JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 | VOL.50 | NO.3
ATTORNEY ANSWERS THE CALL TO THE FIRE SERVICE Michael Geleta is not your typical volunteer firefighter. The 59-year old assistant attorney general is a volunteer firefighter with the Taylor’s Island Volunteer Fire Department.
In the evenings after work, he attended class at the Lower Eastern Shore Regional Training Center in Princess Anne and occasionally at the Secretary Volunteer Fire Company in Dorchester County before the class transitioned to online learning.
According to the Dorchester Star, Geleta handles child and adult welfare safety for Wicomico County’s Department of Social Services. He started with Wicomico County in 2004, transferred to Dorchester County in 2009 before returning to Wicomico in 2017. Seeking a change of lifestyle, the Philadelphia native and his wife left their New Jersey home in 2004 to raise their children, who are now adults, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Geleta knew he needed to answer the call. The department requires two people at the station in order to respond to a call. There were only 5 individuals at the time who were active.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Geleta’s commute from his home to the Salisbury office was only an hour. Since his office has closed due to safety measures and precautions, Geleta works from home when he’s not in court.
“Our community is relatively small,” said Geleta. The 2010 U.S. Census Bureau reported its population of 173 residents, smaller than Smith Island with 276 residents.
Geleta told the Dorchester Star he became a firefighter after some members at Taylor’s Island Volunteer Fire Company “applied pressure” over time. He credits fellow Taylor’s Island resident Griff Livingston, a retired firefighter from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, for encouraging him to answer the call and volunteer with the unit. “He was frank and told me, we need reliable people,” said Geleta.
There are several fire departments such as Taylor’s Island across the country facing the same fate of retaining members. In 2017, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association issued a call to action in recruiting fire and EMS personnel. Geleta’s introduction to the fire department started in January of this year, participating in ride-alongs. This is when he enrolled in his first course at MFRI - Firefighter I – where he would be introduced to new challenges. volume 50 | no. 3 | p 1
Gelata found the ground ladder to be a challenge. “I’ve never been on a 35-foot ladder before, it was such a scary experience. By the time we finished t he c ourse, c limbing the 35-foot ladder became second nature to me,” he said with a laugh. In his interview with the Dorchester Star, Geleta noted how important it is to recognize that “older people” can help to meet the need for volunteers at local fire companies. “Mike has proven to be a valuable member of the Taylor's Island Volunteer Fire Company family,” said Patti Tieder, president of the fire c ompany. “ He i s a great example of how someone can become a firefighter no matter their age or occupation. We are all so proud of what he has accomplished and are looking forward to working with him to serve the members of our community.” Next to the ground ladder, live drills in the burn tower and confined space maze were also stressful and challenging. He looks forward to enrolling in his class this fall, which is Firefighter II.
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 Ashley Collier Creative Editor Ana Maizel Assistant Editor ShaVon Brown
CONTACT MFRI tel: 301-226-9921 fax: 301-314-0752 www.mfri.org bulletin@mfri.org
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Bulletin (MFRI) University of Maryland (ISSN 1074-2298) 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.
As we embark on a new fiscal year here at the Institute, it is important to take a few minutes and revel in our accomplishments of the previous year and to set our sights on the journey we will take over the next twelve months. Many of our accomplishments last year were a direct result of the goals and objectives born out of our new strategic plan. MFRI was the recipient of two Assistance to Firefighters grants (AFG) to support state training academy and COVID response programs. Moreover, all members of the Institute did their part during the COVID pandemic to make certain MFRI was fully operational, guaranteeing that the critical training needs of our state’s emergency providers were met so that an effective response force continued to operate in all of our communities. In this new fiscal year, the Institute will continue to follow the road map created through our strategic planning process to achieve the following objectives: conducting a review of the instructor selection process; developing and enhancing training programs dealing with emerging issues; researching a new information sharing platform; begin developing a web-based electronic forms program to replace our paper forms; reviewing new customer service strategies; completing compliance assessments of all MFRI facilities; conducting an examination of all MFRI policies and procedures; investigating new equipment and technologies; developing a communications plan; utilizing new innovations/ technologies for group meetings; improving the diversity and inclusion of our faculty, staff, and instructor groups; and ensuring our continued involvement in emergency services training at the national level. While it is easy to list the advances we have made and the ones we will embark on reaching this fiscal year, it is important that we recognize and thank the members of the various workgroups who put in countless hours to achieve their assigned objectives. These faculty, staff, and instructors worked in the most professional manner possible to move the Institute forward in reaching its goals. Their hard work and dedication is an example of their selfless commitment to the success of the Institute and the emergency services training community at large.
