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VDFP THE LOGBOOK Sep/Oct 09 Vol. 7, Issue 5
From the Executive Director
I’m pleased to announce that ATL for FY 09 is over 95% disbursed ($19.3
million). The good news for FY 10 is that the jurisdictions will not see any
decrease in last year’s figures even with the soft economy. The first electronic
deposits will be sent on September 18, 2009.
Pro-Board national registrations for the quarter ending June 30, 2009 were
3,329. Since CY 2004, VDFP has nationally registered over 71K certifications.
National registrations can be checked at www.theproboard.org by entering
your last name and the last four digits of your SSN. There are now 54 entities
represented by the Pro-Board.
Fire loss figures for CY 2009 from our Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System
(VFIRS) are as follows: (January through June)
• 251 responses (12K fires 4.8% total calls, 164K EMS related Calls 65.3%)
• 20K False Alarms (8.15% total calls)
• 27 Fire Deaths
• 269 civilian and fire service injuries
• $129.7 million in fire losses
• The top three causes of fires were heating, cooking, and unknown.
The www.vafire com website offers methodology for calculating fire losses, property values, and calculat-
ing square footage. These figures provide an invaluable dataset for not only the Commonwealth, but also
the United States in determining the nation’s fire problem. 92% of the Commonwealth does report through
VFIRS; this is very important for every fire department to report its activity so we can adequately assess
Virginia’s Fire Problem.
VDFP has completed an Articulation Agreement with the University of Phoenix to enhance the Fire and
Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) initiatives. The agreement parallels the ACE Review con-
ducted three years ago and affords an opportunity to gain college credits from VDFP certifications. I en-
courage everyone to review the agreement on the VDFP web site. University of Phoenix has campuses in
NOVA, Richmond, and the Tidewater Area.
The Virginia Fire Services Board continues to be very active in servicing the needs of the fire service com-
munity by authorizing the purchase of two (2) mobile Firefighter I & II Simulators. The units will allow the
agency to bring needed training to the doorsteps of the Commonwealth’s Fire Service. In addition, a new
Aircraft Rescue Firefighter simulator was purchased by the Department of Aviation with federal stimulus
funds at a cost $ 2.5 million.
I encourage you to examine the VDFP website for our new Knowledge Center which offers the on-line Ad-
junct In-service for 2009, hazardous materials awareness, “Near Miss Reporting System” training program,
plus many more opportunities. As we migrate to the blended learning programs, I suggest that you periodi-
cally review what’s available.
Let’s continue to be safe at home and work and remember, “Everyone Goes Home.”
Inside This Issue:
A message from the Executive Director VDFP FY 2009 Annual Report Released
MARFFTS Soars to New Heights Governor Kaine Appoints New VFSB Members
Life Saving Efforts of Boy Scout Troop Recognized 28th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
Fire Prevention Week Focuses on Burn Prevention Application Period to Open for FY 09 Grants
The official newsletter of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs
www.vafire.com THE LOGBOOK
Mobile Aircraft Re
Training Simulator (MARFF
After eleven years of wear and tear, the Mobile Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Training Simulator (MARFFTS)
got a major facelift this summer in the form of a new paint job for the Simulated Aircraft Fire Trainer (SAFT).
Gone are the cracked lettering, faded multi-layers of spray can paint, and scratches and dents, i.e. age lines.
Looking refreshed and smooth, the MARFFTS is once again ready to travel from the Piedmont to Tidewater to
the Valley and over to the Eastern Shore.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is one of only three states that have a Kidde Fire Trainers Inc., Mobile Aircraft
Rescue Fire Fighting Training Simulator (MARFFTS). Purchased in 1998 at a cost of 1.4 million dollars, the
MARFFTS travels across the Commonwealth to all nine of the Air Carrier airports to provide the airport and
local fire departments the opportunity to train and prepare for aviation related emergencies. The MARFFTS,
totally self sufficient, is a combination of three tractor drawn trailers. One trailer is the Simulated Aircraft
Fire Trainer (SAFT), the second trailer is the propane trailer, which has the propane tank, and the third is the
Command Trailer, which has the generator and the Command Console. The entire trainer is computer oper-
ated. The capabilities of the trainer include a 1300 square foot simulated fuel spill fire, interior fire, engine
fire, and wheel and brake assembly fire.
Each year the ARFF Program provides two training cycles a spring session, beginning mid March and conclud-
ing mid June and a fall session, beginning early September and concluding mid November.
Each training session provides the airport and local fire departments the opportunity to refine their firefight-
ing skill involving aircraft engine fires, interior fires, wheel and brake assembly fires, as well as simulated fuel
spill fires. All of these meet the job performance requirements established in the National Fire Protection As-
sociation (NFPA) 1003 Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional
MARFF Training, Sir! Secretary Marshall views monitoring cabinet
The refurbished Mobile Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Training Simulator (MARFFTS)
Virginia Department of Fire Programs Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 5
escue Fire Fighting
FTS) Soars to New Heights
Qualifications. Additionally, the trainer is available to law enforcement personnel for training. The trainer also
supports the airports when conducting their Tri-Annual Drill as required by the Federal Aviation Administra-
tion.
