What the In-building Industry and AHJs Need
Posted on March 4, 2021
In-Building Technical Certification and Reference / Study Guide Update
By John Foley – Managing Director, Safer Buildings Coalition
The Safer Buildings Coalition NICET In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) Certification is on track for a May 2021 rollout, with the first of two exams almost ready for release.
“Item writing is complete for Level I and Design,” said Chip Hollis, Senior Director, Credentials and Administration for NICET. “So, we are on schedule for a May release for Level I and Design. We are scheduled to begin work on Levels II and III in March with a September release date.”
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From the Chief’s Corner: Who’s Really at Risk When There Is No Communications...
Posted on March 4, 2021
Many of you have heard me say many times, the issue of providing in-building communications is about protecting the public and public safety. The other night, I was working in my shop and the NBC series Chicago Fire was on the television. I was kind of half listening when I heard something important that caught my attention.
One of the characters of the show, Lieutenant Herrman said these words; “hey Chief, it's Herrman. Cruz and I are trapped in the elevator somewhere between the seventh and eighth floor. Chief, you copy?” I immediately stopped what I was doing and hit rewind on the remote to see what was really taking place.
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Member Spotlight: APG
Posted on March 4, 2021
APG Electric, Inc. has been doing business in the Tampa Bay area since 1984. However, our roots go back over a century to The Doan Electric Company of Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 1915 by A. P. Goulder, the APG of our name. Mr. Goulder began his business converting gas lighting to electric lighting and doing other small electrical repair work before growing the company into one of the largest and most respected electrical contracting companies in Northeast Ohio. APG is a full-service electrical and systems contractor, providing complete design, construction, and maintenance services. To do this, we have assembled a diverse team of professionals to handle every aspect of the project - engineers, designers, estimators, project managers, administrative personnel, superintendents, programmers, systems technicians, and skilled electricians, all specializing in their respective fields. In addition, we continually upgrade our team through apprenticeship training and regular continuing education courses and seminars. This team approach is a better planned, more efficiently designed, and much more cost-effective project.
SBC interviewed Tim White, Vice President Service at APG and BJ Klingensmith, Life Safety Group Manager at APG. Read how APG is handling the safety culture within their company.
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Doing Well While Doing Good: Community Affairs Charity Spotlight
Posted on March 4, 2021
“Break Free Run” to end human trafficking.
This year's Break Free Run will look a bit different, but nonetheless, we are ready for an incredible event! COVID-19 slowed and halted many things, but human trafficking was not one of them. Data shows that exploitation has continued throughout the season of the pandemic, and that means that we need to continue to raise a voice against it. The reality is that anyone can be a victim, anyone can be a perpetrator, but any (one) can be a proponent for freedom and that includes YOU!
By registering to participate in the 2021 Break Free Run virtually on April 9th, 10th, or 11th, you are becoming (one) who pursues true change and impacts the lives of students, survivors, and at-risk individuals. Not to worry, the race will include opportunities for community engagement and will be a virtual event like no other! Will you run in '21?
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Meet the Newest Safer Buildings Coalition Members
Posted on March 4, 2021
The Safer Buildings Coalition continues to grow. We now have more than 140 members organizations across several categories. We value each and every member, and it's our pleasure to introduce you to a few of the latest additions to our member base: IBW Advisors, Marconi Technologies, Northern Kentucky University, Northern Lights Consulting, and VoltServer.
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Safer Buildings Coalition WORK GROUP ROUNDUP - February 2021
Please watch this month's video updates from the Chairs of the Safer Buildings Coalition’s five work groups on their group’s activities, achievements and needs.
Click on the links or images to watch the video messages below:
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In-Building Public Safety Coverage at the Crossroads of Conflict
Posted on March 4, 2021
Things are about to get a lot better – if we choose the correct path together
By John Foley – Managing Director, Safer Buildings Coalition
“In the Middle of Difficulty Lies Opportunity“ - Albert Einstein
Safer Buildings Coalition has made a lot of “noise” about our No-Noise Task Force [see related article this issue].
But it may be that we’ve focused too much on the Task Force’s what and the how, but maybe not the why.
To put it succinctly, Radio System Operators / Administrators / Managers – i.e., the FCC License Holders, have had it up to here with the incidences of harmful noise and interference on their public safety radio networks caused by improperly deployed BDAs.
And they have begun to act. Recently, an FCC complaint was filed on a building owner out west as a result of an interfering BDA. Rumor has it that more violations are forthcoming. Battle lines are being drawn.
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From the Chief’s Corner: The Temptation of Low-Hanging Fruit
Posted on January 27, 2021
For years, I’ve sought to approach things based on Habit #2 from Stephen Covey’s book titled The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “Begin With the End in Mind.” This is about having a clear vision about the purpose of a particular task. In other words: What exactly are you looking for? What are you trying to accomplish? Another important life principle I always tried to practice and reinforce when making decisions during my career in emergency service is “What’s best for those we are here to serve?”
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Safer Buildings Coalition Helps Members Be Seen and Heard
Posted on January 27, 2021
Dear Safer Buildings Coalition Members —
Did you know that the SBC offers you a variety of ways to highlight your organization and amplify your messaging through our digital platforms?
The SBC bullhorn that can help spread the word on your organization, your products, services, thought leadership - anything you'd like to share with your fellow members and Safer Buildings Coalition's broader audience.
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Relive the Tessco-Safer Buildings Coalition Event Series
Posted on January 27, 2021
From early autumn through the first week of January, Safer Buildings Coalition and Tessco - a valued SBC member and partner – put together and presented a four-part In-Building Public Safety DAS virtual event series. To everyone who attended our events: Thank you. We hope you enjoyed the shows. And now, we have made all four events available for you to watch or relive.
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