Michelle Farmer

The board elected a new chairperson and received an advisory report from the State Fire Marshal regarding statewide division activities, staffing classification goals, and funding initiatives. The Training Bureau provided an update on the NV Impact data management system, past testing results, and upcoming live-fire training schedules. The meeting included a presentation on the technical aspects and safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, advisory reports were delivered by the Nevada State Firefighter's Association and the Nevada Fire Chiefs' Association regarding conference planning, grant funding, and upcoming legislative changes. Future meeting dates were established, and coordination efforts with other agencies regarding energy storage systems were discussed.

The board meeting focuses on the interview and selection process for the position of State Fire Marshal, including conducting candidate interviews and selecting candidates for appointment. Additionally, the agenda includes advisory reports from the State Fire Marshal Division, the State Fire Marshal Division Training, the Nevada State Firefighter's Association, and the Nevada Fire Chiefs Association regarding recent activities and events.

The committee held a session to review Nevada Revised Statutes regarding the establishment and authority of the center and the advisory committee, specifically addressing confidentiality and open meeting law exceptions for security matters. There was a discussion on product classification markings and public record request protocols. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Fusion Liaison Officer and Threat Liaison Officer programs, with plans to update training materials and expand outreach to critical infrastructure sectors. The meeting also included closed sessions to receive detailed briefings on product support for law enforcement, as well as an overview of tips, leads, and suspicious activity reports.

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.