National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS)

The State Fire Marshal Office and ImageTrend have finalized the implementation process of the web based reporting system Iowa Fire Bridge.  We are now online and ready to start setting up Iowa Fire Departments!  There is no cost to Fire Departments to use the program and departments do have the option to continue with their current software program. www.iowafirebridge.com

To get your department set up, you will need to designate at least one Fire Department Administrator from your department.  (It is possible to have more than one Fire Department Administrator, but ask that you limit it to no more than 2-3 per department.)  To set up your Fire Department Administrator, please fill out and submit the following form: Fire Department Administrator Application Form

Once your department has a Fire Department Administrator, that individual will be in charge of setting up additional members of your fire department with access and permissions.  Click here to view Department Permission Groups.

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The January 1, 2013 narrowbanding deadline is quickly approaching.  You need to PLAN, BUDGET & ACT NOW.  DO NOT WAIT. Attached is a useful checklist for narrow banding. For more information visit:   http://isicsb.iowa.gov/ . You can now also find the ISICSB on Facebook and Twitter.

Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management will be hosting a 1-day strategic planning session utilizing the Final Recommendations Report of the E911 Feasibility Study, which was submitted to the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System Board in February 2012. The purpose of this session is to begin the development of a State 911 Strategic Plan as well as a comprehensive legislative package to present to the legislators prior to the start of the 2013 legislative session. Click here to register.

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Iowa Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Project -  Iowa's fire and emergency response departments face some big challenges staffing their departments. The project contains a number of practical ideas for that may fit your community. (Read more....)

Like us on Facebook -IOWA SAFER PROJECT

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IFA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

As the session as just ended here is the latest info as of May 10th:

• As mentioned above - SF 2322 - $50 tax credit for volunteers passed and was signed by the Governor on April 27th.
• SF 2325 - Volunteer Firefighter Preparedness Fund/Veterans Fund tax checkoff - Passed the House and Senate unanimously and was signed by the Governor
• HF 2335 – Justice Budget - The additional $70K that was proposed for the volunteer training fund was stripped out and the bill passed both the House and Senate without the $70K addition. The training fund will be funded at $725,520
• SF 2332 - E911 - This passed the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor
• HF 2465 - This bill contained language that would designate $50K for a task force that will include members from the public safety community including volunteer firefighters who will study and report to the legislature stategic options for a new joint training facility. The language was removed in conference committee.

Building a relationship with your legislators will help you, your community, firefighters across Iowa and the Iowa Firefighters Association. Many legislators across Iowa hold listening posts in the districts they represent in an effort to hear about issues important to their constituents like you. Pay close attention in your local newspapers and other communication from your legislators (e.g., newsletters, facebook, etc.) Every year, Firefighters depend on the legislature to pass responsible legislation affecting Iowa firefighters and to fund the programs used by Iowa firefighters. 

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A State Wide Juvenile Fire Intervention Program has been organized. Please read more here....

Tell the Senate to Pass Fire Grants Reauthorization!
Take Action!
Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have filed an amendment to legislation that is scheduled to be considered by the U.S. Senate later this week that would reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program.  The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) strongly supports reauthorizing AFG and SAFER and on Tuesday, along with other national fire service organizations, called on the Senate to pass the Lieberman-Collins amendment. Contact your U.S. Senators TODAY and tell them to support the Lieberman-Collins amendment to S. 1813 to reauthorize AFG and SAFER.

It only takes a minute. Simply click on the "Take Action!" link above and send a message to your Senators!

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The VFIS Volunteer Firefighter Accident Policy is now available for member departments to sign up for! This policy contains an array of benefits to help provide necessary security against financial loss if injured in the line of duty due to a covered accident.  For more information you can contact Scott Bahr at Gateway Insurance Services.

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State Fire Marshal Division Warns of Dangers Using Decorative "Gel Fire Pot" - The Iowa Department of Public Safety-State Fire Marshal Division urges citizens to use caution when lighting or burning decorative, gel-fueled fire pots.  Several people have been admitted to the University of Iowa Burn Unit with serious burns as a result of using decorative, gel fire pots. (Read more....)

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The Iowa Firefighters Association has an annual scholarship available for students wishing to pursue a degree in Fire Science. The application period is open each year from October 1st - December 15th. You can download information and an application here.

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IFA Credit Card:
The IFA credit card is now available to our members. Get yours now!

The holidays are almost here!  Prepare for this holiday season with the IFA ATIRAcreditSM Rewards MasterCard®.  and you'll earn reward points with every dollar you spend. Redeem your rewards for gifts for your family and friends, and pick out something special for yourself! Choose your favorite electronics, make travel plans, and even get cash back on your holiday purchases.

 

 

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The National Volunteer Fire Council's Volunteer Advocacy Committee has established a web page. It is intended as an informational resource for volunteer emergency responders who find themselves under pressure to give up or reduce their involvement in volunteering.

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Help support the Iowa Firefighters Association whenever you search the internet or shop on-line.