MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Chief James Saletta, Huntley Fire Department

From the May 2009 newsletter... Chief James Saletta, President
On April 17th, the IFSA held its annual membership meeting at The Wellington of Arlington Heights. The meeting was well attended and the staff presented reports on our program activities. These reports included updates on Camp "I Am Me", "Bath Buddy" thermometer program, fire safety kiosks, "Get Fired Up About Fire Safety" and "A Momentary Touch That Will Last A Lifetime!" CDs, Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program (JFSIP) and other IFSA activities and programs. In addition, Margaret Vaughn, our lobbyist gave a legislative update on house and senate bills related to fire safety.

A slate of candidates for organization positions was presented and the following officers were elected by unanimous vote:

President: Jim Saletta
Vice Presidents: Kathy Haage and Terry Pluta
Secretary/Treasurer: Steve Guetschow
Elected Directors: Theresa Donahue, Dottie Ahbe, and Barry Bennett

Doug Goosetree will serve as an Appointed Director and Mike Figolah as Past President serves on the Board as an ex-officio member. I am also happy to report that Chief Dave Riddle of the Channahon Fire Protection District has agreed to fill an open Appointed Director's position.

The JFSIP continues to be a main focus of the IFSA. Staff member, Laura Barros is actively coordinating program development and a presentation is scheduled to be made at the Illinois Fire Chief's Association Symposium in MAy that will outline the new certification curriculum.

Preparations continue for Camp "I Am Me" (June 14-20), this year marks the 19th year. Camp "I Am Me" continues to be a succesful endeavor through the considerable work of our staff, board members and volunteers. I look forward to seeing many of you on Visitor's Day June 17th.

A few other items of note: the IFSA will be participating in a new public education effort using billboards as a means of increasing awareness of fire and burn safety. We are partnering with the Outdoor Advertising Association of Illinois to display fire safety messages. These messages will be on fireworks and scald burn injuries and will be located thoughout the state. Look for them on expressways, tollways and major thoroughfares beginning in June of this year.

Finally, the IFSA will be participating as a member of the Illinois Fire Service Association at the Illinois State Fair on August 21st. We will again staff our interactive fire safety kiosk as well as take an active role throughout the exhibit.

Thanks again for all the support and I hope to see many of you at our upcoming activities.

Jim Saletta, President