Business Networking Luncheon May 2015

Description

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, the luncheon is being held one week early! This month's topic:
 

Fire Training and Safety
 What is the process to ensure Public Safety?

The Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) is a State agency that plays a vital role in our State’s fire service by providing funding for firefighter training, establishing educational programs and standards, establishing qualifications for instructors, and issuance of firefighter licenses.  Firefighters are unique and dedicated professionals with a tremendous passion for helping others in need; however, many municipalities have historically lacked the resources needed to maintain the ever-expanding equipment and training needs of their fire departments.

The American fire service – and particularly the Minnesota fire service – has made great strides in recent years with regard to enhancing the capabilities to meet their mission: Protecting the public and the environment.

Executive Director Steve Flaherty will provide an overview of the:

• Minnesota Board of Education’s  Enabling Legislative Charge
• Explanation of Fire Safety Funding Account and its Importance
• Minnesota Fire Service Statistics You May Not be Aware
• Risk Reduction Opportunities for All

  
Steve Flaherty is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of Fire Training and Education (MBFTE). Steve has been a member of the Minnesota Fire Service since 1993, when he joined the Grand Rapids Fire Department as a paid, on-call firefighter. Steve served in an officer role for more than 16 years and then spent six years as Fire Chief prior to retiring in March of 2014. Steve holds an A.A.S. degree in Fire Technology and Administration from Lake Superior College, and he is an adjunct fire instructor for both the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. He is a licensed firefighter and he holds certifications as Fire Officer, Hazmat Technician, Fire Investigator, and Fire Instructor. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the MBFTE, Steve was the Fire Program Manager for Mesabi Range College in Virginia, Minnesota, for more than eight years.  He provided customized training for the fire departments located in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota.

Steve has served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association; was District Chair for the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators; was a charter member of the Fire Instructors and Training Officers of Minnesota; was a charter member and President of the Itasca County Fire Investigation Team; and was an Executive Board member of the Arrowhead Regional Firefighters Association.

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