From: news@iafc.org
Sent: Monday, June 05, 2006 5:41 PM
To: hazmoid@southsidefire.com
Subject: IAFC Board Approves the Mutual Aid System Task Force (MASTF) Report


IAFC NEWS ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: IAFC Communications Department
International Association of Fire Chiefs
703/273-0911
www.iafc.org

IAFC Board Approves the Mutual Aid System Task Force (MASTF) Report

Emergency Management Committee Established


May 31, 2006

During the May board meeting, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) board of directors unanimously approved a Mutual Aid System Task Force report. The task force was convened in October 2005. It was a collaborative effort of all sixteen divisions and sections within the IAFC to evaluate current issues concerning interstate movement of fire service resources and assets. The group identified the issues and gained consensus on a number of recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the process on a national level.

Six key issues were identified:
  • Validate the use of a national point of contact for interstate deployments, as well as who will monitor and support the system

  • Establish policies and procedures to enable rapid (within 12 hours or less) deployments

  • Identify the aspects that make you eligible to participate

  • Determine the best methods to educate the participants on the system, provide training on the components, and guidelines for exercising the system on various levels

  • Determine the linkages with other services that will connect the systems together

  • Determine who will be responsible for funding the development, monitoring, and support of the system

The group also recommended the establishment of a standing committee within the organization to continue these efforts. These proposals were made in seven motions to the Board.

The Emergency Management Committee (EMC) will be established upon completion of a staff review to develop a mission plan and scope of work, and identify financial support needs. The staff review will be presented at the next IAFC board of directors meeting in September. The complete text of the issues, recommendations, and motions can be viewed at www.iafc.org under the Mutual Aid topic.

In the interim, consideration is being given to establish an Ad Hoc EMC working group to work with MASTF on the transition from a task force to a standing committee. The most immediate activities for the groups will be preparing for a national summit to be held later this year, to involve all national associations involved in the movement of emergency resources, and with the federal agencies tasked with responsibilities under the Emergency Support Functions in the National Response Plan. Another activity already in progress is the completion and publication of a fire service guidebook for interstate resource deployment. The target date for completion is September, 2006 and copies will be available at Fire Rescue International in Dallas, TX.

IAFC President William Killen expressed his thanks and that of the board of directors to Task Force Chair Jack Krakeel from Fayette County, GA and Vice-Chair Bill Metcalf from Fallbrook, CA and the entire task force for their tremendous efforts to complete their work during the last six months.

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