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Congress Urges DHS to See if Grants are Improving Security

Named Recipients of the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Safety Leadership Award

Paulison Says Proposed FY 2009 Budget Sets FEMA on Right Path for Future

H.R. 4847 United States Fire Administration Reauthorization

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application Period Now Open

Get Fit During the National President's Challenge: March 20-May 15

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:

Congress Urges DHS to See if Grants are Improving Security

House lawmakers are asking the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to track how state and local governments have spent billions of dollars in grant funding since 2002.

In an article on the Government Executive website, Chris Strohm says the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee is also asking the DHS to define the minimum standards that emergency responders throughout the country should meet.

“The grant funding equation depends on several variables, including our ability to measure and reduce risk, and on how the requirements we place on our state and local partners are defined,” Subcommittee Chairman David Price said during a hearing last week to examine the department’s grant programs. “The federal government must clearly articulate the minimum capabilities and requirements expected of them and their first responders, and the grant funding we provide must be related to helping them meet those capabilities and requirements.”

Strohm says the DHS has handed out about $20 billion in grant money, although it has not yet developed a way to monitor and measure what homeland security capabilities have been strengthened by the funds.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was given responsibility for Homeland Security grant programs a year ago under legislation approved by Congress. FEMA Administrator David Paulison told the subcommittee his agency will have a plan by August to measure the effectiveness of grant funding.

To read the full article, click here: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=39505&dcn=todaysnews

Source: Disaster Resource Guide

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Named Recipients of the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Safety Leadership Award

(Washington, DC) The Congressional Fire Services Institute and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation have selected the City of Norton Shores (MI) Fire Department and the Prince George's County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association for the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Safety Leadership Award.

The awards will be presented at the 20th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 3rd, in Washington DC. Named after retired-Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, a strong advocate of our nation's firefighters and rescue personnel during his 36-year career in Congress, the award recognizes outstanding organizations for their contributions to firefighter health and safety. Both State Farm Insurance and VFIS serve as the corporate supporters of the award program.

With four stations and 13 full-time and 20 part-time firefighters, the Norton Shores Fire Department developed a fitness and wellness program to improve the fitness and wellbeing of its firefighters. It will require firefighters to pass an annual medical examination and physical-ability test in order to maintain their jobs. The program was developed by management and the local union and became part of the collective bargaining agreement. "The thing that stands out in this effort is the fact that these groups, which could easily have an adversarial relationship, pulled together to not only solve a problem, but go far beyond that to create a program that has helped the entire Department achieve better health and fitness," said Representative Mary Valentine in her letter of support.

The second recipient is the Prince George's County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association (Local 1619). Four years ago, Local 1619 and the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department developed a total health and risk management approach to protecting the health and well being of the individuals in the department. The program focused on three key areas of firefighter health and safety: 1) Health and fitness of individuals, 2) Prevention and protection from injury and illness, and 3) Proper medical and rehabilitative care. The outcome of these systems was seven mutually agreed upon programs that include:

o Annual Medical Physical Program
o Injury/Illness Back to Work Program
o Peer Fitness Trainer Program
o Pre-Hire Medical Screening Porgram
o Pre-Hire Fitness Preparation Program
o Recruit Fitness Training Program
o Fitness Center Operations

As a result of these programs, a number of firefighters have been diagnosed with medical conditions that, left undetected, could have been life-threatening. According to state officials who supported the nomination, the fire department has experienced a "dramatic reduction in injuries, as well as medical conditions" with sick leave being reduced by 20%.

CFSI President Bill Jenaway and NFFF Chairman Dennis Compton issued a joint statement recognizing the two recipients for their achievements. "We are proud to be presenting this award to City of Norton Shores (MI) Fire Department and the Prince George's County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association. Both distinguished themselves worthy of this honor through their total collaborative efforts, working closely with their counterparts from management and labor to create healthier environments for their firefighters. Changing cultures and attitudes is never an easy task, but these two organizations certainly serve as models as to how the fire service can bring about positive changes to daunting challenges. We would also like to acknowledge the many organizations that sent to us outstanding nominations, demonstrating the progress being made on this important front."

For additional information about the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Award, please visit the CFSI and NFFF websites (www.cfsi.org and www.firehero.org).

