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THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND INAUGURATES PRESIDENT DARRYLL J. PINES This article is republished with permission by UMD Right Now, published April 22, 2021. The entire article can be found at www.umdrightnow.umd.edu
The University of Maryland celebrated the formal installation of Dr. Darryll J. Pines as its 34th President with a week of events showcasing the university’s excellence. During his investiture ceremony, President Pines announced five bold actions that reflect the university’s mission, values, traditions and culture and reinforce his two priorities for his leadership: ensuring excellence in all that we do and creating a more inclusive, multicultural community for all. “This is our time to reinvent our University,” said President Pines. “This is the time to examine the future of learning to enhance the student experience; the future of work for faculty and staff to reach a new level of excellence; and a new model of research to accelerate and advance science and human understanding. I look forward to engaging with the entire community around these shared goals -- to re-imagine our campus and community as a modern flagship research university in the third decade of the 21st century.” President Pines shared the following five key initiatives during his investiture ceremony: • Accelerate Climate Action: Net Zero Carbon Neutral Campus by 2025 • Expand Faculty Diversity: FAMILE • Honor Trailblazers in Maryland Athletics • Invest in Discovery, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development • Expand Arts Programming Across Campus: Arts for All “In this moment in time, these five bold actions will help validate who we are, what we stand for, and where we are headed,” said Pines. “We are a land-grant public research university that serves the public good for all of humanity.” Pines began his presidency while the world was experiencing a time of remarkable disruption and uncertainty. He started on July 1, 2020, in the midst of two pandemics - both COVID-19 and long-standing racial injustice. On his first day, he outlined twelve initiatives and recommendations to reaffirm the university’s commitment to the institution’s core mission and values, and called for unity to help address some of the world’s most pressing grand challenges. “I couldn’t be happier for President Pines on his investiture,” said USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman. “But, of course, Dr. Pines has been on the job for a while. He came to the presidency in the midst of crisis, and he’s already confronted unprecedented challenges in the position—challenges none of us imagined before the pandemic. And he’s shown the extraordinary vision, leadership, and compassion that I know will characterize his tenure.” april - june 2021- 1
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, the environment and property.
BULLETIN STAFF Editor: Ashley Collier Creative Editor: Ana Maizel Assistant Editor: ShaVon Brown
CONTACT MFRI tel: 301-226-9921 www.mfri.org
fax: 301-314-0752 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. The MFRI Bulletin is produced entirely in house. We extend our gratitude to our contributors who make this publication possible.
As the summer is fast approaching here at the Institute I wanted to take a moment to thank our faculty, staff, and instructors for their perseverance and continued commitment to our State’s Emergency Services Community. It has been nearly sixteen months since we were plagued with the COVID-19 virus and the resulting pandemic that forced a change in the way we conducted our daily operations. Nonetheless, I am happy to report that the delivery of both basic and advanced level training programs in all subjects continued statewide, nationally, and in a case or two, internationally during this time. Now that there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel with talk of lower COVID positivity rates, increased vaccination rates, and the lifting of many of the restrictions affecting work, travel, and family life during this time. MFRI will continue to fulfill its mission as the state’s comprehensive training and education system for all emergency responders. While the Institute and its members were quick to adapt and overcome the challenges we were faced with during the pandemic, it is clear that not all of these challenges were negative. Some of the changes that were implemented to overcome various challenges during this time, ended up having a tremendously positive effect on the Institute and helped to improve some of our basic organizational activities. Many of these changes will continue to be employed for the foreseeable future to improve organizational communications, expand meeting participation, provide alternatives to traditional program deliveries, increase overall customer service, and ensure the timely approval of various documents. While we never know what the future holds, it is clear that our faculty, staff, and instructors here at the Institute are always up for new challenges and will continue to work in the most professional manner possible to move the institute forward to make us better. Their hard work and dedication is an example of their selfless commitment to the success of the Institute and a testament to the emergency services community.
MICHAEL E. COX JR. 2 - april - june 2021
WESTERN MARYLAND REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER BEGINS RENOVATION PROJECT Starting this summer, the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute College Park will begin renovation of its Western Maryland Regional Training Center in Cresaptown, MD. Built in 1992, the training center trains approximately 1,200 emergency services providers in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties. The $8.6 million renovation project from the University of Maryland, College Park’s campus capital project funding will include a total renovation of the administration/classroom building with a 3,200 square foot addition to provide additional classroom space to serve the growing student population and as a National Registry emergency medical responder/technician test center. It will also include the total renovation and upgrade of all the exterior training props to ensure emergency services instructors provide state-of-the-art training. The 2,329 square foot structural firefighter training prop will also be renovated with upgraded fire-resistive linings; the former flammable liquids props will be replaced with environmentally compliant propane-based simulation. During construction, the office administrative staff will temporarily relocate to Frostburg State University until the project is completed, by spring 2023. Training will continue at fire departments and other locations during construction. The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) of the University of Maryland, College Park 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. Headquartered in College Park, MD, the Institute is one the nation’s premier emergency services training agencies that delivers high-quality training to the state’s emergency responders on its College Park campus as well as its six regional training centers across the state of Maryland in Centreville, Cresaptown, Edgewood, La Plata, Mount Airy, and Princess Anne.
