| Having trouble reading this newsletter? Click here to print or to view in your web browser. You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up from our web site. Click here to unsubscribe. |
 |
Governmental Affairs Committee |
 |
 |
|
US FIRE GRANT SUPPORT GAC Resources For GAC documents, announcements, and information please click here to visit the microsite.
Subscribe to the Fire Grant Data website Success Stories RSS (Real Simple Syndication) news feed. Click here.
|
|
USFA reauthorization passes House Presidential Election Means Emergency Management Funding Changes How to Win Homeland Security Dollars from Your State
USFA reauthorization passes House The U.S. Fire Administration reauthorization bill, H.R. 4847, passed the House of Representatives on April 3 by a vote of 412-0. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration and approval before the president's signature.
On March 24, the FAMA/FEMSA GAC sent member companies a memo via e-mail requesting that they contact their congressional delegations regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program. To review the memo and the sample letters that were included, use the links below. FY 2009 Funding for the Assistance to Fire Grants Program (AFGP) and the SAFER Program Please do your part to keep these critical programs alive.
Source: FEMSA Presidential Election Means Emergency Management Funding Changes It’s been almost seven years since the September 11 terrorist attacks, and in that time, the field of emergency management has changed drastically. The growth of homeland security and changes in funding have had a big impact on emergency management – but will this year’s presidential election change it all again? In an article on the Government Technology website, Eric E. Holdeman says in recent years, “the emergency management field has exploded to near-cosmic proportions due to mega-disasters – and mega-funding that far exceeded anything we’ve seen before.” He cites events such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Indian Ocean Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, saying those events changed America’s perspective on disasters, giving emergency managers funding lie they have never had before. But Holdeman says the biggest question we should be asking is what’s next. “One year from now, a new federal administration will be in place, new people will be appointed, and undoubtedly, new programs will be launched,” he says. “The ‘not invented here’ mentality of new administrations guarantees that old programs will fall out of favor and new ones will be created.” He says our society is a “knee-jerk, grant creation society,” noting that much of the funding seems to come as a reaction to the catastrophic event. “I won’t hazard a guess at what’s next in the way of disasters, programs or funding. But if the recent past is any indication, hold on to your hats – it’s going to be quite a ride,” Holdeman says. To read the full article, click here: http://www.govtech.com/gt/279775?topic=117693
How to Win Homeland Security Dollars from Your State Wondering how to get your hands on some of the billions of dollars in grant programs the government hands out each year? In a new article, one expert offers his advice on how you can win those hard-earned security dollars. In an article on the Government Technology website, Julian Gilman offers strategies to help people get the most funding possible for emergency management and homeland security programs. His tips include: Be precise. Gilman says “potential grant recipients should develop precise investment justifications (IJ) that outline plans and timetables for their priorities under their Homeland Security Strategy (which needs to be in line with the state’s strategy).” If you’re not clear about how you will spend the money, you may end up not getting any. “All of these elements affect the quality of your state’s investment/plan, or IJ, which will receive a final ‘grade’ from DHS,” Gilman says. “You’ll be awarded grant money based partly on that grade and how it compares to the needs of the other jurisdictions you are competing against.” To read the full article, click here: http://www.govtech.com/gt/279634?topic=117688
Each year, the president proclaims April as Cancer Control Month to highlight advances against cancer and rededicate the nation to fighting this disease. This month, take some time to educate yourself further about the cancer risks you and your loved ones may face. Below are some links that may provide some assistance: Firefighter Cancer Support Network
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: Name: Eric Speed Rank: Firefighter Age: 33 Gender: Male Status: Volunteer Years of Service: 12 Date of Incident: 03/28/2008 Time of Incident: 0930hrs Date of Death: 03/28/2008
Fire Department: Caddo Parish Fire District Two Address: 4305 North Lakeshore Dr., Shreveport, LA 71107 Fire Department Chief: Harry L. Lowery Incident Description: Firefighter Eric Speed was operating a tanker enroute to a mutual aid residential structure fire call in a neighboring fire district, when the apparatus left the road way, turning over and striking several trees. The cab of the apparatus was severely damaged by the trees causing Speed to be severely injured. Firefighter Speed was airlifted to the hospital but was pronounced on arrival. The investigation continues regarding the causes of the accident, such as load factors, traveling speed, and mechanical problems. Reports indicate that unfamiliarity with the particular roadway the apparatus was traveling and the sharp ninety-degree turn where the accident took place were factors in the accident.
Incident Location: (1) Mobile home fire, 6200 block of Green Meadow Road (USNG: 15S VS 1729 1138). (2) Tanker rollover, Shepherd Road (15S VS 2101 0425).
Funeral Arrangements: 04/05/2008, details pending.
Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Contributions to FF Speed's family can be made in his name at the Shreveport Firefighters Credit Union, 6015 Hearne Ave. Shreveport, LA71108, Phone: (318) 636.5600; or 2207 California Drive, Suite 1A. Bossier City, LA 71111, (318) 746-1900 (www.profirefighterscu.com).
Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Eric Speed at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
Source: USFA |
||||||||
|
|
|