Source: CFSI

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Paulison Says Proposed FY 2009 Budget Sets FEMA on Right Path for Future

Testifying before the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security last week, FEMA Administrator David Paulison said that the proposed budget for FEMA in FY 2009 will “put the agency on the right track” for the future.
 
Referring to the grants portion of the proposed budget, Paulison said FEMA has made major changes over the past year as it integrated the Preparedness and Grant Programs Directorates. “The establishment of the Grant Programs Directorate will provide a one-stop shop for grants” and “help us to enhance fiduciary management as we standardize grants management policies, processes, reporting, and accountability across all FEMA grant programs,” he said. He noted that since 2003, DHS and FEMA have together invested over $23.7 billion in critical funding to the nation’s first responder community.  
 
Testifying on the overall budget, he said, “In my first appearance before this committee two years ago, we worked together and began repairing the damage to what was, frankly, a challenged agency. Today I am here with a budget that will build on our work of these past two years.” He said the FY09 budget “adds $25.7 million to strengthen core capabilities, planning competencies, and capacities; our regional operations; our partnerships with states; and our national emergency management system.” 
 
The FEMA Administrator praised employees “both those new to the organization and its veterans, for the great work they have done in moving this organization forward.” He said that the agency will be strengthened by investing in its staff and reported that the new budget includes added resources for training, space, and equipment for an expanded workforce, and upgraded information technology and financial management systems.
 
Administrator Paulison’s complete testimony is available at:
http://www.fema.gov/about/paulison/testimony/index.shtm.
 
Source: DHS

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H.R. 4847 United States Fire Administration Reauthorization

Click Here to View the PDF

Source: Development Initiatives, Inc.

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Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application Period Now Open

The Department of Homeland Security's Grant Programs Directorate began accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). The deadline for receipt of the applications is April 4, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The AFG, which will be distributed in phases throughout FY 2008, will ultimately award approximately $500 million.

Interested applicants can access the FY 2008 AFG application through the AFG web site (www.firegrantsupport.com), the U.S. Fire Administration's web site (www.usfa.fema.gov) and the Grants.gov web site (www.grants.gov). The AFG web site contains important information about the AFG, including the FY 2008 funding priorities and program guidance, a web-based tutorial on the application process, a listing of frequently asked questions, and other materials.

Fire departments that have questions regarding this grant opportunity should contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or email to firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, Help Desk hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT. Additional Help Desk hours may be added if demand is high.

Eligible applicants for the FY 2008 AFG are limited to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations operating within the 50 United States , the District of Columbia , Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, American Samoa , and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Interested applicants may submit two separate applications for consideration under each of the following two program areas:

Operations and Safety Program Area: Eligible activities for fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations are limited to training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to facilities.
Vehicle Acquisition Program Area: Eligible apparatus available to fire departments under this program area include, but are not limited to, pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.
The FY 2008 AFG will also allow eligible applicants to submit an additional application for a regional project through which multiple organizations, serving more than one local jurisdiction, may benefit directly from the activities implemented with the grant funds.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has an online AFG Grant Narrative Resource Center fire and EMS departments can use as a guide when applying for AFG. The Resource Center includes successful grant narratives from past years as well as a grant-writing guide created by DHS. Applicants should use the posted narratives as a reference only and not plagiarize from them. DHS uses software to detect language recurring in multiple grant applications. Submitting an application that includes false information is a crime punishable by law.

Departments that have received Assistance to Firefighter Grants in the past and would like to submit the narratives from successful applications to be included in the Resource Center can send them to dfinger@nvfc.org.

Source: NVFC

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Get Fit During the National President's Challenge: March 20-May 15

The National President's Challenge is a six week physical activity challenge developed to encourage Americans to get moving. The Challenge is a great way to encourage your department, family, or community’s commitment to being heart-healthy by adopting an active lifestyle.

The Challenge promotes a variety of activities, allowing anyone to create a fitness program that works for them. The program begins on March 20 and ends on May 15 during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

Anyone age six and older is invited to join the Challenge, be active five days a week, and log their progress on their personal activity tracker for at least six weeks of the eight week program. Youth ages 6-17 should aim for at least 60 minutes of activity five days a week, and adults 18 and older should aim for 30 minutes of activity five days a week.

Sign up individually or as a group with your department or family on the National President’s Challenge web site at www.presidentschallenge.org anytime between March 1 and April 3.

