NASFM 2023 Recap – Getting the ERCES Handbook In Fire Marshals’ Hands

State Fire Marshals from 42 States convene in Wilmington NC and hear SBC Message

 Posted on Aug 24, 2023

State Fire Marshals, their staff, and members of the fire and life-safety industry descended on Wilmington NC from July 31 to Aug 2 to attend the 33rd Annual Fire Prevention and Safety Symposium.

The Safer Buildings Coalition was there armed with ERCES Handbooks and important messages: adopt and enforce ERCES codes and standards, coordinate with Frequency License Holders, increase competency for code officials and industry, and require NICET In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) Certification.

SBC Message: Adoption, Enforcement, Coordination, Competency, Certification 

The symposium agenda included a presentation from Chief Perdue that touched on all the key messages (see call to action slide image below). 

In attendance were the State Fire Marshals from 42 states, and in many cases their deputies and other staff members. Also in attendance were members of the fire and life safety industry.  

“Our goal is to drive adoption, enforcement, collaboration with frequency license holders, and competency in the industry,” said Chief Alan Perdue. “At NASFM we are able to deliver this message directly to the State Fire Marshals from just about every state. I can’t say enough about how valuable it is to have both the opportunity and the support from Chief Desrochers and NASFM to deliver this message directly to State Fire Marshals on behalf of the Coalition’s mission. We are extremely fortunate, and extremely grateful.”

Getting the ERCES Handbook into Public Safety’s Hands 

A private breakfast was held Tuesday morning exclusively for the State Fire Marshals, and with the support of co-sponsors SpeakEZ Communications and PCTEL, SBC provided a free copy of the ERCES Handbook to each State Fire Marshal. In all, 56 free copies of the book were distributed at the event, with a retail value of $9,464. 

“The NASFM Symposium is an outstanding opportunity for us to engage directly with State Fire Marshals from all over the US,” said Business Operations VP, Brandon Davis, at SpeakEZ Communications. “We believe it’s important to drive code adoption, consistent enforcement, and industry competency in the ERCES sector. We were very pleased to do our part by sponsoring copies of the SBC ERCES Handbook and providing them directly to State Fire Marshals. It not only expands the discussion about ERCES, but also helps SpeakEZ establish a direct relationship with key stakeholders. We want them to know that SpeakEZ is always available and very capable of helping with ERCES requirements wherever they arise.” 

"The NASFM event is one of the most important events for the Public Safety industry, and PCTEL values the ability to participate," explained David Adams, Director Of Business Development at PCTEL. "We can advance our objective to educate the state fire marshals on the importance of radio performance inside buildings to reducing risk and increase safety. We also learn how the various states work in these areas and where the want to advance. We consider this event one our “must attend” every year."

Would you like to know more about sponsoring ERCES Handbooks for public safety? Read our article from here: Sponsor a Handbook – July 2023

PCTEL held a raffle to give away four copies of the books. Winners were: Rebecca Geimer, Assistant Fire Marshal, Tamarac, FL; Michael Yingling, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal, Virginia; Mike Williams, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal, North Carolina; and Joe Starling, Division Chief Engineer, North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal. 

Many SBC Members out in force to exhibit and meet with the Fire Marshals 

SBC Members were in the house, both as attendees and with some hosting exhibit tables in the vendor hall. NASFM has a drawing for prizes for attendees who visit each vendor table and get a signature for stopping by, which always ensures good foot traffic in the vendor hall. [See photo gallery below). 

“The NC State Fire Marshal's Office was a tremendous help and an excellent host and really raised the bar for our event.” Philip J. Oakes, Chief of Operations and Training, National Association of State Fire Marshals, said. “The event was extremely well attended and received, and we are looking forward to extending our conference partnership with the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Coalition in the coming years.” 

Mark your calendars: Next year’s Symposium Confirm July 29-31, in Kansas City Missouri at the Marriott Kansas City Downtown. 

National Association of State Fire Marshals’ 33rd Annual Fire Prevention and Safety Symposium

• States represented: 42 
• Number of exhibitors: 54 
• Total attendees: 324 
• Total public safety attendees: 250
• Increase in turnout from 2022: +70 attendees