NFPA Conference & Expo

NFPA looks back at the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919

 
In 1915, construction ended on a massive tank that towered over Boston’s North End. Situated along Boston Harbor, next to the city’s most densely populated neighborhood, the steel structure stood 50 feet (15 meters) tall, was 90 feet (27 meters) in diameter, and held more than 2 million gallons (8 million liters) of molasses. When it was distilled into industrial alcohol, it became an ingredient for World War I munitions, particularly explosives. The structure was as solid as the industry it represented. Or so it seemed.

In the new issue of NFPA Journal®, our member magazine, staff writer Fred Durso, Jr., takes a look back at the bizarre tale of a deadly wave of molasses that decimated a Boston neighborhood in 1919, and prompted nationwide construction safeguards. The article features a video interview (produced by NFPA's Bob Finn) with Stephen Puleo, author of the book "Dark Tide", who takes us on a tour of Boston’s North End neighborhood, where he highlights areas affected by the molasses flood.

Stephen Puleo will be hosting an Educational Session at this year's Conference about the Molasses Flood on Monday, June 13 from 11:00-12:00pm, followed by a book signing of "Dark Tide" from 12:30-2:30pm  in the Expo Hall.

- Mike Hazell

"Flames & Faces" Author BIll Noonan to Host Book Signing at 2011 Conference & Expo

The 2011 NFPA Conference & Expo will be hosting another author book signing at this year's event in Boston! (News about other author book signings can be found here.)

“Flames & Faces” by Bill Noonan, Boston Fire Department’s chief photographer, is a remarkable collection of spectacular shots capturing exuberance, dedication, courage, pain, and even humor. A tribute to all members of the fire service. 

Bill Noonan will be autographing his book on Monday, June 13, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Expo Hall. Mark your calendars!

-Lauren Backstrom

New York Times Bestselling Author to Host Keynote Speech & Book Signing

The 2011 NFPA Conference & Expo General Session will be held on Sunday, June 12^th from 1:00-3:00pm. Following remarks from NFPA’s Chairman of the Board, Thomas W. Jaeger, and the President’s Report given by James M. Shannon, the session will conclude with this year’s Keynote Speaker.

Daniel Gilbert, PhD will present the keynote address in Boston, titled “The Science of Happiness.” Professor Gilbert is a Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and author of Stumbling on Happiness. He has won numerous awards for his research and teaching and was the host and co-writer of the award-winning PBS television series This Emotional Life which drew 10 million viewers.

As if this weren’t exciting enough, following his address, a book signing will take place in Expo Hall A from 3:30-4:30pm. Professor Gilbert’s book, Stumbling on Happiness spent 25 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into 30 languages.

Have you read Stumbling on Happiness yet? Pick up a copy before this year’s Conference and be sure to make your way to his keynote speech and book signing!

-Lauren

USFA's Kelvin Cochran to return to Atlanta fire service

U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran, who on Tuesday was the featured speaker at our Conference and Expo here in Las Vegas, is returning to his previous position as fire chief in Atlanta. Paul Peluso of Firehouse.com is reporting this morning that Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has selected Chief Cochran to lead his fire department, choosing him over Atlanta's Interim Chief Joel Baker and Deputy Chief Brenda Willis.

See our coverage of Chief Cochran's address at the NFPA meeting.

- Mike Hazell

All fired up: USFA’s Kelvin Cochran gives impassioned speech

“Becoming fully involved” was a phrase repeated countless times by U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran, who spoke during today’s NFPA Featured Presentation.

“Because of the challenges we are going through as a nation, no one organization or individual has enough resources, influence, or credibility to achieve its mission alone,” he said. “Due to a tough, economic famine: we are now forced to collaborate and establish partnerships…if we are going to make an impact on protecting lives and property.”

Mr. Cochran outlined eight initiatives that coincide with the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA) new strategic plan. One of them initiated applause by the audience: “For the first time, USFA was given permission by President Obama to become an advocate for residential sprinklers,” he said, and referred to USFA’s advocacy campaign "Install. Inspect. Protect."

Another initiative is the development of a vulnerability assessment used by local fire departments to analyze risks in their communities. USFA will also emphasize emergency preparedness and analyze how federal grants have enhanced the protection of life and property. Other inititiaves involve increasing the number of jurisdictions who use the National Fire Incident Reporting System, and offering more professional development at the federal, state, and local level were also top priorities.

Mr. Cocharn added that the USFA will develop a slate of courses to improve emergency medical service systems and upgrade the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland to accommodate 300 additional students.

Despite these goals, he urged the audience to highlight the more immediate—and smaller—victories in their communities. “It’s important for us to realize that during the tough times, we have to continue to work and build our credibility and character internally and externally,” said Mr. Cochran.

For more information about Mr. Cochran, read our recent article in NFPA Journal.

- Fred Durso, Jr. 

42 years and counting

NFPA President Jim Shannon met up with NFPA Member Nathaniel Addleman of Hughes Associates from Houston Texas. Nat is chair of the Aviation Section and has been a member of NFPA for 42 years! The Aviation Section hosted a special symposium at this year's conference.