August 17, 2002
IAFF
Mr. Harold Schaitberger, General President
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Mr. Schaitberger:
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has been informed that the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is considering boycotting the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Washington, DC on October 6, 2002. If this is true, the NVFC feels that this is highly inappropriate and we strongly urge you to reconsider.
Although the NVFC shares your concern with President Bush's decision to withdraw additional funding for America's fire service, the Memorial service is not the venue to make such a political statement. We feel that the Memorial service is a time to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to comfort their grieving families. Our membership looks forward to standing side-by-side with career firefighters at the Memorial service in October.
We anxiously await a response from you regarding the IAFF's final decision on this matter. Feel free to contact me directly at 608/625-2185.
Sincerely,
Philip C. Stittleburg
Chairman
cc:
NVFC Board of Directors
Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Hal Bruno, Chairman, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
John Buckman, President, International Association of Fire Chiefs