Becoming heart-healthy means you can better serve those who depend on you. Challenge yourself to keep your heart strong all year round with the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program’sFired Up For Fitness Challenge.

Source: NVFC

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The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:

Name: Victor Isler

Rank: Firefighter

Age: 40

Gender: Male

Status: Career

Years of Service: 15+

Date of Incident: 03/07/2008

Time of Incident: 0700hrs

Date of Death: 03/07/2008

Name: Justin Monroe

Rank: Firefighter

Age: 19

Gender: Male

Status: Part-Time (Paid)

Years of Service: 3+

Date of Incident: 03/07/2008

Time of Incident: 0700hrs

Date of Death: 03/07/2008

Fire Department: Salisbury Fire Department

Address: 514 E Innes ST., Salisbury, NC 28144

Fire Department Chief: Robert Parnell

Fire Department Website: http://www.salisburync.gov/FIRE/

Incident Description: Firefighters Isler and Monroe passed away from injuries suffered while on a hose line battling a multi-alarm fire at Salisbury Millwork, a supplier of cabinetry and wood trim. At least three other firefighters were injured, though none seriously, as they tried to rescue the pair.

Incident Location: 1905 S Railroad St., Salisbury NC 28144 (USNG: 17S NV 4587 4559).

Funeral Arrangements: Pending. Updates will be posted @ http://www.salisburync.gov/FIRE/

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending. Updates will be posted @ http://www.salisburync.gov/FIRE/

Fire Chief Parnell asked that his heartfelt thanks be expressed for all the support and prayers he and his entire department have received from the fire service community around the world.

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Victor Isler and Firefighter Justin Monroe at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

Name: Raymond Barrett
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 62
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 31
Date of Incident: 03/09/2008
Time of Incident: 1449hrs
Date of Death: 03/09/2008

Fire Department: West Milford Township Fire Department, Apshawa Volunteer Fire Company #1
Address: 1480 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480
Fire Department Chief: Fire Commissioner Ed Steines
Fire Department Website: http://www.wmoem.org

Incident Description: Firefighter Barrett was working a hose line at a residential structure fire when he collapsed from a cause still under investigation. All attempts to revive Barrett while at the scene, enroute to and at the hospital were unsuccessful.

The cause of the fire in the unoccupied rancher style residence is under investigation, but believed to have been related to a power outage in the area.

Incident Location: 34 Navajo Trail, West Milford, NJ 07480 (USNG: 18T WL 5121 4204)

Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending

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

Name: Terrance Crockett
Rank: Firefighter

Age: 48

Gender: Male

Status: Career

Years of Service: 8

Date of Incident: 03/17/2008

Time of Incident: 1230hrs

Date of Death: 03/17/2008

Fire Department: Kansas City Fire Department

Address: 635 Woodland AVE., STE 2100, Kansas City, MO 64106

Fire Department Chief: Richard Dyer

Fire Department Website: http://www.kcmo.org

Incident Description: Shortly after he and other members of the fire department had brought a fire in a vacant residential structure under control, Firefighter Crockett, for a cause still to be determined, collapsed while on a hose line working overhaul.

Other firefighters began emergency medical procedures on Firefighter Crockett at the scene and an ambulance transported him to a nearby hospital. All attempts to revive Crockett, however, were unsuccessful.

Press reports indicate that the Kansas City police are assisting the Fire Department in investigating the incident as a “fire of very suspicious circumstances.”

Incident Location: 5500 block of Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, MO (USNG: 15S UD 6538 2087)

Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending

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

Name: John Delaney

Rank: Captain

Age: 44

Gender: Male

Status: Career

Years of Service: 23

Date of Incident: 03/17/2008

Time of Incident: 1420hrs

Date of Death: 03/17/2008

Fire Department: Mesa Fire Department

Address: PO Box 1466, 40 N Center ST, Suite 115, Mesa, AZ 85201

Fire Department Chief: Harry Beck

Fire Department Website: http://www.cityofmesa.org

Incident Description: Captain Delaney passed away at the hospital a short time after suffering a cardiac arrest while in his office at the fire department.

Incident Location: 40 N Center ST, Mesa, AZ 85201

Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending

Tribute is being paid to Captain John Delaney at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

Source: USFA

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