MVAFC January 2001 Position Statement

MISSOURI VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS

POSITION STATEMENTS

January 2001

USFA/NFA

The Board of the MVAFC fully supports the efforts of the administration of FEMA, USFA and NFA to implement changes as outlined in the Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations. The implementation of these recommendations will enhance the operation of these agencies and in turn greatly assist the emergency services on a National, State and Local level.

FIRE ACT

The Board of the MVAFC strongly supports all efforts to insure that funding is continued for the Fire Act. In addition the MVAFC will assist with the "grass roots" efforts to ensure our congressional representatives bring forth our wishes. The Division would also ask that our IAFC Governmental Staff continue a constant vigil over issues in Washington that affect fire safety and emergency services.

NATIONAL FIRE CODE

The MVAFC Board has been and continues to believe that a single National Code would be very advantageous to the fire service. We also support the IAFC concept of working through the three-year code cycle to evaluate the development process and review the results. In addition the MVAFC Board would encourage the IAFC, regardless of what happens with the codes, to insure that we have building and fire codes that are compatible.

NFPA 1710&1720

Although the MVAFC Board does not think there should be two separate standards it is committed to support the IAFC as the process continues. As leaders in the fire service we must work together with all fire service organizations to ensure we have standards that are "goal orientated" and provide direction for the future. The Board of the MVAFC respects the local jurisdictions right to establish community standards for fire and EMS services.

IAFC GOVERNANCE

The Board of the MVAFC is supportive of the objective on Governance and Organizational Structure as identified in the draft recommendations of the Strategic Plan. . It is evident that recent changes in management style are effective and are providing the direction to the move the organization forward and prepare it for the future. The current strategic planning process provides the continuity needed as our elected officials move through the chairs and for staff as they handle the day-to-day operation. The current mode of operation provides the flexibility to staff to maintain a very dynamic organization with the ability to act quickly to different situations. The MVAFC Board would encourage the IAFC to institutionalize the process.

IAFC STRATEGIC PLAN

The MVAFC Board would encourage the IAFC to continue the Strategic Planning Process. This process is one of the key elements that will not only prepare our organization for the future but will insure that everyone is working together. The success of our organization depends on every member and we must make every effort to narrow the gap between the International, Division and State organizations. The Board would also request that the IAFC Board and Staff make every effort to pursue completion of the objectives outlined in the October 2000 recommendations. The MVAFC Board realizes that any plan must remain dynamic and offer flexibility.

WELLNESS/FITNESS PROGRAMS

The MVAFC Board is committed to support the IAFC/IAFF initiative in developing standards that will ensure the safety and health of all fire service employees. The MVD believes that with proper training and conditioning the CPAT should be used as an entry-level standard. The MVAFC Board also supports fitness standards for incumbent employees, again with the proper training and conditioning.

OSHA ERGONOMICS RULE

The Board of the MVAFC is opposed to the implementation of any ergonomic rule that has not been fully studied. We encourage the IAFC to continue their stance that requires a study by the National Academy of Sciences.

FARM CHEMICAL PLACARDING

The MVAFC is opposed to any measures that would remove or eliminate the current standards for placarding of hazardous chemicals used in agricultural applications. This would be an infringement on the safety of not only our personnel but also the general public.

DIVERSITY

The Board of the MVAFC would encourage the IAFC and all members to take a proactive approach to addressing the issue of diversity. It is incumbent on our organization to be the leader in insuring diversity is a goal. This goal will make our organization strong and representative of all our members.

LINE OF DUTY DEATH (LODD)

The Board of the MVAFC encourages the IAFC to develop and adopt a guideline in how the organization addresses and responds to LODD. A formal structure will ensure our organization is consistent in recognizing and honoring not only our members but also any Chief officer that has gone before us.

COMMUNICATIONS

The MVAFC strongly supports the IAFC efforts to increase communications between the International, Division and State organizations. The Board is committed to assisting the IAFC in any way possible to insure our members get accurate and timely information. This is another key in "narrowing the gap" between International, Division and State organizations.

HCFA NEGOIATED RULE MAKING

The Board of the MVAFC recognizes the difficult task faced by the HCFA Task Force in coming to consensus on a new Medicare reimbursement schedule. If the schedule is instituted many of our members will be faced with a significant financial loss. The MVD would encourage the IAFC to initiate measures at the Federal level to assist in recovering these lost revenues that will in many cases affect service at the local level.

IAFC BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEATS

The Board of the MVAFC feels that it is incumbent on the IAFC to maintain a Board of Directors comprised of chiefs currently serving as "Chief of Department". To move away from this position would infringe on the vision of the organization as a professional organization ran by professionals. We must do everything possible to live up to LEADERSHIP, EXPERTISE and INTEGRITY.

LABOR/MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Board of the MVAFC would encourage the IAFC to continue to support this program in any way possible. The Board feels this program is important not only to the future of emergency services but to the ability of managers to function in a positive manner at the local level.

FEDERAL MANDATES

The Board of the MVAFC would support development of an IAFC position to encourage the Federal Government to fund any staffing, equipment or programs mandated on local fire departments by the Federal Government.