Committee: Communications & Policy

2025 Mission:
The mission of the Communications and Policy Committee is to provide policy recommendations to the Minnesota State Fire Chief’s Association (MSFCA) Board of Directors, with an emphasis on promoting goals, directions, and quality within the organization. The committee continuously monitors and updates the policy and procedure manual to ensure the MSFCA operates within state and federal laws and regulations it sets for itself. As the need arises, new policies are introduced to the Board of Directors for consideration. 

The committee also assists the Board of Directors to coordinate all the MSFCA’s committees and communication channels. It oversees all facets of the MSFCA website, Minnesota Fire Chief magazine, and E-Newsletter operations that include but are not limited to, publishing, editing, and advertising. The committee also ensures that all informational content meets the needs of the MSFCA’s members.

2025 Report:
The committee focuses on two main areas: communications and policy. As in recent years, most of the 2025 efforts centered on policy work. The policy and procedure manual, last fully updated in 2015, is now undergoing a comprehensive review and revision. This year, policies 109, 202, 204, and 802 were updated and approved by the Board of Directors, and a new policy—#110 MSFCA Name and Logo Usage—was created. Additionally, spelling errors were corrected, and the manual’s format was completely overhauled to remove repetitive and unnecessary language.

Policy #109: Response to Firefighter LODD and Serious Injury Policy

The policy was streamlined, updated to reflect current practices, and revised to include the section below:

Emergency Management (EM) Committee Role to Line of Duty Death or Serious Injury:
As soon as practical, the MSFCA Board of Directors, Executive Director, Last Team/Foundation and/or State Fire Marshal should notify the MSFCA EM CommitteeChair. The role of the EM Committee Chair is to notify and coordinate the FAST Team. The FAST Team may be used to support the local fire department or to support the Last Team/Foundation.

Policy #110: MSFCA Name and Logo Usage

The new policy states that any use of the MSFCA name or logo requires written approval from the Executive Committee. The logo must remain in its original, unaltered form, and the Association may deny, change, or revoke permission at any time. It may not be used in any way that implies MSFCA endorsement or affiliation without prior written consent.

Policies #202: Gift Acceptance and #204: Travel and Expense Reimbursement

The policies were streamlined and updated to current practices.

Policy #802 Awards and Recognition

The policy was updated to reflect current practices and now allows Fire Officer of the Year awardees and Public EducationFirefighter/Department recognition awardee to use their grant toward registration and hotel expenses for that year’s MSFCA Annual Conference.

Once the manual is overhauled, it will undergo ongoing reviews to ensure the policy and procedure manual stays current.

2026 is an excellent time to get involved in communications and policy work. Our committee is growing and always looking for detail-oriented, dedicated members to join.

Communications & Policy Committee File Library