RESOLUTIONS FOR THE GAFC 2000 CONFERENCE

Resolution # 1:  Appreciation of Host					(Resolution Committee)

Whereas, Chief  J. D. Rice and the Valdosta Fire Department are host for the 2000 Joint Conference of the GAFC and GSFA; and

Whereas, the Valdosta Fire Department has shown exemplary service to its fellow firefighters in Georgia through its organization, preparation, and hosting of the 2000 Joint Conference;

Therefore, be it resolved that the members of the GAFC extend their sincere and deepest appreciation to Chief Rice and the Valdosta Fire Department by way of a plaque of appreciation and commendation for a job well done.  Furthermore, let it be resolved that a letter of appreciation be sent to the Mayor of Valdosta and to the County Commission of Lowndes County thanking them for their support and commending the local fire services for their hosting of the 2000 Joint Conference.

Resolution # 2:  Appreciation of Vendors					(Resolution Committee)

Whereas, a large number of Exhibitors and Vendors have supported, both monetarily and by exhibition, the GAFC and the GSFA at the 2000 Joint Conference in Valdosta, Georgia;  

Therefore, be it resolved that the GAFC thank the Exhibitors for their support and participation in the 2000 Joint Conference by way of a letter of commendation and appreciation.

Resolution # 3:  Appreciation of Board of Directors				(Resolution Committee)

Whereas, the Board of Directors of the GAFC have devoted many hours to the preparation and coordination of the 2000 Joint Conference;

Therefore, be it resolved that the membership of the GAFC in attendance at the Conference hereby request the presentation of a letter of appreciation and commendation to each member of the Board as our expression of sincere appreciation for a job well done.

Resolution # 4:  Ga Public Safety Training Center Access		(Chief John Ware - Islands FD)

Whereas, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center has, in the view of the GAFC, given preferential treatment to the placement of law officers in training courses over the needs of firefighters; and 

Whereas, the GPSTC is there to serve all Emergency Services equally within the State of Georgia;

Therefore, be it resolved that the GAFC Board of Directors will pursue such course of action as is necessary to ensure the equal representation and opportunity for firefighters within the State to attend courses as needed.


Resolution # 5:  Letter to SEAFC				(Chief Wesley Meadows - Southside FD)

Whereas, there has been negative publicity generated by the South Eastern Association of Fire Chiefs (SEAFC)  2000 Convention concerning financial arrangements; and

Whereas, this publicity has affected the reputation of Fire Chiefs throughout the State of Georgia;

Therefore, be it resolved that the GAFC request the Secretary to draft a letter to the SEAFC asking an audit of the financial arrangements for the SEAFC 2000 Convention and asking for corrective action to be taken if any discrepancies are found.

Resolution # 6: Live Fire Training		       (Chief Meadows & Asst. Chief Futrell - Southside FD)

Whereas, the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs recognize the invaluable benefit of live fire training on existing structures for safety of both the firefighters and the citizens of Georgia; and

Whereas, current rules and regulations of the State of Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (GA-EPD) specify an exemption for open burning for fire training purposes provided the rules for open burning set by the Director and his designees are "strictly" adhered to; and

Whereas, said rules of the GA-EPD include, but are not limited to, removal of all metals, all electrical wiring, all lead-based paint, all insulation, all asbestos containing materials, all heavy oils, and all asphaltic materials placing undue burden upon firefighting forces for removal and liablility of such material; and

Whereas, adherence to said rules and regulations intrinsically changes the burning patterns of a structure and thereby not giving a true picture or representation to training firefighters of the actual dangers encounter in structural fire conditions; 

Therefore, be it resolved that the GAFC supports the full exemption of all live fire training activities from the Georgia Air Quality Control Act and any subsequent regulation by the GA-EPD, and request the legislative committee to work with the State Legislature and the GA-EPD to ensure the that live-fire training on existing structures remains available, without undue burden, to the Fire Service within the State.


Resolution # 7:  Appreciation of Past President				(Resolution Committee)

Whereas, Chief Jimmy Hartley of Macon-Bibb County Fire Department has served the GAFC during the past year with exemplary dedication and devotion during trying times for the organization; and

Whereas, Chief Hartley has repeatedly, even at times of great personal sacrifice, stepped in to fill vacancies and ensure the continuing advancement of the GAFC and achievement of its goals;

Therefore, be it resolved that the membership of the GAFC at the 2000 Joint Conference hereby extends its sincere and heart-felt appreciation and thanks to Chief Hartley for dedication beyond the call of duty during this past year in support of the GAFC and furthermore be it resolved that this appreciation be shown through the presentation of a plaque indicating such appreciation and all other contributions that should be extended to the President of our organization on behalf of the Association.


Respectfully submitted,

Resolution Committee of the GAFC for the 2000 Joint Conference:

			Hugh Futrell		Chairman	Southside FD
			Tony Brinkley		Member		Jesup FD
			Jason Waterfield		Member		Islands FD