Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), received SIA’s Global Security Leadership Award for his efforts to enact the Agricultural Business Security Tax Credit Act. Global Security Leadership Awards were also given to Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), and Rep. Darrell Issa, (R-Calif.). SIA presented Jay Hauhn, vice president for technology and industry relations

for ADT, with its Statesman Award for his advocacy efforts on behalf of the security industry.

SIA LAUDS LEGISLATORS

During its June 2-3 Government Summit, the Security Industry Association honored a number of legislators and one ADT employee for work on behalf of the security industry. Rep. Ed Towns (D-N. Y.), was named SIA’s legislator of the year.

SUNNY NEWS FROM FLORIDA

In a message to the Alarm Association of Florida, AAF lobbyist Eric Prutsman told members that the recently completed legislative term was a success for the alarm industry. Gov. Charlie Christ signed a workers’ compensation bill that will “eliminate the need for double-digit

increases to workers’ compensation rates.” In other “great news,” Prutsman noted that Gov. Christ vetoed SB 714. This bill contained a provision that delayed the required retrofit of fire sprinkler systems from 2014 to the 2025. According to Prutsman, the Governor asked DBPR to conduct a study on the costs of the retrofit and related savings on insurance premiums and provide the study to him by October 1, 2009. SSN

Ordinance
Watch

DAYTON, OHIO

The Dayton Daily News on April 1 reported the Dayton Fire Department pushed hard for city commissioners to pass a fire ordinance that fines repeat offenders. The ordinance calls for a written notice if crews respond to two false alarms at the same location. The third false alarm in a year warrants a $50 fine and the fourth is a $100 fine. The fines go all the way up to $250. The seventh time, the fire department is allowed to disconnect from the alarm system.

The Statesville Record & Landmark reported on March 31 that beginning April 1, an ordinance, adopted by the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, will impose civil fines on what are called excessive alarms—more than three in a 12-month period. The city of Statesville instituted a policy of charging for false alarms a number of years ago. The fine process is as follows: One to two in a 12-month period: no fine; three to four in a 12-month period: $50 civil penalty; five to six: $100; seven or more: $250. The alarm ordinance effects every business, home, church, factory or any other type of occupancy that has any type of automatic or manual fire alarm system.

GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

The Garden City News Online reported on March 27 the Garden City Board of Trustees voted to implement fines and fees related to false alarms. In a revenue-enhancing move, false alarm violators will receive a $50 fine if there are three within six months. There will also be an annual $75 registration fee for residents and $100 for businesses to have an alarm.

BEDFORD, IND.

The Bedford Police Department issued notice March 10 it intends to enforce more stringently a 1981 ordinance regarding fines for false alarms. Bedford has astablished the Alarm Board, a three-member panel authorized to oversee alarm use. After June, only three false alarms will be allowed per 12-month period. A service charge of $25 will apply to the fourth and fifth alarms. Following that, each false alarm costs $50. Parsley noted alarms triggered by severe weather conditions will not be counted. SSN