Handshake June Issue 2009

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The

HANDSHAKE Volume 10 / June 2009 / Issue 6

The Official Publication of the Alarm Association of Florida

Putting A Halt on Unlicensed Alarm Contractors

Industry News Coverage

Director and President Urge Member Support Change Service Requested 1802 N. University Dr. Suite 329 Plantation, FL 33322 800-899-2099 FT. LAUD. FL PERMIT NO. 4662

PAID PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

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Contents

June 2009/The Handshake Monthly

Page

Features

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A Word from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 From the Director’s Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Regional Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Keeping Unlicensed Contractors Out of Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Rollacard Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 What is It? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Visit the AAF at www.fla-alarms.org / or contact us at [email protected] / 800.899.2099 / your company could be listed here.

Advertisers Acquisition & Funding Services www.afssmartfunding.com / 800-354-3863 ADI www.adilink.com / 800.233.6261 Cen-Signal www.cen-signal.com / 800-554-110 Central Alarm Control www.centralalarmcontrol.com / 954-525-0104 CLOAF www.cloaf.org / 561-233-5532 Criticom Monitoring Services www.cmsn.com / 800-422-2712 COPS Monitoring www.copsmonitoring.com / 888-420-9735 Fire-Lite Alarms www.firelite.com / 203-484-7161 ext. 5690 FFMIA www.ffmia.org / 863-467-8991

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FL Dept of Business & Professional Regulation www.myfloridalicense.com / 866-532-1440 Honeywell Power Products www.honeywellpower.com / 203.484.6236 ICRealtime Security Solutions www.icrealtime.com / 866-997-9009 Marlin Central Monitoring www.marlincentral.com / 866-400-2130 Monitronics International, Inc. www.monitronics.com / 866-541-9519 National Monitoring Center www.nmccentral.com / 877-353-3031 Rapid Response Monitoring Services www.rrms.com / 800-558-7767 SentryNet www.sentrynet.com / 800-932-3304 System Sensor www.systemsensor.com / 800-736-7672

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Monthly Disclaimer To All Members The AAF encourages Associate Membership to companies that provide goods or services to our regular membership. The AAF does not endorse any Associate. No Associate is a “Preferred” member, “Selected” member, or in any way placed above any other Associate. Furthermore, The content of articles contained in the Handshake reflects solely the personal opinions of the authors or contributors and does not necessarily represent the official position of the AAF. Additionally all materials used in advertisements in the Handshake involving any rights, clearances and copyrights are the sole responsibility of the advertiser and not the Alarm Association of Florida, Inc.

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2009 AAF Officials Bob Ireland - President Amsafe of Miami, Inc. - [email protected] Norm Mugford - Vice President/President Elect Alarmpro, Inc. - [email protected] Mary Galloway - Past President Dynafire Inc. - [email protected] Bob Worthy - Secretary Secur Technologies - [email protected] Ron Toole - Treasurer Crime Prevention Services of Florida - [email protected] Bob Neely - Executive Director Alarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] Ace Forsythe - Director At Large SentryNet, Inc. - [email protected] Greg Gracer - Director At Large Maximum Security, Inc. - [email protected] E.J. Fleischmann - Director At Large Dynamark - [email protected] Alan Higgins - Associate Representative ADI - [email protected] Steven Creasey - Associate Representative Graybar - [email protected] Don Damron - Public Safety, Fire Sarasota County Fire Department - [email protected] Vacant - Public Safety, LEO

