Here we are in the final quarter of 2009, well we were able to weather the financial storm and put on a successful academy. The afternoon thunder storms weren’t too bad, although we did lose out on one evening’s special events.
I would like to start off with thanking the following for their support and guidance at this year’s academy; AIMs Community College, for their use of their staff and facilities; all of the vendors and corporate sponsors who donated their employees time as instructors, the academy staff members, the volunteer group that helped with the sales and instructor support, to the vendors and corporate sponsors for the diverse assortment of door prizes and BBQ for the general membership meeting.
The academy staff and instructors have had meetings to discuss the future class offerings, critiques of current classes and future plans for the academy. One of the tasks that I had was to review all of the student class critique forms, over all you the students gave us a positive rating for the academy, with comments about adding classes and questions on what happened to previously listed classes. Some of these are going to be addressed here and some will be addressed during the next few months to these suggestions and comments taken care of.
There were some operational issues with classes, like scheduling the weight scales for the aerial inspection class, thanks to Chris Nelson, and Larry Thompson as they were able to overcome and add a resource to our support base.
We are working with AIMs on putting together an associate’s degree program for fire mechanics that are interested and it will open up additional resources for training. This would be completed as an outreach through an on-line program; we are working on submitting letters of support from all areas of the fire service to be sent to the Colorado Community College Board. If you are interested in helping out feel free to drop me a line.
And finally we welcome training topics and sessions from all of our vendors and corporate sponsors, if you have an idea on training please contact me so we can work these sessions into our format.



.…..Garry Aranda

Vice Chairman's Corner

Jay Powell
Vice Chairman

www.co-fma.com
COLORADO FIRE MECHANIC'S ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 17961 DENVER, COLORADO
80217

Chairman: Garry Aranda, 303-429-3597,garanda@co-fma.com

First of all let me offer thanks to all of my colleagues on the CFMA staff for all of their hard work & dedication to the Association, the Academy and fire service in general. I’m proud to be part of the group. There is definitely no lack of passion and it ALWAYS shows!

Secondly, there isn’t enough “thanks” to be given out to all that made this year’s Academy a great success. From you, the students, to the instructors and staff, really made this session what it was. Oh yes we had some issues but made it through OK.

Another set of “thank you’s” to Front Range Fire Apparatus and Old Chicago for the donations to the BBQ. With their generosity, the menu was able to be more extensive than just burgers and hot dogs. Hmm, didn’t hear too many complaints either!

As mentioned in the Chairman’s Corner the situation with classes being either cancelled or not being offered is being addressed. You have to realize though that YOU as students play a big part of this as well. If we get enough interest, and most importantly, enough signees, then the chances are so much better that the class will go. Plus then it helps the process of instructor commitments.

In talking with folks here and there, I heard some good ideas and feedback. So keep them coming and we’ll do the best we can to implement them. Really!

Ken Roland

Fellas, a genuine concern has been brought to light about the lack of attendance at the meetings other than same core. These meetings are important to all of us and it’s up to you to see the benefits. For instance, Hill Bros provided information on biodiesel fuel that really shouldn’t have been missed. I mean things like how one of the fuels can be and is used for a top notch cleaner. Personal experiences were discussed and even though there’s still much debate on whether it’s the fuel or the equipment that’s the problem, the point is that there’s something that you could’ve taken back to your various departments and service centers to avoid future problems or correct current ones. Yes, we realize budget issues for those who would have to travel a considerable distance to attend. Those of us here on the Front Range are not opposed to come across the hills to have meetings on the Western Slope. When we say we want your input and participation, we mean it! All it takes is for someone to step up and say they would like to host a meeting, for starters. Another way is to put out in the open what topics are a concern to you. I hate sounding like I’m trying to start a pep rally, but people this is that important! Remember, that just like the vehicles we drive or the tools in our boxes, they’re good only if you use them!

Thanks,
Ken Roland
Association Secretary

Meeting Notes:


Meeting Agenda
20th Academy



Next CFMA Meeting—


Ken Roland

Bill McCartney

I would like to thank all those that attended the Academy this year. I’m sure you will agree it was yet again a great week of learning and activities. As each of us is sailing into difficult financial times, be it personal or work related, I ask each of you to remember the value of the training the Colorado Fire Mechanics provide. Many of us will need to remind our departments of this very important training and what it means to the departments we each represent. We have all heard the stories of so many departments laying off across this country, and with that we all know the first areas fire departments tend to cut are in training and maintenance. At times you may find yourself fighting for your jobs; and the best argument to make with our Chiefs is the value and safety we each provide to our departments. Fire Fighters will always get the much deserved praise of a job well done, but for the Mechanics that keep the fleet running and most importantly safe, we hear little praise. Keep in mind, when the line personal and the Officers are not talking about us, it means we are doing our jobs. But it also means we are easy to forget. Keep in front of your Officers and Line Personnel; keep reminding them the importance of proper maintenance performed by trained EVT Mechanics. At times, fighting for budget money to maintain our fleets can be a bloody battle, but it is always a battle worth fighting!

I hope to see everyone at our next meeting and our Academy next year. Look at the classes offered, make plans to get there. With your help, it will be another great Academy! As always any suggestions you have want to be heard by all us! Let us know what we can do to help you make the most out of your career.

Bill McCartney
Academy Coordinator