topFAMA/FEMSA GAC Newsletter #203
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In This Issue
FAMA/FEMSA GAC Hill News
Secretary Napolitano Issues Statement Concerning Shooting in Tucson
Secretary Napolitano Highlights DHS' Major Accomplishments in 2010
Dr. Alexander G. Garza Elected as Chairman of Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services
CFSI Encourages Fire Service Leaders to Attend 23rd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars
FP&S Grant Application Period Now Open
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality
HOMEDAY 2010
Every Day is Home Day!

See past and upcoming Home Day events at www.homeday.org

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US Fire
Grant Support
The fire grants announced for Round 3 and 4 on Dec. 17 and Dec. 24, 2010.
For the amount of
$7,764,314.00

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FAMA/FEMSA GAC Hill News
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Representative Harold Rogers (KY), new Chairman of the full House Appropriations Committee, has named the chair and Republican members of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which has jurisdiction over funding of the Assistance to Fire Grants (AFG) and SAFER programs.  They are: Chair, Robert Aderholt (R-AL), John Carter (R-TX), John Culberson (R-TX), Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Tom Latham (R-IA), Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), and Charles Dent (R-PA). 

Source: FAMA/FEMSA GAC
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Secretary Napolitano Issues Statement Concerning Shooting in Tucson

On Saturday, Secretary Napolitano said the following regarding the shootings in Tucson, Ariz.:

"I am deeply saddened by reports that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Chief Judge John Roll and others were attacked today in Tucson, Arizona. There is no place in our society or discourse for such senseless and unconscionable acts of violence. Gabby is a steadfast representative for southern Arizona and both she and John are dedicated public servants.

"The Department of Homeland Security has offered all possible assistance to the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Office, who are leading the investigation. My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her family and staff, and all those who were injured in this difficult time."

Source: DHS
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Secretary Napolitano Highlights DHS' Major Accomplishments in 2010 

In an address to employees late last month, Secretary Napolitano highlighted the department's 2010 accomplishments emphasizing the major steps the Department has taken this year to enhance America's capabilities to guard against terrorism; secure the nation's borders; engage in smart enforcement of our immigration laws; safeguard and secure cyberspace; prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; and unify and mature the department.

In remarks to employees about the year's achievements, Secretary Napolitano detailed how DHS, in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Organization, has been leading a global initiative to strengthen the international aviation system against the evolving threats posed by terrorists and working in multilateral and bilateral contexts with governments as well as industry; continued to deploy historic levels of personnel, technology, and resources to the Southwest border; set a record for overall removals of illegal aliens, prioritizing the identification, apprehension and removal of criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety; signed a landmark agreement with the Department of Defense to enhance America's capabilities to protect against threats to critical civilian and military computer systems and networks; and played a key role in the Obama administration's response to the BP oil spill, leading the federal government's efforts to leverage resources from across the country and around the world to mitigate the impact of the oil on the environment, the economy and public health.   

In her address, Secretary Napolitano detailed how the Department's efforts have been guided by a simple yet powerful idea: that homeland security begins with hometown security.  Working hand in hand with first responders, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, community groups, U.S. international partners and the private sector, DHS has made great strides in protecting the nation from terrorism and other threats while building a culture of resiliency and preparedness in the nation's communities.

Read press release here
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1292971482908.shtm

Source: DHS
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Dr. Alexander G. Garza Elected as Chairman of Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services

Recently, DHS Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alexander G. Garza was elected Chair of the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS).

FICEMS is comprised of high-level representatives from a variety of federal departments and is charged with identifying the nation's EMS needs, coordinating EMS support among federal agencies, and reporting to Congress.  It was established in 2005 by the Department of Transportation Reauthorization to ensure coordination among federal agencies involved with state, local, tribal, and regional emergency medical services and 9-1-1 systems.

Source: DHS
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CFSI Encourages Fire Service Leaders to Attend 23rd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars
cfsi
Fire Service Needs to Make Its Presences Felt On Capitol Hill

(Washington, DC)  The Congressional Fire Services Institute is encouraging fire service officials across the country to attend the 23rd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars program on April 6-7th in our nation's capital.  Given the historic changes in Congress, with 96 new members in the House and 16 in the Senate, and concerns over potential cuts in homeland security programs, fire service leaders need to show the colors of the fire service and have their voices heard on Capitol Hill regarding the need for continued federal support on variety of public safety issues.

The theme of the 23rd annual program is "Remember Honor, Courage and Sacrifice."  Whereas 2011 marks the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, the program will pay tribute to those who responded and gave their lives on that historic day.  It will also recognize all first responders across the nation who stand ready to respond whenever the alarm sounds.

"Both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue will be considering a number of tough decisions regarding the federal budget," said CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb.  "In Washington, the squeaky wheel does get the grease and we must make certain that the gains we have achieved collectively these past ten years are preserved.  That is why we need to make our voices heard on April 6th and 7th."

