TO:     Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) and Ladies Auxiliary of the MSFA
RE:      Convention and Conference Steering Committee Recommendation  

Earlier this week, the MSFA Convention Steering Committee met via conference call to discuss the current efforts that have been put forward towards the proposed Phase 2 component of the 2020 MSFA and LAMSFA Convention and Conference.  A brief overview of the actions in support of Phase 2 that have been taken to date was provided to the committee along with a summary of the current contractual elements proposed to the MSFA by Live! Casino and Hotel.  It is noted that no contract has been signed with Live! Casino and Hotel.

The discussion by the committee quickly moved to the topic of how the current COVID-19 Pandemic would impact the MSFA and LAMSFA holding the Phase 2 events at the Live! Casino and Hotel.  After a long discussion, President Faust and President Denbow stated that they recommend the committee cancel the Phase 2 activities to protect our membership and the reputation of our two organizations.  The committee further discussed the President’s recommendation and unanimously approved the proposition.

As a result of the Steering Committee recommendation, the Executive Committee met on August 6 to consider the issue.  By unanimous vote, the Executive Committee moved to cancel the In-Person Phase 2 component of the 2020 Convention and Conference that was to be held at Live! Casino and Hotel. In addition, all hotels that agreed to provide lodging for this event will be notified this week that due to the National Emergency the event is not being held and all room reservations should be cancelled.  Any member having an issue with their room reservations should reach out to the MSFA Staff at the Crofton office for assistance at 443-302-2911.

Efforts will be put forth to recognize our immediate past presidents, all award winners, and our Special Memorial Tributes in the future as the pandemic allows and at the 2021 Convention and Conference. The Convention and Conference 2020 materials, such as program books, proceedings books, badges and other materials will be distributed to each member company via their Executive Committee Representative within the next few weeks.

The Steering Committee has completed a great deal of additional work since the onset of the National Emergency and I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge all of the outstanding effort they have put forth in support of the LAMSFA and MSFA. I appreciate all that they do to make our annual gathering great. While I understand this event is something we all look forward to, I truly believe that our leadership has done the right thing with this decision and we will work to make next year even better.

Sincerely,

Ronald Jon Siarnicki
Convention Chairman