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GAC Resources
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For GAC documents, announcements, and information please click here to visit the microsite.
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FAMA Web Site
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FEMSA Web Site
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Has your company made plans for a "Home Day" this year?
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Home Day activities can range from large events coordinated with other FEMSA/FAMA members in your state or region, or they can be smaller, simpler events
involving just your company.'
The FEMSA/FAMA GAC has developed a "Tool Kit" to get you started. Also, it is designed to help you understand the importance of establishing and building relationships with your local and state legislators in your home towns or districts, and to host a get-together with them at their offices, at your facilities, or at an appealing venue for FEMSA and FAMA members in your state or region. Log on to www.famafemsagac.org and click on the "Home Day" button at the bottom of the page.
It is recommended that Home Day events be held by the time of the FEMSA and FAMA fall meetings in October so we can discuss your successes at the meeting. Several members have either hosted or are in the process of hosting Home Days in their areas.
Illinois
FEMSA and FAMA members in Illinois, along with the Illinois Metro Chiefs, hosted an Illinois Fire Service Home Day on June 4th. Congressional staffers took part in a fire training exercise at the Carol Stream Fire Protection Districts training center, followed by a luncheon. (A full report is expected for the fall issue of this newsletter.)
Task Force Tips of Valparaiso will sponsor its own "Home Day" for federal, state and local officials on September 18th in conjunction with its new facility opening. Further information will be forthcoming.
W.S. Darley & Co. hosted Congressman Peter Roskam this spring to tour Darley's new headquarters in Itasca and to share with the Congressman issues facing the fire service and those who serve the industry. Congressman
Roskam has become an advocate for the US Fire Service, and recently joined the Congressional Fire Services Institute. In a recent letter he wrote, "I came to Washington to ensure our nation's homeland remains secure. One of the most important components of guaranteeing our communities are safe is supporting our first responders who stand on the front lines daily to protect our way of life."
Ohio
Sutphen Corp. held a small home day in May at its Springfield chassis manufacturing plant. Many local politicians, state legislators and Congressman Steve Austria (R-OH 7th) attended the event. The Congressman is on the Budget Committee and shared information
about the budget process. Sutphen representatives were able to drive home the importance of the AFG program to his district.
Minnesota
On July 28th, Waterous Company of South St. Paul will host "Home Day" at its offices welcoming other FEMSA and FAMA members to co-host the event including FoamPro, Rosenbauer America, Metro Fire, and Firehouse Events. The event will demonstrate the importance of these companies within the fire and emergency services industry, introduce legislators to some of their over 280 employees, and provide a unique opportunity to discuss with them important aspects and issues facing the fire and emergency services field.
New Hampshire
A statewide "Government Officials' Day" is being planned for early October. The event will be hosted at the New Hampshire Fire Academy in Concord and will be oriented toward state and local government officials (City Managers, Selectmen and the like), with a focus on educating them about the training and equipment needs of their local first responders.
When you schedule your "Home Day", please be sure to let us know. The FAMA/FEMSA GAC is available to you if you need assistance. Contact Karen Burnham at
info@femsa.org.
Source: FAMA/FEMSA GAC
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Upcoming Home Day: Wisconsin Fire Service Home Day
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Dear FEMSA & FAMA Members,
Please note that W.S. Darley & Co. will be hosting a Wisconsin Fire Service Home Day for Congressman David R. Obey at our plant in Chippewa Falls, WI on Tuesday, August 4.
Although the theme for the day is "Supporting our Nation's Firefighters, while bringing jobs to Wisconsin," we wanted to invite all FAMA and FEMSA members due to the number of member companies in the Midwest and
due to the fact that Congressman Obey is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He is the single most influential congressman in our efforts to support funding for the FIRE ACT Grant and other important programs. We also anticipate some other fire service dignitaries including from the IAFC and IAFF.
