MINUTES
Allegany Garrett County Fire & Rescue Association
Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department
January 6, 2013
The regular meeting of the Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association was held
Sunday, January 6, 2013 and hosted by Bowling Green VFD. President Clarence Broadwater called the
meeting to order at 14:00 hours and Vice President Gene Kidwell led the flag salute.
The Invocation was given by Chaplain Calvin Walbert and reading of the 23rd Psalm in memory of
Gerald Rafferty, Clarysville; John “Cue” McMullen, Bowling Green; John Chisholm, Jr., Bedford Road; Ervin
P. Lavin, Mt. Savage; and Helen Kahl, Southern Garrett Rescue and Paul Meyers, Frostburg. Also, we’ll
remember MSFA P.P. and Ass’t. Treasurer, Lee N. Sachs, Esq.
WELCOME: David Thompson, President gave welcome remarks on behalf of the host company. President
Broadwater said it was a pleasure to be at Bowling Green.
ROLL CALL OF DEPARTMENTS: Roll call of Departments showed 16 companies in attendance. Those
not represented were: Baltimore Pike; Bedford Road; Bittinger; Bloomington; Bowman’s Addition;
Corriganville; Cumberland Hose; Deep Creek; Deer Park; Eastern Garrett; Ellerslie; Ellerslie Ambulance;
Frostburg Ambulance; Gorman; Grantsville; Kitzmiller; Oakland; Orleans; Rawlings and Tri Towns Rescue.
Companies present were: Accident; Barton Hose; Bowling Green; Cresaptown; District16; Flintstone;
Friendsville; George’s Creek; Good Will; Luke; Midland; Mt Savage; Northern Garrett; Oldtown; and Potomac.
All officers were in attendance.
RECOGNITION OF PAST PRESIDENTS:
President Broadwater recognized the following 14 Past Presidents in attendance: Robert E.
Knippenburg; James F. Decker; Ron Grabenstein; Calvin ‘Pete’ Walbert; Dennis Bonner; Gerard McGann;
Rodney W. Bowser; David L. Kyle; Patricia A. Bowser; Michael A. Simmons; Timothy F. Dayton; Clarence B.
Broadwater; Dennis R. Mallery and Barbara A. Knippenburg.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:
Guests present and recognized by President Broadwater were: Donna Struntz, AGCVFRA-LA
President; Pam Kyle, AGCVFRA-LA Vice President; MSFA Jr. Miss Fire Prevention Western Maryland, Miss
Tara Holshey; Miss Shelby Simmons, Allegany/Garrett Miss Fire Prevention; Bill Valentine, Allegany County
Commissioner; Miss Jenna Holshey, Allegany/Garrett Jr. Miss Fire Prevention Runner-up; and Georgiann
Shuhart, AGCVFRA-LA Treasurer.
OFFICER’S REPORTS:
All officers gave a brief report of their activities during the past month.
Secretary’s Report – Secretary Bowser noted the December minutes were copied and made available for
members at the days meeting and e-mailed to all companies and executive committee members.
Communications – None received.
Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Shuhart reported the following fund balances: Savings Certificates: General
Fund - $13,934.30; Plaque Fund CD - $2,928.34; Plaque Fund Cash $94.00; Checking Account $ 2,411.27 and
Prime Saver $2453.16. Bills on hand to be paid: Fire Prevention Raffle (Oldtown VFD) $100.00; Pat Bowser
(Fire Prevention) $26.91; Mail Room (Bulletin) $188.24; J. Hops (Web Site) $100.00; totaling $415.15. It was
motioned by Jim Decker and seconded by Gerard McGann to pay the bills. Motion passed.
AGENCY REPORTS:
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MSFA – Rod reported the next Executive Committee meeting will be held on Sat/Sun February 23 &
24, 2013 at Kent Island.
VCAF – Pat reported the VCAF Board would be having a meeting on January 13th. The meeting will be
held at Arbutus, Baltimore County. There are two applications to be heard. If anyone needs any assistance,
please don’t hesitate to make contact with me at (H) 301.746.5576; (C) 301.616.5576 or via e-mail at
therbowsers@verizon.net. It has been my habit to e-mail the appropriate documents needed for a loan request.