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 | no. 3 | p 2
DIANE MAY NAMED INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
ARMOND COLLINS NAMED STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Diane May was named the 2020 Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association 128th Annual Convention & Conference which was held virtually June 20-27 due to the COVID-19 national pandemic. May recalled being surprised when learning she was the recipient of the award from Operations Section Chief Steve Cox. May noted it was, “an honor to be named. There are a lot of great instructors who work for MFRI; it was an honor just to be nominated.” May shared that she was encouraged by her father, Bob Shimer who was a fire instructor at MFRI, to follow her passion in becoming an EMT instructor. Over the past 35 years, May has been following her passion at MFRI teaching EMS, instructor training and management courses in the Western Maryland region. This past February, May was appointed to serve as acting section chief of the Planning Section, formerly known as the Institute Development Section. In this role, May manages curriculum and instructor professional development seminars. May was nominated by Cox for the honor for her ongoing work with the Institute’s emerging Emergency Medical Technician Pilot program. Not only does she maintain an active role teaching the class, but she applies her knowledge and skills developing activities and quizzes to reinforce learning in her class. “Diane’s dedication and commitment to the development and delivery of emergency services programs makes her a most deserving candidate for the Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Award,” said Cox. “It is an honor and privilege for us to nominate Diane May for this prestigious award.” The Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award was first established in 1977 by the Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors. The award is now jointly presented by MFRI and the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB) in recognition of a contribution of an individual or group to EMS, fire and rescue training and education in the state of Maryland. volume 50 | no. 3
While transporting a patient to a local hospital, Armond J. Collins received the news that he was named MFRI’s Student of the Year. The person on the other end of that phone call was Diane May, who coincidentally had great news to share as she was named the Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year. Collins credits his younger brother, David who is a paramedic at LaVale Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Company, for encouraging him to join the fire department. “I enjoy helping people and my community,” said Collins. He attributes instructors like Diane and Walt May who have helped him become successful in the field. “Walt taught us how to not just save lives but how to tactically protect property,” said Collins. Diane, who nominated Collins for the award, describes him as an ambitious student who actively participates in group discussions and works hard to improve his skills inside and outside of the classroom. “I have been teaching for MFRI since 1985 and I can honestly say I have never had a student work as hard as AJ worked during his EMT class,” said May. “I always schedule extra sessions for my students that are completely optional. Some of these sessions are extra reviews for cognitive material and others are practical sessions. AJ attended all of them.” He has been a member of the Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Company in Cumberland, Maryland since January 2018. This past February, Collins passed his NREMT cognitive and practical exams on his first attempt. “It was no surprise that AJ was named for this award; he excels in anything he does,” said Samuel Wilson, Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Chief. Prior to becoming a member with the department, Collins received his bachelor’s degree in history from Frostburg State University in 2014. When Collins isn’t working 12-hour shifts at the station, as a history buff, he enjoys watching Ken Burns’ documentaries and the Incredible Dr. Pol. |p3
NEW ONLINE CEU RECERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITY FOR EMTS Diane May, Acting Section Chief, Planning Section
In an effort to better meet the needs of EMTs across the state, MFRI has aligned with a new company, Health & Safety Institute (HSI), to provide online continuing education. Feedback from a group of EMTs who were asked to evaluate the system was very positive. Overall they liked the flexibility and they felt that the classes were appropriate for EMTs.
When EMTs enroll in the HSI online courses they will be provided with a menu of 12 one-hour classes that meet MIEMSS requirements for continuing education. Unlike the current program, which requires EMTs to complete 12 hours of instruction, HSI allows students to sign up for the full 12-hour program (EMS 204) or they can select the classes they need to complete their recertification requirements (EMS 208). For example, if an EMT needs 2 hours of credit in trauma, they will only need to take 2 trauma classes. Each class is individually certified by the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education, (CAPCE), which means they are also accepted by NREMT. In addition to the 12 classes available to meet Maryland recertification requirements, EMTs can select additional classes from the HSI menu to meet their NREMT requirements if needed.
INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: RAY MCRAE gives the opportunity to have a positive impact on both young and mature people on a daily basis. Every day presents an opportunity to make a difference where you never know when something you do or say will make an impact in someone’s life.
What classes do you teach at MFRI? Fire, Rescue, and EMS
What inspired you to be an instructor? My inspiration to become an instructor started in Firefighter I. I was fortunate to have many formal and informal teachers in my lifetime. The one that inspired me the most was my mother. She was my first teacher; she taught me to be persistent, passionate and open to change minds. I was inspired to bring diversity to not only instruction, but in the make up in this profession.
