John “Sunny” Rose

Chairman, Hall of Fame Committee
Anne Arundel County
Volunteer Firefighters Association

Dear Sunny,

  I request that the Hall of Fame Committee add Cathleen M. Vitale to its list of names for induction into the 2009 Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame. My justification for this request is as follows:

  The Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association worked for over four years to get legislation introduced requiring sprinkler systems in all new one and two family homes, and new, first-owner mobile homes in Anne Arundel County. In searching for a legislator to champion this effort, they quickly found that they already had an advocate on the County Council. Ms. Cathy Vitale had a personal experience – a defined moment – that gave her the wherewithal to see the value of residential sprinklers. Her husband, a career firefighter, experienced every firefighter’s worst dream; a house fire that claimed the lives of two children. Compounding the angst of this tragedy was it senselessness and preventability. The smoke detector installed to protect the children was disabled – removed from the ceiling with its batteries removed. It was that moment that Ms. Vitale decided to research the feasibility of residential sprinklers – a technology that is not easily disabled and one proven to save lives even if the smoke alarm fails.

  Councilwoman Vitale quickly became the Association’s mentor and legislative champion. She stood firmly behind the Association’s desire to introduce legislation that would require sprinkler systems in one and two family homes while protecting existing building code requirements that required sprinklers in multi-family homes (apartments, condos, and townhomes). She worked with members of the Association’s sprinkler committee, fire department officials, Department of Public Works and Inspections and Permits to ensure everyone knew and understood her intent and her passion for a legislative change.

  After several years of partnering with the Association and multiple efforts to craft the perfect bill, Councilwoman Vitale’s due diligence paid off. She cleverly introduced Bill 85-08 on October 20, 2008 – timing it with NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week. After introducing the bill, she worked creatively to ensure passage in January 2009. Her passion to pass the bill was contagious. The Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association rallied the troops and packed the chambers on Monday January 5, 2009, to show Ms. Vitale their support and endorsement for her bill.

  On January 5, 2009 the Anne Arundel County Council passed Bill no. 85-08 – a bill which will provide a significant life/safety measure to protect the citizens and firefighters of Anne Arundel County. Moreover, the Council’s landmark decision – lead by Council Chairman Vitale – will likely influence other Maryland jurisdictions to adopt similar legislation.

  The Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association is very fortunate to have Councilwoman Vitale as a friend and business partner in its pursuit of sprinkler legislation. She understands the importance of sprinkler systems in residential homes and how her bill will save Anne Arundel County citizens and firefighters lives.

  In recognition for Ms. Vitale’s selfless work in pursuing and championing passage of Bill No. 85-08, and for her long friendship with the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association, I herby endorse Anne Arundel County Council Chairman Cathleen M. Vitale as an inductee into the 2009 Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame.

Respectfully Submitted,
Craig B. Harman
President