Operated by Virginia Department of Fire Programs Adjunct Instructors, the MARFFTS offers airport fire de-
partment personnel the opportunity to train at their airport, with their equipment, and operating within their
standard operating guidelines. By providing the airports with the MARFFTS, the Commonwealth has removed
the cost of sending airport fire fighters out of state.
Scenario based training provides a “real life” situation where personnel are required to respond to incidents
ranging from a sick passenger to an injured mechanic that fell off a maintenance ladder.
Each member of the ARFF Instructional Cadre works at one of the air carrier airports. The least senior in-
structor has twelve years of airport firefighting experience.
Plans are already underway for the purchase of a new MARFFTS. Funding for the new MARFFTS, 2.5 million
dollars, became available with the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Unlike
the purchase of the existing trainer where the Federal Aviation Administration, the Virginia Department of
Aviation, and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs split the cost 95, 3, and 2 percent respectively, the
purchase of the new trainer is 100 percent federally funded.
Once in place, the new trainer will travel across the Commonwealth, while the existing trainer takes a well
earned rest before beginning its new career as a semi-permanent training fixture.
Prototype of new MARFF Training Simulaor
Above: Exterior view Below: Galley
ARFF Chief Tom Phalen and Executive Director Billy Shelton take
Secrectary of Public Safety John Marshall on a tour of the newly
refurbished MARFFTS
www.vafire.com THE LOGBOOK
Life Saving Efforts of Local Boy
Scout Troop Recognized
Boy Scouts of America Troop 46 from Elkton, VA was honored in ceremonies on August 11 for their life
saving efforts in support of the Get Alarmed, Virginia! Smoke Alarm Installation and Education campaign.
Eagle Scout Brandon Dyer was recognized for his individual achievements in conjunction with the cam-
paign. Due to the efforts of Troop 46, 5 lives were potentially saved during a fire at a Mt. Crawford resi-
dence on June 9.
The ceremony included remarks and award presentations from Mark Jackson of the U.S. Centers for Dis-
ease Control (CDC), Dr. Douglas Larsen, Director of the Central Shenandoah Health District, and Willie G.
Shelton Jr., Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Jackson, Larsen, and Shelton
each spoke for approximately 5 minutes on overall injury prevention, public fire and life safety education,
and the Get Alarmed, Virginia! campaign, including local efforts coordinated by the Rockingham County
Volunteer Firefighters Association. A group award was presented to Troop 46. Dyer received an individual
award.
Since it was created in 1998, the program has documented over 106 lives possibly saved or injuries
averted in Virginia, as well as prevented millions of dollars in property loss during those eleven years. It
is funded through a grant by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and managed by the
Virginia Department of Health, Division of Injury and Violence Prevention with assistance from the Virginia
Department of Fire Programs. Since its inception, 38 local communities throughout the state have part-
nered with the Division of Injury and Violence Prevention to implement the program. Because of their ef-
forts, approximately 50,271 alarms have been installed, including over 500 smoke alarms for the hearing
impaired, and 29,077 Virginia homes have been fully protected.
For more information about the Get Alarmed, Virginia! program, including a list of past and present pro-
gram participants, visit www.vahealth.org/injury.
Executive Director Billy Shelton presents group Life Saving award Commander Mark Jackson of the U.S. Centers for Disease
to Boy Scout Troop 46 Control and Prevention presents individual Life Saving award to
Brandon Dyer
Virginia Department of Fire Programs Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 5
Fire Prevention Week
2009 Focuses on
Burn Prevention and
Awareness
Testing the water before putting a child in
the bath may sound like common sense.
Wearing short or close-fitting sleeves when
cooking on the stovetop may show foresight.
This and other simple actions may be all it
takes to prevent devastating burns.
Fire Prevention Week 2009 focuses on burn
awareness and prevention, as well as keep-
ing homes safe from the leading causes of
home fires.
From October 4-10, fire and life safety edu-
cators across the country will bring these
important safety messages to their commu-
nities, showing them simple ways they can
“Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.”
Last year in conjunction with Fire Prevention
Week, VDFP requested and received permis-
sion from the NFPA to customize marketing
materials for Virginia’s fire service utiliz-
ing the national theme and logo. Over 100
Virginia fire departments received download-
able and printable PDFs customized with
their department’s logos, phone numbers
and website addresses.
We are pleased to report that once again
this year the NFPA has graciously granted
permission to VDFP to customize materials
for Virginia’s fire service.
Email your department logo, phone number
and website address (if you have one) to
mark.buff@vdfp.virginia.gov to request a
customized brochure for your department.
Note: You will receive a PDF suitable for
posting on your website or printing in-house.
Your will be responsible for the printing.
5
www.vafire.com THE LOGBOOK
VDFP Releases FY 2009 Annual Report
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs has just released its
Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Report. In past years VDFP has re-
leased the report based on a calendar year. This document
shifts the report to a format that will align with the Common-
wealth’s budgetary fiscal year, upon which many of our agency’s
functions are based. Due to the shift from calendar year to fiscal
year reporting, the current report includes some information
from FY 2008 as well as FY 2009. This year’s report also in-
cludes, for the first time, information on the programs and ac-
tivities of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
As with all recent VDFP documents, this report is available only
in an electronic format. Click on the report thumbnail at right to
access the full report.
