2024 Conference Information

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The 2024 Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs 108th Annual Conference will be held October 30 - November 1, 2024 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, KS. Conference Registration ($175) includes access to all programming on Thursday, including the Thursday awards luncheon, the evening BBQ, the keynote speakers and business meeting, and the vendor expo.  A hospitality room with drinks and light snacks will be available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening at the Train Depot.

Wednesday, October 30th 

Fire Chief’s Roundtable 

9:00 am Agenda Items 

11:00 am Chief Thomas Jenkins ret., Fire Safety Research Institutes,  Preparing for NERIS 

12:00 pm Lunch at Train Depot 

1:30 pm Stephen Duerst Frederico//Duerst Consulting Group, Legislative Discussion 

2:30 Brandon Evans, Fire to Light research on mental health of fire service 

4:00 pm End 

Thursday, October 31st 

8:30 am Opening and Memorial Ceremony 

9:00 am ElectedOfficials 

9:45 am KSFFA Safer Grant 

10:30 am Cody Byrns.  Tempered by Fire.  Transformational speaker and best-selling author.  

11:45am Award Presentations and Lunch Provided 

1:15 pm Facilitated Panel Discussion 

Panel Members – Mark Engholm OSFM, Jennifer Johnson KFRTI, Shane Pearson KSFFA 

2:30 pm Chief Dennis Rubin.  KCK Fire Chief, speaker and author.

Choosing to Command – Crew Resource Management Applied to Emergency Operations 

4:30 pm Visit Vendors 

6:00pm Dinner provided at Train Depot 

Friday, November 1 

8:15 am Vendor/Network Breakfast -  

9:45 am KSFFA Funeral Assistance Team 

10:15am David Atkins, Motivational speaker and author.  One Decision Away.  Keynote 

11:30 pm David Atkins Workshop, Putting it into Practice 

12:15 pm Lunch on your own 

1:45  pm Business meeting 

3:45  pm Final Discussion 

4:00  pm Conference Closing 

Conference Hotel:

Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan
410 South 3rd Street, Manhattan KS 66502
Dates: October 29-November 2, 2024

A special room rate will be available until Friday, October 11th, 2024 or until the room block is sold-out, whichever comes first. Make reservations by phone to 785-532-9116 using group code "KSAFC" or use this link to book your conference hotel stay.

Thursday Luncheon

Participants of Thursday sessions are invited to attend the awards luncheon. Please denote any dietary restrictions as you complete the registration process and when prompted for "Special Accommodations."

Sponsors and Vendors

KSAFC is coordinating sponsorships and vendors to support and attend this conference (link below). If interested in these opportunities, please contact  - Wendy Nichols at ksafc@cityofmhk.com or (785) 587-4504. 

Sponsorship Option Details.

Refunds

Cancellations made to KFRTI before the first day of the conference will be refunded in full by KFRTI. Cancellations thereafter or conference no-shows will not be refunded by KFRTI.

Special Information:

Schedule: Every day, starting on 10/31/24 and ending on 11/1/24
Times: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CDT
Price: $175 for attendance on Thursday and Friday

REGISTER HERE       Vendor Registration - KSAFC Conference - 2024

Following a review of proposed changes to federal rules 29 CFR 1910.155 and 1915.156, the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs (KSAFC) has adopted a position of opposition to these changes. As the organization that represents chief officers from all the diverse mix of Kansas fire departments, the KSAFC is focused on the safety and health of the thousands of firefighters in our state. We applaud efforts to improve the environments and conditions which challenge our members and communities. However, if enacted as written, OSHA’s updated rule will have far reaching and potentially negative implications for how fire and related emergency services are delivered in Kansas.

Many of these proposed changes include the adoption by rule of certain National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that are typically within the discretion of the local authority having jurisdiction. One example of the potential impact can be found in NFPA 1901, which is the Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2016 Edition). NFPA 1901 calls for the replacement of fire apparatus that were either “not manufactured to the applicable NFPA fire apparatus standards or that are over 25 years old.” Many Kansas communities rely on older, but still functional fire apparatus and are not in a financial position to immediately purchase newer apparatus (nor is there likely available inventory to meet this sudden demand).