2009 AAF Regional Directors Dale Burger - Broward Regional Director Access Code Technology, Inc. - [email protected] James Edwards - Great Northwest Regional Director Advanced Fire Protection Services, Inc. [email protected] Hernando Barreto - Miami-Dade Regional Director Amtel Security Systems Inc. [email protected] John A. Pastore, Jr. - Gainesville Regional Director Crime Prevention Security Sys, LLC - [email protected] Heather Johnston - Gold Coast Regional Director Active Alarms, Inc. - [email protected] Vacant - Tallahassee Regional Director Jeffery Garland - Jacksonville Regional Director INSTLTK, Inc. - [email protected] Mike Ahern - Orlando Regional Director Dynafire, Inc. - [email protected] Dave Gerald - Tampa Regional Director Devcon Security Services Corp. [email protected] John Toscano - Ft. Myers/Naples Regional Director Affordable Alarm - [email protected] Mark Queen - Sarasota Regional Director Sarasota Alarm & Fire Electronics - [email protected] Eric Prutsman, Esq. - Lobbyist /General Counsel Prutsman & Associates, P.A. - [email protected] Marty Pomeranz - I.T., Web Site Management VolTech, Inc. - [email protected] Mike Fletcher - Training Coordinator Alarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] Mark Paloski - Training Program Manager Alarm Association of Forida - [email protected]

AAF Office & The Handshake Staff Linda Neely - Contributor and Office Manager Alarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] Mary Kenna - Data Management Alarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] Erin Cavanaugh - Badges & Training Alarm Association of Florida, Inc. - [email protected] The Handshake Newsletter - Editor and Advertising Susan Brady & Associates - [email protected]

Editorial Be Proud of the AAF and Security Industry Dear Readers: Even to this day, as the summer months arrive and the Fourth of July approaches, I become patriotic. It is a time to reflect on the accomplishments our countrymen have made. In a true test of the American legislative system at work, AAF Executive Director, Bob Neely, recaps the Alarm Association of Florida’s successful trips to Tallahassee. Turn to page 7. The efforts of all the AAF representatives involved in this year’s legislative session are to be commended. Protecting the citizens of your community can be looked at as a contribution to America.You should feel proud. AAF President, Bob Ireland, reminds members to promote the AAF to your fellow contractors and building and public safety officials. Ireland also announces that a group of some 35 Fire Alarm Contractors from the Fort Meyers-Naples Region have decided to join the AAF. Read about it on page 5. Helping to uphold the reputation of your profession to a high standard is also part of the American spirit. “Keeping Unlicensed Contractors Out of Security,” takes a closer look at how The Department of Business and Professional Regulation handles unlicensed contractors operating in your industry. The interview with Michael Green begins on page 10. Your certification as a Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) or Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) says you are a trained expert. You have completed the necessary education. The requirements also point to the character of your company. The licensing means any employee in your firm engaged in the contracting or installation of alarm systems need to be certified as either a Fire Alarm System Agent or Burglar Alarm System Agent. FASA and BASA certification requires the employee to meet the following criteria: • Is at least 18 years of age. • Completed a minimum of 14 hours of training by a boardapproved provider. • Has not been convicted of a crime directly related to the business within the last three (3) years. • Must obtain from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) a completed fingerprint and background check if applying as a burglar or fire alarm system agent every two (2) years. • Has not been committed for substance abuse within the last three (3) years. Your customers and business contacts may not be aware that as a FASA/BASA agent you must also complete six hours of board-approved continuing education every two years including false alarm reduction. Security involves technology. Staying up to date with training is vital. It is also part of being American. You are making your business better all the time. Susan A. Brady Editor

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A Word from Your President By Bob Ireland

In late March the AAF was invited to a meeting of some 35 Fire Alarm Contractors in the Ft. Myers-Naples Region. With significant local issues facing these Contractors, they wanted to discuss whether they should join forces with the AAF or start their own organization. After about an 30 minutes of commentary by Bob Neely and me and another 20 or so minutes of questions from the Contractors with answers provided by Bob Neely, Mark Paloski, myself, Dan Lanier, and John Toscano,

Contractors who are unaware of the AAF (yes, there are a few) may be in a position to contribute in a big way to the group. Once they join, for example, they can enhance AAF’s efforts to help reduce unlicensed contracting. Do your Building Inspectors and Fire Service officials know about BASA/FASA cards, just as another example? Did you know that the AAF works hand in hand with SIAC (Security Industry Alarm Coalition) to write, revise, and generally make better False Alarm Or-

