1. 1 Maine Fire Protection Services Commission Missions & Goals

2. 2 MFPSC History Commission to study enhancement of fire protection services throughout the state (“Study Commission”) Established in 1999 by 119 th Legislature 6 members: 3 from Legislature (1 Senate, 2 House) 1 from Maine Fire Chief’s Association 1 from Professional Firefighters of Maine 1 from ME State Federation of Firefighters

3. 3 MFPSC: Study Commission’s Charge… Make recommendations to Legislature to: Strengthen the office of State Fire Marshal (SFMO) Providing incentives for recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters Enhancing the safety and reducing health risks to career firefighters Strengthening fire training and education for firefighters Meetings, fact finding and consensus, Fall 1999

4. 4 Study Commission Findings 12,000 Firefighters, 494 Fire Dept.’s 4 Fire Dept.’s fully career, 60+combination, 430 volunteer/call Services complicated by: Large rural areas Older population Lack of mutual aid Limited resources Limited work force ME has one of highest % of vol./call FFer’s in USA Vol./call FFer’s save ME tax payers estimated $50M per year

5. 5 Study Commission’s Findings (continued) F.D. funding level varies widely Current funding for SFMO & MFT&E is inadequate to meet local needs FFer’s risks effect recruitment Regulations and community expectations effect recruitment/ retention (R&R) of vol./call FFer’s Many vol./call R & R incentives available Estimated 1/3 of career FFer’s are working past retirement date, primarily due to high cost of health care

6. 6 Funding for firefighter training: 17% of F.D’s budget less than $500/year Nearly ½ of F.D.’s (46%) have less than $5K/year State spends less than $100/year to train each FF’er, less than 1/2 the amount ($231) to train each police officer Streamline Haz Mat training funds Study Commission’s Findings (continued)

7. 7 Study Commission’s Recommendations (December, 1999) Increase the Fire Investigation & Prevention Tax to fund SFMO & MFT&E Provide grants to local communities to support: Firefighter training Construction and maintenance of facilities Increase SFMO fees to reflect actual costs Cover active and retired career FFer’s with state health care plan

8. 8 Establish a length-of-service benefit program, funded by state general funds, to attract and retain volunteer FFer’s State funded tobacco money endowment to aid in recruitment of volunteer firefighters Establish the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission Strongly endorse the goals and objectives of MFTE strategic plan Action to improve HazMat training fund process Study Commission’s Recommendations (continued)

9. 9 MFPSC- The “Fire Commission” State Statute: Title 5, MRSA Chapter 319 § 3371 Establish to monitor and evaluate state’s fire protection services and providing recommendations to Legislature Membership: 21 members from wide range of Legislature, fire service and related fields

10. 10 Fire Commission Membership UNITED WE STAND MFT & E Maine Forest Service Maine Fire Chief’s Association Professional Firefighters of Maine ME State Federation of Firefighters State Fire Marshal’s Office State Legislature Governor’s Appt. -ME EMS -Public -Insurance Ind.

11. 11 Fire Commission Responsibilities Advise Governor, Legislature, ME Forest Service, local F.D’s, and others Submit annual report to Governor & Legislature Existing and needed resources Evaluation of existing strategies and programs Effective management of resources Collection and distribution of fire data Evaluation methodology for fire protection Recruitment & retention of volunteers Health care bridge for career firefighters Death benefit for fire and EMS persons Needs of SFMO Need for fire grants for local fire training

12. 12 Develop by-laws Adopt rules for firefighter training fund Conduct public hearings for information and feedback Assist all governmental sources of fire training, education, prevention & protection Submit legislation Fire Commission Responsibilities (continued)

13. 13 Fire Commission Priorities (2001-2002) Volunteer/Call Recruitment and Retention Perform functions within ICS 24 hours per year of creditable training 24 hours per year of FD activity Certified annually by Fire Chief Standards reviewed every 3 years Goal: state help for local recruitment & retention efforts

14. 14 Health Care Bridge for Firefighters Retired Career Firefighters Normal retirement age to age 65 Active Career Firefighters Group plan All Firefighters Group plan for retired + active career firefighters and volunteer firefighters, 18 to 65 years old Fire Commission Priorities (2001-2002) Goal: affordable health coverage

15. 15 Resources for State Fire Marshal’s Office Revenues have not kept pace with cost of operations Criminal cases require tremendous resources Overtime costs add to funding challenges Fire Commission Priorities (2001-2002) Goal: resources to meet local needs

16. 16 Fire Commission Priorities (2001-2002) Resources for Maine Fire Training & Education Strengthen fire training and services to local FD’s Increase availability of free and low-cost training to local communities Utilize technology to increase training opportunities Help FD members and citizens to prevent fires and protect themselves Goal: Lower the barriers to training & education

17. 17 Study Fire & EMS training facilities needs Survey needs, capabilities, and costs Establish a plan that meets statewide needs Centralized State Fire/EMS Academy Regional facilities Support for local facilities Fire Commission Priorities (2001-2002) REPORT TO LEGISLATURE BY: 1/1/02

18. 18 The Legislative Process Fire Service Consensus Fire Commission report to Legislature Legislative Committee hearing and actions Appropriations Committee funding Legislative passage Governor’s signature Enactment

19. 19 How You Can Help Get involved – Give your input Speak with one voice! Contact your local legislators House: 1-800-423-2900 Senate: 1-800-423-6900 www.state.me.us/legis Attend public hearings Get involved and stay informed!

20. 20 Maine Fire Protection Services Commission Address: Fire Commission c/o State Fire Marshal’s Office 52 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333 (207)624-8964 www.state.me.us/DPS/FMO/firecomm email: webmaster_fmo@state.me.us KEEP IN TOUCH !!