The May Booster Meeting of the CVVFA is hosted by the Citizens Fire Company No. 1 of Newport PA. The meeting begins at noon with a lunch of barbeque ribs cooked over an open grill. The meeting will follow. For those coming Saturday, Citizen’s Hose is hosting a Delmonico steak dinner from 4-7 p.m. at the fire house in Newport. Cost is $12 per person. The party continues with social hosted by Director Rich Brunner and a campfire.A limited number of hotel rooms are available at $69 per night plus tax at Days Inn Harrisburg North, 3919 North Front Street Harrisburg PA. In order to access this block of rooms you must contact CVVFA Home Office Manager Steve Heefner at 301-573-2818 .

CVVFA President Council Members are assembling for the 28th Annual Presidents Council Meeting in Corning NY hosted by the Firemen's Association of New York. Several Past Presidents alleging poor cellular service stopped with their wives to make a phone call on the way to Corning. An informative and educational weekend awaits.

Chief Jack Peltier, an acknowledged expert on fire apparatus and hydraulics, died following a brief illness. A native of Marlboro MA, Jack lived and breathed fire service culture. He was a long time career and volunteer firefighter and was employed for many years at the Massachusetts Fire Academy, where he schooled thousands of students. Jack experienced several battles with failing health over the last several years, but he remained active.
Jack was committed to firefighter safety. Upon the establishment of the CVVFA Protecting Emergency Responders on the Highway Project, he became a fixture in the ResponderSafety.com trade show booth with his sidekick Dr. Harry Carter. For his commitment, he was named to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute where he served as an active member until his death. Just several weeks ago, Jack began making arrangements for a Responder Safety roadway class to be held in his home town.
Of special note were his CVVFA Convention presentations "Happy Hour with the Legends," a no holds barred chat with Dr. Carter and assembled CVVFA members that touched on the history and the future of the fire service. "What I remember most about Jack was his willingness to share his vast knowledge with younger members of the fire service," said Steve Austin CVVFA Past President. "Jack was devoted to his family. He shared all he knew with his son Jim an accomplished fire officer in his own right. When they traveled to places like the Fire Department Instructors Conference Jack was surrounded by firefighters anxious to learn from the master."
The viewing will be held on Friday December 14 from 1600-2000 hr.at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA.  The funeral will held on Saturday morning at 0900 hr. at Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect Street in Marlborough.

More Funeral Arrangements from the family:



Requested Dress is Class A for the funeral, or for both (funeral and calling hours) 

Donations can be made to the Berlin Fire Company, 23 Linden St, Berlin, MA 01503 

Flowers  -  if you wish to send flowers a suggestion from the family is Countryside Florist in Marlboro.  508-481-6773. 

The family will be taking the flowers home as there will not be a graveside service on Saturday.  Please consider this if you order flowers as they will not be able to take anything like “wreath type” arrangements home. 

Jim’s address is 81 Spring St Marlboro, MA 01752 

Wife Sue’s address is 13 Versailles St, Marlboro, MA 01752 

If you are planning to stay over Friday evening, the family has arranged a special rate at the Courtyard Marriott, 75 Felton Street, Marlboro, MA.  508-480-0015.  When you call mention you  are attending the funeral and ask for the special bereavement rate.  It is $59.00/night.  The hotel is at Rt’s 495 and 20.

 

Past CVVFA President Daniel L. “Dan” Grove Sr., 78, of Leiter Street, Leitersburg, MD., passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, at his home. Chief Grove served as CVVFA President in 1986. He was a life member of the Association having joined in 1974.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Free Lutheran Church of Leitersburg; a life member of Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Co., where he served as Past Chief. He was also a Life Member of Waynesboro PA Fire Department. Chief Grove served in many positions with the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and Maryland State Firemen’s Association.

Memorial donations may be made to Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Co., 21431 Leiter St., Hagerstown MD 21742; or to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742.

Past CVVFA President Greg Yost is leading the Association’s effort to assist in the recovery of New York Fire Departments damaged by Hurricane Sandy.  Many of these companies have lost everything. A number of their members have suffered personal losses.
Chief Yost has organized a drive to provide some needed equipment and supplies.  If anyone has any surplus equipment of any type that is usable, it would be very much appreciated.
Working with CVVFA Director David Jacobowitz the immediate Past President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of NY (FASNY), Greg is organizing a group effort to go to Long Island NY and perhaps the New Jersey Shore and help in any way we can.  This could include running calls; helping rebuild fire stations and equipment; helping rebuild firefighter homes; and providing basic living supplies.  

Those who wish to simply donate to the effort with supplies or gift cards are encouraged to do so. Interested members and friends should contact Greg at 240-329-6202.

 

With the support and guidance of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association a Cadet Program in the MSP Aviation Command has been instituted. The program is created to engage a new younger generation in Maryland's exceptional EMS System.  

