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Happy New Year from FAMA/FEMSA GAC!
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STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (SAFER) GRANTS - Waiver Language
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During the present difficult economic circumstances being experienced by local jurisdictions, many potential Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant applicants have expressed concern regarding the prohibition against using SAFER funds to supplant local budgets and the Secretary's ability to waive the prohibition. DHS has revisited the existing policy on supplanting for the 2009 SAFER funding cycle. The Secretary has decided that DHS will consider petitions for waivers on supplanting from 2009 grantees on a case-by-case basis and under certain conditions:
- 2009 SAFER grantees that lose firefighters during the period of performance and find that they are unable to back-fill vacated firefighting positions due to documentable economic hardship may petition for a waiver. In order to qualify for this waiver, the economic hardship must affect the entire public safety sector in their jurisdiction, not merely the fire department.
- The causes of the vacancies could include retirement, voluntary or involuntary separation, or calls to active duty in the reserves or National Guard.
- In the absence of a granted waiver, the policies stated in the present guidance would still apply, i.e., vacancies caused by one of the circumstances cited in #2 above do not have to be replaced and will not cause a cancellation of the grant if not replaced. However, the amount of the allowable reimbursement of SAFER positions would be reduced by the number of vacated positions, not replaced. (Example - A grantee has 20 firefighters (FF's) and receives a SAFER grant for five more FF's. One of the 20 FF's retires and is not replaced. The grantee would then be eligible to receive reimbursement only for four FF's instead of the original five.)
- The policy regarding the prohibition against layoffs has not changed. No waivers will be granted for layoffs and SAFER grantees are prohibited against laying-off any firefighters during the SAFER grant's period of performance.
- We remind applicants that while the previous requirement that newly created positions be maintained for an additional one year past the period of performance, there is no requirement to maintain the positions past the period of performance for awards made to rehire vacated or laid off firefighters.
In order for all potential applicants to have sufficient time to consider this revised policy guidance, DHS will extend the 2009 SAFER application period. The new application deadline will be 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Friday, January 15, 2010. Applicants that have already submitted their application and wish to amend the application given this new policy guidance will be granted that opportunity. Applicants that wish to amend their submitted SAFER application should call the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960.
Source: DHS
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Fire in the United States Now Available from USFA
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WASHINGTON - United States Fire Administrator Kelvin J. Cochran announced today the availability of the fifteenth edition of Fire in the United States. This edition of Fire in the United States covers the 5-year period from 2003 to 2007, with a primary focus on 2007. The purpose of the report is to aid the fire service, local leadership, and the general public with fire loss information which may be used to set priorities, establish and evaluate specific fire programs, and serve as a guide for fire data analyses at state and local levels of government.
"Since the inception of the United States Fire Administration in 1974, we have endeavored to provide the fire and emergency services the data it needs to combat the fire problem which still exists in the country" Cochran said. "This fifteenth edition of the Fire in the United States will emphasize the areas which still need improvement so we may continue to reduce the nation's fire losses, especially deaths and injuries."
The report focuses on the national fire problem and provides an overview of fires and losses in buildings, vehicles and other mobile properties, and other properties. The report also examines fire and fire loss trends, fire casualties by population characteristics, and fire cause profiles by property type. Detailed analyses of the residential and nonresidential building fire problems will be published as stand-alone reports.
Fire in the United States is a statistical overview of fires in the United States, focusing on the latest year in which data were available at the time of preparation. The primary source of data is the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), along with data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), State Fire Marshals' offices, U.S. Census Bureau, and the Consumer Price Index.
Fire in the United States may be downloaded from the USFA's Web site at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/statistics/reports/fius.shtm. Printed copies are expected to be available at a later date.
Source: DHS
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FEMA Administrator Fugate Swears in Tony Russell as
Region VI Administrator
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FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate
last week swore in Tony Russell as the new regional administrator of FEMA
Region VI at the region's headquarters in Denton, Texas.
"Regional Administrators are one of the most
important positions in our agency, connecting our headquarters to the states
and citizens we serve," said Fugate. "Tony is an experienced emergency
manager and a dedicated public servant who has already shown his deep
understanding of the team approach that is required for success in this field.
