Some relevant news from Fire Chief Magazine

Spring Cleaning

from Mutual Aid by Janet Wilmoth

Even though in Chicagoland March is going out more like a wet cat than a lion, the turn of the calendar to April always inspires me to get organized. While cleaning up my desktop, I found several calls-to-action for the upcoming weeks.
Leather helmet. The deadline for the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. American fire service survey is March 31. Though only 10 participants will win collectible leather fire helmets, the survey ultimately will benefit all firefighters.
Danielle Cagan, Fireman’s Fund’s director of community relations, told me the organization plans to use the survey results to better educate the public on what the fire and emergency services does and how the economy is affecting fire departments.
Free equipment. Could your department use $5,000 worth of equipment for free? FEMSA now is conducting its Sixth Annual State of the Fire Service survey. In previous years, the chances of winning were one in less than 2,000.
Capitol trip. The 21st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Seminars and Dinner will be held next week in Washington, D.C. The seminars are led by leading fire service and administrative officials, and the fund-raising dinner helps the Congressional Fire Services Institute educate Capitol Hill on the work of U.S. fire and emergency services and keep departments nationwide appraised of what’s happening in Washington.
If you make it to Washington, consider joining the CFSI Associates Club. You can support CFSI efforts (and receive a tax deduction) for as little as $25. Each level of membership receives different perks, and all levels receive annual reports of CFSI efforts on the Hill.
Research study. Dr. Lisa Lit and Dr. Julie Schweitzer of the University of California–Davis are examining occupation-linked traits in first responders. Their goal is to identify adolescents well-suited to first-responder careers. They have created a brief questionnaire to collect data for analysis. Participation in the survey is voluntary and confidential.
Scream for ice cream. The third Baskin-Robbins® 31-Cent Scoop Night will take place April 29 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. If your department is interested in a sweet fund-raiser that helps increase community support for your department at the same time, connect with a local shop today by going to or e-mail and ask to be matched with a Baskin-Robbins store.
New revenue. Phoenix Fire Department Deputy Chief Ken Leake is looking for other fire departments that are charging for response to auto accidents. If you have experience with auto accident revenue, e-mail Leake.