South Central Regional Fire Departments Association
July21st, 2015
Meeting held in Ceylon
The meeting was called to order by President Dan Cline at 7:30 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ceylon Ass’t Fire ChiefCurt Dean welcomed everyone to Ceylon.
Roll Call was taken showing 106 members present representing 30 departments.
The April meeting minutes were presented with a motion by Minnesota Lake second by Lake Crystal to approve. Motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report was presented and approvedshowing a balance of $12,127.40.
President Cline presented a recognition plaque to Larry Brandenberg for his service of 12 years as the Region Vice President.
Vice President Nickerson gave his report showing 106 members present from 30 departments. He also spoke of his experience of being a diabetic and to make sure to check your blood sugar and what can happen if you don’t.
Troy Parker from Heritage Business Products gave a presentation on his company concerning cancer and health care coverage.
Reports
MSFCA—Tim Pohlman Upcoming MSFCA elections and by-law changes will be done by on-line balloting this year. Chief’s Conference will be in Duluth October 22-24. You can e-mail Jena Noah with any information you’d like included in the E-newsletters she sends out. Her e-mail address is . The new MSFCA website will be up and running soon at Be sure to check it regularly. The MSFCA website is the place to look for any additional information on the MSFCA. Tim’s contact information is cell phone 507-381-6607 or by e-mail at , or .
MSFDA---Ed Hoffman The MSFDA Conference was held in St. Cloud. By-law changes were approved. Election results were John King-1st VP, Ed Hoffman-2nd VP. Next year’s conference will be June 8-11 in Detroit Lakes. FSC (Fire Service Consulting) renewed their contract for 3 years to run the Certification Board. MN Firefighter Newspaper could use your pictures or articles so be sure to send them in. The Tony Bronk embezzlement case is set for trial for the end of August. The bond of $35,000 was paid but that still leaves approx. $150,000 short of what was embezzled. The overall financial status of the MSFDA is still pretty good. If you have any suggestions for the MSFDA or want to become more involved in the MSFDA please let Ed know. His e-mail is .
South Central College—Bob Scheidt The aircraft crash class has been done a number of times. The new search and rescue/RIT trailer is now available. SSC will be housing a new ventilation trailer from October-December that is being purchased through an AFG grant by the Fire Marshal’s office. They also have a new grain bin rescue trailer that is available. They will also customize HazMat training to fit your department’s needs. SCC is now doing coaching training as well. The amount each department will receive in MBFTE money for training will be known after August 18th. If you have anyone that needs 1001 classes please contact Bob. Contact Bob Scheidt at or call 507-389-7329.
SASCS—Jack Volz Their new burn trailer is out and working well. Their search and rescue prop and grain bin rescue trailer have also been busy. Fall is just around the corner. Make sure your department is up to speed with farm extrication or contact them for a fall farm refresher. They will be doing a couple of fire certification weekends including a review and certification test. SASCS will also do 1001 classes. If you have anyone interested in these please contact them. They also do EMR/EMT refreshers. SASCS will also help you with 1403 house burn requirements and documentation and help with MBFTE reimbursements.
VFBA—Ross Martin Death benefit has gone up to $25,000. Make sure to get your new members signed up and do the first report of injury if you have any injuries.
State Fire Marshal’s Office—Steve Kellen The annual report for 2014 is now out. KathiOsmonson gave a report on the YFPI (youth fire prevention and intervention) program. Call the state duty officer to activate the YFPI team. Also, if you need any fire prevention material contact Kathi.
MBFTE—Steve Flaherty Get all of your live burn info by going to DNR.org. If you are a licensed firefighter you can renew this on-line. Don’t let your license lapse. Any arson related crime will result in your license being revoked. MBFTE training dollar bills must be submitted by August 1. There will be an Officer’s School at Fort Ripley in October. There could be $5-6 million in MBFTE funds from the state in 2016. Check their website to see what training is eligible for reimbursement.
HSEM—Bob Berg Bob talked about the bird flu outbreak. There is a new CAT team in International Falls. A Pipeline and Railroad Awareness class is available to you if you want.
DNR-Mark Wurdeman No one present
Certification Board—Jack Volz FSC’s contract was renewed with a lot of discussion. Contract renewed with a 3.5% increase in 2016 and 2017 and a 4% increase in 2018. There will be no re-testing fees but certain fees will increase.
George Esbensen, the MSFCA legislative chair gave a presentation on his activities. He thanked the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation for supporting the Ryan Sabo Benefit. A new law makes it a 2 year funding cycle for the Fire Safety Account. Non career firefighter LODD families will receive health care coverage from their jurisdiction. The bonus Relief Association funding was extended. George also talked about his candidacy for MSFCA president and asked for our support.
OLD BUSINESS
Please check the MSFDA website for information on the by-law changes.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Motion by Nicollet second by Bricelyn to adjourn. Motion carried.
Next meeting will be in Comfrey on October 21.
2016 meetings will be in Courtland, Darfur, Delavan, and Dunnell
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Dale Polzin
Sec/Treas SCRFDA