordinator of the Incident Command Simulation Center, formed a partnership with the University of Maryland School of Public Health, Department of Kinesiology over the past six months to examine mental stress of firefighters during simulated firefighting. The study is an attempt to determine new techniques to reduce stress of officers during high stress incidents. Baker, who has been an instructor at the Institute for over 35 years, has been researching line of duty deaths (LODD) in structure fires over the last four years and has noticed a trend of fatalities among new and acting officers. “There are many questions as to why they are involved that can’t be answered quickly,” said Baker. In June, the stress level of ten lieutenants and three battalion chiefs from the metropolitan area were evaluated during two simulated incidents. Each officer was assigned incidents of different levels of difficulty. The easy condition was a single home dwelling with a kitchen fire, with no civilians or firefighters at risk. The hard condition was a garden-style apartment, with multiple civilian casualties and firefighter mayday. While performing the computerized firefighting command simulation tasks, sensors were attached with an elastic cap placed on each participant’s scalp for recording brain activity (electroencephalography – EEG). Their heart rates
were also measured. The data indicated differing stress levels and brain activity between new and experienced officers. Lieutenants displayed high levels of attentional engagement in both easy and hard conditions. Although the lieutenant’s mental workload was similar, the chiefs displayed lower attentional focus in the easy condition, and an increase in focus to the hard condition. While still being lower than the lieutenants, the chiefs did not need to utilize higher attentional focus in the easy condition. When performing the hard conditions, the chiefs did not need to focus as hard to maintain performance. “Our hope is that we can find ways to train less experienced officers using fireground simulations to increase their experience levels before real incidents occur,” said Baker. The School of Public Health and MFRI plan to explore other issues with further study and continue this joint study in the fall. Photo: Battalion Chief Michael Lambert performs a simulation in the Simulation Incident Command Center as UMD student looks on.
SIMULATION STUDY GRAPHS
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INDICIA MARYLAND FIRE AND RESCUE INSTITUTE COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742
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