I know he will continue to work closely with governors and leaders as he builds
on the progress he has already made in Louisiana."
Russell, whose official first day as Region VI
Administrator is today, has coordinated the federal disaster response and
recovery support to state and local emergency management officials as a Federal
Coordinating Officer (FCO) from FEMA Region VIII for more than six years. He
has managed a diverse collection of complex disasters and emergencies in
Washington, Texas, Alabama, South Dakota, North Dakota, Illinois, New Mexico,
and Montana, among others.
Most recently, Mr. Russell served as Acting
Director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office, where he led a staff of
over 1,300 FEMA personnel working at various strategic locations and offices
throughout the state. Through this position, Mr. Russell played a central role
in streamlining the assistance process, working with the governor, Louisiana
Recovery Authority and congressional members.
More information about this is available http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=50085.
Source: DHS
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Obama Cuts Security Red Tape
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Too many categories of sensitive information can defeat their purpose in the White House. President Obama wants to streamline document security.
Read More>>
Source: Disaster Resource
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Volunteer During the Martin Luther King Day of Service
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January 18 is Martin Luther King Day and a recognized day of service across the nation. Since 1994, when Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, Americans are encouraged to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by turning community concerns into citizen action. Read full article.
Read More>>
Source: NVFC
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| The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:
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Name: Steve Koeser
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 15
Date of Incident: 12/29/2009
Time of Incident: 1920hrs
Date of Death: 12/29/2009
Fire Department: St. Anna Fire Department
Address: N 126 School ST, New Holstein, WI 53061 (USNG: 16T DP 1006 6055)
Fire Department Chief: Bob Thome
Fire Department Website: http://www.stannafiredept.com/
Incident Description: Firefighter Koeser died from injuries sustained from a large explosion in the parking lot of a manufacturing plant. Details are pending, but initial reports indicate that the plant was closed and no employees were at the scene when the fire was reported in a dumpster by local law enforcement on patrol in the area. The St. Anna Fire Department responded to the scene and a short time later an explosion took place killing Firefighter Koeser and injuring several other firefighters, one critically. The cause of the fire and explosion remains under investigation by local, state, and federal agencies.
Incident Location: W2002 County Road Q (USNG: 16T DP 0864 6051)
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of Firefighter Steve Koeser, c/o St. Anna Fire Department, N 126 School ST, New Holstein, WI 53061
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Steve Koeser at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Richard Adam Miller
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: Pending
Date of Incident: 12/29/2009
Time of Incident: Pending
Date of Death: 12/29/2009
Fire Department: Belmont Fire Department
Address: 301 Keener BLVD, Belmont, NC 28012 (USNG: 17S MU 9654 9910)
Fire Department Chief: George Altice
Incident Description: Firefighter Miller collapsed while on duty at the Belmont Fire Department headquarters station, reportedly while participating in physical fitness training activities.
Belmont firefighters immediately began resuscitative efforts and Firefighter Miller was transported to Gaston Memorial Hospital where he later passed away.
Investigation continues into the cause and type of fatal injury resulting in Firefighter Miller's death.
Incident Location: 301 Keener BLVD, Belmont, NC 28012 (USNG: 17S MU 9654 9910)
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Richard Adam Miller at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Craig C. Starr
Rank: Fire Chief
Age: 44
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: Pending
Date of Incident: 12/24/2009
Time of Incident: Pending
Date of Death: 12/24/2009
Fire Department: Plymouth Fire Department
Address: PO Box 130, 20110 North, Plymouth, UT 84330-0130 (USNG: 12T VM 0484 3645)
Fire Department Chief: Pending
Incident Description: Fire Chief Starr passed away from an apparent heart attack while working an EMS incident.
Incident Location: Pending
Funeral Arrangements: A funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2009 11:00 a.m. at the Belmont 1st Ward Church, 16925 North 5200 West, Riverside with Bishop Jan-Erik Schow officiating. A viewing will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home, 111 North 100 East, Tremonton and Wednesday from 9:15-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Plymouth Cemetery where a Fireman's Tribute will be held.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: The family suggests donations to the Plymouth Fire Department.