The situation in this western region of the state brings up a couple of interesting points and a few questions. we left the meeting to allow the Contractors to discuss the question at hand. John Toscano called later that afternoon to advise me that they had decided to join the AAF. We all were exceptionally pleased with the news and rather gratified that the AAF, with supporting testimony, was deemed superior to starting an organization from scratch. The situation in this western region of the state brings up a couple of interesting points and a few questions. Point One: It was obvious from the questions and comments at the meeting that quite a few of the Contractors either did not know about the AAF or did not understand our strengths and depth. Questions: Do you promote the AAF to your fellow Contractors, Building Inspectors and Public Safety Officials? If not, you should be since you are in contact with these people on a regular basis. By reaching out to your contacts, you help everyone in the industry.

dinances, for BOTH burg and fire? Something you might say to a Fire or Police official might lead to their city writing a better alarm ordinance. Do you know the benefits (training and legislative support, for instance) the AAF provides? Are you involved enough in the AAF to be able to properly answer these questions? Point Two: Equally obvious was the fact that more than of a few of the Contractors who did know about the AAF believed that it is an organization dedicated to the burglar alarm side of the industry. Although on the surface it may appear that is the case, nothing is further from the truth. Questions: Do you know that, in fact, the AAF is fighting legislatively for all disciplines within the low voltage industry? This year alone, the AAF has worked within the State Legislature with respect to five major bills, and several minor ones, that would have had an effect on EVERYONE in the low voltage industry in a negative way

had we not been there. (See Bob Neely’s article, From the Director’s Chair on page 7 for more details.) Did you know that the Alarm Association of Florida has made major inroads with the Fire Services throughout the state in the last two years? Mark Paloski, the AAF Training Program Manager, is providing training in conjunction with the FFMIA to offer Continuing Education credits to the Fire Service. This is paying dividends in spades by placing the AAF in front of these officials as an organization full of people that can assist them as partners not confront them as adversaries. Three years ago I was invited to participate in a panel discussion at the FARA False Alarm Reduction Association annual meeting in Miami, FL. FARA is an association primarily of persons employed by government and public safety agencies in charge of, or working in, False Alarm Reduction Units. When it was my turn to address the assembly I offered the following comment: “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are engaged in a war and it is ‘Us’ against ‘Them.’ The ‘Us’ is not the Alarm Companies and the ‘Them’ is not the Police or Fire Agencies. The ‘Us’ is both the Alarm Companies AND you, the Police and Fire Agencies. The ‘Them’ is the bad guys who break the law or anything that threatens life and limb like fire, all of which represent peril to life and property. We need to join forces to defeat the ‘Them.’” Promote the AAF, YOUR Association, to assist in the war to defeat the “Them.” Bob Ireland, President Alarm Association of Florida [email protected]

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From The Director’s Chair by Bob Neely

Our trips to Tallahassee were numerous, expensive and whirlwind this year in working with our lobbyist Eric Prutsman. We met with numerous legislators and staff to discuss pending bills and issues affecting our industry. And although there are many who delight in pointing out some of the annoying deficiencies in

sion on the sprinkler and alarm retrofit of their condominiums to push out to the year 2025. We were able to remove the elements from the bill that adversely affected the electronic alarm issues. One portion of that bill that did pass was the exemption of one and two story condominiums with exterior egress from manual fire alarm sys-

“There’s no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you.” ▬Will Rogers, US humorist & showman (1879 - 1935) the governmental system, we came away impressed with both the quality and intelligence of the folks we met. Bob Worthy, legislative chair, John Toscano, John Pastore, Norman Mugford, Ron Toole and many others contributed time, effort and phone sweat for many hours on over thirty bills that affected your alarm contracting business in one form or another. One primary bill presented for passage was a service contracts bill that would have automatically defaulted your service contracts to a thirty day time limit; very inconvenient and very impractical for insurance reasons. Another bill concerned a new category of licensure for locksmiths: very much needed for security if for no other reason. We were able to work with them to remove the initial statutory conflicts and amend the bill to accommodate the necessary and reasonable terminology for it to pass muster. Then there was the perennial journeyman bill always proposed, that this time around would have removed the existing square footage requirement among other things. Of course, we also monitored a bill that would have a drastic effect on your workers compensation rates if passed in the wrong form. A very strong political group also pushed extremely hard for an exten-

