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| GAC Resources | | For GAC documents, announcements, and information please click here to visit the microsite. |
US Fire
Grant Support
| The fire grants announced for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG)
Round 15 - $9,633,343 Round 16 - $28,629,794
Click Here for Grant Information |
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Only 13 Days until the 2011 Hill Day
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Only 13 Days until the 2011 Hill Day!
FAMA/FEMSA Hill Day will take place Wednesday, April 6, and Thursday, April 7, 2011, in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with CFSI's 23rd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner. Building on the success of past Hill Day events, FAMA/FEMSA members who participate this year will be organized by state into teams that will visit their senators and representatives. These meetings will be arranged by the FAMA/FEMSA Governmental Affairs Committee's advisory team Dave Gatton, and Joni Goodman.
Your participation in the 2011 Hill Day is critical to continuing our industry's efforts to promote our Washington agenda in support of our nation's fire service, particularly given the current pressure to cut domestic programs including those within the Department of Homeland Security. Holding Hill Day in concert with the CFSI Annual Dinner allows us to deliver our message just as Congress is forming the annual federal budget while at the same time providing us the opportunity to interact with the wide range of fire service leaders who will be attending the CFSI Dinner and Seminars.
To participate in the FAMA/FEMSA Hill Day, please complete the online registration form by March 11, 2011, at www.fama.org/hillday or www.femsa.org/hillday. The $50.00 registration fee is payable online by credit card. (Please note that this is separate from any fees to attend the Fire Dinner.) Our Hill Day orientation session will begin at 10:00am on Wednesday, April 6, at the Hilton Washington. (A draft agenda and schedule for Hill Day is attached.) Congressional meetings will be scheduled for you for Wednesday, April 6, and Thursday morning, April 7.
To purchase your ticket for the CFSI Fire Dinner, please visit the Congressional Fire Services Institute's Web site at www.cfsi.org/events/how_to_register.cfm. Tickets are $275.00 per individual, payable by credit card or check directly to CFSI. When you purchase your ticket to the Fire Dinner, please mention that you are a member of FAMA or FEMSA; CFSI will work to seat FAMA/FEMSA members together.
Those attending Hill Day and/or the Fire Dinner are responsible for booking their own hotel accommodations. Links to book your accommodations online for CFSI's preferred rate are available at www.cfsi.org/events/hotel_accommodations.cfm.
Source: FAMA/FEMSA GAC Back to Top
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| Chief Ronny Coleman To Be Honored At The National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner: Selected as Recipient of CFSI/Motorola Fire Service Leadership Award | | 
(Washington, DC) The Congressional Fire Services Institute's Board of Directors selected Chief Ronny Coleman as the recipient of the 2011 CFSI/Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. The presentation will take place at the 23rd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 7, 2011 at the Hilton Washington, in Washington, DC.
Established in 1998 and co-sponsored by CFSI and Motorola Solutions, the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have been proactive at the local, state, or federal government level to improve fire/emergency services and life safety issues. The award exemplifies the work of the late Mason Lankford. Mason's legacy resonates in the message he would impart calling for a stronger fire service without leaving anyone behind.
Coleman, who now resides in Elk Grove, Calif., has had an enduring and illustrious career in the fire service that has shaped and influenced fire service policies and thinking at the local, state and national levels. Coleman currently is chairman of the International Accreditation Service's Technical Advisory Committee on the Accreditation of Fire Prevention Bureaus, president of the National Fire Heritage Center and an author of over 19 textbooks for the fire community. A prolific writer, dynamic speaker and passionate leader, Coleman has been at the forefront of many advances in firefighter leadership, safety, fire prevention, code enforcement, training and technical innovation.
A former fire marshal for the state of California, Coleman received a letter of support from former California Governor Pete Wilson who appointed Coleman fire marshal. "He was not just a participant in making the firefighting profession better, he was THE leader in making it better," said the former governor of California. "In everything he did, the professionalism and advancement of the fire service at the local and state level was his top priority."
"Ronny Coleman's remarkable career has had an immeasurable impact on our nation's fire and emergency services," said CFSI President Jenaway. "On so many of the major issues involving firefighter safety, Ronny has been at the forefront advocating and challenging others to embrace the cause of firefighter and public safety. The CFSI Board of Directors extends its thanks and appreciation to Chief Coleman for his contributions and looks forward to honoring him at the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 7th."
Past recipients of the CFSI/Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award include:
- 2010 - Kevin O'Connor, International Association of Fire Fighters
- 2009 - Steve Edwards, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute
- 2008 - Hal Bruno, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
- 2007 - Garry Briese (ret.), International Association of Fire Chiefs
- 2006 - Meri-K Appy, Home Safety Council
- 2005 - Chief Alan Caldwell, International Association of Fire Chiefs
- 2004 - Chief R. David Paulison, FEMA Director
- 2003 - Chief Dennis Compton, International Fire Service Training Association
- 2002 - Chief Raymond M. Downey, FDNY (Posthumously)
- 2001 - Chief John Eversole, Chicago Fire Department
- 2000 - Paul Boecker, Lisle Woodridge (IL) Fire District
- 1999 - E. James Monihan, National Volunteer Fire Council
For more information about the dinner and other events scheduled in conjunction with the dinner, visit the CFSI website at www.cfsi.org. The annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner benefits the mission of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, a nonprofit policy organization designed to educate members of Congress about fire and life safety issues.
