Mendocino County Fire Chief’s
Training Officer’s Committee
 

Minutes of the Meeting
January 18, 2005

Meeting was called to order by Chair Steve Wells.

Introductions: Carl Magann LLFPD, Mike Ciancio FBFD, Steve Wells FBFD, Jim Harrison REHIT, Roger Dingman SCVFD Chuck Yates UFD, Rick Phillips RVCFD, Jeff Adair UVFD, Brendan Turner RVCFD, Peter Feary MVFD, Paul Fishel-Allstar Fire Equipment, Jay Fredrickson-Angus Foam and Hose, Mo Fitch Wilton FPD/MCC, Ann Johnson CVFD, Rich Boehm CDF, Kirk Van Patten CDF

Minutes were reviewed, a motion to accept the minutes was made by Mike Ciancio, seconded by Ann Johnson, motion carried.

Presentation:

Paul Fishel of All Star Fire Equipment introduced Jay Fredrickson from Angus Foam and Hose, who gave a brief informative presentation of foam, foam types, capabilities and limitations. Both gentlemen answered questions from the audience. Information was handed out to those present.

Old Business:

Mendocino Community College Fire Science Program
Mo Fitch brought everyone up to date with the Fire Science Program. Dan Jenkins has accepted another position at the college, and his position is now open.

Mo also discussed the duties of the Fire Advisory Committee, which currently has no local representation from Mendocino County. Mo explained that the Fire Advisory Committee needs input from the TO committee, and local departments.

Jim Harrison volunteered to attend the Advisory Committee, along with Brendan Turner. Rich Boehm advised that he would like to see CDF represented also. As this is an open meeting, it was suggested that any fire department member may want to attend just as a show of support.

Mendocino Community College (cont)
Roger Dingman asked Mo Fitch why more classes are not offered on the coast. Discussion followed on spheres of influence for the local colleges, and the need for separation. Roger advised that the LoRan Station near Point Arena is owned and operated by the Mendocino Community College.

Discussion followed on the College Course Schedule, and the need for the local fire departments to be in the loop for scheduling so that they can get the word out to their members.

There was a small discussion on Long Distance Learning and whether it could be applicable to the Fire Science Classes.

New Business:

Rescue Systems
Marvin Howard from OES would like to be able to “type” a medium duty Task Force from Mendocino County, and would include the OES engines and Willits’ Heavy Rescue.

Regarding Rescue Systems Training, re-certification and drills are an aspect to being “typed”. Mike Ciancio, and Fort Bragg Fire Department are working with Georgia Pacific Corporation to create and co-ordinate a large scale multi-department mass casualty drill. Baxman Gravel has offered to donate concrete. Time frame looks to be the middle of 2005. Carl Magann asked about maybe trying to organize a Rescue Systems 1 class on the coast using the facility. Funding for training may be available. Mike Ciancio will set up a separate meeting with interested parties to discuss and plan this drill.

Carl was asked to research what is expected from a Medium Task Force as far as training, equipment and staffing.

EMS ReCertification
South Coast fire will be holding EMT recertification on the 4th, 8th and 12th month on the second Saturday of those months from 0800-1700 hours.

State Fire Training
A very heated discussion followed on SFT, concerning the shortfalls, and problems that occur with almost every class scheduled. What we can do as a committee was discussed, including letter writing and possibly contacting NorCal TO’s.

Speaking of SFT, Mo Fitch mentioned that SFT is researching a new class, based on Ethics. Mo advised that State Fire Training was soliciting input in preparation of pursuing this new curriculum.

North Tree Fire Prop
Chuck Yates announced that UCFD has contracted to have North Tree provide the Fire Trailer on March 5 and 6. It is hoped with a bit of shuffling of schedules, the VFA class will go on as planned March 4 and 5, and have those VFA students wishing to participate with the trailer, do so on Sunday, March 6.

Fire Fighter 1 Curriculum
Mike Ciancio proposed a motion to have this TO Committee purchase the IFSTA FF1 Curriculum to be used as the basis for County Training, especially with the Academy being so popular with new firefighters. Discussion followed, and the purchase of the film library mentioned. After further deliberation Mike Ciancio motioned to have the MCTO’s purchase the FF1 program on CD, seconded by Chuck Yates. Passed

REHIT Steering Committee LOU
Jim Harrison explained that the Mendocino County Fire Chief’s agreed to provide training and provide personnel for DeCon in support of REHIT. Jim approached this committee in hopes of getting some guidance on the best way to provide countywide DeCon training to the County Departments. Discussion followed. Jim Harrison will chair a committee made up of several members of the TO committee to research this further. Chuck Yates advised that some money for training may be available.

Clandestine Lab Training
Chief Orsi of Fort Bragg fire is looking for local training concerning ClanLabs. Jim Harrison said that he has a core of instructors and will make contact with Chief Orsi.

Western Propane and Gas
Carl Magann reminded everyone that WP&G is scheduling a night class to be held in Willits sometime in April. Carl will advise as more information becomes available.

Volunteer Fire Officer Classes
Many local departments are inquiring about the VFO series of classes. Carl advised tabling this until the next meeting.

Next Meeting
Next TO meeting will be held in either Boonville or Comptche on February 24, @ 1000 hours.