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Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Proposes Level Funding for AFG
Program for FY 2011 - Full Appropriations Committee Approves
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July 16, 2010
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Homeland Security marked up its Fiscal Year 2011 appropriations bill for homeland security on July 14, 2010. The Subcommittee funded the Assistance to Fire Grants (equipment) program at the same level as FY 2010--$390 million. This is $30 million lower than the House Appropriations Subcommittee level of $420 million for AFG. The President's budget proposed only $310 million for the AFG program.
The Senate Subcommittee funded the SAFER (hiring) program at $420 million-the program's current FY 2010 funding level. The House Subcommittee did the same in their bill. The President's budget also proposed a funding level of $310 million.
The bill provided $4.23 billion for homeland security grants overall, a modest increase of $69 million and $233 million over the President's proposed budget. The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) received $950 million, an increase of $63 million; Rails, Transit and Bus Security received $350 million, a $38 million increase; and Port Security received $350 million, a $50 million increase over FY 2010.
Yesterday, July 15th, the full Senate Appropriations Committee approved on a 17-12 vote the subcommittee's homeland security appropriations bill.
FAMA/FEMSA GAC will keep you closely informed of further developments. Given the crowded Senate calendar and the fact that it is an election year, it is likely that few appropriations bills, if any, will make it through the entire legislative process and signed into law by October 1st , the beginning of FY 2011. If Congress fails to complete the process, it will pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) that allows federal government agencies to continue operating (spending) at the same rate as the previous year (FY 2010). CRs are usually of limited duration until Congress can reconvene and pass either individual appropriations bills or an omnibus appropriations bill containing funding for many agencies.
Please stay tuned for further developments. It is possible that we may ask for your help in adding funds to the $390 million level when the bill moves to the Senate floor. But it is very uncertain when the bill will see floor action.
If you have any questions, please contact GAC co-chairs Mike Power at mpower@oshkoshcorp.com John Granby at jgranby@lionapparel.com or GAC Sr. Advisor Dave Gatton at dgatton@dinitiatives.com
Source: FAMA/FEMSA GAC
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NFPA Announces Sharp Drop in Firefighter Fatalities In 2009
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Earlier this month, the National Fire Protection Association  announced that for the first time in three years the number of on-the-job firefighter deaths dropped below 100.
Eighty-two firefighters died in the line of duty last year, substantially fewer than the 10-year average of 98 and down even more from the 105 who died in 2008. This is the lowest annual total since NFPA recorded 79 deaths in 1993 and the third lowest total since NFPA began this study in 1977.
"While a drop over one year certainly isn't enough to show a trend, it is definitely encouraging to see the number of firefighter fatalities drop well below that 10-year average," said Rita Fahy, NFPA's manager of fire databases and systems. "We are hopeful that we will continue to see fewer and fewer firefighter fatalities over the next 10 years."
The report shows that the number one cause of on-duty firefighter fatalities remains sudden cardiac death. Since 1970 the number of cardiac deaths has decreased, but still accounts for over 40% of on-duty deaths in 2009.
For the full report please click here.
Source: CFSI
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How to Manage Your Cyber Risk
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In attempting to address the well-known threat of someone hacking into their systems with results potentially devastating to the business, some companies don't know what to make top priority and end up making very little progress with cybersecurity.
In an article on the TMCnet website, technology company CDW LLC lists five steps to risk cybersecurity risk management. These steps, says the article, "are ideal for organizations requiring simple guidance on getting started."
Before getting started, the author says organizations need to create a risk management team consisting of, ideally, five to seven people, and representing all departments, including IT, finance and C-level management.
The five steps, which the article explains in further detail, are to identify the types of information the organization handles that need to be protected; locate where the information resides; rate each information asset by its level of secrecy and security priority; rate the top potential threats to the company's information, and finalize the data so you can start planning.
To read the TMCnet article, click here:
http://it.tmcnet.com/news/2010/06/24/4869023.htm
Source: Disaster Resource Guide
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New System Could Improve Rescuer-Rescuee Communication
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The city of Manor, Texas is the first to sign up for a pilot system that improves responder-civilian communication during a crisis.
In an article on the National Defense Magazine website, Eric Beidel says the system, developed by CiviGuard, is heavily reliant on the increasing use of smart phones. It delivers location-specific alerts and guidance, such as the locations of hospitals, police stations or emergency escape routes, to civilians in real time. Beidel says the system "puts those running an operation in touch with those they're tasked with saving."
