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In This Issue
NBFAA News
Congressman Vito Fossella to Speak at NBFAA Fall Conference
Enjoy Breakfast With Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY), sponsor of the NBFAA-endorsed Congressional legislation, H.R.4460, “The College Life Safety and Fire Protection Act.”
Hear how NBFAA worked with Congressman Vito to achieve a major legislative victory in securing passage of H.R. 4460 as an amendment to a larger higher education bill on the floor of the House of Representatives. NBFAA's legislative team worked with Rep. Fossella’s office to include a scaled down version of the legislation “The College Life Safety and Fire Protection Act,” H.R.4460 into the larger bill, H.R.609, “The Higher Education Act” amendments. The Education and the Workforce Committee leadership permitted the grant program to be included in a larger $40 million program of grants administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Meet the Congressman in person and thank him for his support of this important legislation which has the potential to save lives!
NBFAA Continues AMPS Deadline Extension Request to the Congress
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Working with the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), NBFAA has sought to generate congressional support for an extension to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sunset date for Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) from February 2008 to 2010. Letters to the FCC chairman and select commissioners have been secured by NBFAA from members of the House of Representatives, and before Congress adjourns this October more House and Senate letters of support will be sought to bolster the AICC’s FCC filing. |
NBFAA has also been working with other members of the industry to engage certain members of Congress to support these efforts. For example, ADT provides free analog panic buttons to battered women, which is one of the groups specifically recognized by the FCC as needing protection from the adverse effects of the AMPS sunset. NBFAA will seek support for the extension from the 47 Congressional members of the Women’s Caucus concerning the impact on domestic violence victims.
This fall, NBFAA will also seek to include report language in the House Science, State, Justice Commerce and Senate Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations Bill (HR 5672) directing the FCC to extend the sunset date.
Members are reminded that there is no guarantee that the AMPS deadline will be extended, and even if the extension is successful, it is only a matter of time before AMPS will no longer be supported. Start now to make plans to change equipment and notify customers. Go the Members Only section of www.alarm.org for sample customer letters. Additional information on AMPS is available in the Government Relations section of the online NBFAA Information Center.
Finally, members are urged to continue efforts aimed at influencing the FCC through contact with their elected officials at the federal level.
Alarm History 101: Training Raises Professional Standards
Editor’s Note: The Alarm Industry has an illustrious and interesting history going back more than 100 years. Many do not know the history of the industry that they have chosen as a profession. Because of this we have decided to include a brief look in Member Update at some of the events that have shaped the alarm industry into what it has become today. Alarm History 101 provides information on the path the industry has taken and of the ideas that have impacted it. If you have questions about our industry’s history you would like answered send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org.
NBFAA’s National Training School (NTS) promised to raise professionalism in the industry more than any other program. The association initiated the training effort in March 1985, using instructors and lesson plans donated by the Alarm Association of Florida. Three months later, NBFAA hired Mike Rolf to serve as fulltime vice president and director of training. NBFAA developed a training course for installers, along with a program to test and certify instructors. At the outset, the training school offered only the basic level of training geared toward installers with at least three months of experience.
 At Long Last - NBFAA's National Training School opened its doors in 1985, filling a long-standing industry need. Above, students attend one of the first Level 1 classes. In its first five years, the schools graduated 7,000 students. |
The training was offered through NBFAA chapters with the first two-day course conducted in March 1985 by the Illinois Burglar & Fire Alarm Association for 55 students. Whenever a chapter wanted a training program, it worked with NBFAA to set a date, train instructors and notify installers that a course was coming to their region. By 1991, more than 7,000 Level I certificates had been awarded.
NBFAA certified a special training program for entry-level installers in 1988, which was conducted by a training firm, Henkels & McCoy, Inc., of Blue Bell, Pa. This course was much more intensive: 350 hours of instruction over 10 weeks. Most of the training was practical, hands-on instruction with alarm systems. Before they were accepted, applicants were also screened for basic reading and math skills and given a background check. This program was introduced at a time when entry-level job applicants were growing scarce due to demographic trends. Nearly all of the graduates from the first course in 1988 immediately found alarm company jobs.
NBFAA began to introduce its Level II courses in 1990. Level II was designed for installers with a Level I certificate and at least 18 months on the job. The courses covered specific applications, such as advanced electronics, closed circuit television, fire alarms, Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) standards and advanced service techniques. A special advisory board was instrumental in determining the course content. It included representatives from UL, Security Industry Association and alarm service companies. To keep installers trained, the school introduced requirements for continuing education units (CEUs), and installers were required to earn 12 CEUs each year to retain their certificate. They could obtain the CEUs by attending the technical seminars often held at chapter meetings and ISC Expos. The success of the NBFAA training school was due to the many chapter volunteers who became instructors and otherwise supported the program.