You are welcome to join us for lunch at 12:00 noon and the event will last from 12:30 - 1:30. We will have a plant tour and you will have an opportunity to display your equipment, trucks, etc...
We apologize for the short notice, but we are working with a short window of opportunity for him to visit us. Please respond to me by July 24 and let me know if you are available to send someone. Details will be sent by July 27 to those who respond. We hope to see you!
Sincerely,
Paul C. Darley
President
W.S. Darley & Co.
325 Spring Lake Drive
Itasca, IL 60143 USA
Toll-free: 800.323.0244 ext 330
Direct: 708.273.6920
Cell: 708.267.6288
Home: 630.941.1328
Fax: 708.345.8993
Email: pauldarley@darley.com
Source: FAMA/FEMSA GAC
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Senate Passes Homeland Security Spending Bill
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 On Friday, July 10th, the Senate passed S. 1298, the Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. The spending bill was approved by a vote of 84-6. The bill provides $44.3 billion in funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The bill includes $420 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program, doubling the current amount of funding for this critical program. The bill also provides $390 million for the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant program. While this represents a 31% cut in funding to the program, the Senate provided a significant increase in funding over the Obama Administration's request. The White House initially requested only $170 million for the FIRE Grant program; a 70% cut to Fiscal Year 2009's enacted level.
The Senate Appropriations Committee initially approved $380 million for the FIRE Grant program. During consideration of the bill the Senate adopted an amendment sponsored by Senator Christopher Dodd (CT), Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT), and Senator Tom Carper (DE) that increased funding for the FIRE Grant program by $10 million, bringing the total amount of funding for the program to $390 million.
The House passed its version of the appropriations bill on June 24th. The House bill contains the same funding levels for both FIRE and SAFER. The House and Senate will now convene a conference committee to resolve any differences between the two bills before voting on the final bill and sending it to the White House for the President's signature. CFSI will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Source: CFSI
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CFSI Webinar Series
America Burning: Looking Back on A Vision for Reducing the Threat of Fire in Our Nation
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DATE: 7/31/2009
TIME: 2:00 - 3:00PM EST
LOCATION: Your personal computer!
COST: Free
RSVP: Email malderfer@cfsi.org by 7/30/2009
Moderated by Bill Webb, CFSI Executive Director, the program will feature Louis J. Amabili, a member of the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control that authored the 1973 seminal report, America Burning, that raised national awareness to our nation's fire problems and highlighted a broad range of solutions that have since been implemented. Amabili will share his thoughts on the commission itself and some of the critical issues addressed in the report, including the recommendation to establish a national fire school (National Fire Academy) and federal fire service agency (United States Fire Administration). A legendary figure in the American Fire Service, Amabili served as the Director of the Delaware Fire Training Academy and remains active as a writer for various fire publications.
To register for this webinar please email malderfer@cfsi.org.
Established in 1989 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute, CFSI is designed to educate members of Congress about the needs and challenges of our nation's fire and emergency services so that the federal government provides the types of training and funding needed by our first responders.
For CFSI, success is built around education. In an effort to better educate Congress about the needs of the fire service, and to keep the fire service informed on activities in our nation's capital, we are proud to launch the CFSI Webinar Series. Each month CFSI will host a webinar featuring members of Congress, Congressional staff, federal officials, or fire service leaders discussing the pertinent national issues affecting the fire and emergency services.
Source: CFSI
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Secretary Napolitano Applauds President Obama's Intent to Nominate Kelvin Cochran as U.S. Fire Administrator
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano applauds President Obama's intent to nominate Kelvin Cochran- who brings decades of experience in preventing and responding to fires and emergencies-as U.S. Fire Administrator.
"Kelvin will play a vital role in strengthening our fire prevention and emergency management capabilities across the country," said Secretary Napolitano. "Working closely with our state and local partners, Kelvin will lead our nationwide efforts to prepare for and respond to fire emergencies."
