The 2018 National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Training Summit will take place June 1–2 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in Concord, NC. This event is an opportunity to share ideas and best practices, network and participate in valuable classroom training. Attendees will be able to select six out of 12 breakout sessions to attend, with sessions addressing key topics in first responder health and safety. In addition, the NVFC will host a networking social to allow attendees to connect after class.
The conference is open to all volunteer firefighters, EMTs, department leadership and other fire department personnel from across the United States. The registration fee for the Summit is $75 per person. This fee covers two days of training and most meals and refreshments throughout the weekend. The fee will be waived for individuals receiving a scholarship.
For more information, visit nvfc.org/nvfc-training-summit.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the FDNY Family Assistance Unit have partnered to combine the Hal Bruno Kids Camps and Camp Resilience communities to reach more children. The Hal Bruno Camp in New Jersey, which will be held June 29–July 1, is for children and stepchildren who have suffered the loss of a firefighter parent or guardian who has been honored or approved to be honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. The camp provides children the opportunity to create positive friendships with others from across the country with similar experiences in a safe, supportive and fun-filled environment. Campers learn to better understand their grief while discovering their capacity to heal and grow.
Campers will be paired with Big Buddies from the fire service. They will meet others with a similar loss in Healing Circles, work together as a team on the challenge course, play games and engage in outdoor camp activities. Parents will attend sessions on how grief affects the family, developmental issues related to grief, parenting strategies to help support children, self-care and relaxation.
The NFFF will help campers and parents with travel expenses and also provide lodging and meals. While campers are busy, parents will have an opportunity to network and attend sessions to gain information on how to help a grieving child.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Eric Nagle at [email protected] or (301) 447-1431.
Ken Styron has been appointed president of Columbia Southern University (CSU), replacing president and co-founder, Robert Mayes, Jr., who will continue in his role of CEO of Columbia Southern Education Group, CSU’s parent company. The university’s board of trustees nominating committee voted for the appointment of Styron, the former chief operating officer.
In his role of president, Styron will focus on execution of strategy, day-to-day operations, policies and procedures. The ceremony for Styron’s inauguration will take place in conjunction with CSU’s 2018 commencement ceremony on Oct. 19, 2018, an event that will also honor the university’s 25th anniversary.
“After much thought and prayer, I have made the decision to transition from president of Columbia Southern University—and what better time to do it than during our 25th anniversary,” Mayes said. “During Ken’s tenure with CSU, he has proven himself time and time again. Over the years, I have seen him grow into an exceptional leader. He will be a wonderful president to our employees, and most importantly, our students.”
Since joining CSU in 2002, Styron has capitalized on decades of experience in information technology to propel the online university forward. His background in systems and technology has enabled Styron to lead with a unique perspective built on data and guided by innovation.
“I am humbled and honored to accept the role of president for Columbia Southern University,” Styron said. “During my time at CSU, I have seen this university grow from a small public safety college in Orange Beach, AL, to an international university that’s helped thousands of adult learners create better lives for themselves and their families. As I embark on my presidency, I am committed to continuing this mission.”
Xeros Technologies has acquired Gloves Inc., which provides PPE cleaning, inspection and repair services. Xeros, a developer of polymer technologies that improve the sustainability and performance in water-intensive consumer and industrial processes, previously acquired MarKen PPE Restoration business in July 2017. These moves further expands the company’s presence in the firefighting PPE care market.
“This acquisition expands Xeros participation in a very important high-performance workwear market where the Xeros technology has the proven ability to clean and extend the life of the gear, while protecting the health and safety of firefighters and other first responders,” said Jeff Lockett, managing director of MarKen.
The Xeros solution, which will be deployed at both Gloves facilities, is said to remove harmful contaminants while also extending the life of expensive PPE garments. The Gloves business will be integrated into Xeros High Performance Workwear Division and will immediately begin doing business under the MarKen brand name.
Hero Wipes has been EWG VERIFIED by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). EWG VERIFIED means that Hero Wipes avoids EWG's ingredients of concern, is committed to full transparency and operates under good manufacturing practices.
Hero Wipes is an on-site decontamination wipe that is used to clean the vulnerable skin of firefighters after they exit a fire. It was tested and found to effectively remove 83 percent of Benzopyrene, commonly found in soot, from a simulated skin in just one swipe across the surface.
“EWG VERIFIED is an important recognition of high standards in manufacturing and communication of product benefits that we've long been a steward of,” said Eve Yen, founder and CEO of Diamond Wipes International, a manufacturer and owner of Hero Wipes. “This is a meaningful acknowledgement, not just for Hero Wipes, but for our customers who are firefighters trying to protect themselves from dangerous carcinogens.”
For more information, visit myherowipes.com.
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