Highlights from the 2006 US Branch Annual General Meeting

In conjunction with the International Association of Fire Chiefs Conference and Exhibition, the US Branch held its Annual General Meeting in Dallas Texas, September 15, 2006. Topping the list of prominent speakers for the event was Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Mills from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Services. He provided the delegates with an in-depth view of the Buncefield Oil Depot fire from last December. A very interested audience was appreciative of his candid remarks and the "wake up call" it gave to many of the assembled fire officers in attendance.

Other speakers addressed topics ranging from establishing a new Heritage Hall facility for the preservation of historic fire service documents, to the reconvening of a 1947 presidential (Harry Truman was the US President) conference on fire prevention. A. "Ozzie" Mirkhah, PE, EFO, MIFireE, is a passionate supporter and believes in the best way to reduce fire deaths, injuries and property losses is to prevent them in the first place. He is assembling organizations to readdress this issue again at the highest levels.

Motorola Corporation, a US Branch affiliate member, and strong supporter of the international fire service, updated the audience on its activities, and Phil Schaenman, MIFireE, president of TriData Division of Systems Planning Corporation, gave everyone a sneak preview of a report his company has prepared in seeking out best practices of CTIF nations and their firefighter safety programs. Firefighter safety is the "hot button" currently and many organizations around the world are looking for new ways to improve their safety programs.

Jeff Blackwell, the US Branch webmaster, received special recognition for his tireless efforts in supporting the Branch website. He initially developed it, maintains it with current directory listings, and provides special reports of interest to Branch members.

Kirk Rosenhan, PE, CEng, MIFireE, addressed a potential issue involving fire investigators and inspector as "expert witnesses" in civil trials. There is some concern in at least one state where their credentials are being challenged. Kirk warned attendees to be on lookout in their jurisdictions for these challenges.

Concluding the AGM, Branch officers for 2007 were announced. They are:

Dr. William "BJ" Jetter, MIFireE, President (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Dr. Harry Carter, MIFireE, Vice President (Adelphia, New Jersey)
Chief Scott Kerwood, MIFireE, Secretary (Vidor, Texas)
Bill Kehoe, MIFireE, Treasurer (Alexandria, Virginia)