|
October 14, 2009
In this issue:
- Legislation Extending Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act Introduced in the House
- Ask Your Representative to Co-sponsor the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act
- NVFC Volunteer Advocacy Committee Launches Web Resource to Assist Volunteer Emergency Responders
- U.S. Fire Administrator Cochran Addresses NVFC Board During Fall Meeting
- Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Application Period Closes October 23
- NVFC Participates in Capitol Hill Launch of Campus Fire Safety Month
- NVFC to Bolster Fire Prevention Efforts with FM Global Grant
- Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade™ Supports Community Firefighters
- Firefighters Benefit from Several International Code Council Code Changes
- Fire Spokesperson’s Pocket Media Guide Now Available
- Check Out the Latest News from FireRescue1
- Support Those Who Support the Fire and Emergency Services
- Calendar of Events
In Case You Missed It: Recent NVFC News Alerts
Legislation Extending Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act Introduced in the House
On October 1, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) introduced the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3666), which would extend income tax exemptions on property tax benefits and up to $360 per year of “other benefits” that volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel receive as a reward for their service. Read full article.
^ Back to Top
Ask Your Representative to Co-sponsor the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act
The Community Building Code Administration Grant Act (CBCAG) (H.R. 2246/S. 970), would establish a competitive, matching grant program to provide incentives to local governments to update and enforce local building codes. On September 24, Congressman Dennis Moore (D-KS) and Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL) circulated a Dear Colleague letter to the House of Representatives asking for co-sponsorship of CBCAG. The NVFC is supportive of CBCAG and we encourage you to contact your U.S. Representative and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 2246.
^ Back to Top
NVFC Volunteer Advocacy Committee Launches Web Resource to Assist Volunteer Emergency Responders
The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Volunteer Advocacy Committee announced the launch of a web page that is intended as an informational resource for volunteer emergency responders who find themselves under pressure to give up or reduce their involvement in volunteering. The page, located at www.nvfc.org/volunteeradvocacy, features a confidential form that volunteers can use to communicate directly with the Committee about problems that they are experiencing, as well as links to articles, reports, and other information related to the right of individuals to volunteer. Read full article.
^ Back to Top
U.S. Fire Administrator Cochran Addresses NVFC Board During Fall Meeting
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) held its Fall Board Meeting in Coralville, IA, from September 23-26. The NVFC Board, which is comprised of representatives from 49 state fire associations, meets as a whole twice a year to discuss issues concerning the volunteer fire service and make important decisions for the Council. Read full article.
^ Back to Top
Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Application Period Closes October 23
The Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2009 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant application period is now open. FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and fire-related hazards, including fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, media campaigns, arson prevention and awareness programs, and department health and safety initiatives, among others. The application deadline is October 23, so start preparing your application today. Read full article.
^ Back to Top
NVFC Participates in Capitol Hill Launch of Campus Fire Safety Month
On September 17, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) joined college students, members of Congress, parents who have lost children in campus-related fires, and representatives of Campus Firewatch and other national fire service organizations to kickoff Campus Fire Safety Month with a day on Capitol Hill. Read full article.
^ Back to Top
NVFC to Bolster Fire Prevention Efforts with FM Global Grant
The NVFC received a $3,000 fire prevention grant recently from FM Global, a leading property insurer of the world’s largest businesses based in Johnston, RI. The award will be used to assist with fire prevention activities, including the efforts of Fire Corps to help educate the community and reduce the number of fires. Read full article.
^ Back to Top
Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade™ Supports Community Firefighters
Grants initiative reaches one-half million dollars
October is the true beginning of fall. School is in full-swing, and communities are filled with the sounds and activities of weekend sporting events and festivals. October is also National Fire Prevention month and the time when Georgia-Pacific – through its Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade™ initiative – thanks the selfless members of local community fire departments across the United States who battle blazes, perform dangerous rescues, contain hazardous spills, and educate children on fire safety. Read full article.
^ Back to Top
Firefighters Benefit from Several International Code Council Code Changes
By Bruce Johnson, ICC
It has already been a year since the International Code Council held Final Action Hearings in Minneapolis, MN, where thousands of professionals and interested parties from across the country debated proposed changes to the family of model International Codes (I-Codes). There were many changes approved at those Final Action Hearings that impact first responders. Read full article.
^ Back to Top
Fire Spokesperson’s Pocket Media Guide Now Available
One of the newest tools available on the FireSafety.gov web site is the Fire Spokesperson’s Pocket Media Guide, which explains how Public Information Officers and other fire spokespeople can maximize the impact of a fire safety message in interviews with local and national news media. Read full article.
^ Back to Top
Check Out the Latest News from FireRescue1
^ Back to Top
Support Those Who Support the Voice of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
The NVFC relies on the assistance of its corporate and association partners to be able to provide a voice for the volunteer fire and emergency services in Washington. We encourage you to look at a list of our Corporate Members and support them with your business.
^ Back to Top
Calendar of Events
View a listing of events the NVFC is attending as well as additional dates the NVFC would like to recognize.
^ Back to Top
| 
