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As we dive into the heart of autumn, I wanted to provide you with an important update regarding our association's recent activities and focus for the months of October and November. It's been a productive time for the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs, with a significant emphasis on two crucial areas: the establishment of this year's legislative agenda and our ongoing discussions surrounding the statewide mutual aid agreement with Kentucky Emergency Management.

Our commitment to serving the interests of fire chiefs across the state remains unwavering. One of our primary objectives this month and next will be to define and solidify our legislative agenda for the upcoming year. This agenda will address key issues that affect not only our membership but also the broader firefighting and emergency response community in Kentucky.

Our legislative team is hard at work, consulting with experts and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and well-informed agenda that encompasses vital topics, from funding and resources to safety standards and training requirements. We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of this agenda and encourage your active participation and support as we move forward.

Collaboration and mutual support are at the core of what makes our organization strong. To that end, we've been engaging in critical discussions with representatives from Kentucky Emergency Management regarding the current statewide mutual aid agreement. This agreement is essential for coordinated responses to emergencies, ensuring that resources and assistance can flow seamlessly across jurisdictions in times of need.

I will be meeting with the Deputy Director of KYEM to discuss the current agreement and how it benefits all parties involved, with the primary goal of enhancing our collective ability to respond to a wide range of emergencies effectively. I encourage you to reach out to your District VP’s with any suggestions, concerns, or ideas related to these initiatives or any other matters of importance to our membership.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service to the communities we protect. We look forward to advancing these critical agendas and working together for the betterment of the firefighting community in Kentucky. 

Stay safe and God bless. 

Nathan Mulvey 

CHIEF, FERN CREEK FIRE & EMS 

President, KAFC 

KY State Director, SEAFC 

With the pending retirement of Danny Castle our current Executive Director the KAFC Leadership felt it necessary to hire his replacement prior to the end of the year. Retired chief Tom Arnold was selected. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position.

Tom Arnold has over 42 years of fire & emergency service experience. Started in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter with the Lyndon Fire Protection District. Went on to serve 25 years with the Louisville Fire Department retiring as the Assistant Chief of Fire Operations. Went on to work 10 years for the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security and the Kentucky Fire Commission. There Tom developed the State Homeland Security WMD Training and the State National Incident Management System program. Later Tom was tasked with developing the State Fusion Center’s Fire Service Liaison Program. The purpose of the Liaison program was to share threat information with the fire service. Tom also served on several federal DHS/FEMA working groups involving state and federal Homeland Security initiatives. In June of 2015, Tom accepted the position of Fire Chief at the Eastwood Fire Protection District in eastern Jefferson County. On July 1, 2019, the Eastwood Fire Protection District merged with Anchorage/Middletown, Worthington and Harrods Creek Fire to form the 2nd largest fire and EMS service in the Commonwealth. Tom served as the Executive Assistant Fire Chief before retiring in September of 2021.

Please join us in welcoming Chief Tom Arnold.

The Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs continues to plan for the SEAFC Leadership Conference, coming June 2024 in Atlanta, GA. We will be having another Board meeting the first week of November and hope to have some more ideas as to what legislative items are coming ahead of us this coming session. As always if you find challenges that can be addressed or need assistance through the Southeastern Board or the IAFC Board please let us know. Thanks for your continued support and have a blessed day.

SEAFC KY Director, Chief Nathan Mulvey

CONSTITUTION

AND BYLAWS

Bobby Bunnell* Glasgow

Michael Brown, Prestonsburg

Eric Colson, Georgetown

Steve Kyle, Paducah

Mark Malone, Elizabethtown

Les Whalen, Williamstown

HEALTH & SAFETY

Tim Thompson* Georgetown

Greg Cherry, Paducah

Mike Hayes,

Jeff Mayfield, Madisonville

Rick Millikan, Moaganfield

Jeff Anderson, Morehead

EMS

Mike Sutt* AFEMS

Michael Brown, Prestonsburg

Rebecca Brown, KY Chaplains

Jacob Carroll, Jeffersontown

Keith Brooks, Fern Creek

Wayne Briscoe, Frankfort

EDUCATION

Michael Morgan* Verona

Cheryl Allen, Russellville Rural

General Fernbach,

Mike Hughes, Stony Point

Lonnie Madden, Sand Gap

Jeremy Rodgers, Olive Hill

Willard Tucker, Shelbyville

Les Whalen, Williamstown

LEGISLATIVE

Adam Jones* Fern Creek

Keith Brooks, Fern Creek

General Fernback,

Steve Kyle, Paducah

Rob Rothensburger, Shelbyville

Tom Arnold, AFEMS

David Howser, St Matthews

CONFERENCE

Tom Arnold* AFEMS

Bobby Bunnell, Glasgow

Cody Burd, Fern Creek

Danny Castle, Winchester

Rob Dwyer, High View

Norman Rutheford, Eubank

Mike Sutt, AFEMS

* Denotes Committee Chair Person

Secure 20-Year Fire Truck Financing Today!