tems. We vigorously opposed this. If you consider the staggering number of issues that affect your life daily and then assume that one person (a state representative or senator) be expected to immediately grasp the thousand nuances of your industry in one sitting, you are sadly mistaken. You can liken it to someone entering your office and expecting you within a ten minute time frame to comprehend the electronic subtleties of a space launch. These fine people go to Tallahassee as senators and representatives to try make a difference in bettering your lives. Their legislative staff members are there for that same purpose. The reason our AAF volunteers go to Tallahassee is to play a role in helping them along in this process. This is government from the bottom up, not the top down. These legislators are as dependent upon us for information as we are dependent upon them to pass effective laws. It must NOT be a matter of one individual imposing their will upon others. That is why it is so very important for you to participate in this sometimes difficult process. Your contributed funds to Florida AlarmPac help elect individuals favorable to your industry. It is why AAF goes to Tallahassee and why, as an AAF member, you are asked to

visit legislators in your district. It is most important. Drop by your local legislator’s office, introduce yourself and leave your card. What happens next is when there is an issue regarding security that legislator will call the number on the card you left. Legislators depend upon experts such as you for the information they need to comprehend the problems and to make good law. YOU are the one providing the momentum on the issue rather than being hammered by it. We succeeded in shutting down the service contracts bill. We worked with the locksmiths, but their bill stalled in committee. The journeyman bill also ground to a halt in committee reviews when issues that could have caused conflicts with existing law became apparent. Workers compensation is now much better than when it started and our electronic fire alarm time frames are still intact for retrofit. All in all, it was a very successful if not hard fought legislative session for 2009. Every year we appeal to AAF members to contribute funds to assist in these legislative endeavors. The campaign organization formed under Florida law is the Florida AlarmPac. The organization gathers and distributes campaign funds legally to worthy candidates in their quest for office. That is how we are able to support those we want elected. We ask that you send your contributions to the AAF office right away for the Florida AlarmPac. All amounts large and small are welcome. Do not assume that someone else will send the necessary funds. Make your check out or call the AAF for credit card contributions at: 800-899-2099. Your help in the effort is welcome and needed. Please assist AAF today. Bob Neely, Executive Director Alarm Association of Florida [email protected]

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Regional Report Great NW Region (5/5/09)

Ed McDaniel discussed new AAF leadership and budget issues. Norm Mugford discussed what the AAF does to benefit its members, and thanked everyone in the NW region for their support. Mugford then went on to give a Legislative update, regarding the recent bills that have been fought and put to rest for this year. During the meeting there was discussion on unlicensed contractors, pointing out who to contact, how to turn them in and why they should be turned in. Permits and fees in a county ordinance, being active in the community and on county/city/state boards that affect our industry were also on the agenda. The importance of communication with AAF leadership was discussed and passing on information regarding potential local issues to gain AAF support. The Gulf Breeze incident was used as an example. Norm Mugford read a speech by AAF President, Bob Ireland. Ron Toole discussed budget changes and possible resolutions to AAF expenditures. Nominations were called, John Young was nominated as

Call Rory Russell for Prompt, Personal Service!

Regional Director, and Bob Suhrheinrich was nominated as Regional Secretary. Both were voted in unanimously.

Broward Region (5/13/09)

With 24 members in attendance. Regional Director Dale Burger introduced speaker, Rich Perry, CEO of Security Networks. He spoke on how to maintain, prepare and sell your business. Mel Hulkower of American Marketing then spoke briefly on how they are going out to do on site demos and training. Bob Ireland took the floor to discuss membership and speaking with people who are not aware of AAF. Specifically he addressed the Fort Myers area fire contractors as an example of new members joining AAF and urged meeting attendees to go to local officials. Bob Worthy gave a detailed legislature report with general success all around for the end of session in Tallahassee. Bob Neely gave some handouts and spoke on an unlicensed alarm company in Lake Worth for which Deputy Charlie Mosher has issued orders for “cease and desist.”