As U.S. Fire Administrator, Cochran is charged with overseeing, coordinating, and directing national efforts to prevent fires and improve fire response. Cochran will oversee fire prevention and safety education programs and professional development opportunities for emergency responders at all levels of government.
Kelvin Cochran
Cochran has twenty-eight years of experience in the fire service including fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public education, research and development, personnel management, and administration, with a specialization in training and strategic planning.
Most recently, Cochran served as Fire Chief for the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, where he coordinated homeland security and emergency preparedness initiatives between the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) and oversaw 35 fire stations providing fire, rescue and emergency medical services.
Previously, he served in the Shreveport, La. fire department as a Firefighter, Assistant Chief Training Officer, and Fire Chief. Cochran also served as President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, the 1st Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA).
Source: DHS
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FEMA Leader Meets with Top Israeli Emergency Official
Also holds discussions with New York City mayor, state officials
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FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate met with Maj. Gen. Yair Golan of the Israeli Defense Forces Home Front Command, continuing to further a working relationship with Israel and strengthening the exchange of information on common emergency management practices.
Fugate said he looks forward to working with his Israeli counterpart and called the partnership "critical in ensuring that we are incorporating best practices and also working towards greater public preparedness." He and Golan will serve as co-chairs of a U.S.-Israeli emergency management work group designed to discuss problems and issues, and to exchange information on a variety of topics such as long-term community recovery, exercise programs, policies, and procedures. Earlier this year, Israel sent observers to participate in FEMA emergency management training, and in 2007 observers were present at a full-scale exercise that focused on global terrorism, closer cooperation with the private sector, and strengthened coordination and communications with international allies.
Continuing his outreach activities, Fugate also met earlier this month with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as well as New Jersey and Delaware officials to discuss the critical relationship between FEMA, state and local officials, and first responders. "Emergency management does not begin and end with FEMA - it involves many partners including other federal agencies, tribal, state, and local governments, and most importantly the general public," Fugate commented.
More information about these meetings is available at http://www.fema.gov/media/index.shtm.
Source: DHS
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S&T Convenes First Responder Game
Charts process for delivering advanced capabilities
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The department's Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate convened its First Responder Capstone Integrated Product Team (IPT) Summit Game, June 23-25 in Landsdowne, Va., in an effort to chart a path for delivering advanced tools and technologies to the first responder community.
Four core responder groups represented at this game - fire fighters, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and emergency management professionals - met to advance an effort that began at the DHS S&T West Coast Stakeholders Conference in Bellevue, Wash. in January. Arriving from more than 15 states, the responders analyzed procedures and protocols, walked through scenarios, and coordinated activities; they also discussed some of the technical capabilities they were seeking to acquire.
"We need to capture the best thinking of first responders at the tribal, local, territorial, state, and federal levels to address gaps in our operational capabilities so that we may deliver needed capabilities that will help first responders do their jobs more efficiently, safely, and with greater accuracy," said Brad Buswell, Acting Under Secretary for S&T. "This IPT process provides us with a framework for reaching out and connecting with first responders so that their technology requirements can be heard and S&T can respond with appropriate solutions."
The First Responder IPT is the latest of 13 customer-driven IPTs established by S&T to focus on transitioning homeland security products and solutions to DHS components and their customers on the front lines.
Source: DHS
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Pandemic Response: Not a Popularity Contest
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When the numbers of swine flu cases sounded the pandemic alarm in Mexico, officials wanted President Calderon to hide the numbers. Now the world is glad he didn't.