Tribute is being paid to Fire Chief Craig C. Starr at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Clair Melvin Pierce
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 68
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: Pending
Date of Incident: 11/26/2009
Time of Incident: Pending
Date of Death: 11/26/2009
Fire Department: Wellsboro Fire Department
Address: PO Box 81, 21 Pearl ST, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Fire Department Chief: Lonnie W. Campbell
Fire Department Website: http://www.wellsborofire.com/
Incident Description: Firefighter Pierce passed away at home after responding to a series of EMS and fire calls. The cause and nature of Firefighter Pierce's fatal injury are still to be reported.
Incident Location: Pending.
Funeral Arrangements: Friends and family are invited to Clair's Life Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main St., Wellsboro. There will be a viewing for fire service personnel at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Peter A. DeVantier officiating. Burial will be in Wellsboro Cemetery.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Memorials may be made in memory of Firefighter Clair Melvin Pierce to the Wellsboro Firemen's Ambulance Association Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 81, Wellsboro, Pa. 16901.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Clair Melvin Pierce at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Paul D. Holmes
Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic
Age: 37
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 1
Date of Incident: 12/26/2009
Time of Incident: 2321hrs
Date of Death: 12/28/2009
Fire Department: Douglas County Fire Department
Address: 3901 Chapel Hill Road, Douglasville, GA 30134 (USNG: 16S GC 1164 3111)
Fire Department Chief: Scott Spencer
Incident Description: Firefighter Holmes was responding to a vehicle fire with injuries when the fire department rescue in which he was riding reportedly was struck by a privately owned vehicle that they were attempting to pass; according to news accounts, the rescue vehicle rolled several times, ejecting Holmes. Firefighter Holmes was transported by medivac helicopter to a Level-I trauma center where he was reported to be in stable condition, however, his condition worsened and he subsequently passed away from his injuries. Investigation into the incident continues by the Georgia State Police.
Incident Location: Annewakee Road (USNG: 16S GC 1362 3082, medivac helispot @ 16S GC 119 299)
Funeral Arrangements: Pending, updates will be posted at www.celebratedouglascounty.com.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending, updates will be posted at www.celebratedouglascounty.com.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter/Paramedic Paul D. Holmes at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Bobby Joe Mullins
Rank: Assistant Fire Chief
Age: 52
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 10
Date of Incident: 12/20/2009
Time of Incident: Pending
Date of Death: 12/20/2009
Fire Department: Dante Volunteer Fire Department
Address: PO Box 86, ST RT 63 N, Dante, VA 24237 (USNG: 17S LA 8450 9325)
Fire Department Chief: Ricky Neece
Incident Description: While working a vehicle fire, Assistant Chief Mullins became ill. He was treated and transported to the emergency room. Mullins was then transferred to a trauma center but passed away soon after arriving of sudden cardiac arrest.
Incident Location: Pending
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Assistant Fire Chief Bobby Joe Mullins at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Gregory Paul Thompson, Jr.
Rank: Assistant Fire Chief
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 17
Date of Incident: 12/12/2009
Time of Incident: 1820hrs
Date of Death: 12/12/2009
Fire Department: South Bay Fire Department
Address: 3506 Shincke Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Fire Department Chief: Brian VanCamp
Incident Description: Assistant Chief Thompson died while on-duty from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Incident Location: 6600 block of 73rd Avenue Northeast (USNG: 10T ET 0787 2044)
Funeral Arrangements: Memorial service for Chief Thompson, Saturday, December 19, 2009. North Thurston High School, 600 Sleater Kinney Rd. NE, Olympia WA, at 2 PM.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Memorial account has been set up at Heritage Bank in Olympia. www.heritagebankwaonline2.com/home/info/con Request funds be directed to "South Bay Fire. Association, in memory of Assistant Chief Greg Thompson". Alternate contact, Sean Murphy, Association Secretary, Murphy_sj@hotmail.com
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