NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
STATE FIRE MARSHALS |
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National Association of State Fire Marshals 2025-26
Officers & Board of Directors
President Michael Desrochers VT, Vice President Brian Taylor NC, Secretary/Treasure Sean Toomey NH, Directors: Mike Morgan CO, Doug Nelson ND, Tim Bean MO and Mariana Ruiz-Temple OR.
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Principal Membership
Eligibility: State Fire Marshal or equivalent in each state. Principal Members are full voting members of NASFM.
Associate Membership
Eligibility: Staff members from State Fire Marshal offices who have been appointed by the State Fire Marshal to assist with NASFM issues. Associate members are non-voting members. | |
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Over 400 registrants at the 2025 NASFM Annual Symposium in Biloxi, MS Thanks to the National Association of Fire Marshals (NASFM), National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA), and the International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA) along with our Partners and Supporters for another successful Symposium |
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President Michael Desrochers (VT-SFM) Giving the Opening Message at the Symposium |
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NASFM Monthly Leadership Exchange
Each month will consist of an educational presentation of interest and followed by an open discussion by any attendee. The calls are kept under a strict 60 minutes of duration.
The Next Virtual Call is September 18, 2025 @ 3pm Eastern
Please mark your calendars and watch for a NEW meeting invite from Executive Director Butch Browning. If you are a Principle Member and not receiving the invite, please let us know. |
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Disaster response requires seamless coordination. Understanding how local, state, and federal agencies work together is essential for delivering quick, effective assistance to your community. Knowing how insurance providers, emergency services, and relief organizations operate post-disaster ensures that your community gets the help it needs - fast.
We hope you will join us for our Disaster Leadership Conference, being held November 11-14, 2025! Learn powerful insights and strategies at this joint event hosted by the Alabama Department of Insurance, Arkansas Department of Insurance, Louisiana Department of Insurance, Mississippi Department of Insurance, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Together, we are committed to empowering local leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to prepare today to protect tomorrow.
Register Today: https://bit.ly/DisasterLeadershipConf
Hotel Rates & Availability are limited so book your room now: https://book.passkey.com/e/50912493
When: November 11-14, 2025
Beth Reiss, Communications Director, Mississippi Insurance Department (601) 359-2403
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National Association of State Fire Marshals & NFSA Respond to Tragic Assisted Living Fire in MassachusettsOn August 19th, NFSA and the National Association of State Fire Marshals issued a joint press release regarding the fatal fire at The Gabriel Hose, an assisted living facility in Fall River, MA. On the night of July 13th, 2025, a devastating fire broke out at Gabriel House. The fire that claimed the lives of ten residents and impacted the lives of countless others is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal and the District Attorney’s office. Please take the time to read the release, which was picked up by several major news outlets.
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Governor Lamont Launches Fire Safe Connecticut: A Statewide Initiative To Prevent Fires and Empower Communities
8/21/2025 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of Fire Safe CT, a collaborative Connecticut state initiative aimed at reducing the risk of fire-related tragedies through public education and local support. This effort unites state and local agencies, health care experts, and fire service professionals under a common goal: to protect Connecticut residents and their communities from the dangers of fire. “Keeping Connecticut families safe is our highest priority,” Governor Lamont said. “Fire Safe CT brings together the best of what our state has to offer – public safety, health care, and environmental expertise – to help residents stay safe and informed. It’s a model of collaboration, and I’m proud to support it.” The initiative is led by a coalition of partners, including the Connecticut Office of the State Fire Marshal, which is within the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS); the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and the Connecticut Fire Academy, which are both within the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP); and the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital. It is also being supported by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), particularly in addressing outdoor fire risks.... Full Fire Safe Connecticut Press Release Here! See the promotional Video HERE!
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From our Friends At NCOAA |
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Swing for Safety - help us save lives!  Join us on September 18, 2025, from 6–9 PM at Topgolf in Auburn Hills, MI, for the CO Safety Open. With dinner, music, raffles, and your chance at a $10,000 Hole-in-One, every swing directly supports NCOAA’s mission to end carbon monoxide poisoning. Register today, either as a player or spectator, and help us drive out CO harm, one swing at a time! Register now: https://buff.ly/Go4rqVT Want to amplify your impact? Become a sponsor or donate raffle prizes to boost awareness and support. Location: 500 Great Lakes Crossing Drive, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
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Message from Charon McNabb, President and Founder of NCOAA HERE! |
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RECOGNIZING THE VALOR OF FIRST RESPONDERS
In 2001, Congress enacted legislation that created the Public Safety Medal of Valor Award. It is considered the nation’s most prestigious recognition for public safety officials for “extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty.” The award presentation takes place at the White House with the medals presented by the President. I have had the honor of attending many of the ceremonies throughout the years with other national fire organization representatives, members of Congress, federal agency officials and other dignitaries, and each time I have been both humbled and honored to witness the event. On August 4th, the Bureau of Justice Assistance/US Department of Justice began to accept applications for the award. Each nomination will be reviewed by the selection committee of public safety leaders appointed by the President and congressional leaders. Like you, I read stories almost daily of acts of valor performed by firefighters across the nation – many of whom would be worthy of consideration for this award. But the only way they would receive consideration is if you or a colleague nominate them. My appeal to you is to share information about this award through your social media platforms. While firefighters, by nature, are humble and go about their work without commanding attention, they deserve to be recognized for their valor and willingness to serve. Only a small number of public safety officers receive the honor each year, but each one of them represents the thousands of firefighters across the nation who perform acts of valor to keep our communities safe. Bill Webb, CFSI Executive Director
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Mississippi Office of the State Fire Marshal Chief Dolan and Assistant Chief Owens had the honor of presenting a Fallen Heroes Scholarship check from Chris Roberts, President of Global Health & Safety, to New Albany resident Sarah Shoup. Sarah is attending Northeast Community College, majoring in nursing. She is the daughter of the late John Shoup, who was a fire fighter at Ashland Volunteer Fire Department.
