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Secretary Addresses International Fire Fighters Association
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Secretary Napolitano last week addressed the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), saying that among her top priorities is expanding partnerships with groups such as firefighters who are on the front lines responding to disasters and emergencies of all kinds.
In her address at the IAFF's legislative conference in Washington, D.C., the secretary noted that DHS must rely on its partnerships with state, local, and tribal organizations to help meet its mission. Emergencies and disasters often require that local fire departments respond first, and it is for that reason that they need the resources and capacity to respond effectively, the secretary said. She pledged to the group that firefighters would have a "seat at the table" when funding and policy decisions are made at FEMA on grants for fire departments. She said that she was also looking forward to working closely with the next leader of the U.S. Fire Administration, who will report to FEMA's administrator.
The secretary also called upon the fire fighters to help explain to the American public the role of FEMA during disasters and emergencies. "You are the first responders, and FEMA is there to back up you up and not be a substitute for emergency workers and firefighters," she said, explaining that there is a "fundamental reassessment in the public eye of FEMA's role" that needs to take place.
The secretary's complete remarks are available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/speeches/sp_1237294788434.shtm.
Source: DHS
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Secretary Napolitano Announces Major Efficiency Review Initiative
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On Friday, Secretary Janet Napolitano unveiled the DHS Efficiency Review, a sweeping, coordinated program to improve efficiency and streamline decision-making through a series of department-wide initiatives. The efficiency initiatives she announced ranged from eliminating non-mission critical travel to acquiring enterprise licenses for commonly used software, which are collectively expected to lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in cost avoidance. The secretary announced the initiative at TSA's state-of-the-art Transportation Systems Integration Facility at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
"An example of efficiency at work is right here at this TSA facility, [which] enhances security while streamlining the procurement process and standardizing how the equipment is tested," said Secretary Napolitano. "I am committed to creating a new culture of efficiency at the Department of Homeland Security, and the Efficiency Review will allow us to cut costs while streamlining operations and decision-making. Over time, this will make DHS a leaner, smarter agency better equipped to protect our nation."
The secretary announced six main categories included in the efficiency review: acquisition management, asset management, real property management, employee vetting/credentialing, hiring/on-boarding, and information technology. In a message to all DHS employees, the secretary said, "This is just the beginning. I'm calling on each employee to keep efficiency in mind as you go through your workday." She encouraged employees to submit their ideas for efficiency improvements across the department by contacting their component Efficiency Review Team representative.
The Efficiency Review plan encompasses simple, common-sense reforms, as well as longer-term, systemic changes. Initiatives are broken down into 30-, 60-, 90- and 120-day groupings, indicating when implementation will begin. Within the first 30 days, DHS will eliminate the printing of all documents that can be sent electronically or posted online, consolidate subscriptions of professional publications to lower costs, and avoid duplication. Longer term, the plan calls for energy efficiencies at the workplace, the consolidation of employee training and orientation, the shift to hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles, and an assessment of all full-time/part-time employees and contractors to better manage the department's workforce and meet its core mission. In addition, the secretary announced a moratorium on all external contracts for the design and production of new seals and logos as another way the department could use taxpayers' money more wisely.
A press release about this announcement is available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1238172270388.shtm.
Source: DHS
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Texas Turns to Twitter for Emergency Weather Updates
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Twitter, the hot new social networking website, is finding a place in emergency management offices in Texas, as officials turn to the site to provide citizens with weather updates.
Read More.
Source: Disaster Resource Guide
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Funding, Partnerships and Fire Administrator on Napolitano's Front Burner
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What's on DHS secretary Janet Napolitano's to-do list? She says its improved intergovernmental partnerships, grant funding and a new fire administrator for FEMA.
Read More.
Source: Disaster Resource Guide
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Help Your Community Members Apply for Disaster Assistance
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It is only March and already there have been 17 federally-declared disasters in 2009. Most of these disasters can be attributed to severe winter weather and flooding. Disaster assistance is often available for families and individuals in affected counties; however, some people may not be aware of the available federal aid or know how to apply. Your Fire Corps team can take the lead in communicating this important information to members of your community.
Read full article.
Source: Fire Corps
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| The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:
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Name: Gregory Carroll Cooke
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 60
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 20
Date of Incident: Unknown, Late in the Week of 03/16/09
Date of Death: 03/21/09
Fire Department: Salem Volunteer Fire Department
Address: 4559 Swift Creek School RD, Whitakers, NC 27891
Fire Department Chief: Paul Powell
Incident Description: Late in the week of 03/16/09, Firefighter Cooke was working at a woods fire when he went into cardiac arrest. He was transported by air to the Wake MedicalCenter in Raleigh, NC. On Saturday, 3/21/09, Firefighter Cooke passed away.
