NEOCHMM would like to pass on our condolences to the family, friends and associates of Dr. John Frick.   Dr. Frick is considered to be one of the founders of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) and friend of our NEOCHMM chapter. Dr. Frick passed away in June after a battle with pancreatic cancer.   He became involved with the management of hazardous materials early in his career at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, in Maryland and then later at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

Along with Jack McCambridge and Hal Gordon, Dr. Frick organized the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management in 1984. The IHMM grew along with our profession, eventually having an off shoot, the ACHMM, or Academy of Hazardous Materials Management, and later the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP), of which Northeast Ohio Hazardous Materials Managers or NEOCHMM, became a local chapter.   Dr. Frick had significant influence over our chapter, visiting it several times and influencing a young Ken Manchen to later become part of the IHMM Board and NEOCHMM Chapter President.

On behalf of IHMM, AHMP and NEOCHMM, we recognize and salute the good works of Dr. Frick. As without him, we may not have ever have developed into organizations helping society handle the complex task of the management of hazardous materials. A more detailed description of the life and times of Dr. Frick and be found on the IHMM website.