E-Update Archive
E-update: February 17, 2010
In this issue:
- Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act (S. 2947) Introduced by Senators Carper and Collins
- Update on State and Federal Efforts to Limit/Ban Sales of Novelty Lighters
- Firehouse Partners with NVFC to Support and Encourage Health and Wellness Among Nation’s Fire Service
- National Fire Incident Reporting System News
- Focus on Recruitment: MD Volunteers Launch Volunteer Fire-Rescue Recruiting Station
- Check Out the Latest News from FireRescue1
- National Fire Academy Training Opportunities
- Support Those Who Support the Fire and Emergency Services
- Calendar of Events
- President’s FY 2011 Budget Request Cuts AFG and SAFER
- NVFC Releases White Paper on Training in the Volunteer Fire Service
- NVFC Releases White Paper on Training in the Volunteer Fire Service
On January 22, Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE) along with original co-sponsor, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced S. 2947, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act, which would reduce the tax depreciation time on fire sprinklers installed in non-residential property from 39 years to only five years. Senators Carper and Collins are both co-chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. Read full article.
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Update on State and Federal Efforts to Limit/Ban Sales of Novelty Lighters
Toy-like or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the country. Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys. A number of accidents involving novelty lighters have been documented, including a 2007 fire in Arkansas that took the lives of a two-year-old and 15-month-old. Many local units of government have banned novelty lighter sales, and several other states have pending legislation to do so as well. Read full article.
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Firehouse Partners with NVFC to Support and Encourage Health and Wellness Among Nation’s Fire Service
Cygnus Expositions, a division of Cygnus Business Media, announced that they will provide resources and space for the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program at Firehouse World 2010 in San Diego, CA, February 28-March 4, the country’s largest fire, rescue, and EMS event on the West Coast. Read full article.
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National Fire Incident Reporting System News
The Proof Is In The Pudding
While fire data exists, the overall picture is still not clear
By Azarang (Ozzie) Mirkhah, Firehouse.com contributor
Reprinted from Firehouse.com
Read full commentary.
USFA Updating the National Fire Incident Reporting System
For Fiscal Year 2009, Congress appropriated nearly $1.2 million to the United States Fire Administration (USFA) for the express purpose of “continu(ing) implementation of the National Fire Incident Report System (NFIRS).” The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 included a NFIRS Upgrades Section, which specified that, “The Administrator shall update the NFIRS to ensure that the information in the system is available, and can be updated, through the Internet and in real time.” Read full article.
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Focus on Recruitment: MD Volunteers Launch Volunteer Fire-Rescue Recruiting Station
Many departments across the country are struggling with a decline in fire-rescue and EMS volunteers while at the same time facing higher call volumes and increased demands on the department. The Montgomery County (MD) Volunteer Fire Rescue Association (MCVFRA) has developed an innovative recruitment initiative to tackle this challenge. They are launching a volunteer fire-rescue recruiting station to meet the needs of the 19 volunteer fire and rescue departments in Montgomery County. Read full article.
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Check Out the Latest News from FireRescue1 National Fire Academy Training Opportunities Support Those Who Support the Voice of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Calendar of Events
Exclusive column from 
The Politics of Training
Expert columns
Reporting rules and procedures for accepted AFG Grants
Townhouse Fire Hazards
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There are still vacancies available for second semester 2010 courses at the National Fire Academy’s National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD. All vacancies are filled on a first come, first served basis and qualified by using the Student Selection Criteria listed on their web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/index.shtm. To view a listing of course vacancies and apply, visit www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/index.shtm.
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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.
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View a listing of events the NVFC is attending as well as additional dates the NVFC would like to recognize.
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