KAFC 2024 membership registration is now open.

It is my honor and privilege to be able to represent each of you and your organizations on matters related to the states fire and emergency service issues. As leaders in our field, we shoulder the responsibility of not just protecting lives and property, but also caring for the well-being of our brave firefighters and EMS personnel who selflessly serve.

I wish to draw your attention to two critical aspects that demand our unwavering focus: cancer prevention education and mental health and wellness. Our commitment to these issues is not only a reflection of our dedication to the safety and health of our firefighters but also a testament to the values that define our association.

Cancer prevention education has emerged as a crucial cornerstone of our mission. The hazards of our profession are undeniable, and it's our duty to equip our members with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from the insidious threat of cancer. By prioritizing comprehensive education and adopting best practices, we can significantly reduce the risk and create a safer environment for those who courageously battle blazes on our behalf.

Equally important is our commitment to the mental health and wellness of our members. The daily challenges we face take a toll not only on the body but also on the mind. It's imperative that we foster an atmosphere where seeking help is not a sign of weakness but an embodiment of strength. Let us pledge to create a culture where open conversations about mental well-being are encouraged, and support systems are readily available to those in need.

Furthermore, the concept of the fire service being one voice resonates deeply with our mission. United we stand, and united we can bring about positive change. By aligning our efforts, sharing our experiences, and collaborating with fellow firefighters across the nation, we amplify our impact and become a force to be reckoned with. Our collective voice can advocate for policies, funding, and resources that will shape the future of our profession.

In conclusion, as we navigate the path ahead, let us remember that our roles extend beyond the uniform. We are leaders, mentors, and advocates for a safer, healthier, and more connected fire and emergency services community. Through relentless dedication to cancer prevention education, prioritizing mental health and wellness, and uniting as one voice, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our members and the communities we serve.

Thank you for your commitment and for being the driving force behind our association's vital mission. Together, we can overcome any challenge and lead with unwavering resolve.

Nathan Mulvey 

CHIEF, FERN CREEK FIRE & EMS 

President, KAFC 

KY State Director, SEAFC 

President Nathan Mulvey opened the conference.

SEAFC President, Chief Johnathan Kanzigg challenged our Fire Chiefs to learn and lead.

Chief Greg Estes, VFIS Volunteer Chief of the Year

Chief Chris Whiteley, KLC Career Chief of the Year

KAFC 2023-2025 Leadership was sworn into office by past President Michael Morgan

Chief Anthony Avillo, presented Full Contact Leadership and Fire Ground Strategies.

Plenty of food to keep everyone fueled for learning

The Vendor Show was a huge success.

Without our vendors we could not have a Leadership Conference.

Disasters in the Bluegrass, Western KY Tornado Response

Disaster in the Bluegrass, Eastern KY Flood Response

150 Chiefs and Chief Officers dedicated to learning how to lead.

This past month I had the opportunity to represent the Kentucky Chiefs and the SEAFC at FRI in Kansas City, Missouri along with 8 of the other SEAFC Board members. It was a great conference with lots of exciting new things presented and discussed related to the future of the fire service.

During the conference IAFC President Chief Donna hosted a townhall meeting with all the Division Board Presidents to discuss various topics the divisions within the IAFC are facing and how we could work better together addressing these issues. I was privileged to be present for this meeting on behalf of SEAFC President Kanzigg who was not able to attend. There was a lot of great discussion surrounding the topics of recruitment and retention as well as supply and procurement issues locally and nationally. Chief Black shared a vision that this townhall meeting was to become a regular standing meeting amongst the IAFC leadership to assist with bettering the future of the association and the service.

The SEAFC Board has pledged to continue pushing for answers and solutions to the challenges facing today’s fire and EMS services. We are taking a proactive role by working with ESRI and the IAFC in trying to establish a recruitment and retention survey which will assist our association in obtaining the necessary data for future planning and personnel development. I appreciate each of you and look forward to continuing to serve you and the Kentucky Fire Service.

SEAFC KY Director, Chief Nathan Mulvey

The committees and chairs are listed below. If you are interested in serving on one of the below committees please click the email link and  send and email of interest.

Education Committee - Chair, Chief Michael Morgan EMAIL

EMS Committee - Chair, Deputy Chief Mike Sutt EMAIL

Conference Committee - Chair, Asst. Chief David Howser EMAIL

Health & Safety - Chair, Asst. Chief James Gifford EMAIL

Legislative Committee - Chair, Chief Adam Jones EMAIL

Secure 20-Year Fire Truck Financing Today!

We are excited to introduce an exclusive program tailored to meet the needs of fire departments like yours. Our 20-year fire truck financing program is designed to help you acquire the state-of-the-art fire apparatus your department needs, without straining your budget.

With our flexible financing options, you can take advantage of payments spread over an extended period of time allowing you to allocate your department resources more efficiently. Our team of financial experts understands the unique challenges fire departments face and are committed to providing you with a seamless and hassle-free financing experience.

Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and let us tailor a financing solution that best fits your department's needs. Together, let's ensure the safety and protection of your community.

