The meeting was called to order by President Richard Mason at 1904 hours.

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

Welcoming everyone was Chief Phil Morrill, who thanked everyone for coming and thanked those attending the seminar. He also introduced members of his staff that were present.

Advocate Member Michael Allard from Greenwood Fire Apparatus was introduced.

A MOTION (Burr/Christopoulos) to accept the minutes as printed, carried unanimously.

Deputy Chief Martin Carrier presented the financial reports for April and May. A MOTION (Lelaire/Christopolous) ports, carried unanimously.

Chief Lemire noted that the applications for membership were not available and made a MOTION (Christopolous/Thibeault) to waive the second reading for those that would have been read tonight and accept the four new members. It carried unanimously. The NHAFC welcomes Chief Philip Tirrell of Lempster; Chief Allan Clarke of Sugar Hill; Asst. Chief Michael Mansfield of Nashau and Sales Rep. Byron Brooks of NE Fire Equipment and Apparatus Corp. as its newest members!

President Mason reported on the following:

• Board of Directors’ meeting with PFFNH and intention to have a moderated retreat September 21.
• Chief Christopoulos nominated to the SERC and Chief Pratte renominated to the Governors Home Energy Board.
• Board of Directors to meet June 5.

Committee Reports:

Legislative: Marshal Degnan reported on several bills and their status as they relate to his division.

President Mason reported on several other bills and their status at present.

Chief Carrier, for Professional Development, reported on a brief seminar proposed for the North Conway meeting given by the LGC.

Fire Standards & Training Director Richard Mason reported on the following:

• Fire in Berlin that destroyed the North country EMS office.
• Fire station addition started today – to be finished in August.
• Recruit school ongoing in Concord.
• Administrative rules being updated for both fire and EMS.

Dep. Chief Achilles, for the Trauma Coordinating Board, spoke of the upcoming meeting and the intent to address hospital diversion. He asked that if any Chief is having issues with this practice, they are asked to contact him. Fire Marshal William Degnan reported on:

• Latest Berlin fire
• Somersworth mill fires
• Juvenile fire activity seminar back in April. Over 60 participants.
• His attendance this month at the ICC hearings and his intended testimony.
• Code issue questions and proposal to share information on them.
• Current update on the budget working its way through the legislature.
• Public hearings on the Gas Fitters’ certification law.

Homeland Security Director Pope reported on:

• Declarations (disaster) on the Nor’easter flooding.
• Positive response to the activities of first responders during the flooding.
• Public assistance briefings going on all this week.
• Major exercise (Hurricane) for agencies took place and assessments ongoing.

Chief Carrier, for NEDIAFC reported on the upcoming conferences and logistics for attendees. FRI is in Atlanta this year. New Hampshire night will be Friday night this year at the hotel. He also described the activities of the New England Chiefs’ exhibit in June in Springfield. Seminar proposed for October and the logistics are being worked out. He reminded all that Chief Jack Parrow of Chelmsford, MA is running for the 2 nd Vice President of the IAFC.

Director Mason reminded all that Judy Marshal of the New England Exhibitors’ Association, donated 10 certificates for free admission to the seminars at the New England Chiefs’ conference.

Forest Protection - Chief Brad Simpkins reported on:

• Fire activity which has been extremely busy of late. Several red flag warnings lately. Described largest fires (Chesterfield) and injuries sustained by firefighters.
• Described Bedford/Manchester brush fire caused by the train going through.
• Several days of extremely low humidity – almost record lows.
• Country-wide fires burning.
• Non-firefighting activities in division and legislative initiatives being tracked.

Chief Bradley, Director of the IAFC, presented Director Mason with his 20-year pin and read a letter of congratulations from the President of the IAFC. He also presented him with his NFA EFO pin. He also announced his intention to run for his last term as Director and will need to be elected at the Springfield meeting to be held on June 21 at the Sheraton. He also stated the Chief Steve Carrier is serving as the interim Vice President and will be up for election in Springfield.

A reminder that Chief Tom Lambert of North Hampton will be installed as President of the New England Association of Fire Chiefs in Springfield.

The next meeting will be June 14 at the North Conway Country Club.

The meeting was adjoined at 1956 hours.

Respectfully submitted,

Chief Brent T. Lemire, ret.
Secretary, NHAFC