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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
Welcome from the State Fire Marshal
As the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal and the head of the Department of Fire Services, I am very proud of the progress we have made to provide much needed resources to the fire service... DFS Fall Conference Nov. 12-14, 2008
Take part in one, two, or all three days of this unique learning opportunity and meet nationally recognized speakers. The first 100 to register will be entered into a free registration drawing. Keep Warm, Keep Safe this winter.
State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and all the members of the Massachusetts fire service are concerned that high energy prices this winter might also lead to an increase in fires from heating. 181st Recruit Firefighting Training Class Graduation
September 26, 2008 - State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Edmund M. Walker are pleased to announce the graduation of the 181st Class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's sixty-day Recruit Firefighting Program. Fire Prevention Week 2008
National Fire Prevention Week will be celebrated October 5-11 in 2008. This year's theme "Prevent Home Fires," focuses on preventing the leading causes of home fires - cooking, heating, electrical and smoking materials. Senior Fire Officer Forum - 10-9-08
Speaker: David Dodson, Battalion Chief, Eagle River Fire District, Colorado. Topic: The Art of Reading Smoke. Advanced registration is required. FY2009 Firefighting Equipment Grant Program Applications Available
The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Department of Fire Services (DFS) are pleased to announce the availability of grant funding in State Fiscal Year 2009 for fire departments in every city, town, fire district and authority of the Commonwealth. The deadline will be October 17, 2008.
FY 2009 S.A.F.E. Grant Applications Available
The Student Awareness of Fire Education Grant Application for FY 2009 is now available. The deadline will be October 17,2008.
Fall 2008 Fire Service Certification Examination Schedule Available
The Massachusetts Fire Training Council (MFTC) Certification Examination Schedule is now available.
2008 Public Education Conference
Take 14 - Fire & Life Safety Education Conference, sponsered by the Department of Fire Services and the Mass. Public & Life Safety Education Task Force State Weekend at the National Firefighting Academy
The 7th annual state weekend at the National Firefighting Academy will be held from October 10-12, 2008. Applications will be received until September 5, 2008. NIOSH Issues Guidlines for Preventing Firefighter Heart Attacks
NIOSH has issued guidleines for prevention of firefighter heart attacks, the #1 cause of firefighter deaths.
USFA Coffee Break Training for Fire and Building Inspectors
Fire and building inspectors with busy daily schedules often don't have time to attend valuable skill-enhancing training sessions, so the United States Fire Administration (USFA) is providing Coffee Break Training bulletins for you to read and enjoy during your daily break. Handle Pool Chemicals With Care This Summer
"This summer dive into the depths of pool chemical safety and prevent painful burns and costly clean-ups." - State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan.
Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S): Fall 2008 Application Period
FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations, firefighter safety and mitigate high incidences of death and injury.
Video Contest for Burn Awareness
The Mass. Association of Safety and Fire Educators and the state Department of Fire Services in conjunction with the MA Property Insurance Underwriting Association are sponsoring the contest for high school students. Contestant groups are challenged to create an informative and educational video on the topic of burn awareness. The Grand Prize group will win a digital video camera for their school as well as share $200 in gift cards. 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be also be awarded. See contest rules and evaluation rubric! Nominations for Firefighter of the Year Due 9/15
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Firefighter of the Year Awards. The deadline is September 15, 2008. Governor Deval L. Patrick will present the awards for heroic acts and bravery in a ceremony at Boston's Faneuil Hall on December 3, 2008. The period covered by the awards is July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
Underground Storage Tank Regulations Revised
Revisions to the Underground Storage Tank provisions of the Massachusetts State Fire Code (527 CMR 9) recently took effect. The Department of Fire Services has developed a guide to these revisions that was sent to all fire chiefs in an advisory. In an effort to inform owners/operators, and third party inspectors of underground storage tanks, as well as fire departments of the changes, the Department of Fire Services will be holding informational sessions throughout the state. There is no charge for these sessions. -- (NOTE: Additional Owner/Operator and Third Party Inspector Informational Sessions have been added starting in September 2008.)
DFS Mission
The mission of the Department of Fire Services is to promote and enhance firefighter safety through policy and training, to assist and support the fire service community in protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Massachusetts, and to provide...
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