University of Maryland Announces Appointment of New Director for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

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1 M A R Y L A N D F I R E A N D J A N U A R Y - M A R C H University of Maryland Announces Appointment of New Director for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute R E S C U E V O L I N S T I T U T E N O. 1 The University of Maryland announced on January 2, 2018, the appointment of Michael E. Cox, Jr. as the new director of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) after a nationwide search. Cox replaces Steven T. Edwards, whose retirement was set to begin January 5, I commend Steve Edwards on his quarter century of excellence in guiding and preparing Maryland first responders to be among the best in the country and around the world, said University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh. In our search for a new director, we determined that Michael Cox was the right emergency services leader to continue the level of quality training and continue to move MFRI forward. Cox has been a MFRI employee and management team member since January of I want to thank President Loh for this tremendous opportunity, and I look forward to working in an innovative and collaborative fashion with the MFRI faculty and staff to continue to provide world class programs and customer service that the agency is known for nationally and internationally, said Cox. Director Edwards has been a mentor to many people over the years and has contributed greatly to our profession. I am honored to serve in this role and look forward to building on his accomplishments. At age 16, Cox began his career in the fire service at the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department in Edgewater, MD where he remains a life member. At age 20, Cox accepted a career position within the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. Throughout his 27-year career, Cox worked in virtually every bureau and division in the department. Cox ultimately advanced through the ranks to become the department s Continued on page Jan-March Bulletin.indd 1 1/25/18 1:28 PM

2 The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland is the state s comprehensive training and education system for the emergency services. The Institute plans, researches, develops, and delivers quality programs to enhance the ability of emergency service providers to protect life, the environment, and property. bulletin staff editor in chief: Angela Bennett managing editor: Jennifer Williams editorial assistant: Lydia MacBride graphics and marketing project manager: Ana Maizel contact MFRI tel: fax: bulletin@mfri.org The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Bulletin (MFRI) University of Maryland (ISSN ) is published quarterly by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland, College Park, MD Periodical postage paid at College Park, MD Postmaster: Send address changes to Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Bulletin, MFRI, University of Maryland, College Park, MD The MFRI Bulletin is distributed as a public service of the University of Maryland. The Bulletin is dedicated to the publication of information that will help educate its readers on the subjects of fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue, leadership, and training. This publication contains some articles and illustrations provided by readers. MFRI does not necessarily agree with information, nor endorse any products depicted in the Bulletin. Address all communications to Editor in Chief at MFRI. For change of address, send mailing label and new address. The MFRI Bulletin is produced entirely in house. We extend our gratitude to all contributors who make this publication possible. MESSAGE FROM the Director I am truly honored and humbled that I was selected to be the next MFRI director. I would like to personally thank Director Edwards for his 25 years of dedicated service to the Institute. Under his leadership, MFRI became one of the top notch emergency services training institutions in the country. His vision and selfless dedication touched many people in our profession making us a safer and better trained force to assist those in need within our communities. I wish him well in his retirement and hope that he will continue to be an active part of the Institute s programs and events; whereby, he can continue to pass on his 50 years of fire department experience to the new generation of emergency responders walking through the doors of this learning institution. With a new era upon us, I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, instructors, and stakeholder groups who unselfishly work to make our emergency responder community the best that it can be. The successes realized here at the Institute are the direct result of hard work and dedication of all those involved. It is my vision to work with everyone in a participatory, collaborative, and innovative manner to build upon what the two previous directors have established and take us to that next level. I am a firm believer people are the most important part of an organization and will work hard to ensure you have the authority, discretion, and tools to complete your mission. We must always remember that progress leads to change. No one should fear change as this is always a constant in successful organizations. Innovation, partnerships, collaboration, and the embrace of new ideas and technologies are hallmarks of world class organizations such as ours, and our continued success relies on the implementation of these concepts to meet the changing needs of our organization and our customers. I am excited about what lies ahead for the future of the Institute and will leave you with a quote from President Abraham Lincoln to ponder, You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. 2

