Erica Souza-Llamas

The meeting commenced with the acknowledgement of the recent resignation of the Chair and the establishment of a quorum. Key discussions included the Board's increased activity to support the State Fire Marshal's mission, the consideration of a state certification for a Fire Marshal, and the WUI code adoption process. The State Fire Marshal reported on efforts to reorganize the Southern Nevada office, handle promotions within the Division, and begin budget planning. The Training Advisory Report noted ongoing issues due to a computer compromise and phone transfers, and mentioned upcoming training events and the suspension of NFA classes due to a federal shutdown. The Nevada State Firefighter's Association discussed declining volunteer numbers, the cancellation of their annual conference in favor of regional symposiums, and concerns regarding the proposed OSHA rewrite. The Nevada Fire Chiefs' Association reported on successful grant-funded projects and the development of a 'Fire Chief 101' handbook addressing statutory authorities and administrative processes. Member comments included an invitation to the Winter Fire School and recognition of strong efforts by association representatives. A future agenda item was set to select a new Chair for 2026.

The event primarily served to celebrate the retirement of Sergeant Dave Becker after 16 years of service and the promotion of four troopers to the rank of sergeant. The ceremony included remarks acknowledging Sergeant Becker's career, which included instruction in defensive tactics, participation in the VIPER task force, and receiving the Medal of Valor for the Bunkerville incident. The event also featured the presentation of retirement gifts, including the Chief's coin, a certificate of retirement, a retired sergeant batch, and a thin blue line flag. Following the retirement segment, four new sergeants were formally promoted and introduced: Jake Fisher, Matt Denman, Loy Hixon, and Neil Morgan. The ceremony also included the posting of colors, the pledge of allegiance, a flag folding ceremony honoring fallen officers, and an invocation.

The agenda for this meeting included the election of a State Board of Fire Services Chairperson for a one-year term. Several advisory reports were scheduled, including updates from the State Fire Marshal, the State Fire Marshal Division Training Advisory, the Nevada State Firefighter's Association, and the Nevada Fire Chiefs Association. Additionally, a presentation on Lithium Batteries was scheduled, along with a general overview presentation from E-FireX. The Board also planned to discuss future meeting dates.

The document details the promotion ceremony for Eric Kemmer to the rank of Captain within the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP). The proceedings included the introduction of numerous guests and a prayer. Eric Kemmer's biography was reviewed, covering his career starting in 1998, including an early setback at the academy, his time as a cadet, field training experiences, service as a commercial trooper, promotion to sergeant, work with the Nevada Division of Parole and Probation, and involvement in creating the nationally renowned MAC TAC program. The ceremony featured the presentation of Captain's insignia, with the bars having been worn previously by Colonel Jennifer Reynolds of the U.S. Army. The event concluded with remarks from Colonel Carpenter and Captain Kemmer, thanking attendees and reflecting on his career and the honorable nature of police work.

The event was the 2020 NHP Southern Command Awards Ceremony, held under social distancing guidelines due to the pandemic, with participation streamed live. The ceremony recognized several accomplishments, including the presentation of the Senior NHP Trooper of the entire state award, Life-Saving Medals, Commendation Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, and a Medal of Valor. Discussions included recognizing the high performance of personnel amidst a challenging year for law enforcement, noting achievements like the DUI strike force reaching its 2000th arrest, food distribution assistance during COVID-19, and maintaining frontline presence during protests. Specific awards detailed trooper actions such as mediating a suicidal individual situation, providing life-saving first aid after a pedestrian incident, and a trooper risking their life to save an individual threatening suicide from an overpass.