Fire Service Programs, Contributors Lauded at Annual CFSI Event

WASHINGTON, D.C. – There’s more to the fire and EMS service than hopping on a rig and responding to emergencies.

An innovative program created to serve a population often overlooked that also reduces the stress on firefighters was among those recognized Thursday night during the 36th annual CFSI National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.

Tulsa Fire Chief Michael Baker said he was honored that the department’s Community Response Team (CRT) was the recipient of the Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award.

“Calls for lift assists and other non-emergency calls were increasing. We had to do something…”

Baker, who was Chief at the time, visited the residents who were calling frequently to determine the challenges they were facing – things that were affecting their healthcare.

Armed with the interviews, he reached out to the medical director and requested a change in the Standard of Care for medics and EMTs.

“I was told I’d be making nurses mad.”

Although the response wasn’t what he expected, he wasn’t about to drop his plan. He was convinced that helping them with the basics of living would be beneficial

With the support of the city and the union, a three-person team – a paramedic, a police officer and a therapist -- started responding to calls in a fire department vehicle to help patients instead of firefighters.

The program that was helping the city’s vulnerable population, including veterans and the homeless, was appreciated by the public. So much so, it has been expanded.

A mental health clinician has replaced the police officer and there are two paramedics on the Alternative Response Team (ART).

Baker said a United Way Innovation Grant helped fund the program when it was launched. Now, it’s a combination of department budget, insurance and Medicare.

He lauded the team for the programs’ success.

“I had no idea how the review process (for the award) worked. I was surprised when I learned we had been chosen.”

The chief was quick to add that the entire team is proud. Without collaboration, it wouldn’t have received national recognition.

Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award

Veteran CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb found himself in a different position Thursday night.

“For approximately 30 years, I carried this beautiful trophy onto the stage for the award presentation and I never expected there would be a day when I had the honor to carry it off stage.”

 “You have all heard the name Mason Lankford but I’m guessing many of you never had the privilege of meeting him. Mason was passionate about the fire service and recognized the importance of supporting the fire service at the local, state, and federal levels as well as the personnel level. It is a passion I was able to witness in my early years at CFSI when he would visit Washington, DC to meet with members of Congress and administration officials, and his passion is something I attempted to emulate in my 30-year career with this organization.”

Webb spoke of his appreciation for people who helped him along the way as he championed fire and EMS legislation.

“While I was one of many voices weighing in on important issues throughout the years, the unified voice of the fire service organizations is why we have prevailed. I have many people to thank for helping me during my career, but most importantly the CFSI staff, both past and present. I hope they would all agree that I was not one to micromanage their work; instead, I entrusted them to perform the work commensurate with their job titles – and they delivered. My job was to listen, offer suggestions, and provide support – ok, also offer some directives on occasion, but not very often.”

Reflecting on the leadership of Gen. Ike Eisenhower, Webb continued: “I always did my best to accept the accountability for both the good and the not-so-good decisions made during my tenure at CFSI. On the other hand, I’m waiting for CFSI Board member Steve Austin to accept sole responsibility for selecting the bacon ice cream we served at this dinner 20 years ago. That decision alone, nearly destroyed this event and the organization.”

He also thanked U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer: “I want to express my personal thanks and gratitude to my dear friend, Congressman Steny Hoyer for his steadfast leadership and friendship over the years. Congressman Hoyer has been the beacon that has guided the Fire Caucus throughout the years…the go-to person who was always willing to reach across the political aisle and talk to his colleagues about how Congress in a bipartisan way can support our nation’s fire and emergency services.”

The crowd gave him a standing ovation after he concluded:  “You are my friends, my mentors and, yes, my heroes. It has been an honor to have worked with you and for you.”

Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education

 A longtime champion of fire protection education was honored for his dedication.

The late Harold Mace was heavily involved in setting standards and promoting fire service issues.

“Harold no doubt had an impact on generations,” Chief Dennis Compton said, adding that Mace organized the joint council of fire service organizations.

He was the emeritus director of Fire Protection Publications and Fire Service Training at IFSTA.

 Randy Mace, who accepted the award, said of his father: “He was a visionary who helped standardize modern safety procedures while bridging gaps of legislation and funding, all in the interest of saving lives.”

He spoke with pride about the IFSTA building on the campus of Oklahoma State University that bears his name.

“Like most of you, he was a servant leader. And, serving the first responder community was his indelible career mark. He was proud of that.”

To have his name associated with the Anne Phillips award will be a memory he and his family will never forget.                                                

Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Services Safety Leadership Award

For the past 21 years, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network has been there for responders as they embark on their journey upon their diagnosis.

“Cancer is the number one cause of death for firefighters.  Three years ago, 70 names twe placed in the IAFF memorial wall were firefighters who died of cancer. There were 72 two years ago and last year, 80,” said Lisa Raggio, CEO.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be recognized by CFSI.

In addition to supporting responders, their colleagues and families, the organization also provides cancer support education.

Retired Galveston Fire Chief Mike Wisko got involved with the group after he lost a close friend to cancer.

As chief of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), he made the cancer  prevention course part of firefighters’ continuing education.

"We have 400 volunteers, just phenomenal people. To be recognized at this level is just amazing..."