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Keeping Unlicensed Contractors Out of Security

A closer look at The Department of Business and Professional Regulation and meeting Licensing Requirements By Susan Brady, Editor Installing alarm and security systems is complex work. It requires an education. In Florida, it also requires you have a license that proves you have achieved the necessary level of expertise. After all, you have the public’s safety in your hands. Having unlicensed contractors operating in your industry is not good for anyone. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in partnership with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, completed a two-day contracting sting operation recently in May. These stings are set up throughout Florida on a regular basis. In the Clay County operation, the DBPR targeted individuals found advertising via the Internet. The suspected unlicensed contractors were asked to submit bids for work including, plumbing, roofing, home theatre installation, security surveillance, electrical outlets and installation of electrical panel boxes. When the individuals arrived to deliver the bids, they were asked to provide proof of licensure. Those who could not provide proof were arrested and issued citations. Citation amounts varied based on whether the individuals offered to do both construction and electrical work or only one of the services. They were fined either $2500 or $5000. The Handshake, Editor, Susan Brady, sat down with Michael Green, Unlicensed Activity Administrator, Division of Regulation to learn more about DBRP’s inner workings.

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Brady: What is the process used by DBPR to address the problem of unlicensed contractors? Green: The department investigates complaints of unlicensed activity under the statutory authority of Section 455.225, Florida Statutes. Contracting without an electrical contractor’s license in violation of sections 489.531.(1)(a)(b) Florida Statute. The department is very concerned about unlicensed contracting activity, and we take various steps to combat this problem. The department performs sweeps and sting operations around the state in conjunction with law enforcement and other regulatory agencies. Appropriate action is taken in the event that an investigation reveals unlicensed activity. Individuals found to be contracting without a license can be charged up to $5,000 per violation and are subject to referral for criminal prosecution. In some cases where there is no apparent consumer harm, the department may issue a citation for $1,000 or $2,500. The department has also set up a toll free hotline, 1.866.532.1440, where consumers and licensees report possible violations of unlicensed activity or obtain assistance with the complaint process. Callers to the toll free line are asked to provide the name of the unlicensed person or business, the address where the activity is taking place and any other information that will be helpful.

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This information is relayed to the appropriate regional enforcement office for assignment to an investigator. Due to geographical limitations, the local office may recruit the assistance of partners at local code enforcement, building department or law enforcement to check out the activity. Brady: Is there a certain time of the year or do certain events bring in more unlicensed security companies, i.e., a bad economy, after a hurricane, the summer months with student solicitors, etc. Green: Licensed professionals in all trades are becoming increasingly aware of unlicensed competition in these tough economic times. Licensees across the state are very helpful in submitting offers and advertisements from unlicensed individuals and companies. After hurricanes unlicensed persons are more prevalent and the desperate homeowner is more vulnerable than during normal circumstances. Brady: What usually happens after the unlicensed company is caught? Green: The Department may: • Investigate complaints and refer the information to the State Attorney. • File an administrative complaint and seek sanctions up to $10,000. • Issue a notice to cease and desist unlicensed contracting. • File a case in circuit court for an injunction when a notice to cease and desist is ignored and seek a civil penalty ranging from $500 to $5,000. • Issue a citation requiring payment between $1,000 and $2,500. Section 455.2277, Florida Statutes, requires the Department to “report any criminal violation of any statute relating to the practice of a profession regulated by the department or appropriate board to the proper prosecuting authority for prompt prosecution.” Those working without a license can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense. Anyone who works without a license during a governor declared state-of-emergency, such as a hurricane, commits a third-degree felony. Brady: What is the role of law enforcement? Green: The department’s investigators are not sworn law enforcement, so we are not able to make arrest. We must defer to law enforcement to make this decision on a case by case basis. Investigators work with law enforcement on sweep and sting activities and develop working relationships to provide stronger cases referred to the State Attorney.

