IMSA News

IMSA Forum and Expo -

Advancing the Future of Public Safety

IMSA’s 2023 Forum and Expo brought approximately 600 professionals from the public safety industry to Reno, Nevada, June 23-29. Industry professionals and vendors took advantage of networking opportunities, technical sessions and the Expo Hall to explore the latest advancements in equipment, foster partnerships, exchange ideas and strengthen the public safety community.

Forum & Expo highlights include:

New IMSA Board of Directors Installed

President - Michael C. LiCalzi, Middle Atlantic Section

Immediate Past President - Kevin Musick, New Mexico Section

Director-at-Large - Craig Mackenzie, British Columbia Section

Director-at-Large - Stephen D. May, Indiana Section

Director-at-Large - Raymond A. Parmigiani, Arizona Section

Director-at-Large - John L. Hightower, Central Section

2024 IMSA President-Elect - Guy T. Petinga, II, New Jersey Section

Council of Delegates Leadership Elected

Chair - Terry Kiser, Middle Atlantic Section

Vice Chair - Janis Chow, Canadian Prairie Section

Sustaining Committee Leadership

President - Joaquin Segl, Intuicom (beginning11/1/23)

Sustaining Exhibitors Advisory Group

Chair - Mindy Gillespie, Yunex Traffic

Co-Chair - Joaquin Segl, Intuicom

Volunteer Awards

Volunteer Awards were presented for the first time since 2018. Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers!

International Board of Directors President’s Award – Tyson Evatz, Florida Section

Outstanding Certification Award – Mike Berens, Florida Section

Outstanding Member of the International Board of Directors Award – Guy Petinga, New Jersey Section

Outstanding Section Secretary Award – Wayne Bryan, Florida Section

Outstanding Volunteer Award – Guy Petinga, New Jersey Section

Section Award – Arizona Section

Special Award – Jay Heffelfinger, Rocky Mountain Section

And, thank you to our sponsors!

See you in Irving, Texas, July 14-18 (schedule TBD)

Vendors unite for the safety, security, and

interoperability of signal controllers

July 29 Webinar

If you missed this presentation during the Forum & Expo, register now

NEMA is cordially inviting you to a virtual webinar for a conversation with the predominant traffic controller manufacturers discussing the best way to safeguard intersection controllers while creating a secure network capable of handling the growing demand of data sharing and connectivity.

Date/Time

Thursday, July 27 1:00 pm - 2:30 EDT

Meeting Place

Microsoft Teams

Registration

July webinar-registration link

Questions

Steve.Griffith@nema.org

Bylaws Revisions Approved

The IMSA Board of Directors and the Council of Delegates approved revisions to the bylaws during the 2023 Forum & Expo in Reno, NV.

The changes will impact criteria for membership categories as well as who can vote and hold leadership positions at the section and international levels. The changes also resulted in the creation of two new categories – Operational and Retired.

Highlights include:

Active members will now be referred to as Public Agency members. This will include all Public Agency employees.
Associate members are defined as employees of a privately owned business whose primary responsibilities are in the sales and distribution of products and are actively engaged in IMSA-certified public safety operations.
Operational members are defined as an employee of a privately owned business or consultant who is actively engaged in IMSA-certified public safety operations, except those who are involved with the sales and distribution of products.
Retired members include any individual that is retired from the employment of a government agency, private business or sustaining company.

The new membership categories will go into effect with the 2024 Membership drive. More information is forthcoming and will be sent to Section leadership and posted on the IMSA website as soon as possible. If you are currently categorized as an Associate member, staff will be reaching out to determine if you should be reclassified as Operational or Retired.

For more information, please email mtaylor@imsasafety.org

Staff Changes in the Certification Department

IMSA’s certification team is undergoing some changes. Richard Porter and Dee Buzbee recently announced they will be leaving IMSA to pursue new opportunities.

In June, Porter marked nine years with IMSA, most recently serving as certification manager. His last day with the association will be July 20. Buzbee, who departed in June, served as a certification specialist.

“We truly appreciate Richard and Dee’s commitment and service to the association, its members and our certification holders,” said Interim Executive Director Tyson Evatz. “As staff members, they have both been involved in the development of the new exams and their dedication has been instrumental in helping to fulfill our mission of providing quality certification programs.”

During the transition, please email cert@imsasafety.org.

