Hello emergency service professional

On behalf of the Officers and Board of Directors of the Eastern Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, I would like to invite you to the 85th annual Eastern Division Conference May 31 to June 2, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Trevose, PA

We believe we have done a fabulous job of assembling a noteworthy conference for our members. We have a wonderful line up of top educational programs with some of our nations leading speakers. The Conference Committee has spent a great deal of time and effort to bring you programs regarding some of today’s leading issues in the fire service.

Here are some of the programs and speakers:

Thursday morning, May 31 Pre-conference

‘“Common Building and Fire Code Violations”

Entertaining as well as informative fire prevention presentation

Eligible for continuing education credit for Pennsylvania Certified Code Officials

Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2

Keynote Address by Ernest “Ernie” Mitchell, US Fire Administrator

Ernie is a retired Fire Chief and an active member and Past President of the IAFC.

“Reputational Management/Fire Department Liability”

Chief William F. Jenaway, Ph.D., VP, VFIS Education, Training, & Consulting, York, PA

A very timely presentation that covers a number of areas including Social Media and Digital Imagery, Why FD's need Policies and Procedures, and Fire Service Ethics and Professionalism.

“Initial Size Up for Company Officers”

Battalion Chief Leonard Carmichael, Jr., Trenton Fire Department, NJ

Presented at FDIC and now enhanced using digital simulation.

This is excellent material for operational fire officers at all levels – Chief Officers and line officers

“Do It Different”

Chief Shane Ray, EFO, Superintendent, South Carolina Fire Academy

Focusing on firefighter safety in today’s built environment

“May Day for Mental Health”

Chief Patrick Kenney, CFO, EFO, Asst. to the Executive Director, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association

This is very timely considering the recent emergency responder suicides and mental health incidents.

“Mega Marketing on a Shoestring Budget”

Chief David Schramm, Fire Services Administrator, Abington Township Fire Department and

Leza Raffel, Communication Solutions Group, Jenkintown, PA

This session will inform you how to promote your fire department’s good news and recruit volunteers without breaking the bank.

“Strategy and Tactics: Fire Operations at Buildings Under Construction and Demolition”

Chief Edward J. Wurster III, Training and Exercise Coordinator, SE PA Regional Task Force

An overview of the strategies and tactics that should be implemented at the scene of fires in buildings under construction or demolition to assure effective suppression activity while maximizing personnel safety. Case studies will be an integral part of this program.

In addition to the educational programs, we have chosen a great location in Trevose, Bucks County, PA. This area offers some of the best dining opportunities you will find, and there is no limit to entertainment offerings including such attractions as Parx Casino and Race Track and Sesame Place, both within a few miles of the conference hotel. This area also offers some of the leading shopping opportunities for your partner with three world class shopping malls within ten miles of the hotel.

The activities and events will serve you well, so we hope you will take advantage of every opportunity to learn and to enhance your education and knowledge. We also want you to take time to relax and enjoy yourself during our social events and spend time networking with your fellow attendees. The EDIAFC Officers and Board members will be present throughout the conference so feel free to call on any of us if you should need any assistance.

We hope to see all of you during this wonderful gathering of Eastern Division members. For more information go to our conference web site:

http://www.ediafc.org/conference.html

Thank you

Chief Mark Showmaker

EDIAFC President