US Fire
Grant Support
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Announced for Round 29 & 30 on Aug. 27 & Sept. 03, 2010
For the amount of
$2,896,297
Click Here for Grant Information
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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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Join our list
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Proposed Legislation on Buy America Requirements for Department of
Homeland Security Procurements
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On September 15, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives
passed by voice vote the "Berry Amendment Extension Act," H.R. 3116, which
would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from procuring certain
clothing and textile items directly related to the security of the United
States that are not grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United
States. These items include clothing and the materials and components of
clothing; tents, tarpaulins, or covers; cotton and other natural fibers
products, woven silk, etc. (see the bill's text for a longer list of fibers);
and any item of individual equipment manufactured from or containing such
fibers, yarns, fabrics, or materials.
This legislation was introduced by Rep. Larry Kissell (D-NC), and thus
this legislation is commonly referred to as the "Kissell Amendment".
H.R. 3116 is an effort to extend the so-called "Buy America"
requirements that apply to the Department of Defense today to DHS purchases of
items of clothing and textiles.
H.R. 3116 is similar to legislation included by Rep. Kissell in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), enacted in 2009. DHS has
implemented these "Buy America" funding restrictions for Recovery Act projects
through regulation (see "Interim Rule" attached) in 2009 and 2010. H.R. 3116 generally seeks to
permanently extend the Recovery Act restrictions to all DHS procurements.
Below is a list of potential issues the GAC is monitoring
with respect to this legislation:
H.R. 3116 applies only to direct DHS
procurements, and not to state and local grants awarded by DHS, consistent with
DHS Recovery Act regulations.
H.R. 3116 applies only to an item that "is
directly related to the national security interests of the United States." This
language is identical to that used in the Recovery Act. Please refer to the
interim rule language attached for a full description of the definition of this
phrase.
H.R. 3116 contains identical language to the
Recovery Act regarding free trade agreements. H.R. 3116 states, "This section
shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under
international agreements." This language would serve to prevent the exclusion
of products from certain countries.
For a full statement of how DHS interprets this provision, please see
the attached interim rule where this is discussed in detail. H.R. 3116 does not contain a "de minimis
exception" that would allow noncompliant fibers if the cost of those fibers
does not exceed 10 percent of the total purchase price of the item. This
exception was included in the original Kissell amendment.
H.R. 3116 has been referred to the Senate Committee on
Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and the future prospects for this
legislation are unknown. The GAC will monitor any developments in this
legislation and communicate those to you as they evolve.
Source: FAMA/FEMSA GAC
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USFA and the International Association of Fire Fighters Release Study on Fire Service Respiratory Diseases
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 September 15, 2010
Emmitsburg, MD - The United States Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), announces the release ofRespiratory Diseases and the Fire Service, a report discussing the findings of a long-term study intended to examine and improve the occupational health of firefighters.
"USFA is committed to enhancing the occupational health and safety of America's fire service," said Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines. "The purpose of this initiative is to provide information to the fire service on the mitigation of the long-term effects of occupational respiratory exposure."
"Respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters and other emergency responders," said IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger. "Respiratory effects due to firefighter occupational exposure are a concern affecting the fire service throughout the United States."
The goal of this project was to research the long-term effects and post-exposure mitigation of occupational respiratory exposure to firefighters and develop a report based on this research. This effort involved renowned experts in the field of pulmonary medicine. The study will assist in recognizing and quantifying the impact of respiratory exposure, and the development of mitigation strategies and programs for firefighters, their families, and fire departments.
Respiratory Diseases and the Fire Service is available from the IAFF website (PDF, 6.1 Mb).
Further information on USFA's firefighter health and safety projects may be found on the USFA website.
Source: DHS
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Watch the 2010 National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight and Memorial Services Live on the Web
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105 Firefighters Honored at the National Memorial
The 29th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg on October 2-3, 2010. A plaque with the names of 80 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2009 will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Military firefighters who died while performing firefighting duties from 1981-2009 are among 25 from previous years who are also being honored.
Help us honor them by watching the 2010 Services live on the Web.