Allegany ES Board – Tim Dayton noted the Chief’s meeting will be held on Tues. Jan. 8th at the Public
Safety Bldg.
MFRI – Region I Coordinator Todd Dyche – Allegany and Garrett Counties
Class Update in Allegany/Garrett Counties
Class
Location
Start Date
No. Students
Status
Reg. Closes
Firefighter I WMRTC
August 18, 2012
26
Completed
EMT
WMRTC
August 19, 2012
11
Active
EMT
Garr Coll.
August 20, 2012
12
Active
Haz Mat Ops Garr Coll.
October 22, 2012
14
Completed
EMT Skills WMRTC
December 8, 2012
24
Completed
EMT Ref.
Deep Ck.
December 14, 2012
6
Cancelled
EMT
WMRTC
January 12, 2013
26
Active
Firefighter I WMRTC
January 27, 2013
19
Open
Jan. 7, 2013
Firefighter I Accident
January 28, 2013
6
Open
Jan. 8, 2013
PEAF
Southern G. February 2, 2013
0
Open
Jan. 13, 2013
Haz Mat Ops Southern G February 9, 2013
2
Open
Jan. 20, 2013
EMS Off I
George’s CK February 18, 2013
3
Open
Jan. 29, 2013
Notes:
1. Numbers in parentheses indicates total pre-registered
2. *Red color, bold, and italicized font indicates additional enrollment needed for class to start
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Additional Pertinent Information
Available February Online Classes:
o EMT Refresher (12 hour)
o Hazardous Materials Awareness
o Emergency Vehicle Operator
Maryland Weekend at the NFA will occur from January 26 and 27, 2013. See brochure online at
www.mfri.org.
Please tell you members that preregister for MFRI classes that they must notify the WMRTC at least 3
days prior to any class start if they decide to drop from a class. Failure to do so will “flag” the student
for future seating for six months and additional consequences for further infractions.
EMT Refresher – Starting this month any student taking the EMT Refresher class will need to score
between 60 and 69 percent in order to retest. There will only be one retest permitted in addition to that
change.
Knip noted that the ice machine that the association purchased is on the fritz again. He said he contacted
Woody Nightingale to take a look at it. He wasn’t sure what it will take to have it repaired. Tim Dayton moved
to give Knip the lead way to have the unit repaired. Jim Decker 2nd and the motion passed.
Garrett County Assn. – The next meeting will be held January 30th at Oakland, at 7:30 p.m.
Christian Firefighters – The A. Mike Walter’s Chapter of Christian Firefighter met on Sat. January 5th
at Potomac Fire Co. #2. There were 30 attending. Pam Kyle read a poem and Chaplain Walbert gave the
invocation and the blessing of the meal. Following breakfast, The 23rd Psalm was read for deceased members.
Joys and Concerns were given by Chaplain Walbert. During the business meeting, the minutes were approved
and the treasurer’s report was given. Jim Decker gave the Ways and Means report. The following officers were
installed: President Betty Grabenstein; Vice President Clarence Broadwater; Secretary, Mary Carr; Treasurer,
John Shuhart; and Chaplain Calvin Pete Walbert. Trustees were: Jim Decker, Pam Kyle and Ron Grabenstein.
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Birthdays were recognized. The breakfast adjourned with a Circle of Prayer. The next Prayer Breakfast will be
held at Ellerslie VFD on Saturday February 2nd at 8:30 a.m. Everyone is welcomed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
By-Laws – Jim Decker noted a rough copy of a proposal was received and still working to finalize the
wording. All proposed by-laws must be turned in no later than February.
Fire Prevention – Pat said she wanted to thank everyone for what they do with fire prevention and all
their help. She said you never know what tomorrow will bring and she said she appreciated everyone’s
friendship and what they do for their home departments to make a difference. Sometimes we fail to thank those
closest to us and she wanted everyone to know that.
Fire Police – They’re still busy – they had four (4) calls last month.