Read More>>
Source: Disaster Resource Guide
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| The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:
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Name: Joseph T. Grace
Rank: Apparatus Operator
Age: 47
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 7
Date of Incident: 07/09/2009
Time of Incident: 0645hrs
Date of Death: 07/10/2009
Fire Department: Saint Tammany Fire Protection District #4 - Mandeville Fire Department
Address: 709 Girod St., Mandeville, LA 70448
Fire Department Chief: Merrick Tassin
Incident Description: On the evening of 7/8/09, Joseph Grace participated in a departmental drill for a "man down" drill. He had also responded to multiple incidents during the day of the 7/8/09 and over night into the early morning of 7/9/09. At approximately 0645 hours on 7/9/09, he responded to an incident prior to going off shift around 0730 hours. He reported to his second job as a paramedic and was in the process of cooking breakfast when crew members entered the kitchen and found him collapsed around 0830 hours. Care was initiated on scene and he was transported to a local care facility before being transferred to a larger medical center where he remained until his death. The nature of the fatal injury is still to be reported.
Incident Location: Pending
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Apparatus Operator Joseph T. Grace at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: David Grass Jr.
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 34
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: <1
Date of Incident: 07/07/2009
Time of Incident: 1545hrs
Date of Death: 07/08/2009
Fire Department: Ste. Genevieve Fire Department
Address: 165 South Fourth Street, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
Fire Department Chief: G. Mick Schwent
Incident Description: Firefighter Grass was at the fire station and participating in department sponsored physical fitness training when he experienced a medical emergency. Grass was flown to St. Louis University Medical Center by air ambulance where he succumbed to an apparent brain injury.
Incident Location: 165 South Fourth Street, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter David Grass Jr. at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Dale Elliott Haddix
Rank: Assistant Fire Chief
Age: 70
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 30
Date of Incident: 07/04/2009
Time of Incident: 2257hrs
Date of Death: 07/04/2009
Fire Department: Schell City Fire Department
Address: 101 Main ST, Schell City, MO 64783
Fire Department Chief: James Goodman
Incident Description: Upon arrival with a fire crew at the scene of a vacant residential structure fire, Assistant Fire Chief Haddix engaged the pump on the department apparatus and then slumped over when he experienced a medical emergency. Assistant Chief Haddix was rendered aid on-scene by a stand-by medical crew but succumbed to his injury.
The nature of the fatal injury is under investigation.
The cause of the fire was intentional and charges have been filed against one 18 year old and other charges are being considered. The investigation is continuing with the Vernon County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshal's office.
Incident Location: 175 W. Second Street, Schell City, MO
Funeral Arrangements: Friday 1030hrs at the Schell City Christian Church.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Memorial fund donations in honor of Assistant Fire Chief Dale Elliott Haddix may be made to the Schell City Fire Department, 101 Main ST, Schell City, MO 64783
Tribute is being paid to Assistant Fire Chief Dale Elliott Haddix at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities
Name: Robert Johnson
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 75
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 17
Date of Incident: 10/20/2008
Time of Incident: Pending
Date of Death: 07/05/2009
Fire Department: Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department
Address: PO Box 190, 17 Brook RD, Mahopac Falls, NY 10542
Fire Department Chief: Ann Link
Incident Description: Firefighter Johnson passed away from a head injury he received from a fall while retrieving SCBA from fire apparatus during a fire safety demonstration at the Pine Grove Nursery School in Mahopac. The fire department reported that the cause of the fall is unknown; Johnson went around to the far side of the apparatus to get the air-pack and, when he did not return, was discovered by other firefighters unconscious on the ground. Firefighter Johnson was treated on-scene and transported to the hospital. However, he never regained consciousness and succumbed to his injury approximately nine months later.
Incident Location: Pine Grove Nursery School, 85 Myrtle Ave, Mahopac
Funeral Arrangements: Calling hours are from 1900-2100hrs 07/07/2009, and from 1400-1600hrs and 1900-2100hrs 07/08/2009 tomorrow at Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home, 692 U.S. Route 6 in Mahopac. A Mass will be held at 0945hrs, 07/09/2009, at St. John the Evangelist Church, 221 E. Lake Blvd., followed by interment at noon at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Putnam Valley.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Memorial donations may be made to Toys for Tots, Putnam-Westchester chapter, c/o Bill Lewis, 44 Somerset Lane, Putnam Valley, NY 10579.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Robert Johnson at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
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