Source: DHS
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Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9
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The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, 2010. This year's campaign, Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With, focuses on the importance of smoke alarms in preventing fire deaths, injuries, and property loss. Fire Corps teams can use this opportunity to spread important fire prevention messages and information in their communities as well as conduct special initiatives such as smoke alarm installations and home safety checks.
Read More>>
Source: NFVC
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NVFC Releases New Resources for the Fire Service
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The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has released several new resources to help fire and emergency service departments meet the challenges of a broad range of situations, including the tragedy of a line-of-duty death, the complexities of writing federal grant applications, adopting environmentally-friendly practices, and working with legislators to advance fire service legislation.
"The NVFC strives to provide needed resources to the fire and emergency services, and we are pleased to release these new guides to help departments navigate through the hurdles they may face," said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "Our goal is to make these situations more manageable and less daunting for departments and personnel."
The new guides are available for free on the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org.
Read More>>
Source: NFVC
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Government Pressure in Motion
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BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) is under increased pressure by foreign governments to provide access to encrypted data.
Read More>>
Source: Disaster Resource Guide
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Techies Helping Flood Victims
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Emergency response workers and volunteers involved in the Pakistan flood effort are getting help from technically-minded people, remotely.
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: Ronald W. Stephan
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 61
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 20
Date of Incident: 09/24/2010
Time of Incident: 1436hrs
Date of Death: 09/25/2010
Fire Department: Lynn Volunteer Fire Department
Address: P.O. Box 65, 101 E Church ST, Lynn, IN 47355
Fire Department Chief: Charles Nicholson
Incident Description: Firefighter Stephan suffered an apparent fatal heart attack the morning following his participation in a mutual-aid response to a large brush fire in Ohio.
Incident Location: 9849 Fourman Road, Laura, OH
Funeral Arrangements: Arrangements are pending at Thomas Memorial Chapel of Lynn, IN.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of Firefighter Ronald W. Stephan, c/o Lynn Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 65, Lynn, IN 47355
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Ronald W. Stephan at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Ryan Neil Seitz
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: <1
Date of Incident: 09/24/2010
Time of Incident: 1800hrs
Date of Death: 09/24/2010
Fire Department: McArthur Fire Department
Address: 303 West High Street, McArthur, OH 45651
Fire Department Chief: Charles Fri
Fire Department Website: http://www.mcarthurfd.org/
Incident Description: While working with other firefighters to bring an outdoor fire under control, Firefighter Seitz was struck and killed by a part of a pressurized water tank that exploded. Although the investigation continues, initial reports from local authorities indicate that a pressure valve or pressure plate on the water tank had malfunctioned. The explosion injured a second McArthur firefighter who was treated at a hospital and released.
Incident Location: Liberty Township, Ross County, OH.
Funeral Arrangements: Funeral services will be held 10 A.M., Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church, 63849 US Highway 50, McArthur, with Rev. Gary Sollars and Rev. Donald Shoemaker officiating. Interment will be in Elk Cemetery, McArthur. Friends may call at the Calvary Assembly of God Church on Tuesday, from 2-8 P.M. with a Memorial Service for the Fallen Firefighter being held at 7 P.M. Arrangements are by Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: The family suggests contributions be made in memory of Ryan Neil Seitz to the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library, 120 N. Market St., McArthur, Ohio 45651 or the McArthur Fire Department, 303 W. High St., McArthur, Ohio, 45651.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Ryan Neil Seitz at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Edward Mosely
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 65
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 15
Date of Incident: 09/14/2010
Time of Incident: 0930hrs
Date of Death: 09/26/2010
Fire Department: Steele Creek Acres Volunteer Fire Department
Address: 201 Private Road 1401, Morgan, TX 76671-3242
Fire Department Chief: Bryan Busby
Fire Department POC: David McCarty
Incident Description: While on the ground level, Firefighter Edward Mosely was assisting other firefighters who were working on the roof of a Steele Creek Acres Station. His heel caught on a stack of sheet metal and he fell backwards onto the concrete floor hitting his head. Firefighter Mosely went into a coma and died on September 26, 2010 from injuries sustained from this accident.