What can students expect from your class? A positive learning environment with an instructor that will bring a diverse discipline background and a class that is full of challenges and energy. The students can expect an atmosphere where everyone has something to contribute to the class environment and expect the highest level of professionalism throughout the course. What do you love about working for MFRI or being an instructor? Being an instructor is a self-gratification as it
Most memorable teaching moment: I recently came across a previous student that thanked me for assisting him in obtaining his EMT. He expressed, “I previously attempted multiple times to obtain my EMT and was unsuccessful and felt doubtful until I took your class.” These positive encounters with previous students were not rare. This one stood out the most due to the different challenges this student experienced in my class. While in my class he gained confidence and motivation to succeed. Best advice to a student taking courses at MFRI: Stay focused and committed to your goals, accept new challenges, embrace change and diversity throughout the programs, and assist with inspiring your classmates.
Fun fact about you not related your teaching: I enjoy traveling and learning about new cultures, volunteering my time to communities and spending time with my family and friends. The most interesting fact about myself is being a grandfather to 6 beautiful grandkids.
What do you enjoy/love about working for MFRI? I enjoy the multiple different locations and friendly staff I have encountered since starting with MFRI. I love the multiple educational platforms that MFRI provides to instruct. MFRI also provides a large and diverse student population which is exciting to be a part of.
volume 50 | no. 3 | p 4
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: MARY ANN ARHAR Mary joins the Southern Maryland Regional Training Center as the Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining MFRI, Arhar held roles as an administrative assistant for the federal government as a radiologic technologist for many years. Arhar holds an associates degree in radiography from Prince George’s Community College. Outside of work, Arhar enjoys watersports, cooking, volunteering with her local fire department and planning youth activities.
MFRI MAKES NEW TRAINING PROPS AVAILABLE FOR CLASSES Timothy Delehanty, Facilities Coordinator MFRI recently placed two new training props into service to support several of our existing training programs. The purchase of these props was made possible with an Assistance to Firefighters Grant awarded in 2018 by FEMA. Both of these props are controlled using standard laptop platforms offering the instructor an improved solution for students to experience lifelike scenarios. In addition to preventing exposure to potential harm, damage to expensive equipment usually required to provide such instruction is also avoided. The first is the HazSim Atmospheric Monitoring Simulator system. The students will use a device similar to a four gas meter for environmental monitoring as they participate in classes such as Hazmat or Confined Space where those types of evolutions are required. At the same time, the in-
structor uses a laptop with customized software to insert a virtual hazardous environment that includes hundreds of possible contaminants that will cause the system to go into alarm. This creates an opportunity for the class to react to and develop a mitigation plan for the hazards associated with the contaminant and bring the scenario to a successful conclusion. The second is the FAAC Pump Operator Simulator prop. This device mimics the array of valves and gauges that make up the pump panel of a conventional fire department pumper. Once again, using a laptop attached to the prop, the instructor can take the students through a series of pump operation scenarios avoiding the need for an expensive piece of fire apparatus to be present for class. The program allows the instructor to create problems normally found on the fire ground and insert them into the class requiring
Over 50 instructors attend training on the new prop at MFRI’s headquarters location.
the student to troubleshoot concerns and fix them before they cause issues with emergency operations. It is ideal to avoid using a real pumper, which is sometimes difficult due to availability and the potential for creating EXPENSIVE maintenance repairs. Inexperienced operators can cause situations like pump cavitation or overheating. Using the prop allows the instructor to create real-life conditions virtually that challenge the students before sending them off to the scene with the apparatus and personnel depending on them for protection. By having these props available to use in classes we are better preparing our students to deal with actual emergency situations that they might experience while serving their communities. Sending gratitude to FEMA for the assistance in awarding us this much needed grant.
Students from the Southern Maryland Regional Training Center use the HazSim devices to detect an artificial gas during a simulation.
volume 50 | no. 3 | p 5
MFRI RECEIVES COVID-19 FEMA GRANT MFRI has been awarded a supplemental Assistance to Firefighters COVID-19 Grant of over $98,000 to offset the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide personal protective equipment & supplies to prevent and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The award will be used to purchase PPE, cleaning and sanitation supplies, disposable gowns, gloves, and 7 electrostatic Clorox disinfecting systems to be used at the Institute’s regional training locations and headquarters. The Assistance to Firefighters COVID-19 Supplemental Grant supports fi re departments, non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations and state fire training academies.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFICE CONTINUES REMOTE OPERATIONS Robert L. Rose, Certification Facilitator, Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board, Inc. Although MFRI’s headquarters is operating remotely, transcripts, applications and course certifications can still be accessed online at www.mfri.org/mfspqb. Certification histories can be accessed and printed from the National Pro Board. To speak to someone from our office please call 301-226-9922. Voicemail is monitored remotely. For questions or assistance, contact MFSPQB at certfications@mfri.org. Applications can be sent to: Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board, Inc. c/o Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute University of Maryland, 4500 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20742-6811.
