SIAC EXPANDS MISSION TO INCLUDE FIRE ALARMS
Retired Fire Chief Luther Fincher to assist cities with alarm ordinances
FRISCO, Texas (March 12, 2008) – The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) announced today an amendment to their mission statement which will expand the scope of their alarm ordinance support to include cities across the United States considering the creation or improvement of a fire alarm ordinance. To oversee the new endeavor, SIAC is also proud to announce the appointment of Luther Fincher as the SIAC National Fire Liaison.
Fincher will actively work with communities nationwide to assist in their development of effective fire alarm ordinances tailored to meet their needs and overcome their challenges. Fincher comes to SIAC after 21 years of experience as a Fire Chief with the Charlotte Fire Department.
“This is an exciting time for SIAC. Our board members changed our mission statement, allowing us to assist fire departments across the nation who might be looking for help with a model fire alarm ordinance,” stated Stan Martin, SIAC Executive Director. “We are fortunate and honored to have a fire professional with Luther’s qualifications and stature on our team. His knowledge, experience and network of contacts will help SIAC find cooperative solutions to local fire alarm issues.”
“As a fire professional, I understand the unique challenges that face fire departments everyday,” said Fincher. “My experience with city officials will help SIAC work effectively with local communities on their fire alarm ordinances.”
Fincher was hired by the Charlotte Fire Department in January 1966 and rose through the ranks to Battalion Chief. He was promoted to the Department’s first Hazardous Materials Coordinator and directed the implementation of the 17 recommendations established by the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Chemical Safety. He was appointed Emergency Management Director in December 1984 and consolidated the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office into the Charlotte Fire Department. He held this position until being promoted to Fire Chief in 1987. In 2000, the Charlotte Fire Department was one of the first thirty-eight fire departments in the USA to be accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
Martin concluded, “This move was prompted by requests from fire departments for ordinance information and an increase in the number of onerous ordinances starting to surface. We will diligently defend against any ordinance that significantly impacts response times to emergency fire signals and Luther is the perfect liaison to lead the way.”
ABOUT SIAC
SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations--Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)--representing one voice for the alarm industry on alarm management issues. SIAC’s primary charter is to significantly reduce calls for service while strengthening the lines of communication with law enforcement professionals and end users. For more information, contact www.SIACinc.org.