Fire Alarm System Agent or Burglar Alarm System Agent Certification What are the requirements to become FASA or BASA certified? Any employees of electrical or alarm contractors engaged in the contracting or installation of alarm systems need to be certified as either a Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) or Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA). FASA and BASA certification requires the employee to meet the following criteria: • Is at least 18 years of age. • Completed a minimum of 14 hours of training by a board-approved provider. • Has not been convicted of a crime directly related to the business within the last three (3) years. • Must obtain from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) a completed fingerprint and background check if applying as a burglar or fire alarm system agent every two (2) years. • Has not been committed for substance abuse within the last three (3) years. Do all employees of electrical or alarm contractors engaged in the contracting or installation of alarm systems have to take the 14-hour training course? No. The following individuals are exempt: • Employees of a licensed contractor who perform only monitoring of alarm systems. • License holders of a certified electrical or alarm contractor’s license. • Licensed journeyman are exempt from the initial training only, and must possess a FASA or BASA card and complete an approved six (6) hour renewal course every two (2) years. • See section 489.518, Florida Statues for additional exemptions. What is the FASA/BASA identification card? The FASA/BASA identification card indicates that the FASA/BASA agent has met training and education requirements required for certification. The licensed electrical or alarm system contractor must provide each FASA/BASA employee with an identification card that includes the following: • Photo of the agent • Name of the agent • Signature of Agent • Name, address and license number of the contractor • Signature of the contractor • Issue date and expiration date Are there continuing education requirements for FASA /BASA agents? Yes. Each FASA/BASA agent must complete six (6) hours of board-approved continuing education every two (2) years to include false alarm reduction (See Rule 61G6-12, Florida Administrative Code, for additional information on FASA and BASA requirements).

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Industry News In Memoriam

On May 24, 2009 AAF received word of the passing of Ronald Anthony Lafontaine, the son of Ron and Katherine Lafontaine. He passed away after a short but severe bout with cancer. Ron has worked in the alarm industry alongside his father since he was in high school and throughout college. He founded his own company following the sale of Security Systems, Inc., in 2000. Born March 7, 1964 in Chicago, ILA, and raised in Deerfield Beach, FL, he is survived by his daughter Jennifer, his fiancé Heather Johnston, parents Ronald D. and Katherine, sisters Theresa (Leonard) Deimel, Laura (Ron) Barak and Brother Mark. He is cherished by all his nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Ron has been an active member of the Alarm Association of Florida for many years. He has served as Secretary and most recently as Vice President of the Gold Coast Region and Board Member. He will be missed by his many friends in the alarm industry. Donations may be made in Ron LaFontaine’s name to Hospice by the Sea at 1531 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL. 33486.

ADI Shakes Up Vegas

ADI joined together with scores of its industry-leading vendors to host a special customer appreciation event at this year’s ISC West in Las Vegas, NV, to thank dealers for their continuous support. ADI’s customer appreciation event was held at the posh LAX Nightclub located in the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Sponsored by more than 50 manufacturers, the event featured music by the fabulous LA Allstars band. The event provided an excellent forum for dealers, vendors and the ADI team to interact and experience an enjoyable evening of music, dance, food and refreshments. “We’ve worked with ADI for so many years, and it is great to see their effort and desire to work with dealers and integrators is still so strong,” states Scott Mullins, president of

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Huntington Security Systems, Inc. in Southern California. “We look at our relationship with ADI as an operational and strategic partnership.” “At ADI, our relationship with our customers is very important to us and in today’s economic landscape we are pleased to have the opportunity to come together with our vendor community and show appreciation to our dealers for their continued support,” comments John Sullivan, vice president of sales at ADI. For more information, visit www.adilink.com.

Micro Key Solutions Certificate of Appreciation

Micro Key Solutions recognizes a top security dealer integrator who provided continued support and endorsement of Micro Key Millennium Software. Fidel Gonzalez, owner and president of Laredo Alarm in Laredo, TX, is this year’s Certificate of Appreciation honoree. Wayne Torrens, president of Micro Key Solutions, gave Fidel the award at Micro Key’s ISC West 2009 exhibit booth in Las Vegas, NV. Torrens handed Gonzalez his plaque, stating, “You are constantly recommending our products and services to your fellow central station owners and have served as an excellent advocate. Everyone at Micro Key Solutions enjoys working with you and appreciates your willingness to state how our software and services have enabled you to grow your business.” For more information, visit www.microkey.com.