NTS filled a gaping void. Until its formation, training opportunities were available on a piecemeal basis from various technical schools, sometimes developed as an afterthought by instructors whose primary field was locksmithing or electrical work. The NBFAA school made training available nationwide, using a curriculum developed by the industry. In short, it was one of the most significant achievements of NBFAA in its history.
Source: A History of Alarm Security Copyrighted by NBFAA 1979, 1980, and 1991.
Business Courses Offered by NTS
NBFAA and its cutting-edge content partners bring you one of the largest skills course libraries available on the Internet.
This online skills course library contains more than 2,500 business courses and provides professional, technical and desktop application software courses, on your schedule, when you need it, right at your own computer. Make learning fun and interesting with interactive questions and simulations. Quality content and graphics provide in-depth training for all levels of students.
What Are You Waiting For? Sign Up for Training Classes Today
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With greater competition and ever changing technology you can’t afford to miss these training opportunities. Complete course descriptions and schedules for 2006 are available at www.alarm.org in the Professional Development section. Interested individuals in states where NTS is not currently offered should contact NTS. |
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Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician
Sept. 13 – 15 – Syracuse, N.Y.
Sept. 16 – 17 – Montevallo, Ala.
Sept. 16 -17 – LaPlace, La.
Sept. 28 – 29 – Charleston, S.C.
Central Station Training
Sept. 16 – Nashville, Tenn.
Certified Alarm Technician (Level 1)
Sept. 8 – 10 – Monroe, La.
Sept. 11 – 13 – Gaithersburg, Md.
Sept. 13 – 15 – Doraville, Ga.
Sept. 15 – 17 – Gulfport, Miss.
Sept. 20 – 22 – Buffalo, N.Y.
Sept. 26 – 28 – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Sept. 27 – 29 – Charleston, S.C.
Fire Alarm Installation Methods
Sept. 7 – 8 – Elk Grove Village, Ill.
Sept. 7 – 8 – Brookfield, Wis.
Sept. 14 – 15 – Gaithersburg, Md.
Networking 101
Sept. 19 – 20 – Louisville, Ky.
Understanding Alarm Systems
Sept. 23 – LaPlace, La.
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Ready, Set, Go to the NBFAA Fall Conference
The NBFAA Fall Conference and Charted State Association (CSA) Symposium is rapidly approaching. Register early and take advantage of member discounts.
The conference begins on Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Sheraton Suites in Weehawken, N.J. and ends on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, N.Y.
Conference highlights include the semi-annual Chartered State Association (CSA) Symposium followed by a member reception on Sunday. On Monday members will be able to Breakfast With Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY) and attend the annual Leadership Awards Luncheon at Ruth’s Chris. Of course there will be committee meetings and a Board of Directors meeting as well. NBFAA and NYBFAA will both have booths at ISC East so be sure to stop by Booths 2379 and 2380. And don’t forget to check out the Tri-Association Awards Dinner where NBFAA will help honor Charles Darsch as the 2006 Triton Award Recipient. Make your reservations early online at www.siaonline.org. The deadline for reservations is Oct. 6.
Members are encouraged to take advantage of member discounts by staying at the Sheraton Suites and flying on American Airlines. A ferry, located right outside the Sheraton Suites will transport members to the ISC East Expo at the Jacob Javits Center across the Hudson River in New York City.
For a complete schedule, discount codes and to register online visit NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org.
In addition to the NBFAA Fall Conference, NBFAA’s Calendar Highlights also includes special events and annual conventions hosted by CSAs around the country. Check out the events near you in each issue of Member Update and on the NBFAA Web site at www.alarm.org. To get your event added send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org. Be sure to include a description of the event along with the dates.
In addition to Member Update’s NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights, you can stay informed through the online calendar located in the Information Center at www.alarm.org.
Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
Western Washington Chapter Meeting
Sept. 12, 2006
Barnaby’s Restaurant
Tukwila, Wash.
Wisconsin Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
Annual Golf Outing
Sept. 12, 2006
Christmas Mountain Village Golf Course
Illinois Electronic Security Association
How Will VoIP & AMPS Affect Your Business
Sept. 13, 2006
The Wellington of Arlington
Gordon Hope, vice president, Marketing and Business Development for Honeywell will cover Advanced Mobile Phone System. Lou Fiore, consultant and past president of the Central Station Alarm Association will cover Voice over Internet Protocol.
