NJ Division of Fire Safety: TEL (609) 324-7336 FAX (609) 324-8493

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan DeTrolio, Andrew Scheidler, Vincent Corsaro, Bernie Cohan, Joyce Lynch, Mike Brothers, Bob Yaiser.

DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY STAFF: Charles Lavin, Jerry Clark, Charlie Luxton.

I. OPENING

Chairman Daniel DeTrolio called the meeting to order at 10:10 AM.

II. NOVELTY LIGHTER BILL

Chairman DeTrolio felt that it was a distinct possibility that Governor Corzine would be making a trip to the Firemen’s Convention in Wildwood next weekend to sign the Novelty/Toy-like Lighters Bill. This would probably be the place to get the bill the most publicity. Although the Bill did not come out perfectly from a fire prevention standpoint, it is a very big step in the right direction.

III. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

Chairman DeTrolio reported that he would be meeting in the near future with Assemblyman Wisniewski to see which direction he would like to go in regarding Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention. In the wake of Alan Musicant’s resignation, Mr. DeTrolio would like to have a discussion with the Commission’s Chairman and see if he had anyone in mind to replace Mr. Musicant in this area. Vinny Corsaro spoke briefly about the success of the Junior Firefighters program in his area, and the benefits of having the training simulators for recruits under the age of 18.

IV. NEW JERSEY F.I.R.E. BOWL

The venue for the 2010 final FIRE Bowl event will be Wilkins Theater at Kean University, just like in 2009. Chairman DeTrolio said it was his feeling that the event was better when it was in a school because of all the students in attendance. Mr. Lavin said this year they would be looking to not only invite all the FIRE Bowl participants from throughout the State, but also invite local elementary school students from the surrounding towns (Union, Elizabeth, Hillside) to pack the theater.

The program is already set to include Bayonne, Belleville, Carteret, and Camden. Now that school is back in session, meetings are being set up between the Division of Fire Safety and several school districts that are candidates to get involved in the program. Potential additions include Freehold, Paterson, and Hamilton Township.

V. POSTER CONTEST

The winning poster was printed by Atlantic City Electric and over 4,000 posters were distributed throughout the State. Charles Lavin said that he still has a few boxes of posters left, so if anyone needs more they should call or e-mail him.

The applications for the 2009-2010 Poster Contest have been sent to all school principals, art instructors, and fire officials throughout the State. The theme for this year’s contest is “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.” The deadline for submitting poster contest entries on the local level is March 15, 2010.

VI. SMOKE DETECTORS

Charlie Luxton reported that he has roughly 147 cases of smoke detectors left. If anyone needs them, they can call or e-mail Mr. Luxton and he will be able to put some aside. It is everyone’s hope that

VII. JUVENILE FIRESETTERS

Charlie Luxton reported that this year’s 6^th Annual Juvenile Firesetters Conference would be held at the Middlesex County Fire Academy on December 4-5, 2009. This year’s Conference will be $100 for the two-day event. Bob Yaiser also mentioned that Senator Connor is looking to host an event at the Conference for legislators and is looking for potential sponsors.

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

Vinny Corsaro will be working with the Division’s Jerry Clark on getting the word out about his Fire Safety for High School Seniors program. The NJDFS is already distributing the program upon request, but it can get more publicity will an article in the Fire Focus newsletter and/or linking the program’s files and videos to the NJDFS website.

Bob Yaiser spoke about a fire safety program that is being run by Lowe’s called “Safety Saturdays”. He urged the council members to coordinate with their local Lowe’s stores on this nation-wide program, as it would be taking place for the first time on Sept. 26^th.

Charles Lavin reported that the Division of Fire Safety’s participation in the Somerset Patriots Fire Safety Night was a huge success. The demographic at minor league baseball games seems to fit right in with who the Public Education Unit is most focused on reaching. For that reason, the Public Education Unit is looking to attend multiple minor league baseball games throughout New Jersey during the summer of 2010 to gain exposure for fire prevention and awareness.

IX. SCHEDULING OF NEXT MEETING & ADJOURNMENT

The next meeting of the Public Education Advisory Council is scheduled to take place at 10 A.M. on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at the Middlesex County Fire Academy.