The Lower Eastern Shore Regional Training Center (LESRTC) sponsored a vehicle rescue extrication program on April 7 with the Easton Volunteer Fire Company. In the evolution students executed a vehicle machinery rescue incident of a minivan pinned under a tractor-trailer at the Mid-Shore Recyclers in Hebron, MD. In this course, rescue technician: vehicle and machinery extrication students develop a comprehensive understanding of how to extricate victims from common passenger vehicles, simple small machines, commercial or heavy vehicles and heavy machinery.
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INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: TEISHA JACKSON to also be able to apply that knowledge with skills and think out of the box with proficiency when required. My most memorable moments are always the ones when I see the light switch of understanding come on. When a student is struggling with understanding a point or a skill, it in turn challenges me as an instructor to find alternative ways to get the point across; when it does I am just as excited as my student.
Most memorable teaching moment:
What classes do you teach at MFRI? EMS and Hazardous Materials courses
What inspired you to be an instructor? My love
for teaching and sharing. I’ve always enjoyed teaching, from young children to adults. I previously enjoyed the privilege of being a teacher in an elementary school in the community where I grew up. It was so amazing and rewarding. Though changing careers I remained passionate about the importance of proper education.
What can students expect from your class? My
students can expect a relaxed yet firm atmosphere where just enough is not enough. I strive for perfection while promoting teamwork, hard work and endurance. To the students willing to put in the effort and give 100%, I aim to match them with 120% of my time, energy, knowledge and experience to ensure their success while keeping the importance of proper technique, performance and communication at the forefront. My ultimate goal is for students to not simply understand what they read in a book or on a projector slide, but
Best advice to a student taking courses at MFRI:
The BEST advice I could give to any student taking a MFRI course would be hold on, stay focused, stay dedicated so you can reap the rewards of your success. It’s not easy, but it’s more than worth it in the end. The light at the end of the tunnel is closer than you think. HOLD ON!!
Fun fact about you not related you teaching: (personal hobbies, accomplishments, etc.) I HATE bugs but I really enjoy outside activities! I also enjoy building and repurposing things. A good challenge keeps the mind fresh.
What do you enjoy/love about working for MFRI?
Working for MFRI allows me to meet new people, travel to do something I love to do - teach, and share my experiences while learning many new things from complete strangers. It also affords me the opportunity to be a part of an organization that shapes and molds first responders who are as passionate as I am about getting it right. It allows me to have an active share in preparing tomorrow’s leaders.
INSTRUCTOR APPRECIATION FACEBOOK POST GAINS ATTENTION In celebration of American Education Education, MFRI shared a Facebook post on May 3 asking its 10,185 followers to name an educator who left a lasting impression on their life. The post garnered 256 comments, 39 shares and viewed by 24,356 people. Several MFRI instructors were mentioned, including John Carnegis, Estelle White, David Kulley, Frank Tremel, Clarence White, David Chisholm, Sue Colburn, Wayne Thayer, Vic Costa, Francis Jester, Joane Gulvas, Scott Wheatley and John Shoemaker. 4 - april - june 2021
Megan Murphy, who was a participant in the region’s cadet program in 2009, credits Shoemaker for his commitment to ensuring his students could comprehend and retain the materials they learned in the classroom. “He is very wise and he will never, ever allow anyone to do something in one of his classes he’s not willing or hasn’t done himself,” said Murphy. Murphy continued her professional career in emergency services and is now an EMT with the Preston
Volunteer Fire Company and the Allen Fire Department in Eden, MD. Julian Clark commented, “She [Gulvas] was my EMT instructor. There were many times that I felt I wasn’t going to pass EMT class, and she would encourage me and instill the confidence in me that I didn’t have,” said Clark. In remembrance, the late Sunny Rose, Matthew Rzegocki, Bruce Smith, and John McNeece were mentioned by former students for their excellence in teaching.