Source: CFSI
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Visit AFG Program Staff at FDIC
March 21-26, 2011 | |
Greetings,
It's that time of year again! The Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Office staff will be on site at the annual Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana.
From March 21 through March 26, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and talk to AFG staff. During the conference, we will host a workshop, staff an exhibit booth, and hold a town hall meeting. Remember, there are three opportunities to receive clear and concise answers to any of your questions and to get direction from AFG program leaders.
The Panelist Experience Workshop will be held on Friday, March 25 from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. in the Lucas Oil Stadium Room, Classroom 1. This hands-on, knowledge-packed workshop will be presented by Cathie Patterson, Branch Chief of the AFG Program.
The Panelist Experience Workshop will offer an up-close and personal view that shows exactly how and what happens during the Fire Grants Peer Review process. Workshop attendees will participate in various exercises that uncover panelists' experiences with the competitive narratives of grant applicants. Participants can also learn what is needed to improve narratives. Other topics will include evaluation criteria, peer review panelists' application scoring, and every other area within an application that determines success. This is the perfect opportunity for you, your department or agency to get educated about applying for a grant through the AFG program.
Don't be shy, stop by the AFG exhibit booth! The AFG staff will be available during all exhibit hours at booth 5662. Take advantage of this opportunity to drop by and say hello, receive first-hand information about AFG, and ask questions of the AFG staff.
Also, mark your calendars to attend our town hall meeting on Friday, March 25 12:30 to 3:15 p.m. in room 138-139 of the Convention Center. This meeting will be a great opportunity to ask the AFG staff questions, address any concerns about the program, and get a better understanding of the overall AFG Program.
Make sure to take advantage of these three opportunities to personally interact with the AFG Program Office staff during this FDIC. Don't miss out - Come by the exhibit booth, attend the workshop, and go to the town hall meeting. If you cannot attend them all, please make time for at least one event because we want to hear from you!
The AFG program staff is excited to see everyone at this year's conference. We are eager and prepared to answer all of your questions.
Sincerely,
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants Staff
For more information concerning the FDIC, please visit www.fdic.com.
Source: firegrantsupport.com
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DHS Announces Key Step Toward Reducing Regulatory Burden
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March 14, 2011
WASHINGTON-The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the opening of a 30-day comment period to solicit public input on whether any existing significant regulations should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed to better serve the American people and reduce regulatory burden-a key step in the Obama administration's efforts to measure, and seek to improve, the results of federal regulatory requirements.
To better engage with the American public as it implements Executive Order 13563, DHS is encouraging individuals and organizations, and State, local, and tribal entities to submit comments using the IdeaScale public dialogue tool-a simple, web-based forum that facilitates a two way conversation about how DHS regulations can best serve the public while still meeting their regulatory objectives.
"We are committed to continuing to increase efficiency, transparency and accountability in the regulatory process," said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. "I look forward to working with the American people and the business community on how DHS can design regulations that best serve the interests of the public."
In January, President Obama signed Executive Order 13563, requiring all federal agencies to review existing regulations and determine what, if any, should be amended, supplemented, or retracted. The Executive Order sets out principles and requirements that promote public participation in government and encourage agencies to coordinate, simplify, and harmonize regulations to reduce costs and promote consistency for businesses and the public.
DHS today published a notice in the Federal Register seeking public comment on how best to develop a preliminary plan for a Department-wide review of significant existing regulations. Under this plan, DHS will review current regulations to identify and eliminate obsolete or unnecessary rules while strengthening and modernizing requirements, where applicable.
To view the Federal Register notice and provide comments, please click here. Public comments may also be submitted here using the IdeaScale public dialogue tool.
Source: DHS
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AFG/SAFER Reauthorization Legislation Introduced in Senate
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On March 10, Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) introduced the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 550) along with original co-sponsors Scott Brown (R-MA), Thomas Carper (D-DE), and Susan Collins (R-ME). The bill would reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs through 2016.
Read more>>
Source: NVFC
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NVFC Announces 2011 Award Winners
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The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced the winners of its four national awards. A special banquet to honor the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Fire Prevention Award, Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, and Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award will take place during the NVFC's spring meeting on April 5 in Alexandria, VA.
"We are very pleased to honor the 2011 NVFC award recipients and recognize the amazing contributions they have made to the emergency services," said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "Outstanding departments and individuals from across the country were nominated for these four awards, and the recipients that were chosen truly exemplify outstanding service and commitment to the fire service. We thank you for all you do to strengthen the emergency services and protect your communities."