3 MEET OUR INSTRUCTOR Vernon Love Jennifer Williams, Public Relations Specialist, Institute Development Section, MFRI He has also served as the secretary, president, lieutenant, captain, 3rd assistant chief, and is a life member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. He currently serves as the 2nd assistance chief and the assistant secretary and training officer of the Marion Volunteer Fire Company. Vernon Love s fire service career began in 1972 as one of the first five cadets to join the Liberty Road Volunteer Fire Company in Baltimore County, MD. After becoming a fulltime firefighter one year later, Vernon was hooked and has been involved in the fire service ever since. Due to his career as a Maryland State Police officer, Vernon was transferred to different barracks around the state, which allowed him to serve in many different departments over the years. Vernon has been a member of the Newark Volunteer Fire Company, the Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company, and is a life member of the Liberty Road Volunteer Fire Company. Since 1995, Vernon has been a MFRI instructor. He currently teaches fire, rescue, EMS, and hazmat courses. He is also an instructor for the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Vernon teaches many specialty courses such as the FEMA CBRNE Standardized Awareness course, Law Enforcement Protective Measures for CBRNE Incidents course, FEMA Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools, and the Federal Highway Administration Traffic Incident Management class. The biggest challenge for Vernon is finding ways to ensure that all of his students understand the materials and develop the skills required to do the job. Two of his most memorable students developed those skills, went on to further their training, and are now MFRI instructors. When Vernon is not volunteering at his local fire station or teaching a MFRI course, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Holly, and riding his motorcycle. Continued from front page University of Maryland Announces Appointment of New Director for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute tenth fire chief where he led a combination force of more than 1,400 career and volunteer personnel serving a population of more than 550,000. During his time as Anne Arundel County fire chief, Cox worked on numerous new initiatives to address critical issues facing the department, including the enhancement of responder and citizen safety, the correction of substandard insurance service office ratings in multiple areas of Anne Arundel County, the improvement of 911 call processing times and work flows, the development of a diversity recruitment plan, and the enhancement of communications with volunteer and career associations and groups within the department. Cox earned an associate s degree in emergency medical services from Anne Arundel Community College, a bachelor s degree in fire science from the University of Maryland University College, and a master s degree in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University. Cox also is a graduate of the United States Fire Administration s Executive Fire Officer Program and has been designated as a Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Additionally, Cox holds national and state certifications as a fire officer, an emergency medical technician paramedic, and an emergency services instructor. Cox is also a graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel s 2015 Flagship Program and Leadership Maryland Class of Cox has been a resident of Anne Arundel County for the past 36 years and currently resides in Edgewater with his daughter Megan and his son Michael. 3

4 25th Annual Congressional Firefighters Training Program at MFRI Jennifer Williams, Public Relations Specialist, Institute Development Section, MFRI This past October, congressional staff, serving members of Congress throughout the country, and staff from the University of Maryland Human Resources Department and Department of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing participated in the 25th annual Congressional Firefighters Training Program at MFRI. Dressed in full turnout gear, the participants performed a number of training exercises to develop a better understanding of the equipment and training needed for firefighters to perform their work safely and effectively. Alicia Tarr of the UMCP Procurement Department expressed her appreciation for the safety culture that was exhibited during the entire event. She enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being in the burn building in full firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) and learning how heat can be vastly different closer to the ceiling than on the ground. Alicia now understands why firefighters have to crawl in order to limit their exposure to such high temperatures. It also became clear that due to the wear and tear, PPE won t last forever and needs to be checked and replaced regularly. This is why places like MFRI are important; as technology changes, so do safe approaches to life-threatening situations, Alicia stated in reference to her instructor, who shared reasons behind the need to create new and improved training every year on various topics. The program was developed by MFRI Director Steve Edwards and has proven to be an effective learning experience for the participants, many of whom advise their members of Congress on federal fire service programs and legislation. Earlier in the year, Edwards announced his plans to step down as director in January top: CFSI Firefighter Training Program participant gets firsthand view of a fire through the lens of a thermal imaging camera. below: (left to right) CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb, MFRI Director (ret.) Steve Edwards, CFSI Vice President M.H. Jim Estepp. In recognition of Edwards leadership and support of this program, the Congressional Fire Services Institute presented to him a congressional tribute from Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), co-chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, that was entered into the Congressional Record. M.H. Jim Estepp, CFSI vice president and former chief of the Prince George s County Fire/EMS Department, made the presentation at the start of the program. Estepp currently serves as the president and CEO of the Greater Prince George s Business Roundtable. MFSPQB Accredited for NFPA 1005 Ron Hassan, Manager, Technology and Certification Section, MFRI The Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB) was recently accredited by the Pro Board for NFPA 1005, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters, at its meeting in October. Students who successfully complete Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters, available after December 1, will be eligible for this certification. This course is intended for those agencies and personnel responsible for fighting fires on marine vessels in addition to their regular structural firefighting responsibilities. It will address topics such as: characteristics of shipboard incidents, shipboard, port, and terminal facility environment; actions to protect the environment; firefighter safety and survival; vessel types and systems; vessel fire control plans; size-up tactics; communications; incident command system; hazardous materials; and live-fire practical exercises. 4