MSP intends to begin this program with the best seven applicants. “I envision this as an ongoing process to recruit and nurture our upcoming Trooper/Flight Paramedics to serve this great state” said Major Mark Gibbons of the Aviation Command.  

Major Gibbons regularly attends CVVFA Presidents Council Meetings and has asked that the Cadet Program be circulated to our members.

Click on the title of this article to read or download the full Cadet Announcement from MSP

President Steve Haines announced that the CVVFA has officially expanded into New York State with the appointment of a Director representing the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). In a letter to FASNY President Jim Burns, Haines invited FASNY to name a CVVFA Director under the terms of the CVVFA By-Laws that allow for a member of the CVVFA Board of Directors to be appointed from a state not represented in the current 5 states comprising the Association. In response President Burns appointed David Jacobowitz the FASNY Immediate Past President as the NY Director. Jacobowitz along with the last 5 FASNY Presidents have been actively involved in the CVVFA. A number of members of the NY Fire Service are already CVVFA members as are other firefighters from states across the nation. In the case of NY, it is in the interest of both organizations to formalize an existing relationship with the over 46,000 FASNY members. FASNY has already hosted two President Council Meetings and is slated to sponsor a third on April 13, 2013 in the Binghamton area. “We welcome Dave to our leadership team” said President Haines. “I look forward to his input and thank FASNY President Burns for this important appointment.” The enhanced CVVFA/FASNY relationship is expected to also include additional coordination with the CVVFA Emergency Responder Safety Institute and the Fire Service Reputation Management Project.

The Shamrock Judges awarded the every parade prize and check to the participating companies in this years parade held in Berkeley Springs WV on a hot and sunny Saturday afternoon. Following the parade members and families gather on the fair grounds and celebrated a most successful parade.



CVVFA 111th Convention Parade Winners

Best Appearing Uniformed Fire Company with Music with 25 or more members:

1st Place Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by the Cumberland Valley Hose Company of Shippensburg, PA)

Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark DE 

2nd Place Plaque and $40.00 (Sponsored by Steve and Peg Flickinger of Newport, PA in memory of Past President H.M. Flickinger, Jr.) Cumberland County PA Firefighters Association

Best Appearing Engine 1250 GPM or larger:

1st Place David O. Gabler and Harold E. Snider Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by Franklin Fire Company #4 of Chambersburg, PA) Hancock Fire Company of Hancock MD

2nd Place Plaque and $40.00 (Sponsored by First Hose Company of Hagerstown, MD)

Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company of Berkeley Springs WV

Best Appearing Aerial Device: 

1st Place Robert J. Gerhart Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by Junior Hose and Truck Company #2 of Chambersburg, PA) Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway MD 

Best Appearing Engine/Tanker:

1st Place Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by Perry House of Awards of Newport, PA)

Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company of Berkeley Springs WV 

2nd Place Plaque and $40.00 (Sponsored by Rescue Hose Company #1 of Greencastle, PA)

Vigilant Hose Company #1 of Shippensburg PA 

President’s Award:

1st Place Chief Elmer J. Ellison Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark, DE) Vigilant Hose Company #1 of Shippensburg PA 

Best Appearing Rescue or Squad:

1st Place William E. Haug Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by the Mill Creek Fire Company of Wilmington, DE) Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company of Berkeley Springs WV

Best Appearing Ambulance/Basic Life Support: 1st Place Merle Kauffman Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by the Goodwill Steam Engine & Hose Company #3 of Chambersburg, PA)

McConnellsburg Fire Company of McConnellsburg PA 

Best Appearing Special Unit – Air Wagon, Traffic, Utility, Command:1st Place Secretary Emeritus Louise Dell Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by the Active Members of the Cumberland Valley Fireman’s Association of Cumberland, MD Gettysburg Fire Company of Gettysburg PA 

2nd Place Plaque and $40.00 (Sponsored by Walter Robertson of Stuarts Draft, VA)Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark DE 

Best Appearing Brush Truck:

1st Place Barbara L. Fischer & Dennis P. Deshong Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by the McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire Company of McConnellsburg, PA) McConnellsburg Fire Company of McConnellsburg PA 

Best Marked Fire Apparatus for Highway Incident Scene Safety:

1st Place Emergency Responder Safety Institute Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by Chief Crawford G. Wiestling of Prior Lake, MN) Gettysburg Fire Company of Gettysburg PA 

Best Appearing Antique Hand Drawn Pumper or Hose Reel:

1st Place Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by Past President Steve Austin of Newark, DE)Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark DE 

Best Appearing Antique Fire Engine Driven in the Parade:

1st Place Reverend Dr. David H. Hoover & Past President Martin I. Mowen Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by the McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire Company of McConnellsburg, PA)Independent Fire Company #3 of Hagerstown MD 