Fire-Lite IP Fire Alarm Communicator Recognized By Security Industry Association

Fire-Lite Alarms’ FireWatch Series upload/download fire alarm IP communicator was awarded top honors in the Fire and Life Safety category of the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) 30th annual New Product Showcase competition. The FireWatch upload/download IP communicator enables any commercial building’s fire alarm system to communicate with central monitoring stations via the Internet. Its exclusive upload/download feature allows installers to interact with systems from any remote location. Whether uploading program updates, troubleshooting issues or performing virtual maintenance checks, these remote capabilities can lead to reduced expenses and false

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Industry News alarms. Fire-Lite’s IP communicator can utilize a building’s existing IP line (i.e. LAN, WAN, DSL, cable, etc.) to digitally transmit information to central stations. Traditional phone lines utilized for alarm communications can be eliminated. Internet alarm monitoring eliminates the many alarm communication issues that stem from the telecommunications industry’s ongoing switch to fiber optic cable for digital signal transmissions. While enabling faster alarm transmissions, the FireWatch IP communicator also increases supervision of connectivity between the central station and alarm panel to every 90 seconds. Phone lines are typically supervised once every 24 hours. The FireWatch IP communicator merely connects to a fire alarm panel’s standard telephone ports, no changes to the panel’s existing configuration are required. All alarm transmissions are secured with the industry’s highest level of encryption (AES 512 bit). This module’s fully-digital transmission method also eliminates common dropouts in modem communications caused by noise or other factors. The FireWatch IP communicator is listed to UL 864 9th Edition standards as compatible with multiple new and legacy varieties of Fire-Lite alarm panels. For more information, visit www.firelite.com.

Monitronics Renews “Five Diamond Central Station Certification”

Monitronics International Inc, Dallas, TX, has renewed its Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) “Five Diamond Certification.” This Certification testifies that 100% of its central station operators have achieved proficiency and certification by passing the CSAA Central Station On-Line Operator Training Course. These courses cover all phases of central station communications with customers, law enforcement, fire and emergency services communications centers. This critical area of communications is the life-saving link between the residential or business properties and the law enforcement, fire and emergency services in local areas. In order to achieve the “Five Diamond Certification,” each and every operator must have not only passed the course, but demonstrated: proficiency in alarm verification, which helps reduce false alarms; proficiency in communications with the Public Service Answering Points, such as the Emergency 911 centers; knowledge of electronic communications equipment, including radio; an understanding of the

codes and standards of such organizations as Underwriters Laboratories, Factory Mutual, the National Fire Protection Association and others; and proficiency in the area of emergency preparedness under a wide scenario of possibilities. According to the CSAA, there are approximately 2,700 central stations in the United States, which communicate and interact with the law enforcement, fire and emergency services agencies. Of this group, fewer than one hundred central stations have achieved the “Five Diamond Certified” status.

Tri-Ed Puts “Emphasys” on Sound

Tri-Ed welcomes EMPHASYS to its team of vendor partners. A comprehensive line of high-performance architectural loudspeakers, EMPHASYS enhances Tri-Ed’s Home Entertainment category. EMPHASYS speakers are designed by engineers who won’t settle for less than superior sound performance. In-wall, In-ceiling, Dual-Channel and LCR cinema speakers are all available in a variety of popular configurations for customized installations. “EMPHASYS is excited to introduce our line of loudspeakers to integrators across the U.S. through Tri-Ed’s distribution channels,” says Keith Marshall, President of EMPHASYS. “Tri-Ed looks forward to a long and successful partnership with EMPHASYS,” adds James Rothstein, Senior Vice President of Marketing. “It’s part of our commitment to delivering the best products and brands to our customers.” For more information, visit www.tri-ed.com.