Incident Location: County Road 1409, Morgan, TX 76671
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Edward Mosely at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Mark Johnson
Rank: Deputy Fire Chief
Age: 55
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 24
Date of Incident: 09/20/2010
Time of Incident: 1630hrs
Date of Death: 09/20/2010
Fire Department: Hinsdale Fire Department
Address: 121 Symonds Drive, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Fire Department Chief: Mike Kelly
Fire Department Website: http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/fd
Incident Description: Deputy Fire Chief Johnson responded to an emergency medical call with fire department units and, after returning to the fire station, collapsed while conducting department mandated physical training. Deputy Fire Chief Johnson was treated by fire department paramedics and other medical personnel, but passed away from a cause still to be reported.
Incident Location: 121 Symonds Drive, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of Deputy Fire Chief Mark Johnson, c/o Hinsdale Fire Department, 121 Symonds Drive, Hinsdale, IL 60521.
Tribute is being paid to Deputy Fire Chief Mark Johnson at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: James M. Owen
Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic
Age: 56
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 30
Date of Incident: 09/16/2010
Time of Incident: 1127hrs
Date of Death: 09/16/2010
Fire Department: Orange County Fire Authority
Address: PO Box 57115, 1 Fire Authority RD, Irvine, CA 92619-7115
Fire Department Chief: Keith Richter
Fire Department Website: http://www.ocfa.org
Incident Description: Firefighter/Paramedic Owen was participating in multi-company training at the Orange County Fire Authority Regional Fire Operations Training Center when he fell ill. Crews on scene immediately rendered care and while being assessed Owen went into a full cardiac arrest. Advanced Life Support care was initiated and Firefighter Owen was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana where he passed away from a cause still to be reported.
Incident Location: 1 Fire Authority RD
Funeral Arrangements: Information on funeral services will be announced as soon as it becomes available.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter/Paramedic James M. Owen at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Edward Eckert
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 71
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 30+
Date of Incident: 06/01/2010
Time of Incident:
Date of Death: 06/06/2010
Fire Department: Stafford Township Fire Department
Address: PO Box 171, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Fire Department Chief: Dean Cleland
Incident Description: Stafford Township Fire Department was dispatched to a fire call. Upon his pager alerting FF Eckert walked across his living room to go to his vehicle to respond to the call. At this point, he fell to the floor. He was reported to be disoriented. EMS responded and he was transported to the local hospital. His condition deteriorated and he passed away on June 6, 2010 from what was discovered to have been a brain hemorrhage.
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Edward Eckert at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Jonathan Lewis "Johnny" Littleton
Rank: Captain
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 5
Date of Incident: 08/19/2010
Time of Incident: 2045hrs
Date of Death: 08/20/2010
Fire Department: Pine Level Fire Department
Address: PO Box 609, 110 W Main ST, Pine Level, NC 27568
Fire Department Chief: Stephen Holloman
Incident Description: Captain Littleton was participating in fire department training when he started feeling ill and departed early for his residence. Captain Littleton was discovered the following day at his residence having passed away from a cause still to be determined.
Incident Location: 223 Davis Mill RD, Pine Level.
Funeral Arrangements: 08/24/2010
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Pine Level Police Department, P. O. Box 128, Pine Level, NC 27568 or the Pine Level Fire Department, P. O. Box 609, Pine Level, NC 27568 for their respective benevolence funds.
Tribute is being paid to Captain Jonathan Lewis "Johnny" Littleton at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Name: Larry Suiter
Rank: Fire Chief
Age: 66
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 40
Date of Incident: 09/03/2010
Time of Incident: Pending
Date of Death: 09/04/2010
Fire Department: Lorraine Green Garden Fire Department
Address: PO Box 81, Lorraine, KS 67459-0081
Fire Department Chief: Pending
Incident Description: Fire Chief Suiter responded to an anhydrous ammonia leak at a grain elevator. After returning home from the incident, Chief Suiter passed away from a cause still to be reported.
Incident Location: Pending
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Fire Chief Larry Suiter at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Source: USFA
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