Governor Kaine Appoints New
Virginia Fire Services Board Members
Governor Timothy M. Kaine has appointed the following 4 new members to the Virginia Fire Services Board.
Kaye Brown Representing: Virginia Municipal League
Elaine B. Gall Representing: Virginia Fire Prevention Association
Felix Sarfo-Kantanka Jr. Representing: General Public
Joe Wilson Representing: Industry (SARA Title III & OSHA)
Governor Kaine has also re-appointed the following 2 members to their currently held positions.
Kenneth J. Brown Representing: Virginia State Firefighter’s Association
William B. Kyger Jr. Representing: Virginia Association of Counties
Virginia Department of Fire Programs Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 5
28th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Weekend to be Held October 2 - 4, 2009
Emmitsburg, MD - The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Home-
land Security’s U.S. Fire Administration announce that the 28th annual National Fallen Firefighters
Memorial Weekend will be held October 2-4, 2009. A plaque with the names of 103 firefighters who
died in the line of duty in 2008 will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located here
on the National Fire Academy campus. The names of 19 firefighters who died in previous years will
also be added. The plaques surrounding the Memorial, which was established in 1981, will contain the
names of more than 3,300 firefighters.
Thirty-six states experienced line-of-duty deaths in 2008. Deaths resulted from many causes, includ-
ing vehicle accidents while enroute to or returning from emergency calls, training incidents, building
collapses, diving incidents, natural disaster response, being struck by objects (vehicles, trees, water-
way from aerial devices, and gunshot wounds) at the incident scene, falls, heart attacks, helicopter/
air tanker crashes, and burns. Five multiple fatality incidents accounted for 17 deaths. Two multiple
fatality incidents occurred at structural fires, one in an apparatus crash after a bridge collapse dur-
ing heavy smoke conditions at a wildland fire, one helicopter crash during a wildland fire, and one air
tanker that crashed on take-off. Wildland fires, controlled burns and training/certification for wildland
protection resulted in 15 fatalities. Oregon and North Carolina suffered the Nation’s greatest number
of line-of-duty firefighter deaths in 2008 with 9 in each state, while Pennsylvania and New York had
8, Missouri had 7, and California had 6.
Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors, stated: “Our country’s firefighters
make a commitment day in and day out to protect others from the ravages of fire and many other
life threatening hazards. Each year we gather at the site of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to pay tribute to those firefighters who paid the ultimate price in the per-
formance of their duties. The fire service is honored and humbled to memorialize these fallen heroes
and show our sincere appreciation for the sacrifices made by those they left behind.”
The service will honor one Virginia firefighter who died in the line of duty in 2008, as well as one Vir-
ginia firefighter who died in a previous year.
Firefighter/EMT Cecilia Turnbough, age 42, of the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department died
of a heart attack while performing non-fire maze training on November 9, 2008.
Firefighter Jean Nuckols, age 47, of the Navy Regional Fire Rescue, Hampton Roads died
from a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) that occurred within 24 hours of fire department
training on January 31, 2004.
For more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend visit Weekend.Fire-
Hero.org.
7
www.vafire.com THE LOGBOOK
Application Period to Open for
FY 2009 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants
The Department of Homeland Security has posted the FY2009 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants
Program Guidance on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Website. The application period
is scheduled to begin on September 21, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Applications for
these grants must be received by October 23, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and fire-re-
lated hazards. The grants are competitive, and their primary goal is to target high-risk populations. Grant
awards are made in order to mitigate high incidences of death and injury and to carry out research for
improving firefighter safety. Examples of the types of fire prevention projects that are supported by FP&S
include smoke alarm installation, fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile fire set-
ter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs. Organizations that
are eligible to apply under the research activity should consult the Program Guidance for detailed informa-
tion on priorities and areas of emphasis.
Visit www.firegrantsupport.com for more details.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October
FSTRS Course Offerings are just
Training Expo 2009 Regional Fire School
Nottoway County HS, Crewe, VA 1-click away when you visit
October 10-11, 2009 www.vafire.com
2009 Equity Diversity Conference
George Washington Masonic Memorial Are you new to the fire service? Is this your first visit
Alexandria, VA to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs website?
October 15-16, 2009 Are you looking for a quick way to find out about cur-
rent course offerings? If you answered yes, then you
26th Annual VA Hazardous Materials may have already noticed the new link on our home
Conference & Expo page, “Click Here for FSTRS Course Listing.”
Hampton Road Convention Center
October 19-23, 2009 Now, when you’re in a hurry and just need to get the
latest training information, with 1-click of the mouse
30th Annual Virginia EMS Symposium you’re there!
Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Norfolk, VA
November 11-14, 2009 Of course, when you have more time to spare we’d
love for you to stick around a little longer and get all
Click here for a list of additional the latest news.
upcoming events.
Virginia Department of Fire Programs Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 5
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