The potential fiscal and logistical challenge of updating fleets that are suddenly deemed obsolete is just one of the significant impacts of these proposed rule changes. Another is the need to provide NFPA specific medical physicals to all a department’s firefighters. Such physicals are not available in many Kansas communities and, again, the cost of such physicals may make this objective unreachable for some departments.

Again, the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs opposes the adoption of these proposed rule changes as written. We encourage the review committee to include alternative approaches within the ruleset that may represent a more practical and equally effective approach to the issues addressed. An example of this might be to include enhanced inspection processes for older fire apparatus versus the expectation for replacement once an arbitrary date is reached.

Respectfully,

Executive Board of the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs

KSAFC Supports GEMT Implementation in Kansas

The Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs (KSAFC) enthusiastically supports the implementation of the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) Public EMS Supplemental Plan. We believe this initiative will greatly benefit our communities by alleviating financial burdens on emergency medical services (EMS) agencies across the state. All the states that border Kansas have either adopted or are pursuing implementation of GEMT programs so we have real, practical examples of how this program can work in our state. States have adopted various methodologies for administering GEMT programs and we advocate following Colorado’s model for cost reporting to ensure an equitable distribution of funds.  to all eligible agencies, regardless of size, availability of resources, or location. 

The KSAFC recognizes that the reimbursement under this program is intended to benefit public EMS transporting agencies. Even with this limitation, we advocate in favor of this program because we recognize the community-wide benefits of financially healthy EMS systems. Additionally, access to GEMT-based in some areas may free up budget dollars for other city or county agencies, including fire departments.

We are in lockstep with our statewide partners to ensure the successful implementation of the GEMT Program. Our commitment is to do what is best for the Kansas fire service and the communities we serve. We urge state authorities to swiftly implement and support this program, ensuring it operates efficiently and transparently. By doing so, we can enhance emergency medical response capabilities and ensure equitable distribution of resources that benefit all Kansans.

Respectfully, 

Executive Board of the Kansas Association of Fire Chiefs

Chiefs' Roundtable Event Recap

We had a remarkable gathering at the Chiefs' Roundtable in Eudora on March 19, 2024. A heartfelt thank you to Chief Andresevits and the entire team, along with the local community, for their warm hospitality. Approximately 40 attendees engaged in vibrant discussions on pressing issues affecting our industry.

Event Highlights: The event commenced with a special Meet & Greet, setting the stage for an evening of networking. This was a great opportunity to forge new connections and strengthen existing ones, enhancing the resilience of our fire service community. The discussions were both meaningful and collaborative, aimed at reinforcing a united front in Kansas fire leadership. Everyones participation truly enriched the experience.

Discussion Focus: A key topic addressed was the proposed OSHA rule changes. Special thanks to Chief Flory from Shawnee Heights Fire District for sharing a video by NVFC to help understand the implications of these changes. We encourage everyone to review this material, as it is significant to our ongoing efforts.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to enhancing fire service leadership.

Chad Russell - KSAFC President

I am delighted to reflect on the tremendous success of our recent conference hosted by the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs. The event was a resounding triumph, thanks in no small part to the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated team and the invaluable support of our partners.

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the hardworking men and women of the Manhattan Fire Ddepartment for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in making this conference a truly exceptional experience. Their dedication to excellence was evident in every aspect, from the meticulously planned educational sessions to the seamless coordination of networking opportunities.

The educational sessions were a highlight, providing valuable insights and fostering an environment of continuous learning. Attendees had the chance to engage with cutting-edge topics, exchange knowledge, and enhance their professional skills. It was an experience that undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all who participated.

I must also express our sincere appreciation to the vendors and sponsors who played a crucial role in the success of the conference. Their support not only contributed to the overall excellence of the event but also showcased a shared commitment to the growth and advancement of our association.

For those who were unable to attend, I assure you, you missed out on an unparalleled opportunity for networking, education, and camaraderie. The connections made and knowledge gained were invaluable, and we look forward to extending these opportunities in the future.

In closing, let me reiterate my gratitude to everyone involved in making this conference a triumph. Your dedication to our association and the fire service community at large is truly commendable. As we continue to face challenges together, let this event serve as a testament to the strength and unity of our association.

Chad Russell - KSAFC President