US Fire
Grant Support
|
|
Click Here for Grant Information
|
|
GAC Resources
|
|
For GAC documents, announcements, and information please click here to visit the microsite.
|
|
FEMSA Web Site
|
|
FEMSA Web Site
|
|
|
Join our list
|
 |
|
|
DHS Releases Details about Funds in Economic Recovery Act: Secretary says legislation will create jobs while making America safer
|
|
DHS last week released some details of the projects being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, recently passed in both houses of Congress and signed into law by President Obama.
The total amount going to DHS and to the General Services Administration in support of DHS programs is $3.5 billion. Funded projects include a combined $650 million to begin construction of a consolidated headquarters for the department at the former site of St. Elizabeths Hospital in southeast Washington, D.C., a combined $720 million for renovation and construction at land ports of entry, and $1 billion for explosive detection systems and enhanced checkpoint screening equipment at airports. In a subsequent announcement, Secretary Napolitano said that the $1 billion for aviation security would create more than 3,000 new jobs. That announcement also listed the airports that would be receiving the new equipment.
"The primary responsibility of this department is as clear as it is sobering: protect our people from attacks," said Secretary Napolitano. "The funds in the president's recovery package for [DHS] projects will not only make the country safer and more secure, but will create new jobs and in some cases save the jobs of men and women who do the hard and often unglamorous and thankless work of staying ahead of those who would seek to do us harm."
DHS has also launched a Web site that will monitor and track the stimulus money coming in to the department and going out to DHS-related projects. The address for that Web site is www.dhs.gov/recovery.
Press releases about the general announcement and the TSA projects announcement are available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/.
Source: DHS
Back to Top
|
U.S. Fire Administration Announces 2008 Outstanding Research Award Winners
|
|
EMMITSBURG, MD. - The United States Fire Administration announced today the four fire service executives who will receive the National Fire Academy's (NFA) 2008 Outstanding Research Awards. This annual award recognizes Executive Fire Officer Program students for their research projects. The 2008 award winning projects will be presented at the 21st Executive Fire Officer Symposium on April 17-19, 2009, at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
"Now more than ever our communities need tangible, real outcomes to provide direction in the delivery of emergency services to the jurisdictions that our Executive Fire Officer Program participants represent," said Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Denis Onieal. "The Applied Research Projects selected this year provide examples of research that is founded upon the belief that scientific approaches to real problems can produce data which will assist not only these communities represented by their EFOP officers, but respond to the complex problems that confront all fire and emergency services organizations across the United States."
The Executive Fire Officer Program is designed to provide senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various and challenging facets of fire administration. Over a four-year period, the officers continue their professional development in four courses at the Academy, which are recommended for either graduate-level or upper division baccalaureate credit equivalency by the American Council on Education. Participants in the program are required to complete an applied research project in their organization six months after the completion of each of the four course areas.
The 2008 Outstanding Research Award recipients are:
Read More.
Source: DHS
Back to Top
|
The Late-Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones to be Honored at The National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner: Selected as Recipient of CFSI Legislator of the Year Award
|
|
(Washington, DC)
The late-Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones has been selected as the 2009 Congressional Fire Services Institute's Legislator of the Year. She will be honored for her years of dedicated service to public safety on April 2, 2009, at the 21st Annual CFSI National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC.
The Congresswoman served in the House of Representatives for nearly ten years before her untimely death in August of 2008. Tubbs Jones was a tireless advocate for fire prevention and education, especially on our nation's college campuses. During her career, she pursued legislation to reduce the threat of fire on college campuses and supported the fire service on many other legislative initiatives.
"Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a champion of our nation's fire service," said Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute. "Her passion and dedication to advancing fire and life safety on America's college campuses was inspiring, elevating the need to protect college students against the threat of fire to a new level. The fire service and our nation lost a good friend and advocate and I can think of no better way to honor her."
Over 2,000 state and national homeland security leaders are expected to attend the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner, hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). The theme of the program is "New Beginnings... New Opportunities." Featuring leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, the annual tribute will draw attention to protecting our nation's first responders through strong leadership at the local, state and national level.
For additional details about the event, visit the CFSI website at www.cfsi.org or call 202-371-1277. Seating is still available.
|
Congressman Peter King to Chair Congressional Fire Services Caucus
|
|
The Congressional Fire Services Caucus recently selected Congressman Peter King (NY-3) as Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus during the 111th Congress. Congressman King, who is also the Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, has been a long-time advocate of America's fire and emergency services.
