OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020 | VOL.50 | NO.4
WE’RE 90?!? Karen Dixon Haje, Coordinator, Special Projects, Office of the Director In 2020, despite the distractions and hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s not overlook the significance of Maryland’s emergency services training program turning 90. While it’s not a milestone we normally celebrate, it’s certainly worthy of recognition. For the 75th anniversary, I spent many months researching and documenting the history of MFRI. I learned a lot and was astounded by the amount of information that was not documented by photos or publications but still deeply imbedded in the memories of so many folks who were not only able but more than excited about sharing their personal recollections. We are so fortunate that the emergency services community is such a tightknit brotherhood, with a commitment to tradition and preservation of their legacy. It was invaluable in putting that commemoration together, and it was one of my proudest achievements. While we won’t go to that extent in this issue it is noteworthy that MFRI has made necessary adjustments at a much faster rate than in previous decades. Since 2005, the organization has transformed its staffing and delivery methods to reflect the ever-changing challenges of today’s first responders. Research and testing in firefighter safety and health, virtual learning, simulation exercises, and quality assurance methods have markedly improved MFRI’s response to its students and instructors. In this pandemic year, we have embraced the technology that allows us to conduct “business as usual” with a twist – adapting essential training, meetings, and conferences to virtual formats to keep everyone safe. As I think about MFRI’s 100th anniversary, less than ten years away, I am already mentally gathering data. However, I am struck by the realization that so many of my “sources” are no longer with us. One of the very few positives that have come from this pandemic is the gift of time, and time has taught me a few important lessons; preserve your past by sharing your stories and cherish every day you have to share them. If you have some memories or photos to share, please reach out to us.
volume 50 | no. 4 | p 1