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During the ceremony, NASFM honored outstanding contributions to fire safety and protection: President’s Award: Presented to North Carolina Fire Marshal Brian Taylor by OmniShield. Marshall Taylor and his team led pivotal initiatives, including hosting the historic NASFM Community Risk Reduction Summit that brought together hundreds of fire prevention specialists. His leadership during Hurricane Helene’s devastation, deploying nearly 1,000 firefighters and 173 apparatus, exemplifies dedicated emergency response — notably through public-private partnerships that enhanced communication and vital resources. Olin Green Outstanding Fire Prevention Service Award: Awarded to Chief Shane Ray, President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association. Chief Ray’s extensive career includes roles as fire chief, mayor, and South Carolina State Fire Marshal. A passionate advocate for proactive codes and standards, Chief Ray champions the lifesaving power of fire sprinkler systems, inspiring countless first responders and fire safety advocates. Norman Y. Meatta Transportation Safety Award for Outstanding Service: Recognized the American Petroleum Institute’s unwavering commitment to pipeline safety education. Through their partnership, over 300,000 emergency responders have been trained in pipeline emergency response, significantly enhancing first responder readiness. Leadership in Emergency Response Award (LIRA): Sponsored by ExxonMobil Pipeline Company and awarded to Fire Chief Todd Parker of Ward 6 Fire Department in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Chief Parker’s exemplary response to a recent pipeline incident in Sulphur, LA, employed all recommended protocols to effectively mitigate the situation — a textbook example of leadership in action. In addition, President Desrochers presented Awards of Excellence to NASFM Chief Deputy Gary West and the North Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Media and A/V Team for their outstanding service and dedication. Chief Butch Browning, Executive Director (see photo's below)
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NASFM President's Hall of Fame Award Marshal Brian Taylor, NC State Fire Marshal & NASFM VP
Sponsored by Chris Roberts, President of Global Safety & Health Companies & Brands, & manufacturer of the OmniShield Home Safe Network |
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NASFM Olin Greene Outstanding Fire Prevention Service Award Shane Ray, NFSA President & Former SC State Fire Marshal |
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Norman Y Mineta Transportation Safety Award for Outstanding Service
The American Petroleum Institute (API)
Accepting this award for API is Mr. Sam Minifie, also Mr. Nic Medina, NASFM Chief of Industry and Energy Affairs.
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Leadership in Emergency Response Award (LIRA) Fire Chief Todd Parker, Ward 6 Fire Department Sponsored by ExxonMobil and Presented by Michael Smith, ExxonMobil
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NASFM Award Of Excellence
North Carolina - OSFM Conference Support Team Chief Deputy Fire Marshal, Rob Roegner, Chief of Operations Joe Starling Adam Blythe, GIS/ Supervisor of Comms team Shane Palmer, Logistical Director Jake Mason, AV tech Shannon Bullock, Public Affairs Director. |
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NASFM Award Of Excellence Gary L. West, NASFM Deputy Chief & Life Member |
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NC OSFM Special Recognition for Assistance on Hurricane Helene Disaster in North Carolina U.S. Fire Pumps & Chris Ferrara |
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August 15 From NASFM. Our tech companies - Aztek Fire Safety (AFS) and DBSysgraph (DBS) - had the pleasure of presenting the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) a check for $60,000 at its national conference this week at Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS. Our Affinity Partnership with NASFM is growing and it is laser focused on keeping communities safe while saving time and money for agencies.
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Special thanks to Shane Palmer, Photographer / NCOSFM @ShanePalmer/NCOSFM.GOV Credit for all Symposium Photographs in this Newsletter |
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Special Event Planning Request John Regan, retired FDNY & NASFM Partner on one of our recent projects is asking for help from SFMO in certain states. He is part of a group that are in the early stages of organizing a cross-country bike ride for next year to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Along the way, we plan to raise funds that will be directed toward training and equipment needs for fire departments in the towns and cities along our route.
As part of the planning process, I’d like to connect with local fire departments to better understand their specific needs so we can shape our proposal accordingly. The tentative route will pass through the following states, and as the details develop, I will be able to share an exact course: Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota / South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania
If you have any contacts within departments in these areas, I would be grateful if you could share them with me. Please let me know if you’d like additional details about the mission or our goals—I’d be glad to provide more information. Please email: John at jregan301@aol.com
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Send stories and info for the Newsletter to Gary@browning.red
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FIRE MARSHALS
PHONE: 225-806-0803 ADDRESS: PO Box 1224, Brusly, LA 70719
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