5 MFRI Director Steve Edwards Retires After 25 Years After 25 years at MFRI and 50 years in total in the Maryland fire service, Director Steven T. Edwards has officially retired. Many emergency services leaders from across the state made presentations during Edwards retirement ceremony held in College Park on December 13. University of Maryland President Wallace Loh made a special presentation to the director and pinned him with an honorary gold terrapin pin. In honor of all that Edwards has done for MFRI, a plaque now hangs outside of classroom 1, dedicated in his honor. The plaque reads, This room is dedicated to Steven T. Edwards, Director of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute from January January Steve s vision, professionalism, and leadership have elevated MFRI to its position as the premier fire and emergency services education and training organization in North America. His dedication to MFRI s mission serves as inspiration to those he has touched during his 25 years of service. With sincere gratitude from the faculty, staff, and field instructors of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. The faculty, staff, and instructors of MFRI would like to wish Director Edwards a long and happy retirement. top: University of Maryland President Wallace Loh (left) presents MFRI Director Steven T. Edwards (right) with a gift. bottom: (left to right) Pat Marlatt, Assistant Director, MFRI; Andy Levy, Regional Coordinator, NCRO, MFRI; Steven T. Edwards, Director (ret.), MFRI; Karen Haje, Director s Office; Charles Rogers, Health and Safety Division Chief, Baltimore County Fire Department; Larry Preston, Assistant Director, MFRI. MFRI Professional Development for Instructors Symposium Kyle David Bates, Instructional Designer, Institute Development Section, MFRI Meeting the requirements for the Maryland Instructor Certification Review Board professional development has never been easier with MFRI s PDI symposia. This past December, MFRI held its 2017 Winter PDI with Melissa Doak from York County, VA as the keynote speaker. Melissa and six other instructors presented nine additional topics that attendees could select from. This format allowed attendees to select which topics interested them and how many they desired to attend. With the new electronic tracking system, attendees were free to pick and choose, leaving when they met their required hours or staying for the entire day, with over 87% of the attendees staying. Comments received on the overall evaluations included: I love MFRI PDI courses. They are always informative and interesting. The selection of diverse topics makes it challenging to decide what to choose, but that is a great problem to have. At the end of the day I feel more motivated to go out and teach again. This is what I needed at this point in my career. Thank you! Keynote speaker Melissa Doak discusses teaching techniques. Of course the success of this program would not have been possible without the support from IDS and LSS staff. It is through teamwork that we are able to present the caliber of symposia as this. Our 2018 Spring PDI is tentatively scheduled for April 7,

6 Fully Fit: Head to Boots Jennifer Williams, Public Relations Specialist, Institute Development Section, MFRI On October 28, MFRI hosted its first-ever Fully Fit: Head to Boots seminar focusing on firefighter health and wellness from head to toe. The mission of this seminar was to equip fire and emergency services personnel of all ranks with the tools to be fully-fit from head to toe with topics including: mental health, cancer prevention, physical fitness, and nutrition. As the fire and emergency service loses its members daily to suicide, cancer, and heart attacks, it is critical that prevention of such deaths become a priority. This seminar provided demonstrations, practical applications, and resources that could vastly impact the health and safety of all personnel no matter their current lifestyle, age, or rank. Dennis Carradin of The Trauma Survivors Foundation gave students a new perspective on what it means to take care of your own after a critical incident through his presentation on Critical Incident Response for First Responders. Michael Donahue, adjunct fire investigator scene safety and health instructor for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) at the National Fire Academy, brought an informative presentation on Fire Investigator Cancer Research and Prevention. Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, editor in chief of Fire Engineering and education director of FDIC, motivated students to re-think their priorities when it comes to mental and physical health. Through personal experiences, Chief Halton shared that we cannot fix people like we fix things, and we must recognize that through our fragile times, we have to stick together rather than try to push out the weak link. The stigma in the fire service of PTSD and depression being considered a weakness is ripping apart the Just Culture. Stigma is very real in the fire service and can leave PTSD untreated, shame internalized and inflated, and disassociation as protection from rejection, and suicide seen as better alternatives to the shame. There has to be a balance between serving the public in times of dynamically complex tragedies, which require exceptionally competent practitioners and leaving no one behind, Chief Halton said at the end of his presentation. Dan Kerrigan of Functional Firefighter Fitness showed students how to perform safe, effective, and practical exercises that would not only help them get into better physical shape, but also prepare them for body movements necessary to do the job of a firefighter through The Big 8 of Firefighter Functional Fitness. If you have a body, you have no excuse to not exercise, Dan shared as he went through the many different exercises that only require body movements and sometimes basic firefighting tools or equipment. Students were extremely pleased with the outcome of this seminar, and MFRI is planning to host more training events of this nature in the future. Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, editor in chief of Fire Engineering, and education director of FDIC, discusses stigmas in the fire service. 6