SAFECOM Nationwide Survey

Closing Soon

The SAFECOM Nationwide Survey (SNS) is now live and will remain open through July 21, 2023, and your participation impacts future emergency communications decisions! The SNS is the means to have your organization’s voice heard. The SNS supplies essential data on emergency communications capability gaps that can be used to advocate for funding, establish priorities, and improve operations. Participation by public safety organizations helps to highlight those advancements that will secure resilient operable and interoperable communications in an ever-evolving environment.

Additional information about the SNS is available at cisa.gov/sns. For questions, please email sns@cisa.dhs.gov.

Call for Content - September/October Issue of the IMSA Journal

Have an idea for a Journal article? Each issue of the Journal contains articles written by our knowledgeable members. By including these articles, members can gain industry knowledge and stay current on new products and techniques. We are seeking submissions for our September/October issue. Deadline is August 1. Now is the perfect time to submit.

If you are interested in submitting content for consideration, contact Maureen Taylor .

Read the IMSA Journal Online

A reminder that IMSA members can enjoy the electronic edition of the Journal with clickable links. Want access? Sign in

Prefer not to receive the print version? Opt-out in your profile online or by contacting membership@imsasafety.org .

Traffic Signal Technical Sessions Available

The 2022 IMSA Traffic Signal Technical Sessions are available. These technical sessions offer Continuing Education Credit hours that can be used toward your Traffic Signal Certification Renewal.

To access the registration, click here. Questions? Contact Donna Montes.

Product Spotlight

Jasper Electronics

Jasper Electronics designs and manufactures Traffic Control Power Supplies and PDAs which are fully compliant to Caltrans TEES for use in 332, 334, 336, 342, 344, and 346 Series cabinets. Jasper also offers compliant units for use in Advanced Traffic Controller High Voltage cabinets, state-of-the-art Traffic Intersection Control Systems, modern LED road signs, and other related applications. If you’re upgrading an older system, Jasper offers smaller, lighter, more efficient, and much more reliable units than legacy supplies. Convection / Conduction Cooled Supplies, as well as Modular and Rack Mount Systems, are also available from 200W-10KW.

Please contact us today!

IMSA Opportunities

Subject Matter Expert Looking for Exposure?

To establish your company as a subject matter expert or to promote specific products to the public safety industry, please contact Heather McMillen or call 352-900-3011.

Job Opportunities

IMSA's job board helps find your next position by displaying industry specific job openings. Or, if you are an employer with an open position, let our broad scope of industry professionals know you are hiring.

IMSA Webinar Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a sponsor of an IMSA Monthly webinar and have the opportunity to connect with our members, certificate holders and industry collaborators. We are looking for sessions that would meet our CEC requirements. Contact Heather McMillen to learn more.

IMSA Volunteer Opportunities

Help drive IMSA’s mission and vision. As an IMSA volunteer, you will help shape the organization’s future, create personal and professional connections, and become a leader in the public safety field.

Each IMSA Section has their own leadership team as well as the International Committees and Representatives. Please email Laura Jeffcoat Sosa and indicate if you are interested in serving on the Section or International level. Click here for more information about how to get involved

IMSA Journal

Members, Share your Story with Us

Each issue of the IMSA Journal you have the unique opportunity to be featured. Our IMSA Member Spotlight offers you the opportunity to highlight your team or submit a story about a time you went above and beyond. Help IMSA celebrate our members by sharing your story today. Contact Maureen Taylor to submit your story today.

2023 Advertising Opportunities

IMSA has partnered with The Wyman Company as our new communications partner. They will be supporting our efforts with the IMSA Journal magazine, webinar sponsorships, Thought Leadership e-blasts, IMSA website advertising as well as the IMSA E-newsletter. Contact Heather McMillen for more info. Lean more from our media kit.