An interactive map connects the controller of the system with citizens (who are represented by pixilated squares on the computer screen). The controller can contact civilians on their smartphones if he detects a problem, and they can respond that they are lost, hurt, or OK. The messages include information about the civilian's location, and can also be connected to family and friends via social networking sites.
CiviGuard has even talked to the defense industry about the possibility of deploying the system at military installations. "It's like taking OnStar and putting it in your palm," said Zubin Wadia, CEO and founder of CiviGuard.
To read the article, click here.
Source: Disaster Resource Guide
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FDIC Seeks Presenters for 2011 Conference
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The Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) is currently accepting proposals for educational presentations at FDIC 2011, which will be held in Indianapolis, IN, March 21-26, 2011. The deadline to submit a proposal is this Thursday, July 1, 2010. Over half of attendees at FDIC are volunteers, and this is a great opportunity to present a class on topics of interest specifically to the volunteer fire service. If you would like to present an educational class at FDIC 2011, click here to access the proposal form and submit to dianef@pennwell.com by July 1.
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: Charles Hornberger
Rank: Engineer
Age: 60
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 30
Date of Incident: 06/30/10
Time of Incident: 1140hrs
Date of Death: 07/12/10
Fire Department: Milmont Park Fire Company Station #49
Address: 714 Belmont Avenue, Milmont Park, PA 19033
Fire Department Chief: Terry Burke, Sr.
Fire Department POC: Deputy Chief Jay Volpone
Incident Description: On Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at approximately 1140hrs, Engineer Hornberger responded to the fire station for an alarm of a commercial building fire. He arrived at the station but missed the truck. He stayed at the station until his company returned and then went home. While leaving his house a short while later, he collapsed. He was immediately given CPR and rushed to the Taylor Hospital. He remained in the hospital where he passed away from irreversible damage to the heart.
Funeral Arrangements: Visitation will be Sunday, July 18, 2010, 1700hrs-2000hrs and Monday, July 19, 2010, from 0830hrs-0945hrs at the Milmont Park Fire Company. At 1000hrs, there will be a procession from the fire house to St. Peter and Paul Cemetery where Engineer Hornberger will be laid to rest with full honors. Engineer Hornberger was the Past Deputy Chief of the Milmont Park Fire Company and had spent many years as a member of numerous other departments.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Engineer Hornberger at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Douglas L. Smith
Rank: Firefighter - Chief Driver
Age: 50
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 29
Date of Incident: 07/09/2010
Time of Incident: 1030hrs
Date of Death: 07/09/2010
Fire Department: Liberty Hose Company No. 1
Address: 225 West Broad Street, Williamstown, PA 17098
Fire Department Chief: Scott Slough
Incident Description: Firefighter Smith passed away due to an apparent heart attack as he entered the fire station while responding to a fire call in nearby Porter Township.
Incident Location: Porter Township, PA
Funeral Arrangements: Memorial services will be held at 1100hrs on 07/15/2010, Immanuel Lutheran Church, East and Vine streets, Williamstown, with the Rev. Kathleen Kuehl officiating. Visitation will be from 0900hrs until time of the service at the church. Interment with military honors will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Hose Company No. 1, West Broad Street, Williamstown, PA 17098, or Williamstown EMS, PO Box 74, Williamstown, PA 17098.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter & Chief Driver Douglas L. Smith at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Charles Robert "Bob" Flintom
Rank: Engineer
Age: 61
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 30+
Date of Incident: 07/01/2010
Time of Incident: 1000hrs
Date of Death: 07/04/20010
Fire Department: Pelham-Batesville Fire Department
Address: 2761 S Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650-4926
Fire Department Chief: Phill Jolley
Fire Department Website: http://www.pbfd.com/
Incident Description: Firefighter Flintom was in the fire station kitchen preparing lunch when he blacked-out, fell, and struck his head. Flintom went to the hospital and discovered his fall had caused some internal bleeding. The following day, Firefighter Flintom's condition worsened and he became unconscious, passing away from his injury on July 4th.