Free IP Reader Technology Webinar
The Latest in IP Reader Technology Webinar
Sept. 14, 2006
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST
Advances in access control technology are transforming the security industry. Customers using networks to manage business data are demanding the same tools to manage physical security. First came Internet Protocol (IP) Video devices. Now, IP Reader-Controllers are available to control door functions and provide a stream of valuable data on access activity. This is your chance to familiarize yourself with IP Reader technology - from the convenience of your computer. Click here for more information and to register.
Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
Eastern Washington Chapter Meeting
Sept. 19, 2006
Spokane Club
The WBFAA will host Jordan Biltoft and his parents. Biltoft was the first place winner of the Scholarship for Children of Law Enforcement and Fire Service Personnel. He also was co-winner of the NBFAA Youth Scholarship Program.
WISE Networking Event
Women in Security Electronics Networking Event
Sept. 25, 2006
San Diego Convention Center
Women in Security Electronics have planned a special networking at this year’s ASIS convention. The event is open to all security professionals.
Prospective members and sponsoring companies can learn more about the benefits of membership, upcoming events, and sponsorship levels by visiting the Web site at www.womeninsecurityelectronics.com.
Indiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
2006 IBFAA Golf Outing
Sept. 27, 2006
Links Golf Club
If you have any questions please contact Kristen Valenti (317) 334-1906 and visit www.linksindy.com for course info and directions.
South Carolina Alarm Association
SCAA 2006 Trade Show
Sept. 27 - 29, 2006
Charleston Riverview Hotel
Charleston, S.C.
Attendees will enjoy a golf tournament, training classes, roundtable discussions and trade show. For more information, contact Gabrielle
at (803) 252-0580.
Tennessee Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
2006 TBFAA Annual Convention & Trade Show
Oct. 11-13, 2006
Park Vista Hotel
Gatlinburg, Tenn.
The annual event will also feature a sporting clay tournament, golf tournament, trade show, eight continuing education hours, annual meeting, luncheon, and casino party.
For information on exhibiting or dealer registration, please contact Penny Brooks, TBFAA executive director, at TBFAAexdir@aol.com or at (615) 791-9590.
Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
12th Annual Security Show
Mirabeau Park Hotel
Oct. 13, 2006
Spokane, Wash..
This is the most cost effective opportunity for you to promote your products to a large population of Pacific northwest dealers.
- Golf and President’s Reception—October 12
- Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—October 13
- Hotel Room: (509) 924-9000
2006 NBFAA Fall Conference
2006 Fall Conference and Chartered State Symposium
Sheraton Suites on the Hudson
Oct. 22 – 23, 2006
Weehawken, N.J.
NBFAA’s Fall Conference, which will be held Oct. 22 and 23 at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson in Weehawken, N.J., will include the Chartered State Association Symposium, annual Leadership Awards Luncheon, Board of Directors meeting, committee meetings and a member reception. Make plans now to attend this annual event. Conference updates and registration information are available at www.alarm.org.
2006 Tri-Association Awards Dinner
Razamataz and All That Jazz: The 2006 Tri-Association Awards Dinner
Cipriani’s 23rd Street, New York City
Oct. 24, 2006
7:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
The joint will be jumping as NBFAA, the Security Industry Association and the Central Station Alarm Association get together to honor Charles Darsch, the 2006 Triton Award Recipient. Make your reservations early online at www.siaonline.org. The deadline for reservations is Oct. 6.
Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association
10th Annual Convention & Trade Show
Nov. 14-16, 2006
The Pontchartrain Center
Kenner, La.
The 10th Annual Convention and Trade Show will include training opportunities for members to earn continuing education units, as well as networking during the trade show. The chapter will also host a golf tournament to benefit the state’s Youth Scholarship Program. What better way to meet various industry peers and gain global knowledge?
CAA Winter Conference
2006 CAA Winter Convention & Western States Security Conference
Dec. 7 – 9, 2006
Crowne Plaza, San Francisco
Chapter News
Mississippi Chapter Holds Successful Trade Show; Elects Officers
During the annual Mississippi Alarm Association (MAA) trade show and convention, held Aug. 17, members elected new officers.
The 2007 MAA officers are: President Don Williams, All Safe Technologies; Northern Vice-President Harold Moore, ALCO Systems; Central Vice-President Lewis McCray, Integrity Systems; Southern Vice-President Ray Hightower, All Safe Technologies; Secretary/Treasurer Rusty Rumley, A-1 Detectives; Associate Board Member Woody Woodham, Honeywell; Legislative Chair James Mason, Berkley Enterprises; and Education Chair Woody Woodham, Honeywell. Each member will serve a one-year term.
