IMSA is the oldest known association of its kind in the world. It dates back to October 1896, when a group of municipal signal men from several east coast cities met in Brooklyn, New York and organized an association called the “International Association of Fire and Police Telegraph Superintendents.” Records indicate that the group met once a year thereafter and that committees were appointed which developed and submitted technical papers on pertinent subjects at these annual meetings. The purpose of the organization is to keep its members and others in the profession, up-to-date on proper procedures of construction and maintenance of signal systems and informed on new products and equipment developments along with its continuous dedication of effort in improving and advancing all aspects of public safety. IMSA Canadian Prairie Section consists of the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan. As an arm of the International organization, the Canadian Prairie Section provides its members with ongoing certification courses and an annual conference and trade show which displays vendors and representatives from Canada and the U.S.A.