7 MFRI Hosts TeleFlex Cadaveric Airway and Easy IO Lab Jim Radcliffe, Manager, Advanced Life Support Section, MFRI This past November, the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute hosted the TeleFlex Cadaveric Airway and Easy IO Lab at MFRI headquarters in College Park. This free event drew providers from throughout the mid-atlantic region. Believe it or not, cadaver labs for prehospital providers in Maryland are not uncommon, but outside of Maryland they are hard to find. This unique event, sponsored by TeleFlex, provides hands-on training in the use of their Easy IO system as well as other airway products. The combined lab takes about 2.5 hours beginning with a 45-minute lecture and skills station, followed by the Easy IO cadaver lab, and culminating with the airway cadaver lab. Having conducted many labs in my career, what made this lab more special was the care that was taken to get the full educational experience with each cadaver. Stay tuned for future offerings of this lab at MFRI and take advantage of the unique training opportunity. Students gather around a cadaver in order to learn new airway techniques. MFRI Joins the Maryland Emergency Management Agency in Facebook Live Holiday Fire Safety Video Jennifer Williams, Public Relations Specialist, Institute Development Section, MFRI This past December, Jessica Nusbaum, Charissa Cooper, and Emily Allen of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) joined MFRI s Public Relations Specialist Jennifer Williams for a Facebook Live holiday safety video. The live video featured a discussion of holiday safety tips related to decorations, candles, lights, and cooking. The highlight of the video was the live-fire demonstration that showed just how fast a Christmas tree that had not been watered could burn. In approximately two minutes, the tree was fully engulfed in flames; and if it had been in a confined space filled with furniture and decorations, it would have taken even less time. Just when the video seemed to be wrapping up, there was a surprise visit from Ernie Lehr Santa, who came all the way from the Maryland Transportation Authority to share holiday travel safety tips. Thank you to MFRI s Logistical Support Section for their assistance with the fire demonstration and to Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department for providing the tree. This video showed just how fast a holiday could be ruined by not practicing fire safety. (left to right) Lucas Bloxsom, LSS student, MFRI; Brandon Devendorf, LSS student, MFRI; Ernie Lehr, Maryland Transportation Authority; Tim Delehanty, Facilities Supervisor, MFRI; Ron Humberson, LSS student, MFRI; Jennifer Williams, Public Relations Specialist, Institute Development Section, MFRI Jan-March Bulletin.indd 7 1/25/18 1:28 PM

8 MFRI Special Programs Section Assists Juxtopia, LLC In Testing Augmented Reality Goggles Daryl Sensenig, Training Coordinator, Special Programs Section, MFRI This past December, MFRI s Special Programs Section assisted Juxtopia, LLC with a research study by participating in clinical trials of Juxtopia s wearable, augmented reality goggles. The two days of testing and evaluation of the software and hardware took place at MFRI headquarters in College Park. These goggles can be used as a training aid for students by transmitting information to the goggles and having feedback from the student. MFRI assisted with handson testing and simulated patients with four simulated injuries or conditions such as penetrating trauma or drug overdose. The participants used the goggles to navigate through several scenarios involving other participants that were moulaged with simulated injuries. Initial research of this product began with a grant to develop training aids for military combat medics, and this study was designed to explore the feasibility of the product s adaptability for civilian medical responders. This system has the potential for additional applications for advanced life support (ALS) training, hazardous materials, and firefighter training. A second phase of testing and evaluation is currently in the planning stage. Student participant tries on the augmented reality goggles during the simulation.