Congratulations to the 2012 Outstanding Research Award Recipients!

The Board of Directors and the Members of the NFAAA would like to offer the following EFO graduates a collective "tip-o-the-helmet" on a job well done in being the recipients of the 2012 Outstanding Research Award:

Battalion Chief David Cohen
Mountain Brook Fire Dept., AL

Captain Lauren Johnson
Dallas Fire Rescue, TX

Administrator Scott Somers
Mesa Fire & Medical Department, AZ

Battalion Chief Steven Brooker
Cal Fire/Riverside Fire Department, CA

Mr. Christopher Watson
Austin Fire Department, TX

Asst. Chief Michael Dell'Orfano
South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, CO

Minutes of the 2013 Board and General Membership Meetings in Indianapolis, IN

Members of the National Fire Academy Alumni Association (NFAAA) and the NFAAA Board of Directors recently gathered in Indianapolis, IN to hold their annual meetings. Click here to review the official minutes from these meetings.

From the NFAAA Administrator's Desk…

Chief Ron Kanterman
March/April 2013

Greetings all!

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be posting a monthly informational note on the website, so tune-in often to see what's up with the NFA, FEMA, DHS, Congress and the fire-service-at- large.

  • We're starting an "Ask the Super" segment on our website. This is your opportunity to air any questions, comments or concerns directly to Dr. Onieal, Superintendent, NFA. Let him know if you would like your correspondence and his reply posted to the website or not. Go for it...but be nice! You can write directly to him at denis.onieal@fema.dhs.gov
  • The annual NFAAA general membership meeting will be held in conjunction with FDIC and will be held on Wednesday, April 24th,1900 hours in the downtown Marriott, Lincoln Room, 2nd level. Refreshments will be served. Bring a buddy! This will be a great opportunity to air your opinions or suggestions for YOUR website.
  • Looks like the wet and dry labs will be dismantled in Building R. at the NFA. We are working with the NFA Administration to find a good home for all of that great demo equipment.
  • As you all know, we're in the middle of the "sequestration" period. Right now, the NFA is holding its own with funding. Stay tuned.
  • There is a ban on travel for Federal employees so don't expect to see any of your "Best and Favorite Feds" (BFF's) at conferences or otherwise. They were even asked not to go on their own dime so it doesn't appear that they are on official travel. (I think we have more important things to discuss in Washington, DC, don't you?)
  • Through these tough and lean times, keep your head up and in the game. Loss of concentration is a safety issue. Batt. Chief (ret.) John Salka, FDNY recently wrote "times are tough but so are we." Hang in there!
  • You are all ambassadors for the NFA. Spread the word and encourage your department members to attend.
  • FDIC - Bobby Halton would like to remind all attendees to sign up for the "Fun Run" on Thursday and the "Stair Climb" on Friday honoring the 343 who lost their lives from FDNY on 9/11/01. All climbers will receive a specially minted coin made by FDIC and the NFFF.
  • Thursday night at FDIC is the NFFF's "Stop, Drop, Rock & Roll." Food, beverages and an auction of great stuff raising money for the families of our fallen. A "must" at FDIC!
  • Did you know that there is a fire service on-line, live radio talk show 5 nights a week on Fireengineering.com? Tune in to hear your favorite speakers and authors. You can call in or chat in the chat room. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/fireengineeringtalkradio
  • Congratulations to former NFAAA Board of Directors member, Chief John Buckman, who has been selected by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) as the winner of their Lifetime Achievement Award this year!
  • Some things coming at 'ya:
    • Public Fire & Life Safety Educator's Conference (37th) - April 10-12, Galena, IL
    • FDIC; April 21-27 - Indianapolis, IN
    • CFSI - 25th Annual Dinner & Seminar; May 8 & 9, Washington, DC
    • NFPA Conference & Expo; May 10-12, Chicago, IL
    • Firehouse Expo; July 23-27, Baltimore, MD
Take care, stay well, be safe.
Ronnie K




A message from Dr. Denis Onieal, Superintendant, NFA

NFA Alumni -

We recently asked Dr. Onieal, "so, what's new?" Well, without hesitation and with true resolve, he started tapping on the keyboard. Lots going on around the campus. For the entire up-date click here.

We're also starting a service for our alumnus called "Ask the Super." Simply send your question to Dr. Oneial at denis.onieal@fema.dhs.gov. He will forward your question and his answer to us for posting. If you don't want it posted, tell him in your email. Other than that, be safe and bring 'em home every time!

Fraternally,
Ron Kanterman, Chief
Administrator-NFAAA

Buckle Up and Slow Down

As the 2012 LODD statistics are released, there was an unprecedented rise in vehicle accidents and crashes. We had more than double the amount of incidents in 2012 than in the past year or two. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's Life Safety Initiatives, Everyone Goes Home® program discusses driving safety in depth. On behalf of the NFAAA Board of Directors, I am charging all of you with making a concerted effort to get your people to buckle up and slow down this year. SEATBELTS, SPEED & INTERSECTIONS!

For the entire USFA 2012 LODD Summary report, click here.

Thanks, be safe, and have a happy and healthy New Year.


Chief Ron Kanterman
Administrator for the NFAAA Board of Directors



Important Changes to the NFA
Applications Process

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of eliminating the use of the Social Security Number (SSN) when applying for FEMA training.

National Fire Academy students interested in applying for FY 2013 on-campus (10-/6-/2-day) and off-campus (10- and 6-day) courses will need to register for an interim Student Identification Number (SID) that will be used in place of the SSN. This number can be obtained through the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) Training Administration System (CTAS).

Click here to learn more about the new applications process.