The meeting was called to order by President Carrier at 1855 hours.

Following a salute to the flag and a moment of silence, a quorum call was taken.

Welcoming everyone was Director Richard Mason, who thanked everyone for coming and introduced his staff. He also introduced Fire Marshal William Degnan as his co-host and spoke of the successful vendor exhibition in the dorm meeting room earlier today. Marshal Degnan went on to give his report that included,

• Report of fire activities
• Transition to data filing of reports (NFIRS 5.0) by summer.
• Clancy the arson dog is retiring and Molly will be his replacement after certification training is complete
• Described efforts to clarify safety standards in group homes

Several Advocate Members were introduced and thanked with a standing ovation for their participation in today's exposition.

Chief Carrier noted that the minutes of the previous meetings were printed and distributed. A MOTION (Mason/Farley) to accept the minutes as printed carried unanimously.

Deputy Chief Martin Carrier reported that the financial report would be presented at the May meeting.

Chief Lemire read one application in first reading and two in second reading. A MOTION (DeSilva/Murray) to accept those in second reading carried unanimously. The association welcomes Battalion Chief Michael Gagnon of Derry and Deputy Chief Adam Pouliot of Webster as its newest members!

President Carrier presented his report, which included statements describing:

• The Congressional Fire Service Caucus dinner with the excellent attendance from NH.
• Legislative activities – and that the committee will need a new chair.
• Fireworks Committee – will need a new member as Chief Williams is stepping down.
• Thanks to everyone for a good year.

Chief Murray, for the Legislative Committee, reported on the several issues addressed this session and thanked all for the positive efforts and successes, especially efforts towards Amelia’s Law and the Fire-Safe Cigarette bill.

Chief Stephen Carrier, for the Professional Development Committee reported:

• The May 11 meeting in Litchfield will feature a presentation by Dr. Montero, the state’s Epidemiologist.
• The June meeting in Bristol will feature a seminar by a representative of the Dam Bureau.
• November meeting will be at Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton this year.
• Upcoming list of meetings.

Assistant Safety Commissioner Sweeney thanked everyone for their work on the Fire Safe Cigarette bill. He also expressed concern that with the number of bills affecting the Fire Marshal’s Office, there is not enough personnel or resources to react to them.

Chief Prentiss, for the EMS Bureau, thanked everyone for the support received over the year. She also described the computer based testing for National Registry certification which will occur next year, and also that the TEMSIS project has 73% of the state reporting.

Director Mason, for Fire Standards and Training, reported on:

• Fire Investigator certification will be ready by the end of the year.
• Chiefs Williams and Roediger terms will be up in November and they will be re-nominated by the Executive Committee unless someone else is interested.
• The addition of a tool & equipment depot on to the fire station.
• The Firefighters’ Memorial being built near the fire station. Donations are being sought and there will be a construction day on August 26 that volunteers will be asked to participate in. Dedication is slated for September 10.

Brad Simpkins, newly appointed Forest Protection Chief, reported on:

• Above average fire season experienced already
• All towers and planes up.
• Wildland Firefighter Train the Trainer program in progress.
• New permit rules in place.
• Two vacant ranger positions. Will be re-districting the state.
• Governor has proclaimed next week as Forest Fire Awareness Week.
• Out of state activity is way up also.

Chief Kevin Pratte, for the Governor’s Home Energy Board, stated that they had met yesterday and described the public hearing on the oil installing and propane certification bills

Chief Allen reported that the SERC was to meet in May.

Chief Comeau spoke of the NEAFC conference in Springfield June 22, 23 and 24 at the Big E.

Chief Thibeault, for the NEDIAFC, reiterated info about Springfield, and showed a Powerpoint presentation about the Division’s activities. He described upcoming programs and stated that the IAFC had received two grants today.

Under New Business, Director Mason made a MOTION, seconded by Chief Klauber, to draft a letter to our US Senators endorsing the appointment of David Paulison as head of FEMA, with a copy to Homeland Security Chief Chertoff. Motion carrried.

Father Angelo Pappas of Portsmouth spoke on the need to organize the Chaplains in NH and asked for a list of those known.

The 2006 budget was presented and a MOTION (Clarenbach/Hoisington) to approve it carried unanimously.

The report of the Nominating Committee was presented as follows:

President: Chief Chris LeClaire
1st Vice: Director Richard Mason
2nd Vice: Deputy Chief Chris Christopoulos
Sgt./Arms: Chief Scott Wiggin
Secretary: Chief Brent Lemire, ret.
Treasurer: Deputy Chief Martin Carrier
Directors: Chiefs Perry Plummer; Jeff Burr; Phil Morrell; Shawn Murray and Patrick Preece.

A MOTION (Landry/Bradley) to close nominations; to accept the report of the committee and to authorize the Secretary to cast one ballot for the slate of officers carried unanimously.

Chief LeClaire presented Chief Carrier with a plaque in appreciation of his years of service gave a living eulogy, and turned the meeting back over to him.

Chief LeClaire was welcomed as President and spoke of his vision for the year and described his goals.

The meeting was adjoined at 2022 hours.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Chief Brent T. Lemire, ret.
Secretary, NHAFC