Fire Dept. Owned Apparatus that Traveled the Farthest Distance:

1st Place Robert K. Wright Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by the Citizens Fire Company #1 of Newport, PA) Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark DE

Best Appearing Privately Owned Fire Dept. Antique Apparatus:

1st Place Past President Raymond T. Kimble Memorial Plaque and $50.00 (Sponsored by Emergency Vehicle Specialists of Hagerstown, MD) John Enders Hose Company of Berryville VA

Judges Awards:

Great Cacapon Fire Company of Great Cacapon WV

Vigilant Hose Company #1 of Shippensburg PA

Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company of Berkeley Springs WV

Allen Band of Shepardstown WV

Sparky the Dog from Independent Fire Company #3 of Hagerstown MD 

Washington County Queen of Washington County MD 

Steve Austin of Newark DE 

Citizens Fire Company #1 of Newport PA

Hancock Fire Company of Hancock MD 

Franklintown Fire Company of Franklintown PA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s all you need to know to get ready for the 111th Annual Convention. The Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company your host is preparing for a great convention. Register now for the social events and order your convention T-Shirt. CVVFA President Mike Sullivan is the contact for any questions you might have about the convention or Berkeley Springs in general. Call 304-886-7960 or email probie4life@yahoo.com.

If you have not already made your hotel reservation you are urged reserve your room as soon as possible as the hotel is almost full.

Highlights this year include a Keynote address by Tracie Young-Brungard BS, EMTP Manager- Fire Service Certification Program
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and a special chance to meet and hear Firehouse Magazine Editor Harvey Eisner.

The Agenda, Registration form, and Parade Registration and Prize List may be downloaded from this article. CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THIS STORY TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COPIES OF THE REGISTRATION  See you in Berkeley Springs.

Steve Haines of Citizens Fire Company of Newport PA was installed as CVVFA President for 2012-2013 at the 111th Convention held in Berkeley Springs WV. He becomes the 3rd member of Citizens to hold the title of CVVFA President. Haines serves as an Administrative Officer in Newport. Haines pledged to support the goals and purposes of the CVVFA which has seen considerable growth during the period he has served as an officer. "Steve will be an excellent President" said Chief Steve Flickinger, a CVVFA Past President himself. Steve's father the late "Judge" Flickinger also served as CVVFA President.

Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Department and the CVVFA have published the official agenda for the 111th Annual Convention to be held August 1-4, 2012. Convention Headquarters Hotel is the Best Western. Click on the title of this article to view or download  the convention agenda. If  you have not made your hotel reservation you are strongly urged to do so as this property is filling up quickly. Check this site often for updates. Let's make it happen in Berkeley Springs this August.

The CVVFA received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service that the Association's non profit tax status was changed as requested to 501 (c)3 which entitles persons or corporations to deduct donations to the level that the law allows for charitable contributions. A copy of the determination letter may be viewed or downloaded from the download section of this website under the Corporate Governance category. Founded in 1901 and organized in 1902 the Association was not incorporated until 1950 as a non profit. For some unknown reason the 501(c)3 tax designation was not applied for at that time. Thanks to assistance from the Provident Agency a long time Partner in Progress with the CVVFA, we were able to receive the new determination from the IRS in about 18 months. The 501(c)3 designation also allows the Association to seek grants from foundations and businesses who limit their grants to non profit organizations that have a 501(c)3 designation.

Maddix Robert Sullivan, 8 lbs 12 ozs, born April 21st, 2012 @ 1719 hrs has become the newest recruit for the CVVFA. The proud father is President Mike Sullivan who holds the distinction of being the youngest President in CVVFA history may be the only President to ever have a child born during his term of office. Maddix is the couple's third child.Everyone is doing just fine including the President.

Now is the time to reserve your page in the 2012 Convention Program Book. Publicity Manager Bob Timko and our new publisher Choice Marketing are working hard to make this year's book the best ever. All who register for the convention will receive a copy in Berkeley Springs. This year each member fire company will get a copy through the mail. Show off your new apparatus or station in the book by taking a sponsorship. Honor a loved one. If you are a business owner here his the opportunity to deliver a message about your service or product to the members of CVVFA. Click on the title of this story for more details and a rate card.

The entire Volusia County FL Fire Police Unit, (all CVVFA members) signed the Firefighter Code of Ethics. This is the first reported signing by an entire organization. The code was released in mid-January 2012. Volusia County Fire Police are members of Volusia County Fire and Rescue Services. They provide scene security and traffic control during fire department operations. They also assist law enforcement with traffic control as requested. Volusia County Fire Police are one of only a very few Fire Police Units in Florida. They have been active since the 1960’s. The Fire Police drill each week at the county fire training center. They respond in traffic units strategically placed in a number of fire stations. The Fire Police are under the command of Captain Benny Rawlins and Coordinator Lloyd LaLonde.