Certification Program Schedule

BRITISH COLUMBIA SECTION

Contact: Graeme Kraft

P: 778-868-5384

-IMSA Signs & Pavement Markings Technician I, 11/6/2023, Coquitlam BC Canada

-IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I, 11/6/2023, Coquitlam BC Canada

-IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II, 11/9/2023, Coquitlam BC Canada

FLORIDA SECTION

Contact: About Phase Academy – Stacey Mueller

P: 813-310-3530

-IMSA Traffic Signal Inspector, 7/25/2023, Port Orange, FL

-IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I, 7/25/2023, Port Orange, FL

-IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II, 7/26/2023, Port Orange, FL

-IMSA/FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician, 8/14/2023, Port Orange, FL

-IMSA/FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician, 8/21/2023, Port Orange, FL

-IMSA Roadway Lighting Technician I, 9/7/2023, Port Orange

-IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II, 9/19/2023, Port Orange, FL

-IMSA Traffic Signal Inspector, 9/21/2023, Port Orange, FL

-IMSA Signs & Pavement Markings Technician I, 9/11/2023, Port Orange, FL

-IMSA/FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician, 10/02/2023, Port Orange, FL

-IMSA/FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician, 12/18/2023, Port Orange, FL

NEW JERSEY SECTION

Contact: Guy Petinga

P: 609-705-5842

-IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II, 8/14/2023, Lancaster, PA/Online

-IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II, 8/14/2023,Online Auditing for Certification Renewal

-IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Tech, 8/14/2023, Lancaster, PA/Online

-IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Tech, 8/14/2023, Online Auditing for Certification Renewal

-IMSA Traffic Signal Sr. Field Technician III, 8/15/2023, Lancaster, PA/Online

-IMSA/FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician, 8/16/2023, Lancaster, PA

-IMSA Signs & Pavement Markings Technician I, 8/17/2023, Lancaster, PA/Online

-IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I, 8/17/2023, Lancaster, PA/Online

-IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I, 8/17/2023, Online Auditing for Certification Renewal

SOUTHEASTERN SECTION

Contact: Jon Hoffman

P: 256-33-4613

-IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Technician, 7/24/2023, Online

-IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II 7/24/2023, Online

-IMSA Signs & Pavement Markings Technician I 7/25/2023, Online

-IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I 7/26/2023, Online

-IMSA Roadway Lighting Technician I 7/26/2023, Online

SOUTHWESTERN SECTION

Contact: Mika Clark

P: 972-502-9645

-IMSA Roadway Lighting Technician I, 7/17/2023, Tulsa, OK

-IMSA Signs & Pavement Markings Technician I, 7/17/2023, Tulsa, OK

-IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I, 7/17/2023, Tulsa, OK

-IMSA Transportation Ctr. System Specialist I, 7/17/2023, Tulsa, OK

-IMSA Traffic Signal Sr. Field Technician III, 7/18/2023, Tulsa, OK

-IMSA Signs & Pavement Markings Technician II, 7/19/2023, Tulsa, OK

-IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II, 7/19/2023, Tulsa, OK

-IMSA Traffic Signal Inspector, 7/19/2023, Tulsa, OK

-IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Tech, 7/19/2023, Tulsa, OK

-IMSA Roadway Lighting Technician I, 8/28/2023, Frisco, TX

-IMSA Signs & Pavement Markings Technician I, 8/28/2023, Frisco, TX

-IMSA Traffic Signal Technician I, 8/28/2023, Frisco, TX

-IMSA Transportation Ctr. System Specialist I, 8/28/2023, Frisco, TX

-IMSA Signs & Pavement Markings Technician II, 8/31/2023, Frisco, TX

-IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician II, 8/31/2023, Frisco, TX

-IMSA Traffic Signal Inspector, 8/31/2023, Frisco, TX

-IMSA Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control Tech, 8/31/2023, Frisco, TX

Industry Headlines

Be sure to visit IMSAsafety.org to view to see the latest news from IMSA’s Sustaining Member companies, located at the end of the home page. Members may submit news to journal@imsasafety.org

Smart Cities

San Antonio’s Office of Innovation releases Smart Cities roadmap, initiative (KSAT)

Dallas’ FIFA World Cup 2026 Tech Roundtable Takes the Long View, With a Smart City Focus (Dallas Innovates)

Fiber Optics

Smart Pants use fiber optics to discreetly track wearers' activity (New Atlas)

New optical fiber cable transmits at the speed of 17 million internet connections (Interesting Engineering)

Fire Alarm

New details show lack of emergency plan, and fire alarms at time of explosion in Marengo (KCRG)

Fire Alarm and Detection Market to be Worth $56.07 Billion by 2030: Grand View Research, Inc. (Yahoo! Finance)

San Francisco landlords face deadline for required fire alarm upgrade (CBS Bay Area)

Roadway and Area Lighting

MoDOT installing roadway lighting outside of Jackson (KFVS)