As the new year approaches, now is the time to take control of your business expenses and operations. Savings4Members is more than a discount program—it’s a strategic resource designed to help you save money, simplify processes, and unlock growth opportunities. Here’s how you can make the most of your member benefits:

Cost Savings

Savings4Members helps you reduce expenses on essential business needs, including fuel, shipping, payroll, and more. Members can significantly cut costs and reinvest those savings into growth opportunities by tapping into exclusive discounts. Every dollar saved strengthens your bottom line.

Operational Efficiency

Our programs go beyond cost-cutting, offering tools and services that simplify daily operations. From streamlined payroll and HR solutions to smarter logistics and payment systems, Savings4Members helps you run your business more efficiently, saving both time and effort.

Vendor Partnerships

With access to a network of top-tier vendors, you’ll benefit from curated programs designed to meet your business needs. Our dedicated consultants ensure you’re matched with the right services, maximizing value and delivering personalized support every step of the way.

To learn more about the value of your member benefits, contact a Savings4Members Consultant at 603-628-2701 | info@savings4members.com

The Louisiana State Police (LSP) has introduced the Louisiana Applicant Processing System (LAPS), a cutting-edge initiative designed to streamline non-criminal background checks statewide. Partnering with IDEMIA, the state leverages the Universal Enrollment Platform (UEP), a robust, secure system ensuring faster, more accurate processing of applications.

Streamlining Background Checks

LAPS modernizes the background check process for both in-state and out-of-state applicants. By integrating UEP’s advanced capabilities, the system offers a mobile-friendly, accessible, and efficient solution. Applicants can now pre-enroll, schedule fingerprint appointments, and track their status online with ease.

Key features of the UEP include:

• Mobile Accessibility: Applicants can schedule appointments and check statuses from any device.
• Secure and Accurate Processing: Service codes uniquely identify the requesting agency, ensuring precise routing and results.
• Convenient Payment Options: Applicants can pay using credit/debit cards, checks, or agency-issued coupon codes.

Simplified Procedures for Applicants

The new system addresses the needs of both in-state and out-of-state applicants with tailored processes:

In-State Applicants
Applicants receive a service code tied to the requesting agency. Using this, they schedule an appointment at one of over 30 enrollment centers statewide. Fingerprints are captured electronically and processed within two days, with results returned directly to the requesting agency.

Out-of-State Applicants
For those residing outside Louisiana, the system offers two options:

1. Schedule a live-scan appointment at a nearby IDEMIA/IdentoGO center.
2. Submit printed fingerprint cards via mail for processing.

These steps ensure applicants from all regions can participate in a seamless and efficient background check process.

Cost Transparency

The cost of services varies by the type of background check requested:

• State-Only Check: Up to $47.50.
• State and Federal Check: Up to $60.75.
• Out-of-State Convenience Fee: $39.99 additional for live-scan services.

This transparent fee structure ensures applicants know the expenses upfront, while agencies have the option to prepay for multiple applicants using coupon codes.

Support and Accessibility

To assist applicants and agencies, LAPS provides multiple points of contact:

• IDEMIA Help Desk for scheduling and technical queries.
• LSP for administrative and finance-related questions.

Future-Ready Technology

The LAPS initiative positions Louisiana as a leader in leveraging biometric technology for public safety and convenience. With ongoing enhancements and the addition of new enrollment centers, LAPS continues to evolve, setting a new standard for applicant processing systems nationwide.

During the 2024 Annual Convention in Kenner LA the LLSSA elected a new President, Ron Foreman. Ron is the owner and operator of Bayou Fire Protection in Lake Charles.

Ron is not new to the position of LLSSA President as he served in this capacity between 2003 and 2007. He plans to focus his 2025 term on Growth and Improvement for the Association. Growing membership and attendance to events and improving the benefits we offer our membership specifically Education which is a passion of his. You can reach out directly to Ron at

Bayou Fire Protection, Inc 

307 Christman Road Lake Charles, LA 70615 

337-437-1230 Fax 337-437-1231

ron@bayoufire.net

bayoufire@aol.com

In accepting this position, Dera Deroche-Jolet, President in 2015 and 2019 – 2024 will step into the position of Chairman of the Board.

At their Annual Convention last month, the Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA) donated two K-9 Trauma kits to the Kenner K9 Division of the Police Department.  K9 Officer Muk with handler K9 Officer Eric Hill and K9 Officer Capone with handler Detective Katherine Stroyewski were presented with K9 Trauma Kits purchased with the donations form the LLSSA Membership during 2024.  These kits will go a long way to ensure Muk and Capone get immediate treatment should the unthinkable happen while on duty.

K9 officers—loyal, highly trained dogs working alongside law enforcement—play an irreplaceable role in public safety. Whether detecting explosives, tracking suspects, or conducting search-and-rescue missions, these canine heroes are often exposed to life-threatening risks. Yet, while we provide extensive medical support for human officers, many departments lack the resources to adequately address emergencies involving their four-legged partners. This is where K9 trauma kits become essential.

