Making plans
State Fire School registration numbers are looking promising. We have several classes filled and many with limited spots left. We also have courses that are only limited to the size of the room we have available. Check the SDFA website to register.
I have submitted my intent to run for SDFA President to the nominations committee. I am looking forward to serving another 3-year term for the fire service of South Dakota.
The addition of Taylor Moore and the association management staff to assist with SDFA daily operations, membership needs and requests, accounting, and registrations has been transitioning well. The SDFA board is still coming to terms with the level of assistance the office is providing. Their experience and capabilities are making for efficient response and updates that the board members were trying to complete on evenings and spare time. If you needed assistance with registration and logins, you probably have talked to their office.
The State Firefighter Assistance grant information was sent out to all departments in early May. The $5 million grant funding application period runs until August 1st. Check your department mail, email, or go to the State Fire Marshal office website for information and application details.
Our NVFC delegation was in Washington DC in May for the spring conference. Dan Hodge, Craig Johnson and I attended the 3-day conference as we celebrate the 50th year of the NVFC. I will have a full report in the July newsletter.
We visited with our congressional offices about the local issues and national items of interest to volunteer fire departments. The proposed increase to the AFG and SAFER grants was a highlight. The possibility of a fire station construction grant was sounding promising, but it would be 1-time money, if approved. Recommendations for ongoing rural development funds for other possible assistance was suggested for construction projects.
We heard reports from underwriters laboratory (UL) testing on lithium-ion batteries, storage systems, and vehicles. Ironically, many recent theories and tactical ideas for cooling or stopping thermal runaway were dispelled under common emergency conditions. I recommend checking UL test findings for more information.
One of the largest alternative energy companies in the world presented training opportunities for departments that serve the areas they have solar, wind, compressed gases, and energy storage facilities in operation. Emphasizing that any company or owner with any of these type of systems need to provide training to local emergency departments on the proper response to these components. What to do and what not to do.
The NVFC provides many free online and in person training opportunities. Whether individually, department, district or state school, check their list of courses on the NVFC training website.
You may have seen the devastating explosion that happened at the lumber mill in Maine at couple of weeks ago. While at NVFC, fellow state director from Maine reported the incident to the group as it happened. He was a personal friend of the lost firefighter, his family, and many of those injured.
It was an unfortunate instance of unexpected circumstances at what seemed to be heavy fire load at an outdoor lumber facility. As we all sympathize with the family and department members, they reminded us all to never underestimate what can happen.
I look forward to see the hundreds of you at State Fire School in Watertown.
Happy Fathers’ Day, and stay safe.
Charlie Kludt
SDFA President