The show was “one of the best attended that we have ever had,” said new MAA President Williams.
“This was the first year for licensing in our state so that generated an enormous amount of interest in the event,” added Williams.
The event included a golf tournament, trade show and four training courses. A members-only meeting was also held and attended by State Senator Nolan Mettetal, and State Fire Marshall Ricky Davis. Mettetal was instrumental in passing Mississippi’s licensing legislation and Davis’s office will be the enforcement agency. More information on Mississippi’s licensing and an application is available online at www.alarm.org in the Members Only section.
Williams showered MAA Executive Director Shelley Pettit with accolades saying, “Without her assistance we wouldn’t have had a show.”
Pettit however, commended her entire staff for the success of the show. “We’ve had a great response from vendors,” she said. “Everyone said how nicely done it was and how pleased they were with the turnout and that credit goes to everyone involved.”
Washington BFAA Combines Local Chapters
The Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association announced the combining of two local chapters. The South Sounds and North Sounds chapters have been combined into the Western Washington Chapter.
The new chapter’s meeting date will still be the second Tuesday of each month but the meeting place has changed in an effort to have a better attended and more productive meeting. The chapter will now meet at Barnaby’s Restaurant in Tukwila, Wash. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 12 and the cost is $20.
New York Chapter Encourages Members to Hire Veterans
The New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NYBFAA), along with Richard Cantor, president of Amerigard Alarm & Security in New York, have gone an extra step in supporting veterans by encouraging companies to hire individuals returning to civilian life..
“Thousands of veterans return from Iraq, Afganistan and other assignments and are out there looking for jobs,” Cantor said.
Cantor explained that in many situations there are tax credits and other incentives available to companies which hire vets. Companies can start by contacting their state’s Department of Veterans Affairs or Labor Department.
Member News
NBFAA Member Gives Back to Community, Reaches Out for Help
NBFAA member companies are closely tied to their communities. Many of their neighbors are also their customers. Many of their customers are also close friends and family. It is these deep roots in the local community that lead many NBFAA members to give up their free time to volunteer.
Jon Sargent, of TYCO/ADT, and president of the California Alarm Association (CAA), chooses to give up much of his spare time to teach the young men of California how to sail.
“I got involved when my son was 12 years old; I thought it was a good way to spend time with him,” Sargent said.
He and his son began sailing on their own and later joined the Sea Scouts. No formal organization and a serious lack of funding lead Sargent to help found the Northland Nautical Foundation which promotes and raises funds for the Sea Scout program.
Through the foundation’s efforts the Sea Scouts now have use of several vessels including a 102-foot U.S. Navy torpedo retriever formerly known as the USS Phoenix. The foundation purchased the boat at auction and renamed it the Northland. The Sea Scouts also have access to several sailboats, a 36-foot cruiser, rowing boats and small skiffs.
“The kids have access to a huge variety of boats and vessels for learning everything about maritime skill, but the big ship is their crown jewel,” Sargent said.
Their crown jewel, however, is more than 25 years old and in desperate need of engine repairs. During a training cruise in 2005 the Northland suddenly lost the use of the starboard engine. An examination determined that the 16 cylinder engine was severely damaged as a result of a previous engine failure while the ship was in service as a U.S. Navy vessel.
The only solution was to remove the engine from the ship, replace part of the damaged block and crankshaft, and completely rebuild the engine. Sargent has estimated the cost of the repairs at $15,000.
The foundation has received several donations including warehouse, fork lift, support beams and working space from the Port of Richmond. “But we’re still in desperate need for some funding. We take every hand-out we can,” Sargent said.
The foundation has already purchased a used engine block which will be used to rebuild the engine and the crankshaft has been removed and sent to a shop in Oakland for evaluation and repair.
After purchasing the engine block the foundation is completely out of funds and cannot afford some basic engine parts needed to get the ship running again. One quote for parts is more than $8,000. That does not include the cost for the crankshaft repairs, which is unknown, or the cost for additional parts that may be needed when putting the engine back together.
The engine repairs haven’t been all bad news though. The young men in the Sea Scouts have been given a great opportunity and insight into the engineering of a large vessel.
“The kids do all the work under supervision. They get hands-on experience on what it takes to build and repair one of these engines,” Sargent said.