ICRealtime Releases a Super Night Vision Outdoor Zoom Camera

The feature-rich EL8000 from ICRealtime brings more than cutting-edge style, with the built-in 30X (f3.3~99mm) optical zoom lens and 10X digital zoom function, the camera provides 300X of zoom capability. Users can utilize the RS-485 interface remotely to manipulate the zoom as well as all of the cameras internal functions via the DVR. The EL-8000 is fully weatherproof and is rated at IP66. It has 6 built in IR’s that can illuminate up to 150ft. If longer distance of intelligent IR is needed you can easily connect the EL-IR1 illuminators on the spot to give it up to 300ft. Built in motion detection lights on the side flash red when motion is sensed and stay blue when idle. The El-8000 features “Serve Ease” which allows you to remove the camera from it mount without disconnecting the camera from the wall. This feature makes service and installation quick and simple. The camera

June 2009 • The Handshake / 13

hers…

Protect Yourself and Others…

Protect Yourself and Others…

Report Unlicensed Activity

Report Unlicensed Activity

Toll-free at:

Toll-free at:

june issue 2009:Layout 1 6/9/2009 4:19 PM Page 16

tivity

hers…

tivity

hers…

tivity

1-866-532-1440 or e-mail: [email protected]

Industry News or e-mail:

1-866-532-1440 [email protected]

incorporates an Intelligent CDS control technology that triggers the mechanical day/night filter accurately. This filter is switched on and off with the image changing between color and b/w at 5 lux outdoor darkness. With user friendly IR Link outputs, installers can easily connect the ICR EL-IR1 illuminator on the

spot. Specially designed power circuit enables the camera to be operated from DC12V to DC30V maximizing the reliability of the unit from power fluctuations. This broad tolerance of power variations accepts most unstable power supplies without failure before or after installation. For more information, visit www.icrealtime.com.

Protect Yourself and Others…

Protect Yourself and Others…

Report Unlicensed Activity

Report Unlicensed Activity

Toll-free at:

Toll-free at:

1-866-532-1440

1-866-532-1440

or e-mail: [email protected]

or e-mail: Rollacard Index [email protected]

thers… Yourself and OOthers… ect Yourself Protect Prot

Protect Yourself and Others…

1-866-532-1440

Place yourActivity business Unlicensed Report card here in Toll-free at: 1-866-532-1440 The Handshake

-mail: or ee-mail: [email protected] UL [email protected]

or e-mail: Contact: Susan Brady [email protected] at: 772-334-3249

Activity eport Unlicensed Activity RReport at: Toll-free at: Toll-free

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Rollacard Index Nicholas Perry Business Development Manager

EF-20000519

3600 Commerce Boulevard Kissimmee, FL 34741 866-400-2130 [email protected] www.marlincentral.com Listed

A True Central Station Partner

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What is It? Try your luck at guessing what this picture is and win a prize. A hint: the item relates to the alarm industry in some way. Email the correct answer to: Susan Brady [email protected] Win an LED Flashlight from Tane Alarm Products. RULES, RULES AND MORE RULES Here they are: 1. Guess what the pictures is. 2. Provide a detailed description of the item, product, or service depicted in the picture. 3. Provide a description of what the item did, does or is supposed to do. 4. Email the answer to Susan Brady. The first correct answer wins. Do to latency in email services, emails within 5 minutes of the time stamp shall be considered to be concurrent. The most complete email description will be judged the winner. 5. Any email containing derogatory comments about the photo or anything related to the photo will be automatically disqualified, regardless of accuracy. 6. One win per member company per calendar year. 7. Only member companies may participate, although any member of that company may attempt an answer. 8. The picture will be published in The Handshake in print. Due to delivery delays, the photo will also be published on the website the day of, the day before, or the day after the mailing of The Handshake. You will not be notified. Check the website regularly or wait to receive The Handshake in the mail.

Complete contest rules are available at: www.fla-alarms.org or you can call the AAF office at: 954-748-7779 For Members Only

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