A K9 trauma kit is a specialized first-aid kit designed to provide immediate care for injured police dogs. These kits typically include items like:

• Bandages and gauze to stop bleeding.
• Splints for fractures.
• Burn dressings for thermal injuries.
• Muzzles to ensure the safety of handlers while administering aid.
• Oxygen masks tailored for dogs.
• Tourniquets and clotting agents to address severe wounds.

K9 officers face many of the same dangers as human officers but often without immediate access to medical care. Situations such as gunfire, vehicle accidents, and exposure to hazardous substances can result in life-threatening injuries.  Handlers can use a K9 trauma kit to stabilize their canine partner until veterinary professionals can take over. Quick intervention during the “golden hour”—the critical first hour after trauma—can mean the difference between life and death for an injured dog.

Equipping every K9 unit with a trauma kit is a mission of the LLSSA.  This year was just the beginning of the mission, and they were able to give two of the kits to the Kenner PD.  In 2025 the LLSSA would like to expand this project to help more departments across the state.  You can help by donating to the project at https://llssa.org/k9-trauma-kit-donations/ 

 Our K9 officers give their all to protect us—it’s only right that we provide them with the tools needed to protect them in return. Trauma kits are not just an investment in the safety of these animals; they are a testament to the respect and care we owe our loyal defenders

The LA Wallet is Louisiana’s official digital driver’s license app, designed to provide residents with a secure, convenient way to carry a digital version of their state-issued driver’s license or ID card. Developed in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and the Louisiana State Police, the app serves as an innovative approach to modernizing identity verification and reducing the need for physical documents.

Available for download on iOS and Android devices, the LA Wallet ensures that Louisiana residents have access to a state-approved and legally accepted digital credential that can be used in many of the same scenarios as a physical license.

We have all seen other states fight “Right-to-Repair” in the past few years.  What is it and how would it affect our membership.

The “Right to Repair” refers to the principle that consumers and independent repair businesses should have the legal and practical ability to repair the products they own. This includes access to tools, parts, software, and information required to diagnose and fix issues.

Key Components of the Right to Repair:

1. Access to Information: Manufacturers provide repair manuals, schematics, and troubleshooting guides.
2. Parts Availability: Consumers and independent repair shops can purchase replacement parts directly.
3. Tools and Software: Repair tools and diagnostic software are made accessible.
4. Design for Repairability: Products are designed so that they can be repaired without causing additional damage or requiring specialized tools.

Impact on the Security and Fire Systems Installation Industry:

1. Access to Proprietary Systems:
   • Many security and fire systems involve proprietary software and hardware. If the Right to Repair laws extend to this industry, independent technicians and businesses would gain access to proprietary repair tools and documentation.
   • This could reduce monopolistic control by manufacturers or certified repair vendors, potentially lowering repair and maintenance costs.
2. Security Concerns:
   • Security and fire systems are often critical for safety and sensitive operations. Allowing broader access to their proprietary systems might raise concerns about misuse or hacking, as these systems could be vulnerable if repair information falls into the wrong hands.
   • Manufacturers might need to implement stricter authentication measures to ensure only legitimate repairs are conducted.
3. Market Competition:
   • Independent repair businesses would be able to compete more effectively with manufacturers for service contracts. This could increase competition, leading to more affordable repair options for customers.
   • Small businesses in the installation and repair industry could benefit significantly from reduced dependency on manufacturer-approved service networks.
4. Compliance and Liability:
   • Fire and security systems are heavily regulated. Ensuring compliance with safety standards during repairs is critical. Right to Repair laws would need to address these regulatory concerns, ensuring repairs by independent technicians don’t compromise safety or legal compliance.
5. Training and Expertise:
   • Independent repair businesses may need additional training to handle the complexity of modern security and fire systems, especially those integrated with IoT or AI technologies.
   • Manufacturers may offer training programs as part of compliance with Right to Repair requirements.
6. Consumer Empowerment:
   • Property owners and businesses could choose more affordable and flexible repair options rather than being locked into service contracts with manufacturers or their certified partners.
   • This might encourage more frequent maintenance and quicker resolution of issues, enhancing overall system reliability.

In summary, while the Right to Repair could democratize repair services in the security and fire systems industry, it also brings challenges related to security, compliance, and expertise. It’s a delicate balance between fostering competition and protecting the integrity of critical safety systems.”

The Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA) is proud to announce the tremendous success of its 2024 Golf Tournament, Convention, and Tradeshow, held November 20 – 21 in Kenner, LA.  This premier event brought together industry professionals, exhibitors, and enthusiasts to network, learn, and celebrate the life safety and security sector’s continued growth.

The event kicked off with the highly anticipated Golf Tournament, where teams of industry leaders enjoyed a day of friendly competition under beautiful Louisiana skies. Participants not only demonstrated their skills on the course but also helped raise funds for the LLSSA Youth Scholarship which offers scholarships to high school seniors of police, fire and first responders, reaffirming LLSSA’s commitment to community engagement.