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The Sea Scouts program serves young men from the ages of 14 to 18 and has junior officers between the ages of 18 to 21. Through the Northland, as well as a variety of small boats, the program provides hands-on training in boating safety, boat handling, navigation, seamanship, engineering, welding, vessel maintenance, teamwork, and leadership. Several former Northland Sea Scouts are presently attending the California Maritime Academy, serving in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, and working on commercial vessels throughout the country. “They just breeze through training and boot camp,” Sargent said. |
If you would like to make a donation to the Northland Sea Scouts visit their Web site at http://hometown.aol.com/sssnorthland
Tri-Ed Opens New Branch, Holds Event for Customers
Tri-ed Distribution announced the opening of a new branch location in Pennsauken, N.J. The branch, just outside Philadelphia, is fully stocked and offers same day shipping to the entire New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware region.
More than 175 Tri-Ed Southern California customers were treated to a “Night at the Races,” an appreciation event held July 20 at the Los Alamitos Race Track. Tri-ed intends to continue this industry event annually.
Member Benefit Spotlight
NET1 Offers NBFAA Members Electronic Payment Solutions
Network 1 Financial Corporation |
Revitalize your receivables through automatic billing with Network 1 Financial Corporation (NET1), a supplier of electronic check (ACH) payment processing, merchant accounts, and merchant accounting services. Key benefits include:
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Member Product News
BOSCH Introduces New Disk Arrays, Offers Web-Based Access
Bosch Security Systems has recently released two disk array platforms for high capacity digital video storage and a Web-based Access Easy Controller (AEC).
According to Bosch, the Digital Video Storage Array (DVSA) Premium series allows for high-speed recording, high-performance playback, uninterruptible reliability and massive capacities in the closed circuit television market. The DVSA array may be used with Bosch Divar, DiBos or Bosch Video over Internet protocol (BVIP) network video recorder solutions.
The Web-based AEC system offers customers the features of a Web server and the functionality of an access control system – all in one complete unit. The Web-based system does not require any special software. Instead, the AEC uses standard browsers such as Netscape, Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, and works on any operating system, including Mac and Windows. It’s a network-ready system that connects to any network via an Ethernet port and operates over any Ethernet network. Remote connection can also be established with a standard dial-up serial modem.
DMP Releases 1100 Series Key Fobs
Digital Monitoring Products has released the 1100 Series of two-way wireless key fobs for ease of system operation in three versions: 4-button, 2-button, and 1-button.
DMP two-way wireless key fobs have nine programming options and a light-emitting diode (LED) that immediately confirms that the system has been armed or disarmed, or that a panic signal has been sent.
Industry News You Can Use
Fines to Follow False Alarms in Leawood City, Kan.
Johnson County Sun
Leawood City Council decided unanimously Aug. 7 to start fining residents after the third false alarm at a house or business.
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Computer Security: Compromised Data Can Ruin a Small Business
The Decatur Daily
You put on the fake moustache, sneak into your doctor's office and get the Viagra prescription. The doctor won't tell, so your secret's safe. Unless, that is, a wardriver in the parking lot has his laptop and antenna ready to tap the medical business's wireless computer network inside. That's bad news for you and bad news for the business you trusted to protect your private information.
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Small Businesses Ready to Invest in Constant Connectivity
Business Wire
After years of lagging behind large corporations, small and medium-sized businesses are poised for major investment and adoption of wireless handset technology and mobile data services to help increase their workforce productivity. According to a new Yankee Group survey, 60 percent of all small business owners have already implemented or are planning on deploying a mobile data solution over a wireless -- also known as cellular -- network. This reflects a significant jump in wireless adoption plans when compared to a 2005 survey asking the same question, where 54 percent of respondents said they would not implement a wireless program.
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Congress Considers Part of VoIP Consumer Notification
SDM Magazine
Congress has heard part of the message about consumer notification of potential alarm malfunctions when switching to Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) telephone equipment, but not all of it.
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Editor’s Note: To learn what you can do about VoIP go to the Information Center at www.alarm.org. Additional information is also available in the Members Only section.
NBFAA and Members in the News
Recent Press Releases
NBFAA Chapter Leaders to Present Best Practices during CSA Symposium
Attendees at this fall’s NBFAA Chartered State Association (CSA) Symposium will have an opportunity on Oct. 22 to participate in a best practices discussion with their colleagues from across the association and the nation.
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NBFAA Members Awarded Free Trip to Las Vegas
Chris Mack, ADI branch manager, Teterboro, N.J., and Scott Fischbein owner of Scott Security Systems, Edison, N.J., were the winners of the NBFAA’s Mission Possible: Member Get A Member Campaign.
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For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
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