October 9, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments to the State Fire Safety Board:

Patrick L. Klocke of Vicksburg, business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 131.  Mr. Klocke is appointed to represent licensed electrical contractors or master electricians for a term expiring July 15, 2008.  He succeeds Thomas Erdman whose term has expired.
 
Dean J. Mallos of Marquette, lieutenant with the city of Marquette Fire Department.  Mr. Mallos is appointed to represent organized fire departments in the Upper Peninsula for a term expiring July 15, 2008.  He succeeds Duane Smith whose term has expired. 
 
Charlie J. Pritchett of Detroit, fire marshal with the city of Detroit Fire Department.  Mr. Pritchett is appointed to represent organized fire departments in the Lower Peninsula for a term expiring July 15, 2007.  He succeeds Harold Berry who has retired.
                                                            
Annette M. Swathwood of Comstock Park, acting lieutenant and equipment operator with the Grand Rapids Fire Department.  Ms. Swathwood is appointed to represent organized fire departments in the Lower Peninsula for a term expiring July 15, 2008.  She succeeds William Gruppen whose term has expired. 

Timothy R. Tinney of Bridgeport, director of facility services with Covenant Healthcare and volunteer firefighter.  Mr. Tinney is appointed to represent hospital administrators for a term expiring July 15, 2008.  He succeeds William VanPortFleet whose term has expired. 

Robert R. Vandemark of Fenton, president and owner of Industrial Propane Service, Inc.  Mr. Vandemark is appointed to represent the liquefied petroleum gas or flammable compressed gases industries for a term expiring July 15, 2008.  He succeeds Kevin Johnson whose term has expired. 

Richard Prestage of St. Louis, nursing home president, administrator of Schnepp Health Care Center, and volunteer firefighter.  Mr. Prestage is reappointed to represent nursing home administrators for a term expiring July 15, 2009.

Gilbert L. Rider of Midland, emergency services focal point for Dow Chemical.  Mr. Rider is reappointed to represent the chemical manufacturing industry for a term expiring July 15, 2008.
 
The mission of the State Fire Safety Board is to protect life and property from fire, smoke, hazardous materials, and fire related panic in specific types of public facilities throughout the state of Michigan.

Governor Granholm has proclaimed this week Fire Prevention Week in Michigan, and is encouraging homeowners to protect themselves and their families by installing and testing smoke alarms and using precautions while burning candles. For more information about fire prevention visit the National Fire Protection Association’s official Fire Prevention Week Website at: www.firepreventionweek.org

These appointments and reappointments are subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.