At the Convention, 500+ attendees benefited from informative sessions led by esteemed speakers, focusing on emerging trends in life safety and security. Key topics included:

• Advances in smart technology integration
• Compliance with evolving safety regulations
• Strategies for cybersecurity in physical security systems

The Tradeshow showcased cutting-edge products and solutions from leading manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. 70 Exhibitors reported high engagement levels, with many participants taking advantage of hands-on demonstrations and direct consultations with experts.

During the State Meeting, Kenner Police Chief Conley spoke to the group about the recent false alarm statistics and the need for more vigilance in addressing training of system owners.  Chief Nick Heinen spoke on behalf of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, stressing the partnership between the SFMO and the LLSSA and how each company must do its part to secure this industry and Louisiana.

The LLSSA also presented awards to recognize the outstanding contributions of the 2024 LLSSA Board.  Dera Deroche-Jolet, LLSSA President for the last 8 years has stepped back into the Chairman of the Board position as Ron Foreman will take on the Roll of the 2025 LLSSA President.  The entire 2025 Board was presented to membership and sworn in. 

At the Tradeshow, K-9 Trauma Kits we presented to K9 officer Muk and his handler Officer Eric Hill and K9 Officer Capone and his handler Detective Katherine Stroyewski.  These Trauma Kits will help their handlers provide immediate care in the case of an emergency that can be life saving for K9 officers before they can get to the veterinarian to provide medical care.

LLSSA extends its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees who contributed to the event’s success. Special appreciation goes to Karen Shall, LLSSA Convention Chairperson, for her hard work in bringing this event together.

As we reflect on this year’s achievements, LLSSA is already planning for the 2025 Convention and Tradeshow, promising even more opportunities for growth and collaboration. Mark your calendars for November 19 – 20, 2025.

For more information about LLSSA and upcoming events, please visit www.llssa.org or contact Peggy Page at director@llssa.org.

Tailored benefits and streamlined solutions!

LLSSA Member can get discounted rates through NESA.  Employee Benefit Services (EBS) of RCM&D offers a suite of employee benefits offerings designed to be tailored to the unique needs of your organization. Their team simplifies and streamlines complex benefits administration while ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging innovative technology and personalized guidance, we help you optimize your benefits strategy and improve employee well-being.

Comprehensive Health and Benefits Services Include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Telemedicine
• Value Based Primary Care
• Wellness & Mental Health
• Employee Assistance Progreams
• High Performing Health Plans
• Health Plan Management & Benefits Administraton
• Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) Guidance
• Employee Benefits Education
• Compliance Guidance & Resources.

Learn More
Contact Brian Villari at 410-356-9500 ext. 2784 bvillari@rcmd.com to learn more about how RCM&D can help your organization navigate the complex world of employee benefits.

The False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) is committed to reducing false alarms. Members are employed by government and public safety agencies, along with alarm industry and other professionals.

FARA has created a wealth of information to help:

• the alarm industry install, monitor and maintain their systems effectively while reducing false alarms
• public safety and government officials tasked with running local false alarm reduction programs to do their jobs more effectively
• public officials draft, enact and implement effective false alarm reduction programs
• alarm users use their systems effectively while reducing false alarms
  • Visit the Alarm User section for more information.
  • Click here to see samples of FARA Publications. Members receive access to download all of the FARA Publications. Many alarm industry professionals have used FARA publications as bill stuffers or handouts to remind customers how to reduce false alarms.
  • Click here for a searchable list of FARA Publications

Please visit the rest of the FARA site to learn more about how you can sell, install, monitor and maintain alarm systems without causing false alarms.

If you need help to reduce false alarms, feel free to contact us.

And of course, if you share our commitment to reducing false alarms join FARA. Click here to learn how.

This November, we’re highlighting two of Savings4Members’ most recognized vendor programs—ADP and T-Mobile. How well do you know them? We’ll explore how these companies offer more than just their well-known services. Think of it as putting together a puzzle, revealing how these programs come together to support your business success.

Did you know that ADP, the payroll powerhouse behind thousands of businesses, offers more than just paycheck processing? Behind the scenes, ADP helps businesses streamline their entire HR operations, including health insurance, benefits administration, 401(k) plans, and talent management. Through Savings4Members, ADP provides valuable insights and analytics, allowing companies to optimize payroll, benefits, and retirement offerings, improving both efficiency and employee satisfaction.

T-Mobile plays a much larger role in your business than just providing reliable communication. Through Savings4Members, members gain access to customizable plans that include fleet and asset management, mobile point-of-sale solutions, and business internet. With mobile security features, team management tools, and priority support, T-Mobile ensures seamless operations. Plus, members can access Wi-Fi on planes, keeping teams connected wherever they go, all tailored to fit member’s needs.

To learn more about our vendor programs, contact a Savings4Members Consultant at 603628-2701 | info@savings4members.com