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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.

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

David Howser - St. Matthews Fire/EMS Email

General Fernback, Taylor Mill Fire Dept Email

Steve Kyle – Paducah Fire Department – Email

Tom Arnold - Executive Director - Email

Nathan Mulvey – Fern Creek Fire/EMS – Email

Rob Rothenburger – Shelbyville Fire Department – Email

Keith Brooks - Fern Creek - Email

On September 30, 2023, the authorizations for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Emergency Response (SAFER), and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) lapsed. While this lapse in authorization will likely not affect AFG, SAFER, and USFA within the next year, it does leave them more vulnerable to being eliminated per a provision in the House of Representatives and Senate rules regarding the funding of unauthorized programs. With the programs’ authorization now lapsed, a one-year countdown has begun to AFG and SAFER potentially being permanently sunset if not reauthorized by September 30, 2024.

Though the Senate’s reauthorization bill (S. 870) passed the Senate 95-2 in April and the House’s reauthorization bill (H.R. 4090) unanimously passed the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in June, there are still obstacles that are impeding this reauthorization’s further movement. The House’s rules for the 118th Congress make it difficult to pass this reauthorization due to the constraints on length and expense of reauthorizations. Additionally, the House has lost valuable time to consider legislation due to the pause of legislative business in the absence of a Speaker. Some key Senators have also objected to including AFG, SAFER, and USFA’s reauthorization in key legislative packages.

The best way to overcome these obstacles is education. Your legislators in the House and Senate need to be reminded of the importance of AFG and SAFER. The NVFC and other national fire service organizations have been active advocates of these programs through various means. In April, NVFC chair Steve Hirsch spoke to the matter on Newsmax ahead of the Senate’s passage of S. 870. In May, NVFC Georgia director Dave Bullard testified before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology regarding the importance of AFG and SAFER. On September 20, the NVFC, Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and National Fire Protection Association hosted a successful Congressional open house, at which the NVFC was represented by its Maryland director, Eric Bernard. On October 12, the NVFC and the aforementioned fire service organizations co-hosted a press conference in Washington, DC, to raise awareness of this issue; NVFC Rhode Island director Kevin Quinn represented the NVFC.

While the NVFC remains actively engaged in Washington, DC, we need your help to magnify the message. Your Representatives in Congress need to hear directly from you as their constituents, especially if you have received an AFG or SAFER grant or have benefited from the USFA’s curriculum. It is very effective when members of Congress and Senators hear directly from constituents about a program’s success stories in their state or district.

Additionally, the NVFC encourages you to reach out to the local offices of your Senators and Representative to set up a meeting regarding these programs. The NVFC’s chief of legislative and regulatory affairs, Ryan Woodward, can provide you with Congressional calendar information, Congressional office contact information, talking points, and anything else you may need for the meeting. Please let him know if you have scheduled a meeting with your member of Congress or Senator, need help with scheduling, or have already had a meeting so he can do additional outreach. He can be reached at ryan@nvfc.org.

The NVFC also has an active Action Alert that allows you to send a letter to your Senators and member of Congress to advocate for increased funding and the reauthorization of AFG, SAFER, and USFA with just a few clicks. CFSI has also set up a landing page for AFG, SAFER, and USFA reauthorization, where you can learn more and submit a success story related to an AFG or SAFER grant you have received. The more specific examples Congress hears about AFG and SAFER’s successes, the more successful our advocacy efforts will be. Submit your success story here.

Thank you to everyone who has already reached out to their Representative and Senators regarding AFG, SAFER, and USFA funding and reauthorization. Please continue to urge others to do the same. The NVFC will continue to fight for the existence of these crucial programs.

Brothers and Sisters,

I could not be more honored to have been asked to Chair the Health and Safety Committee for the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs. I was excited to hear President Mulvey mention in his comments as he took the reigns of leadership in Bowling Green that he was committed to cancer awareness and mental health in the fire service. The members of the Health and Safety committee are committed to the same issues. Being proactive with cancer screenings to prevent late stage diagnosis and utilizing apps like Cordico via Lexipol for mental health are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to keeping our firefighters safe both physically and mentally. I look forward to bringing ideas and options from our meetings to the whole group to share with your departments. We all take risks when we swear the oath to serve in the role as a firefighter, but I am grateful that over the past several years, the fire service in general is looking for ways to learn from our past and to try diligently to keep the newer members of our departments protected from risks as much as we possibly can. There is no way to be completely out of harms way during our careers, and even after retirement when dealing with physical or mental health challenges associated with our time as firefighters, but we can and must try to do everything possible to keep this younger generation of public servants safe, healthy, and ready for a long life after their careers have ended. Thank you again for the opportunity and I look forward to working with you all to keep our men and women healthy and safe.

