I received some feedback regarding the REV Group article in the May-June edition. Their historical memory of timeline equipment costs really put this into perspective. If the price increases for operational equipment in the next 15 years mirror the previous 15, mission readiness for many departments could be in serious trouble. It could even move backward, erasing much or most that was previously accomplished. Those departments still using annual memberships and fish fries for most of their budget could face some terrible realities.
The rising cost of fire apparatus has resulted in NVFC sending out a call for subject matter experts because the media requests for information and market data have dramatically increased in recent months. There may be a project underway taking the market cost of our equipment just 15 years ago, cost today, and projected cost using current trending for what it will be 5, 10, and 15 years from now. So many things like gear and SCBAs should be replaced over time for firefighter safety but can that be paid for 10 or 15 years from now and remain open for business? There is the question of Safety & Liability if you do not keep up.
The NFPA Standards development and revision process must shoulder some of this negative financial development. NFPA still fully believes their technical committee makeup is equally balanced. The following is a cut/paste from the NFPA Technical Committee Website – “A Technical Committee serves as the consensus body responsible for developing and updating an NFPA standard. Technical Committees are appointed by the Standards Council, represent a balance of interests, and appointment is based upon factors including technical expertise, professional standing, commitment to public safety, and the ability to bring to the point of view of interested people or groups. Our consensus-based approach ensures that all stakeholders – including users, manufacturers, insurance providers, consumers, government regulatory agencies, enforcers, independent experts and academics – can participate and that no special interest can predominate with no more than one-third of the Committee being of the same interest category”. I will come back to some interesting points that States made to the NFPA representative in attendance next time – especially two parts of the above that state “a balance of interests” and “no special interest can predominate”. I will throw out a tidbit for next time, THEY ALMOST RUN OUT OF ENOUGH AIR CONDITIONING IN THE ROOM BECAUSE THINGS GOT HEATED!
Some positive news is that a small number of NIOSH staff were recalled reopening the Cancer Registry and taking LODD information. To what extent will future investigations look like remains unknown at this time. On April 3rd, NIOSH notified 900 workers (90% of staff) that their jobs would not be continued. Due to strong pressure from General Labor and Congress, 328 staff were reinstated at least for the moment, and reopening some key programs. Rumors are rampant regarding the long-term outlook in all areas of NIOSH.
The NVFC Board of Directors met May 8-10 in Alexandria, VA, for its annual spring conference. The board is comprised of up to two representatives from 48 state fire associations and meets as a whole twice each year to conduct business, hold committee meetings, and steer the direction of the organization.
For this spring conference, sixty-five directors from 43 state associations were in attendance. 15 of the 19 primary committees were able to meet face-to-face. The other 5 completed their work via ZOOM prior to the conference. My committee position on NVFC is Vice Chair of Nomination. I am sharing the recent election results to give a snap shot of the NVFC Officers and the Executive Committee for the term of 2025-2027:
Chair: Steve Hirsch (KS)
First Vice Chair: Dallas Renfrew (TX)
Second Vice Chair: Reid Vaughan (AL)
Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Guthrie (CT)
Executive Committee: Quentin Cash (NC), Steve McClintock (NV), Brian McQueen (NY), Sheri Nickel (OK), Bill Offerman (IL), Pat Thompson (KY) and Eric Quinney (WY).
Thank you for your time plus allowing Rob and I to serve on your behalf with NVFC.
FFAM