FACULTY AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT Simone Lord-Attivor has joined the Institute in the newly minted role as information technology manager. She comes to MFRI with over 15 years of combined technical and managerial experience in the information technology and computer fields in the public, private, military, and academic arenas. She has firsthand experience functioning as an IT Support Specialist, Sr. Computer Analyst, and an IT Systems Manager. Lord-Attivor received her master’s degree of business administration and bachelor’s degree of information systems from Canisius College.
Patrick Campbell has been named the Institute’s logistics section chief. In 2019, Campbell served as the North East regional coordinator in Edgewood, MD. Prior to joining MFRI, Campbell served 25 years with the Baltimore City Fire Department, retiring as Captain of Special Operations. He comes to his new role with 30 years of experience in the emergency services that includes managing vehicles, apparatus, specialized equipment, facilities management, and grant writing. Campbell is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration at the University of Maryland Global Campus. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science at Columbia Southern University.
Stephan D. Cox has been named the new operations chief. Cox joined MFRI in 1975 as a senior instructor assigned to the training academy. During Cox’s long, distinguished career at MFRI he served as a state programs manager, senior instructor, regional instructor and, regional coordinator. He also managed MFRI’s quality assurance and improvement program. After serving 28 years with MFRI, Cox joined the Navy Fire and Emergency Services as an assistant director. He retired after 12 years, serving as the fire chief for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services. He returned to MFRI in December 2018 to serve as the interim assistant director. In Cox’s new role, he will oversee the Institute’s state regional programs, Special Programs Section, and the Advanced Life Support Section.
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FACULTY/STAFF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
Dr. Nicole Deutsch, instructional designer, earned her doctorate of public health in epidemiology from Capella University in November 2020. The 15-year EMS veteran joined MFRI as an Advanced Life Support coordinator in 2017 and transferred to the Planning Section in 2019. Prior to MFRI, Deutsch worked in the public and private sectors as a clinician, clinical educator, and curriculum developer.
Alex Perricone joined the North East Regional Training Center as its regional coordinator. A lifelong resident of Carroll County, Perricone started his fire service career as a volunteer at the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department in Manchester, MD. Perricone was employed with the Baltimore City Fire Department where he served for over 32 years, in various leadership positions in EMS, suppression, special operations, and the deputy chief of training. Perricone is a nationally registered and state certified paramedic, member of the Institute of Fire Engineers. He holds a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree in fire science, from the University of Maryland Global College.
Robert May has joined the Institute as the Advanced Life Support coordinator. May started his career in emergency medical services at the age of 16 as an EMT and later as a paramedic. He is currently a volunteer paramedic with the Corriganville Volunteer Fire Company and as a career paramedic with the Garrett County Emergency Services. May comes to MFRI with 13 years in K-12 education. He holds a master’s of science degree in teaching, learning and curriculum.
Diane May has been named the Institute’s planning section chief. The Allegany County native has been a MICRB Instructor and Instructor Trainer at MFRI for 36 years. She will oversee the Institute’s curriculum development, continuing education programs, internal projects, and graphic design. May holds a master’s in education from Frostburg State University, a bachelor’s in fire science from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and an associate’s in nursing from Allegany Community College.
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ENROLL YOUR AGENCY TODAY!! https://www.mfri.org/training/openenrollment-courses/
2021 OPEN ENROLLMENT COURSES SEPTEMBER
Building Construction for the Fire Service ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (NFA) Public Fire and Life Safety Educator ICS-400 Advanced ICS for Complex Incidents (NFA) Hazardous Materials Awareness Fire Inspector I (Pilot) Instructor I Fire Officer I
OCTOBER
Sept. 6 Sept. 6 Sept. 7 Sept. 9 Sept. 11 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27
Basic Overview of Fire Suppression Systems Emergency Medical Services Officer I NFPA 25: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Extinguishing Systems
Oct. 4 Oct. 4 Oct. 5
Special Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems Fire Hazard Recognition - Special Occupancies Fire Pumps for Fire Protection Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Life Safety Code-NFPA 101 Fire Officer II Hazardous Materials Operations (Core Curriculum) HazMat Incident Commander
Oct. 6 Oct. 7 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 Oct. 13 Oct. 18 Oct. 18 Oct. 25
NOVEMBER
Fire Inspector II (Pilot) Fire Investigator Hazardous Materials Technician Instructor II Plans Examiner I/II Fire Officer III
DECEMBER
Fire Department Health and Safety Officer Fire Inspector III Fire Department Incident Safety Officer
Nov. 1 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 29 Nov. 29
Dec. 6 Dec. 6 Dec. 13
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Indicia
MARYLAND FIRE AND RESCUE INSTITUTE COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742 | WWW.MFRI.ORG |