volume 50 | no. 3 | p 6
THE EVOLUTION OF THE INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS IN MARYLAND Karen Dixon Haje, Board Administrator Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the year 2020 will live in infamy and affect the way we do business forever. In March, we all had to scramble to adjust to the mass closures and the proliferation of rules, guidelines, regulations and the “new normal” way to function in both our personal and professional lives. The restrictions placed on emergency services training, testing and certification were designed to protect the lives of first responders and the communities they serve. However, the closure of facilities, strict social distancing procedures, and the cancellation of training presented a major dilemma for instructors seeking to meet the requirements for recertification. The Maryland Instructor Certification Review Board (MICRB) quickly implemented an extension to August 1 for all instructors due to recertify following the shutdown to provide some extra time to meet their certification requirements. Training programs that were already testing the waters of distance learning were diving head-long into providing opportunities for instructors to continue to teach and learn. Those who had never heard of Zoom suddenly were spending their down time learning online. Thanks to the creative thinking and quick action of educators and
Instructor Trainers, many adjustments were quickly made to the delivery of online professional development opportunities. Instructors and sponsoring agencies adjusted schedules and delivery methods for students to continue their training and allow instructors to accumulate teaching hours despite the rigid restrictions in place. Instructor Evaluators were able to evaluate instructors by logging into Zoom classes and provide feedback to the instructor “face to face.” The Board held its first meeting since January on August 26, 2020. The meeting was closed to the public and in strict compliance with the University’s restrictions. The Board addressed seven months’ accumulation of business. At the end of the day, only a very small number of instructors were unable to recertify. The challenges caused by the pandemic created an unexpected opportunity to change the way we think, train and administrate. Virtual training, meetings and communication are here to stay. We accept the challenge! The MICRB’s new website is currently undergoing a facelift, and we look forward to providing more userfriendly resources.
MFRI LAUNCHES NEW CUSTOMERCENTRIC WEBSITE MFRI unveiled its new website on July 27, under the recommendation of the Institute’s FY 2020-2025 Strategic Plan Steering Committee. Feedback from a survey conducted with students and external partners revealed a need for a user-friendly interface with easier navigation. A website committee was formed last fall, led by the Institute’s webmaster, Tom Sweeting. The website committee consisted of representatives from the regional training centers, Planning Section, Administrative and Finance Section, Office of the Director and assistance from the University of Maryland’s Office of Strategic Communications. The website is designed into five sections: about MFRI; regions and offices; special programs; schedules and training programs; and instructors and partners. It provides users with the ability to view MFRI’s master
course offerings at its 6 regional training centers. The new design also features seminars and latest announcements prominently displayed on the home page. Similar to the previous design of the website, it offers training schedules, course offerings for students, private and government agencies. Unlike the old website, the new web site is compatible with cell phones, tablets and computers. It also features alert banners that can provide information for each region or class. For example, if a regional training center will open at a delayed time or closed for inclement volume 50 | no. 3 | p 7
hours, an alert can be seen at the top of the webpage. Each region’s page can be customized to meet the needs of its customers. “We tried to make the design and implementation more responsive to mobile devices and simplify the page hierarchy to make it easier to find what they are looking for,” said Sweeting. The previous website was constructed in 2018. The new look is aligned with the University of Maryland’s iconic brand. MFRI plans to continually update content based on feedback from students and instructors.
MARYLAND FIRE AND RESCUE INSTITUTE COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742
WWW.MFRI.ORG
UPCOMING
WINTER PDI GOES VIRTUAL
OC TOBER 20, 22
AFG FIREFIGHTER GRANT 1-DAY WORKSHOP
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DECEMBER 5
WINTER PDI
The fall semester is underway and we’re already working on our Winter plans. The Winter Professional Development for Instructors (PDI) Symposium will run as scheduled on Saturday, December 5th, and we invite you to join us on Canvas and Zoom to participate virtually. Stay tuned to the website and social media for announcements about registration, featured presentations, and presenter spotlights. We look forward to seeing you online!