I represented KAFC at Southern Legislators Conference (SLC) in Charleston, SC in July which was attended by 67 legislators from across the Commonwealth. It was a great opportunity to meet and discuss concerns for the fire service with legislators and other interest groups which could help us with our agenda.

Rep. John Hodgson (R-Louisville) has the intent to file legislation in response to some homes in his district experiencing homeowner insurance increases due to ISO ratings for the area in which their property is located. This occurred due to a station that was closed in 2015 in Fishersville.

Proposed amendment to 202 KAR 7:550 Required Equipment and Vehicle Standards (KBEMS)

Proposed administrative reg 105 KAR 1:457, Line of duty survivor benefits.

739 KAR 002:060 Certification and qualifications of fire and emergency services instructors.

June meeting of the CON Task Force established future meetings moving into the fall of ‘23

             Certificate of Need Task Force

• Sen. Donald Douglas, R-Nicholasville - co-chair

• Rep. Russell Webber, R-Shepherdsville - co-chair

• Sen. Karen Berg, D-Louisville

• Senate President Pro Tempore David P. Givens, R-Greensburg

• Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield

• Sen. John Schickel, R-Union

• Rep. Lindsey Burke, D-Lexington

• Rep. Daniel Elliott, R-Danville

• Rep. Marianne Proctor, R-Union

• Rep. Susan Witten, R-Louisville

1.     Review CON program, state health plan, and statutes related to that.

2.     Evaluate if there is a need to maintain or change CON for varying covered health service.

3.     Submit findings and recommendations regarding CON to LRC for assignments committee. 

Senate Bill 141 (2023) created a Task Force on Local Government Annexation and will meet monthly throughout the year to review how cities annex property and make recommendations this December for possible legislative action in the 2024 Regular Session.

Adam Jones

KAFC Legislative Agent

If you have any questions or comments please reach out to one of the Legislative Committee Members.

Chair – KAFC Legislative Agent, Adam Jones – Fern Creek Fire/EMS Email

KAFC President, Cathy Rigney – Winchester Fire/EMS Email

David Howser - St. Matthews Fire/EMS Email

Wayne Briscoe – Frankfort Fire/EMS – Email

Michael Brown – Prestonsburg Fire Department – Email

Steve Futrell – Hopkinsville Fire/EMS – Email

Steve Kyle – Paducah Fire Department – Email

Rick Millikan – Morganfield Fire Department – Email

Nathan Mulvey – Fern Creek Fire/EMS – Email

Rob Rothenburger – Shelbyville Fire Department – Email

The EMS Committee of KAFC met virtually on May 22, 2023. Many topics of discussion were held with the most pressing being the recruitment and retention of EMS professionals in the fire service. We are working diligently on concepts to assist departments with these needs and to determine if legislative efforts can also be made. 

Members of the KAFC EMS Committee:

Mike Sutt - Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS

Rob Butcher- Burlington Fire Protection District

Jacob Carroll - Jeffersontown Fire & EMS

Keith Brooks - Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS

Kevin Pletzke - Lexington Fire Department

Ben Neal - Fern Creek Fire & EMS

Your involvement and comments are always welcome.



Lt. Colonel Mike Sutt

Deputy Chief of Operations

Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS

108 Urton Lane

Louisville, KY 40243

The Fire Commission has continued to stay busy with all of our programs and team members are working very hard. It has been a busy time during the Legislative session and we appreciate all the support given by our Fire Chiefs and Firefighters across the state.

The Fire Commission has a long and successful history of supporting the Fire Service and its firefighters, and our team here at the Fire Commission will continue to do that. We have a lot of programs and grants we will be pushing out again this fiscal year.

I truly appreciate the support of the Kentucky Association of Fire chiefs and all the other fire organizations in our state. Being a chief myself for 24 years I know the importance of such organizations here in our state. We are blessed to have such fire organizations that support our firefighters on a daily basis, and I truly appreciate all of our staff that work to help make your jobs a little better.

Our 2^nd Fire Academy class is getting ready to graduate on May 12^th and we will be putting out a flyer Monday for the next class which will begin in August. Our new classroom facility is slated to be complete the first of December which will allow us to add more students and a great facility along with all of our great instructors. That class in the new facility will begin in February 2024. 

I am so excited for the future of the Fire Academy and the new facility and training we will be able to provide to our fire departments in our state.

Again, thank you for all you do and if you need help on anything please do not hesitate to contact myself or any of our staff.

Sincerely,

Larry Potter

Executive Director, Kentucky State Fire Commission

FIRE COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE

October 18 - Hart Co., December 6 - Paris

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Want to build a better career? The Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction in the Public Protection Cabinet has seven jobs open in various locations: THREE building code plan reviewers to be located in Frankfort (2) and the Louisville area (1) ; a plumbing inspector in Louisville; and a manufactured housing inspector that covers the state. HBC also needs two hazardous materials inspectors-one in west Kentucky and one in east Kentucky. Check here for job descriptions and to apply to be part of Team Kentucky: https://kypersonnelcabinet.csod.com/.../search.aspx...