Funeral Arrangements: Thursday, March 26, 2009 @ 1400hrs at the Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Flowers are accepted or memorial donations may be made to Salem Volunteer Fire Department, 4559 Swift Creek School RD, Whitakers, NC27891 or to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Cooke at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Nolan Schmidt
Rank: Chief
Age: 37
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 19
Date of Incident: 03/23/09
Date of Death: 03/23/09
Fire Department: Hydro Volunteer Fire Department
Address: PO Box 248, Hydro, OK 73048-0248
Assistant Chief: Dwight Slagell
Incident Description: On 03/23/09 at approximately 1030hrs, Chief Schmidt from the Hydro Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call of a fire in a soy bean storage bin at a grain elevator. While at the scene, Chief Schmidt was killed. An investigation into the cause of Chief Schmidt's death is pending. Three other firefighters, two of which are the brothers of Chief Schmidt, from this department were injured as well as a firefighter from the Weatherford Fire Department.
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Chief Schmidt at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Robert Strang
Rank: Lieutenant
Age: 60
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 29
Date of Incident: 03/26/09
Date of Death: 03/26/09
Fire Department: Melbourne Fire Department
Address: 1500 Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL 32901
Fire Chief: Paul Forsberg
Incident Description: Lieutenant Robert Strang responded to and operated at a commercial structure fire. Upon returning to the station, he went into his quarters. Approximately 40 minutes later, he was discovered to be unresponsive by another firefighter. Care was initiated on scene. He was subsequently transported to the local hospital where he passed away. An investigation into the cause of Lieutenant Strang's death is pending.
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Lieutenant Strang at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Mike Gilbreath
Rank: Fire Chief
Age: 55
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 37
Date of Incident: 03/27/2009
Time of Incident: 0630hrs
Date of Death: 03/27/2009
Fire Department: Double Springs Fire Department
Address: PO Box 279, 21 Main ST, Double Springs, AL 35553
Fire Department Chief: Acting Fire Chief Pat West
Incident Description: Fire Chief Mike Gilbreath was dispatched with his fire company to a "trees down call" on County Road 25. While working to clear the roadway, a vehicle coming around a curve over the rise of a hill was unable to stop in time before striking Chief Gilbreath. Emergency medical assistance was rendered on scene by other responders, including the Chief's firefighter/EMT son. Chief Gilbreath was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Funeral Arrangements: Chief Gilbreath was laid to rest on 03/29/2009.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Fire Chief Mike Gilbreath Memorial Fund, Traders and Farmers Bank, 10 Blake Dr, Double Springs, AL 35553. Tele: (205) 489-5011
Tribute is being paid to Fire Chief Mike Gilbreath at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Robert Allen France
Rank: Firefighter/EMT-Training Officer
Age: 45
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 3+
Date of Incident: 03/30/2009
Time of Incident: 2030hrs
Date of Death: 03/30/2009
Fire Department: Stateline Volunteer Fire Department
Address: PO Box 411, Stateline, MS 39362
Fire Department Chief: Joey Young
Incident Description: Firefighter France attended a fire training meeting at the Green County Emergency Services Office. Upon completion of the meeting he was returning to his home jurisdiction on his motorcycle when he struck a deer. France was treated on scene by emergency services personnel and subsequently transported via helicopter to the USA Medical Center in Mobile, AL where he succumbed to his injuries.
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of Firefighter/EMT Robert Allen France, c/o Stateline Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 411, Stateline, MS 39362
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter/EMT-Training Officer Robert Allen France at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Manny Rivera
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 43
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 14
Date of Incident: 02/09/2009
Time of Incident: 2145hrs
Date of Death: 03/31/2009
Fire Department: Trenton Fire Department
Address: 244 Perry ST, Trenton, NJ 08618
Fire Department Chief: Fire Director Richard Laird Jr.
Incident Description: Firefighter Rivera climbed up a ladder and rescued a fire victim dangling from the window of a residence. After safely reaching the ground, Rivera collapsed from an apparent heart attack.
Firefighter Rivera remained in a coma since the February incident and passed away on the 31st of March.
Incident Location: 112 Washington ST, Trenton, NJ
Funeral Arrangements: Viewing, 04/03/2009 from 1500-2100hrs @ St Mary's Cathedral, 151 N. Warren St., Trenton, NJ. Services, 04/04/2009 @ 1000hrs, St Mary's Cathedral.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of Firefighter Manny Rivera, c/o Trenton Fire Department, 244 Perry ST, Trenton, NJ 08618.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Manny Rivera at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: John William Jeffers
Rank: Assistant Chief
Age: 54
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: Pending
Date of Incident: 04/01/2009
Time of Incident: Pending
Date of Death: 04/02/2009
Fire Department: Wellington-Greer Fire Protection District
Address: PO Box 143, Wellington, IL 60973-0143
Fire Department Chief: Ross Butzow
Incident Description: Following a meeting at the fire station, Assistant Chief Jeffers and other firefighters were testing fire hose. After reloading hose on an engine, Jeffers sat down on the tail board of the apparatus, stated that he wasn't feeling well, and asked to be taken home. A friend stopped by the next afternoon to see him and when there was no response at the door, the fire department was called. After gaining access to the home they discovered Assistant Chief Jeffers had passed away from a reported myocardial infarction.
Funeral Arrangements: 04/06/2009 at 1030hrs, the United Methodist Church on Main Street, Wellington, IL.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Memorials may be made to the Wellington-Greer Fire Department, the Wellington United Methodist Church or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Tribute is being paid to Assistant Chief John Jeffers at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
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