March 29th 2008 Command Officer and General Meeting:
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Summary of 3-29-08 Water
Rescue Command Officers
Meeting at Eagle Creek Resort
We had a great turn out for the Command Officers meeting. Representatives from
deep southern Illinois as well as central and western Illinois were present,
approximately 30 command officers.
Following the agenda, Capt. Jo Tucker gave a nice presentation for command officers about K-9 teams so they have a better understanding of the desired interaction between the two groups in the field. How to evaluate a K-9 team was also discussed. The K-9 accreditation procedures previously used by the Water Rescue Association will be updated to reflect the latest in that field. Addition judges will be placed on staff to qualify dogs as needed. The approved list will be available through the Association website for member teams.
Discussion of SB 2750 was straightforward and informational. The primary concern expressed was that the original bill only allowed for “fire based” teams to benefit. The Association in conjunction with several Senators and other public safety associations were successful in lobbying for it to include all governmental entities, which authorize an underwater dive team. The second concern was the administration of the funds if the bill passed. Concerns ranged from having only one discipline (i.e. MABAS) controlling the rules concerning the release of funds and setting standards that cannot be met by many teams, thereby cutting them out of potential funding. The Association understands and agrees with these concerns. The Association position on this is that ALL STAKEHOLDER GROUPS need to be at the table to implement any rules on funding issues; additionally standards must be reasonable and obtainable by most currently functioning teams.
Coroner Lynn Reed (training Director of the IL Coroners Association gave an overview from the IL. Coroner’s Association and extended their support for our functions as well as information about the legislative process. Lynn also answered questions about death investigations in the water and the role of the Coroner as it relates with the Dive Team.
We were also given word from a representative of IDNR at the meeting that they oppose the bill. INDR’s concern was due primarily to the unfunded mandate for processing these changes, which will be costly. Also of concern was that IDNR was not approached before this bill was introduced for their imput. The Association does fully recognize the financial impact on IDNR, which is already strapped, under the current fiscal year’s budget. We believe that additional funding must be put forth to IDNR to handle this additional administrative burden.
IDNR Officer Joe Morelock put on a great boating accident investigation overview. Joe gave dive team command officers the “do’s and don’ts” at the scene of a boating accident. A detailed PowerPoint really drove the serious nature of investigations home. The state is lucky to have such a qualified boat accident reconstructionist like Joe.
Discussion was held on a 2008 IL. Public Safety Diver Conference. Items to be included where discussed and the format was planned to be over a weekend with many topics. Additional information will be forthcoming on this web site in the future.
All in all a pleasant get together to see old friends and meet new ones.
Safe and Successful Diving
Terry Trueblood – Chairman
IL Water Rescue Association
The Illinois Water Rescue Association takes the following positions on the important SB2750.
1.) The Association believes that SB2750 needs to deliver a funding stream to ALL legitimate underwater rescue/recovery teams in Illinois, not just “fire based” teams. (Respectfully).
2.) The Association believes that the administration of those funds should be delegated by IEMA to an appointed Water Rescue and Recovery Board, who shall have authority to set rules and regulations to administer this program. The membership shall be composed of (2) Members from the IL. Water Rescue Association; (1) member from the IL. Sheriff’s Association; (1) member from the IL Fire Chiefs Association; (1) member from the IL Coroner’s Association; (1) member from IL. Emergency Management Agency; (1) member IL. Department of Natural Resources- Law Enforcement Division.
These Board members shall serve six-year terms. For the initial seating terms shall be for two members with two-year terms; two members with four-year terms and three members with six-year terms decided by lottery upon seating. These members must have actual operational and or administrative experience in the field of public safety diving or closely related field.
3.) The Association believes the financial impact on the IDNR will need to be offset with monies from this special fund for the administration and collection of the proposed boating registration fees.
Terry Trueblood – Chairman
Board of Directors
IL Water Rescue Association
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Illinois Water Rescue Association
Command Officers Meeting 3-29-08
Agenda
10:30 am Opening Moment of Silence for fallen Public Safety personnel
Welcome by Terry Trueblood – overview of days activities sign in sheet
and introductions of all participants
10:45 am K-9’s and the Dive Teams - Capt. Jo Tucker Effingham Co K-9 SAR
11:00 am Update on SB 2750 - Board Members
11:30 am IL. Coroner’s Association – Coroner – Lynn Reed
12- 1p Lunch (on your own) restaurant at resort
1p Conservation Police - Boating Accidents and the Dive team role
1:45p Break
2p Conference and Fundraiser review
2:30p Close