Convention – Clarence reported that he will have the secretary e-mail notice out when Goodwill will be
having an in-house meeting sometime soon.
Fire Prevention/Education –
Note: Fire Prevention Committee’s Monthly Safety Fact # 80 to be included within the minutes
and “The Bulletin”.
Bloodborne Pathogens
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Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms in blood and other potentially infectious body fluids.
The hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are examples of bloodborne
pathogens. These viruses can be passed on to others, and can cause serious illness or death.
Bloodborne pathogens can enter your body through exposure to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids.
Exposure may occur through your mucous membranes, including eyes, nose, and mouth or through an opening in
your skin if you are splashed with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids or by being stuck with a
contaminated needle or sharp object. Providing first aid puts you at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It is
very important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment to decrease this risk.
If your job or volunteer activities have the potential of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious body
fluids, the following information will help you protect yourself. Here are some tips on how to stay safe when you
come in contact with another person’s blood or other potentially infectious body fluids:
If you help someone who is bleeding or if you are potentially exposed to blood or other potentially infectious
body fluids, you must wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, gown, and goggles or a face shield.
Employers must provide you with appropriate personal protective equipment free of charge.
If blood or other potentially infectious body fluid is on your gloves, dispose of the gloves properly by putting
them in a biohazard waste bag. If you do not have a biohazard waste bag, put the gloves in a plastic bag that can
be sealed before you dispose of it. Always wash your hands with soap and running water after you remove and
dispose of the gloves.
It is essential that you quickly and completely clean up any blood or other potentially infectious body fluids with
soap and water to limit the chance of exposing your coworkers to bloodborne pathogens. Wear personal protective
equipment when cleaning up blood or potential infectious body fluids.
Hands are the most likely areas to be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids. If you wash
your hands with soap and running water after contact with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids, you
greatly reduce your chance of becoming sick or spreading germs to others.
It is very important that you report any exposures to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids to your
supervisor. Reporting all exposures helps you get treatment and help your employer identify and reduce causes of
exposure.
Insurance/Benefits – John Shuhart reported that since the last meeting Relief Fund payments were
made for Hugh McMullen, Bowling Green; and John Chisholm, Bedford Road. If any company who is a
member of the Relief Fund has a member die, please give me a call so that I may send out the check.
I have received the Accident Insurance premium from all companies except for the following:
Corriganville. I have talked to them and they will be paying this week.
I have passed out the Relief Fund listing for 2013. Although these are not due until Feb. 15th it will give
each company time to work on them.
Past Presidents – PP Barb Knippenburg reported the men’s past presidents met and held a dinner
meeting at Penn Alps Restaurant in Grantsville on Sat. December 15th.
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The next meeting will be held on Sun. Feb. 20, 2013 at Gahauf’s in LaVale at the Braddock Motel.
Dinner will be at 2:00 p.m. The back entrance has a ramp on the left side.
Special Ops – Tim Growden – No report.
Safety – Donna Struntz reported: SAFETY MINI SEMINAR BEING HELD ON: MAY 18TH AT
HANCOCK TOWN HALL beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m.
This seminar is being presented by the MD Firefighter Life Safety Committee. They are a group that
came out with the idea that all FD in MD. should talk to each other about safety. This is a great idea where
there will be no boundaries and the BIG DEPT”S work hand in hand with the other departments learning. PG
and Howard safety officers are serving as leaders. They are not in any way trying to make it sound like they are
telling other departments how to do things. Fire does not care if you are paid or volunteer from the city to
mountains. Anyone is welcome to attend and the events are free. If you have a Chief or other officer in
Western Maryland that has had a serious “close call” during an emergency and would be willing to give a 30
minute presentation in the spring, please let me know and have them get in touch with me.
Please type up a mini resume and intro of your presentation and sent it to me and Chief Joanne Rund of
Howard County @ joannerund@comcast.net / Gary McGinnis at Gary.P.McGinnis@gmail.com
Gene presented the following safety message:
Remember that safety is a 24/7 endeavor. These 4 states can cause or contribute to one getting hurt or
injured:
1. Rushing
2. Frustration
3. Fatigue
4. Complacency
All four of these can cause or contribute to: Eyes not on the task you’re doing; mind not on task; lineof-fire; balance / traction / grip, which increase the risk of injury.