Incident Location: 2761 S Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650-4926
Funeral Arrangements: 07/10/2010 @ 1400hrs, Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel in Spartanburg.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 500 Taylor Street, Suite 101, Columbia, SC 29201.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter-Engineer Charles Robert "Bob" Flintom at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Thomas Araguz III
Rank: Captain
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 11
Date of Incident: 07/03/2010
Time of Incident: 2130hrs
Date of Death: 07/03/2010
Fire Department: Wharton Fire Department
Address: 319 N Fulton ST, Wharton, TX 77488-3903
Fire Department Chief: Bobby Barnett
Fire Department Website: http://www.whartonfire.com
Incident Description: Captain Araguz was killed when he became caught and trapped by rapidly progressing fire conditions inside of a 25,000 square feet 250-foot-long processing building at a poultry farm. A contributing factor fueling the fire was large fans used to keep the animals cool. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by state and local authorities.
Incident Location: 580 Maxim DR, Boling, TX 77420-0020
Funeral Arrangements: Visitation, 07/10/2010 from 1300-180hrs at the Wharton Funeral Home, 515 E. Boling HWY, Wharton, TX. The funeral will take place 07/11/2010 at 1400hrs, Wharton Civic Center, 1924 N. Fulton, Wharton, TX. Public parking will be at the Wharton High School, 800 E. Ahldag. Buses will transport those attending beginning at 1230hrs and immediately after the funeral. Graveside services will follow at the Evergreen Memorial Park, 3511 E. Alabama RD (CR 166), Wharton, TX.
For those who would like to pay tribute to Captain Thomas Araguz III, the funeral procession will follow from Wharton Civic Center, south on Fulton ST, west on Boling HWY, south on North Richmond RD, east on Alabama ST, passing the Wharton Fire Station, then north on Alabama RD, ending at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Public needing more information may call (979) 532-4811 x400.
Fire Department personnel needing more information, call (281) 802-4561.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: An account has been established for Captain Thomas Araguz III at The First State Bank of Louise, 505 E. Boling HWY, Wharton, TX ((979) 532-0404). Please make checks payable to The Thomas Araguz III Memorial Fund.
Tribute is being paid to Captain Thomas Araguz III at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Frank William Fouts, V
Rank: Lieutenant
Age: 37
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 17
Date of Incident: 7/01/2010
Time of Incident: 1100hrs
Date of Death: 7/01/2010
Fire Department: City of Kankakee Fire Department
Address: 385 E OAK ST, Kankakee, IL 60901-3924
Fire Department Chief: Ron Young
Fire Department Website: http://www.kankakeefire.org/
Incident Description: Lieutenant Fouts passed away from cardiac arrhythmia after completing two fire and two EMS calls on his last shift.
Incident Location: 1345 E. Cap Circle, Bourbonnais, IL
Funeral Arrangements: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 211 N. Center Avenue, Bradley, Illinois 60915, (815) 939-3573.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Frank William Fouts, V Memorial Fund for his children. Other expressions of sympathy or condolences can be sent to Local 653 at 1136 Flossie Circle, Bourbonnais, IL 60914-4564 or emailed to jtjkb@comcast.net.
Tribute is being paid to Lieutenant Frank William Fouts, V at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Steven Scott Crannell
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 47
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 20
Date of Incident: 04/21/2010
Time of Incident: 0005hrs
Date of Death: 04/22/2010
Fire Department: Guthrie Center Fire Department
Address: 101 State Street. Guthrie Center, IA 50115
Fire Department Chief: Doug Kent
Fire Department POC: Chief Doug Kent
Incident Description: Firefighter Steven Crannell participated in a fire department training drill on the evening of 04/21/2010. He went home after assisting with cleanup from the drill. EMS was dispatched to his home at 12:05 am on 4/22/2010. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:20 am from an apparent heart attack.
Funeral Arrangements: Memorial Services were held Saturday, 04/24/2010 at 16:00hrs, at the Guthrie Center High School gymnasium. Visitation was held from 1300hrs until service time at the school.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Memorial contributions may be made to the Guthrie Center Fire Department, 101 State Street, Guthrie Center, IA 50115.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Crannell at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Jay C. Brown
Rank: Fire Chief
Age: 42
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 24
Date of Incident: 06/27/2010
Time of Incident: 1800hrs
Date of Death: 06/27/2010
Fire Department: Gresston Volunteer Fire Department
Address: Gresston, GA
Fire Department Chief: Pending
Incident Description: Fire Chief Brown passed away from an apparent heart attack while working with his fire department to clear away trees that were knocked down during severe storms in the area.
Incident Location: Friendship UMC Road.
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Fire Chief Jay C. Brown at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
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