Recipients of the NVFC's four national awards receive a trip to Alexandria to attend the award ceremony, a personalized award, and complimentary one-year membership in the NVFC, among other items. In addition, members of the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year will spend a day on Capitol Hill meeting their Congressional representatives.
Learn more about the NVFC's awards program at www.nvfc.org/awards. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site and e-newsletters in April for additional information about each award winner as well as photos from the awards banquet.
The recipients of the NVFC's 2011 awards are as follows:
Chief Glenn Jernigan
NVFC Lifetime Achievement Award
Award sponsored by Scott Health and Safety
Chief Glenn Jernigan has served in many capacities during his 51 years in the fire service, including firefighter, EMT, chief officer, and board member, and is a past-president of the North Carolina State Firemen's Association (NCSFA). Jernigan retired as Chief of Faison (NC) Fire and Rescue in 2006 after 36 years, and continues to serve the department as Safety Officer. He is a strong advocate for firefighter training and was instrumental in promoting and growing the North Carolina Fire College, resulting in thousands of volunteer firefighters receiving training through the College. He also played a key role in helping to promote and grow the NCSFA scholarship program, which helps children of firefighters achieve their educational goals. Jernigan, who retired as Sheriff of Duplin County in 2002, is a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, which is the highest honor presented by the state of North Carolina.
Kenneth Pagels
NVFC Fire Prevention Award
Award sponsored by First Alert
Kenneth Pagels has been an active firefighter at the Akron (NY) Volunteer Fire Company for 40 years and has been teaching fire prevention for almost as long. His fire prevention program includes teaching local grade school and nursery-age children how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency, what a firefighter looks like in full gear, how to stay low and get out of a home when there is fire or smoke, and cooking safety. In 1994, Pagels worked with a local trade school to build a trailer to use for fire safety exercises. His work has inspired numerous individuals to volunteer at the department as a firefighter or EMT. There has not been a fire fatality in his district since he began the fire prevention program almost four decades ago.
Lake Carmel Fire Department
NVFC Junior Firefighter Program of the Year
Award sponsored by Tyco International
The Lake Carmel (NY) Fire Department Explorer Post #2041 was established in 1979. Since then, over 50 former Explorers have joined their local fire department after graduation. The Explorer Post works side by side with the fire department, assisting at drills, fundraisers, and community events. Explorers frequently teach fire prevention at local schools. For the last 10 years the Lake Carmel Explorer Post has hosted a training and competition weekend. The weekend was started in 2002 in honor of junior firefighters across the country who were killed responding to calls. Since its inception, the Post has been invited to other events that have been modeled after the Lake Carmel weekend. They have also worked with other departments hoping to establish youth programs.
Brendan Finley-Davis
NVFC Junior Firefighter of the Year
Award sponsored by Tyco International
Brendan Finley-Davis has been a junior firefighter with the Hackberry Township (KS) Volunteer Fire Department for over six years. Youth in Kansas are allowed to fight fires starting at age 16, and Finley-Davis is consistently one of the first on the scene and the last to leave, making sure all clean-up is done and equipment is ready for the next use before he heads home. Thanks to his teaching and leadership skills, Finley-Davis is in charge of educating new junior firefighter program recruits about the responsibilities of being a junior firefighter. In addition, he teaches Exit Drills In The Home (EDITH) fire safety lessons to kindergarten through 3rd grade students at the local elementary schools. Finley-Davis is also a 1st Lieutenant Cadet Member of the Kansas Civil Air Patrol and is a member of the National Honor Society, track and cross country teams, and Future Farmers of America.
Source: NVFC
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| DHS Systems Unveils Solution for Homeland Reponse Force | |
DHS Systems LLC has unveiled a new mobile consequence management system designed for the recently-established Homeland Response Force. DHS Systems' consequence management system utilizes Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter (DRASH) technology that has been trusted as part of the U.S. Army's Standard Integrated Command Post System to create a workspace capable of supporting numerous operations that may be needed during an emergency.
Read More>>
Source: Disaster Resoucre Guide
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Department of Interior and Local Government Launches Workshop on Crisis Mgmt.
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Government officials role out new interim crisis management rules based on lessons learned from a recent hostage crisis gone wrong. Find out what changes will be made.
Read More>>
Source: Disaster Resoucre Guide
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The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:
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Name: James Von Roden
Rank: Captain
Age: 49
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 15+
Date of Incident: 03/12/2011
Time of Incident: 1900hrs
Date of Death: 03/12/2011
Fire Department: Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department
Address: 317 NE CR 255, Lee, FL 32059
Fire Department Chief: Reese Thomas
Incident Description: Captain Von Roden was responding to the fire station for an outdoor fire call when he collapsed from a cause still under investigation. Captain Von Roden was transported to a local hospital where he passed away from his injury.
Incident Location: 9782 Southeast River Road, Madison County
Funeral Arrangements: Pending
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending
Tribute is being paid to Fire Captain James Von Roden at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Source: USFA
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