In Service,

Chief Tim Thompson

Georgetown Fire Department

In our world of emergency response, few responses are as challenging and perilous as those involving vehicle crashes. We, along with our partners in EMS, law enforcement, and towing and recovery, put our lives on the line every day on America’s roadways, responding to the scene of crashes to provide aid and rescue those in need. Despite our training and education, the dangers we face on crash scenes are real, and the risks are very high. This is why the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has established "Crash Responder Safety Week" — a dedicated week to raise awareness about the unique hazards we face and to emphasize the importance of our safety.

We all play a crucial role in our communities. We are first on the scene, often dealing with mangled vehicles, hazardous materials, and injured individuals in need of immediate assistance.

Are you ready to take your leadership in the fire service to the next level? The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) invites you to join a community of fire service leaders who are shaping the future of our profession.

As a member of IAFC, you will gain access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and invaluable knowledge in the field of public safety. Our organization provides: 

• Leadership 
• KnowledgeNet (Onlinemembership forum)
• Online Learning (IAFCAcademy, webinars, & podcasts)
• Government Relations (Grant funding & Legislative updates)
• Conferences and Events
• Officer Development Program
• Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI)
• Disaster Response Resources
• Free Amazon Business Prime Account Access
• Members/ImmediateFamilies Are Eligible For A 15% Discount on Academic Courses At CSU

Joining the IAFC means becoming part of a global network of 11,000 individuals who are committed to excellence in public safety. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in this field, there's a place for you here.

Ready to seize this opportunity? Join IAFC today by visiting IAFC.org/join or calling us at 855-385-9110.

We look forward to welcoming you into the IAFCfamily and working together to advance the fire service.

Fire Chief John S. Butler 

President and Board Chair

International Association of Fire Chiefs

8251 Greensboro Drive, Suite 650,

McLean, VA 22102 | 703-273-0911

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Reminder - Provider Renewals were opened on October 1, 2023. Please ensure to renew your provider license through your KEMSIS account before its expiration date. If providers need assistance, please reach out to KBEMS staff for assistance. Also, agencies licensed under KBEMS should review and update personnel rosters, and more importantly, ensure contact information is accurate within for your agency. Important information will be went to the contacts listed when necessary from KEMSIS.

Regards,

Wayne Briscoe

Deputy Executive Director

Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services

FIRE COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE

December 6 - Paris

KENTUCKY

FIRE FIGHTERS

ASSOCIATION

UPDATE

We have unfortunately lost 2 past presidents in September, and we ask that you keep their families in your prayers. William “Billy Robbins passed away on September 2, 2023, and was president in 2004 & 2005. Jimmy Cox Passed away on September 22m, 2023, and was president in 1992.

The August KFA Conference was a success and I look forward to hosting the 2024 KFA Conference in Owensboro. Registration and information will be out very soon. The current Board Members are: President Marc Henderson, 1st VP Kyle Carpenter, 2nd VP Eddie Rucker, 3rd VP Chris Crawford, Secretary Eric Philpot, Treasurer Bonita Bobo, and VP at Large Pat Thompson.

The KY State Fair Booth was well received, and we hope to have information out earlier next year and invite any department that would like to come up and use it as a recruitment tool for department.

The Legislative Session will begin soon, and we will work to keep everyone abreast of anything that could affect the fire service.

The KY Fallen Firefighter Memorial will be held 10:00am EST on October 4th in Juniper Hills Park in Frankfort, we hope to see everyone there.

The next KFA Meeting will be held in Maysville during the Buffalo Trace School on Saturday October 21st, 2023, beginning at 9:00am EST at the Maysville Community and Technical College.

We appreciate the relationship with the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs, and please reach out to us if you need any assistance.

Marc Henderson

KFA President

is holding a raffle that might interest you (it includes four firearms)

The drawing will be held during a benefit concert in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 30th

The raffle is live now!!

Tickets can be purchased online at:

www.SupportingHeroesRaffles.org

For those in the Louisville area, we invite you to join us for

“An Evening with The Monarchs”

Thursday, November 30, 2023

7:00-10:00 PM

THE JEFFERSONIAN

10617 Taylorsville Road, Jeffersontown, KY 40299

FOOD | DRINKS | GIVEAWAYS |

PRIZE RAFFLES (INCLUDING FIREARMS)*

$25 ADMISSION

All proceeds benefit Supporting Heroes

ARE YOU HOSTING A TRAINING OR FIRESCHOOL?

WE WOULD LOVE TO GET THE WORD OUT FOR YOU.

SEND US A ONE PAGE PDF PRIOR TO THE 27th OF THE MONTH AND WE WILL INCLUDE IT IN THE NEXT MONTHS NEWSLETTER. EMAIL YOUR INFORMATION TO THE LINK BELOW.

ARE YOU HIRING?

WE WOULD LOVE TO GET THE WORD OUT FOR YOU.

SEND US A ONE PAGE PDF PRIOR TO THE 27th OF THE MONTH AND WE WILL INCLUDE IT IN THE NEXT MONTHS NEWSLETTER. PLEASE MAKE SURE IT INCLUDES AN APPLICATION DEADLINE. EMAIL YOUR INFORMATION TO THE LINK BELOW.