INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA -- 04/10/08 --
ARA Safety Inc. announced today the formation of the ARA Life Safety Council with James A. Burns, the New York State Fire Administrator, as the founding Chair.
"The ARA Life Safety Council will play a key role in advancing ARA Safety's vision of reducing loss to life and property through thought leadership and innovation," said ARA Safety CEO James Fierro. "We are honored to have the distinguished leadership of James A. Burns as chair."
Fierro said that the Life Safety Council will apply the collective knowledge and experience of leading life safety professionals and volunteers from all aspects of fire and life safety. He said that the Council will play a leadership role in:
- innovations and inventions in life safety technology,
- advancements in life safety regulations,
- engaging communities and corporations in life safety, and
- supporting first responders in the use of life safety technology.
"Every day, our innovative Fire Interruption Technology (FIT), fire retardant paints and coatings, and photoluminescent materials are reducing loss to life and property, while helping our environment," said Fierro. "The Life Safety Council is one more way that ARA Safety is working to make communities and families safer."
ARA Safety CEO James Fierro made the announcement and introduced James Burns to life safety industry and academic leaders at FDIC 2008, the world's largest firefighter training exposition.
Burns said he was honored to be involved with a company whose vision is to reduce loss to life and property. "ARA Safety's Fire Interruption Technology is already making firefighting safer. ARA's Life Safety Council will move the entire life safety field forward with innovative thinking and leadership."
Jack McGee, Dan Caffrey and Pat Garvey will serve on the Council (bio's attached) and additional members will be recruited in the coming weeks.
BACKGROUNDER
About ARA Safety
ARA Safety is a world leader in innovative fire and life safety technology. ARA Safety's revolutionary FIT-5 fire knock down tools are saving lives and reducing property loss in cities across North America.
ARA Safety's fire and life safety technologies include installed Fire Interruption Technology systems; the Zero Combustion line of fire proof sprays, paints and coatings, and a leading line of Photoluminescent products. ARA Safety's technologies have been used by NASA, the Pentagon, the United States Military and are featured prominently on the Vancouver Shangri-La. ARA Safety Inc. is based in Vancouver, Canada.
Life Safety Council Member Biographies
James A. Burns, Chair
James A. Burns began his career in life safety in 1961, when he joined the Verplanck Fire Department, where he served all line offices and was chief officer from 1979-1984. For 10 years, he served as the Fire Commissioner of the District, including 2 years as Chairman of the Commission.
In 1995, Jim Burns was appointed New York State Fire Administrator, serving 12 years. Burns is the Past President of Westchester County Firefighters Association, Westchester Fire Chief's Association, Hudson Valley Firemen's Association, and of the Board of Trustees of Firemen's Home in Hudson New York. Jim Burns is also the Past President of the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), and is currently serving as ex official member of the Board at this time.
Jim Burns is presently serving on the Board of Directors of the National Professional Qualifications System (Pro Board). He is a member of the IAFC, IAAI, and the NFPA.
Dan Caffrey
With 55 years of experience in the FDNY Dan Caffrey brings not only on scene experience, but as Deputy State Fire Administrator for the State of New York, a perspective of leadership as well.
As part of the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Dan is responsible for special operations command regarding technical security issues; hazardous materials unit research and weapons of mass destruction programs; first line of supervisors program issues; Bureau of Training issues and programs.
In revamping all existing NYS fire training programs to meet National Certification Standards and to conform with National Fire Protection Association Standards, as well as designing Fire Protection Standards for the Empire State Plaza; Dan displays vast knowledge of what it takes to execute concepts on scene and transition fire fighters from knowledge to skill.
With 6 citations of Heroic Actions in Performance of duty with the FDNY, and the FDNY Fire Commissioner Citation for "Unique and extraordinary commitment to Fire Department City of New York," Dan Caffrey brings experience, leadership and high standards of professionalism.
Jack McGee
Currently serving as President and CEO of the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Jack serves on a variety of civic, business and educational bodies representing charities, community provincial, national and international interests including the association of Canadian Communiity Colleges; BC College Presidents; Chair, Educational Division, United Way Campaign Cabinet; Director of Secretary Treasurer, Vancouver Board of Trade; Chair, New Westminister Spirit of BC Community Committee; on the advisory board, Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness.
Following a career as a navy and air force pilot in the Canadian Forces, Jack served as Dean of Science and Technology at George Brown College, Toronto (1992-4) and President of St. Clair College, Windsor, Ontario (1994-2000).
Jack has received numerous awards and was a member of the President's Roundtable (2005) at the University of Oxford.
Patrick J. Garvey
Currently the Chairman of the Cavalry Security Group and its subsidiaries, Pat Garvey was the President of the National Maritime Historical Society of New York. He was the City Manager and Commissioner of Public Safety for the City of Peekskill, NY from 1997 to 2000. He also was a member of the Executive Committee of the New York Municipal Officers Association for Westchester County.
Pat Garvey is a career Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) officer. In 1986, he joined New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (NYS DMNA). He is the Past President of the Military Association of New York.
Pat Garvey has been an advisor and consultant on defense issues to the Department of Defense, the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, and the Institute of Defense Analysis and the Swedish Ministry of Defense. He was twice awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the U.S. Marine Corps and two Conspicuous Service Medals and a Meritorious Service Medal by the State of New York.
Before entering state service in 1986, Pat was the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the Rockefeller University in New York City from January 1978. Earlier, he was a vice president of the Foreign Policy Association and the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction. From 1961 through 1967, he served in several administrative capacities at his alma mater, Manhattan College, where his last position was as Director of Planning and Institutional Research.
Contacts:
ARA Safety Inc.
Michael Gardiner
(778) 836-2108
Website: www.arasafety.com
