Download the pdf file of the July 26, 2022, Minutes.
Northwest Georgia Fire Chiefs Association
Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2022
Location: Cherokee County Fire Training Center
Host: Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services
Scribe: T. Prather, Secretary
1000 Meeting Called to Order – Chief D. Mitchell
Welcome: Fire Chief Eddie Robinson, Cherokee County Fire
Chief Darrell Mitchell: Opening Remarks / Invocation / Pledge
Chief Mitchell: Approval Meeting minutes (May 2022), motion, second and approved.
Chief Chad Davis: Treasurers Report – No Changes
Balance: $9,021.95
- Treasurer reports that only 1 scholarship application had been received.
- Need to get the word out to the departments.
- Need to determine a better method to distribute the scholarship information.
- Scholarship requests can be email to Chief Chad Davis.
- Treasurers report received motion, seconded, and approved.
Committee Report:
GFA FVP Gary Clark;
- Reminds everyone that the Joint Conference is being hosted in Columbus this year beginning September 28, 2022.
- Membership drive went fairly well. Reports COVID has compromised efforts to increase membership.
- Announced that there is a District Rep vacancy – looking for personnel interested in serving in the position.
- Firefighter competition will take place this year at the joint conference. Encourages departments to participate.
- The 2022 Annual Award Nomination has closed but encourages everyone to participate annually.
- GFA Magazine – use as a revenue generator. Currently struggling for content and encourages departments to submit articles.
Mark Ware
- Registration released today for Hot Classes during the conference.
- Announced that Coach Curry will be coming back to the conference.
- Reminded everyone to keep the Ingram Family in their prayers.
Chief Mitchell asked “how do you get in the GFA?
- Gary Clark replied that they are working to have more visits in District Areas.
- Goal to have 2 meetings annually in the Districts.
- Goal to bring training back to the districts to get more involvement.
- Membership is $25 annually.
- Reminder, District VP position open, if interested go to online site and complete the paperwork.
Ronnie Cowart
- Reported on HB that died in Senate Committee
- Reminded us that PTSD is in the fire service and to take seriously. Looking at mirroring the cancer bill w/disability associated with PTSD.
- Encouraged everyone to be involved in the association that produces results.
Scott Carter
- Reminded everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the Joint Meeting/Conference coming up in September at Columbus, GA.
GAFC
- Pipeline Class Still being taught.
- Chief Certifications will be delivered at the joint conference. If you haven’t done so, get your stuff in to receive certifications.
GFSTC
- New Executive Director – Randy Toms
- Efforts underway to get grading of test complete quicker
- Efforts underway to fill vacant position at GFSTC
- Online testing possibly up and running by September 2022
- Currently working with tech schools to possibly host test.
- Working on filling investigators position.
GFA-Ronnie Cowart
- 4 Regional Coordinators now in place
- Reported the parking lot and perimeter being re-surfaced at GFA
- August 1 & 2 LOOD Training will be conducted.
- August 30 & 31 – Ammonia Release training being conducted
- No GA FF Weekend this year.
- Planning underway for Firefighter Memorial Weekend, possibly October 14.
- Ronnie Cowart recognized for 35 years with Cartersville FD.
TIME TASK FORCE
- July 28, 2022, TIM meeting in Bartow County. 10:00 AM
- August 11, 2022, Cherokee County TIM Meeting
- August 3 & 4, TRIP Training Gordon County EOC (1 Class-two days)
- TRIP Expansion Zone in Whitfield completion change to 9-1-2022.
GEMA
- Haz Mat Team Leader Meeting coming in August.
- Looking for a department to host training.
GSAR
- Re-Up Packages coming out soon.
- Different set of forms this time.
- Working on establishing hourly rates.
- Deadline to submit package is 9-1-2022.
- Quarterly Training still being conducted.
- New Paratech Equipment has been acquired.
- Working to get quarterly training back together…working with Cartersville.
- GSAR Deployment – Dawson County – Chief Thompson gave description of hiker that fell. GSAR-6 has had plenty of Repel Time and “hats off” for a great job. GSAR Task Force-1 Assisted.
NEW BUSINESS
- Need to appoint nominations committee for upcoming elections.
- Need to approve revisions to the “By Laws”. Drafts have been sent out.
- Approve By Laws at the next meeting.
- Glenn Davis gave report on Gary McGhee and his challenging health issues. Informed everyone to obtain address and maybe stop by for a visit with Gary.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
- Chief Scott Carter encouraged support to place “high priority” to release the restriction of residential sprinklers.
- Motion sought and approved for Scott Carter to create letter of support of NWGFCA.
- Chief Shane West reminded everyone of the challenges now facing Dega Dave and his fight with cancer.
VENDORS
- NAFECO – Shanno Sauls introduced the staff from NAFECO
- Bennett Fire Products – informed everyone they are maintaining stock gear and now have new Black Gear as well
- FIRELINE – Brian McAbe informed everyone that they have a “stock truck” coming in for anyone interested. Currently, they have a 14-18 month delivery of fire apparatus.
Chief Mitchell: Motion, second and approval to adjourn meeting.
Tim Prather