The National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars provides three unique opportunities for fire service leaders to become a part of the process in Washington.   The seminar program featuring preeminent leaders from Congress, federal agencies and the national fire and emergency services organizations covers a broad range of federal issues that address homeland security.  Discussions between the speakers and the audience members are lively and delve into some very interesting issues.  Ample time is built into the overall schedule for fire service leaders to meet with their own representatives and address both local and national issues.  And the Dinner program is an extraordinary event in itself.  Previous speakers have included three Presidents, four Vice Presidents, four Speakers of the House, and a number of cabinet secretaries. 

All the important information about the 23rd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars is available on the CFSI website (www.cfsi.org).  Now is the time to make reservations so you can help us to educate our federal officials about the need for continued support.

Source: CFSI
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FP&S Grant Application Period Now Open


The FY 2010 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant application period is now open. Take this opportunity to apply for funding to assist your fire department or Fire Corps team with fire prevention initiatives as well as firefighter health and safety programs. The application deadline is February 4.

FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. It is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program and is under the purview of the Grants Program Directorate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security. Examples of projects supported by FP&S grants include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, arson prevention and awareness programs, and firefighter health and safety initiatives. The funds can also be for firefighter safety research and development.

Apply for a FP&S grant and find resources including the grant guidance and applicant tutorial at www.firegrantsupport.com/fps. You can also find additional grant-writing resources from the National Volunteer Fire Council at www.nvfc.org/grants.

Source: NVFC
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The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:
Name: Richard Paul
Rank: Firefighter/Fire Apparatus Operator
Age: 54
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: 33
Date of Incident: 01/07/2011
Time of Incident: 1100hrs
Date of Death: 01/07/2011

Fire Department: Kansas City Fire Department
Address: 635 Woodland AVE, STE 2100, Kansas City, MO 64106
Fire Department Chief: Richard "Smokey" Dyer
Fire Department Website: http://www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/Depts/Fire/index.htm

Incident Description: Firefighter Paul suffered a medical emergency while walking on a treadmill during a heart stress test, a portion of the annual fire department physical examination. Firefighter Paul was treated by emergency personnel and transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injury and passed away.

Incident Location: Pending
Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter/Fire Apparatus Operator Richard Paul at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/


Name: Roy Chelsen
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 51
Gender: Male
Status: Career
Years of Service: Pending
Date of Incident: 09/11/2001
Time of Incident: 0848hrs
Date of Death: 01/09/2011

Fire Department: Fire Department City of New York
Address: 9 Metro Tech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Fire Department Chief: Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano

Incident Description: Firefighter Chelsen passed away from bone-marrow cancer resulting from his response to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11th, 2001.

Incident Location: World Trade Center, New York City, NY.
Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Roy Chelsen at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/


Name: David Remington, Sr.
Rank: Driver/Operator
Age: 58
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 19
Date of Incident: 01/03/2011
Time of Incident: 2200hrs
Date of Death: 01/03/2011

Fire Department: Shapleigh Fire Department
Address: PO Box 14, 506 Shapleigh Corner Road, Shapleigh, ME 04076
Telephone: 207-636-2211
Fire Department Chief: Duane Romano
Fire Department Website: http://www.shapleigh.net/fire.cfm

Incident Description: Driver/Operator Remington was responding to a motor vehicle accident call on Owls Nest Road when for a cause still under investigation he lost control of his personally owned vehicle, a 2005 Chevrolet pickup truck, and crashed off of the roadway striking at tree. Remington was ejected from the vehicle and passed away from his injuries at the accident scene.

Incident Location: Vicinity of 176 Shapleigh Corner Road.
Funeral Arrangements: Pending, funeral arrangements will be made with Hobbs Funeral Home in South Portland (http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com/). At the request of David's family, a full Firefighters funeral service will be held. More details will be forthcoming.

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: In honor of Driver/Operator David Remington, Sr., c/o Shapleigh Fire Department, PO Box 14, 506 Shapleigh Corner Road, Shapleigh, ME 04076.

Tribute is being paid to Driver/Operator David Remington, Sr., at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

Name: Tom Hardy
Rank: Fire Chief
Age: 68
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 17
Date of Incident: 12/24/2010
Time of Incident: 1900hrs
Date of Death: 12/31/2010

Fire Department: Athens Township Fire Department
Address: 130 E Burr Oak ST, Athens, MI  49011
Fire Department Chief: Pending

Incident Description: While at the station after returning from a fire call, Fire Chief Hardy fell and struck his head. He was treated by fellow firefighters and transported to the hospital. While in the hospital, Chief Hardy's conditioned worsened and he remained in a coma for several days before passing away from his injuries.

Incident Location: 130 E Burr Oak ST, Athens, MI  49011.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Contributions in honor of Fire Chief Tom Hardy can be made to the Athens TWP Fire Department Auxiliary, 130 E Burr Oak ST, Athens, MI  49011.

Tribute is being paid to Fire Chief Tom Hardy at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

Source: USFA
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