Make a plan to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Check each room in your home for tripping
hazards, such as cords, etc. on the floor or clutter on the stairways.
Have a number of your house hold trained in first aid and CPR to be able to respond in a life-threatening
situation.
Finally once you have a plan, you need to put it into action. Review it on a regular basis and make
changes as needed. Accidents can be prevented.
For more information and training to help you along the way, go to nsc.org.
Let’s try to make 2013 our safest year yet!
Awards – Mike Simmons reminded all departments to submit awards to be given out at the convention
in June.
Recruitment/Retention – C B Broadwater. We need to hit the schools in both counties.
Public Relations – Denny reminded departments, with banquets/award dinners coming up, that any
photos are welcomed of honorees and it is requested if there is a change in current officers, i.e.: President
and/or Chief, please provide me with the name, address, and/or e-mail address of the officers.
Career Center – No Report.
Training – Tim Dayton – The training schedule has been compiled and the spring semester training
classes will be out shortly.
5-10 Year – No report.
Statistical Report – John Shuhart said he printed out the Statistical Report for 2012 from the MSFA
Web Site. Copies have been distributed to all companies present. You can fill these copies and return them to
me and I will enter them in for the MSFA report. You may also find that any field marked with an asterisk* and
not filled in will not allow you to go to the next page of the report. For those who wonder why we are filing
these reports, please read the cover letter at the Statistical Committee web page.
UNFISHISHED BUSINESS:
Donna Struntz reported on the MSFA Western Maryland Jr. Miss Fire Prevention Contest update. The
last date to file an application is February 28th. The Work Shop will be held on March 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at
(location to be announced). The contest date is April 28, 2013 at Flintstone VFD at 1:00 p.m.
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Judges are Frank Underwood, PG County; Jenny Wilbanks, PG County and John Spiker, AA County.
The MC will be LAMSFA PP Sandi Lutz. To date, I have applications for the following young ladies: Sami Jo
Kight, Westernport – Allegany County; Cassidy Overstreet, Eastern Garrett – Garrett County; Emily Beck, Mt.
Savage – Allegany County; and Sierria Smallwood, Boonsboro – Washington County.
Miss Shelby Simmons, A/G Miss Fire Prevention, Miss Jenna Holshey, A/G Jr. Miss Fire Prevention
Runner-up, and Miss Tara Holshey, Western Md. Jr. Miss Fire Prevention gave their oral reports to those
assembled.
Tara’s report follows:
“Over the past month, I have been very busy. I have attended many meetings including the ladies and
men’s meetings, the Christmas Party, Prayer Breakfast and many other events. Jenna and I have also spent
many days up at the nursing home with their grandmother A/G LA PP Betty Holshey. She has been moved to
Room # 217 in Eagle Nursing Home. I have been doing very well. I have had my first nursing competition
before Christmas break and won first place in the medical category. If there is anything I can do for you or your
company, please feel free to contact me.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Bill Valentine said the opening of Rocky Gap will be in June. He said that with the
gaming there and with Veteran’s groups and their entities being eligible for up to 5 slots, he said that the
gaming proceeds for the fire service may decline. He said they’re working on obtaining possible volunteer
donations to be made to help backfill those funds that may be lost. Just have to wait and see.
GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION:
The next MSFA Executive Committee meeting will be held in Kent Island February 23-24, 2012.
The next A/G meeting will be held at Luke on Sun. February 3rd at 2:00 p.m.
The next Prayer Breakfast will be held at Ellerslie on Sat. February 2nd starting at 8:30 a.m.
The 50/50 drawing was drawn and was the recipient Jack Wells, of Mt. Savage.
Chaplain Walbert gave the benediction and the blessing of the meal.
The meeting was adjourned at 14:55 hours.
Respectfully submitted
Rodney W. Bowser
Rodney W. Bowser
Secretary Fire
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