The selection of Congressman King by the leadership of the Fire Caucus was praised by the fire service community. "Congressman King has a solid record in support of our nation's firefighters," said Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). "Congressman King has continually fought for increased funding for first responder grants, strengthening the role of FEMA and the United States Fire Administration's role in the Department of Homeland Security, and advancing fire safety legislation in Congress. We are honored to have him as the Chairman of the Fire Caucus for the 111th Congress."
Past chairs of the Fire Caucus have included current Vice President of the United States Joseph Biden, Senator John McCain (AZ), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-5), Congressman Rob Andrews (NJ-1), Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (ret.), and caucus founder Congressman Curt Weldon (ret.).
|
Biden says administration will help firefighters
|
|
The Associated Press
Vice President Joe Biden delivers his remarks at the conference. WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden said Monday the Obama administration is committed to getting firefighters the equipment, training and additional staffing they need to do their jobs.
Read More.
|
Interoperability and Preparedness Top Priorities for First Responders
|
|
What are the top priorities of first responders? According to attendees at Homeland Security stakeholders' conference, they need interoperable equipment and more.
Read More.
Source: Disaster Resource Guide
Back to top
|
Emergency Responders Need Equipment Compatibility, DHS Official Says
|
|
Interoperable communications has been buzzword in EM circles for years. The technology exists, but we're just not using it, says one high-ranking DHS official.
Read More.
Source: Disaster Resource Guide
Back to top
|
Obama Nominates Former Volunteer as FEMA Administrator
|
|
President Obama has chosen Craig Fugate, the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, to be the new Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Read More.
Source: NVFC
Back to top
|
NVFC 2008 Annual Report Now Available Online
|
|
The National Volunteer Fire Council's (NVFC) 2008 Annual Report is now available online for download. The report provides a summary of the NVFC's activities throughout 2008, including sections on legislative efforts, Fire Corps, the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, the National Junior Firefighter Program, EMS initiatives, Board meetings, Award recipients, and more. The NVFC is working for you - find out how by downloading the Annual Report at www.nvfc.org. You will find it in the About the NVFC section of the web site.
Source: NVFC
Back to top
|
Chief Glenn Gaines Named Deputy Assistant Administrator and Acting Administrator for USFA
|
|
Chief Glenn Gaines has been appointed as the Deputy Assistant Administrator and the Acting U.S. Fire Administrator for the United States Fire Administration (USFA). Gaines began his career as a volunteer firefighter and advanced to become the Fire Chief of the Fairfax (VA) Fire Department, serving over one million people.
Chief Gaines' extensive resume demonstrates the invaluable skills that he brings to USFA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Throughout his 37 years in the fire service, Chief Gaines has experience in a variety of areas including training, prevention, and operations. With a degree in Fire Administration, he has served as an instructor at the National Fire Academy and has had multiple articles and texts published within the fire service community.
Chief Gaines has helped to create and cultivate both the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program and the SAFER grant program. As a result, he acutely understands the needs of the fire service on all levels and is exceptionally prepared to take on these challenges.
Chief Gaines also understands the challenges facing today's volunteer. "The NVFC is excited and proud that Chief Gaines has been appointed to the position of Deputy Assistant Administrator at USFA," said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "Chief Gaines has been a tremendous friend to the NVFC, always making himself available to our organization and its members. He is a respected advocate for the volunteer and is uniquely suited to take on this important role. We wish Glenn the best in this new endeavor and look forward to continuing our working relationship with him."
Source: NVFC
Back to top
|
| The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:
|
|
Name: William Roger Vorwark
Rank: Lieutenant
Age: 49
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 5
Date of Incident: 03/14/2009
Time of Incident: 1327hrs
Date of Death: 03/14/2009
Fire Department: Odessa Fire & Rescue Protection District
Address: PO Box 345, 301 W Dryden, Odessa, MO 64076
Fire Department Chief: Kevin Campbell
Incident Description: Lieutenant Vorwark was working the third outdoor fire call of the day, mopping up hotspots, when he collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Vorwark's crew carried him back to their apparatus parked along the roadway nearby where they immediately began CPR and utilized their AED. All efforts to revive Lt. Vorwark, however, were unsuccessful.
Incident Location: 2261 SR H, Lafayette County
Funeral Arrangements: Pending, updates posted @ www.mofirefuneral.org
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of Lieutenant William Roger Vorwark, C/o Odessa Fire & Rescue Protection District, PO Box 345, 301 W Dryden, Odessa, MO 64076.
Tribute is being paid to Lieutenant William Roger Vorwark at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Back to top
|
|
|
