I am truly honored and very humbled to serve as your president for 2012. My thanks to Chief Fabiano for his dedication and leadership for the past 5 Years. I am looking forward for his continued support and guidance as the Immediate Past President. Many thanks to Chief Christians and Dianna for their hard work and dedication to the Association. In December 2010, Chief Fabiano predicted 2011 would be one of the most challenging years in fire service history. As we reflect back over the past 12 months, most of us would admit his forecast was correct.
Looking forward into 2012, many would say the trend will continue with multiple challenges like:
- Decreased budgets, with the pressures for improved operational efficiencies and effectiveness.
- Increased expectation to ensure public and responder safety.
- Remain competitive for recruitment and retention of volunteers and/or employee’s.
- During these difficult times, manage, motivate, and lead our personnel, some of whom may have different priorities than you or the organization you lead.
As we continue to look forward into 2012, I would like to remind you, the membership, the chief officers of your organizations, and the vendors or owners of the private businesses that support the Western Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, of the Mission and the Purpose of our Organization as outlined in the By Laws:
Mission Statement - To Provide Vision, Education, and Leadership for the Fire Service in Western Michigan.
Purpose
- To support Chief Fire Officers and others dedicated to providing serviceto the community by saving lives, protecting property and the environment and those other services that become necessary in the course of their duties.
- To promote the prevention and extinguishment of fires and the mitigation of other emergencies.
- To exchange ideas on issues regarding life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation.
- To provide a forum for the promotion of legislation, and the development of educational programs.
In November your Executive Board had the annual planning meeting. During this meeting we did an organizational review of 2011 which included goals and achievements, membership status, program review, and meeting locations.
Projects from 2011 that will be ongoing for 2012:
- Update member and vendor lists
- Promote the Western Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs web site
- Assure that all of our Membership are users of TexCom for efficient communication and management of our Association. www.TexCom.com
- Continue to stay active with State Legislative issues
- Continue as an active participant with MAFC and the other Michigan Regional Chief Associations
Other goals and tasks for 2012:
- Central location for Bi-monthly meetings, except for the Ludington meeting
- Promote and foster the leadership training and networking opportunities for the Bi-monthly professional development meetings.
- Issuance of certificates of attendance for professional development
I would like you to remember as Chief Officers, that we expect members of our organizations, regardless the size, number of members, number of calls for service, to attend professional development. You are not exempt; lead by example and schedule your WMAFC professional development dates now. Plan ahead.
Please remember to promote unity within the fire service, as you know there is strength in numbers. We cannot accomplish our goals without your help.
As Fire Chiefs, some have accused us of being bias to fire and EMS issues and funding. This may be somewhat true, however, I prefer to emphasize that we are passionate about saving lives and protecting property.
Please stay safe, and Thank you for your support.
Tim James