In this issue:
- USFA Seeks Deputy United States Fire Administrator
- Take the NVFC Communications Survey
- Focus on Retention and Recruitment: Connecticut Passes Law Allowing Career Firefighters to Volunteer
- Reminder: SAFER Applications Due June 27
- CEDAP Grant Period Now Open
- Hurricane Season Began June 1: Is Your Community Ready?
- Theme Announced for Fire Prevention Week 2008: “Prevent Home Fires!”
- Support Those Who Support the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
- Calendar of Events
USFA Seeks Deputy United States Fire Administrator
The U.S. Fire Administration has a vacancy for the position of Deputy Fire Administrator. The position is currently advertised on USAJobs and will be posted until July 3. This position is critically important for the fire service. Learn more about the position and apply.
Take the NVFC Communications Survey
The NVFC wants to know your opinions regarding our communications to you. In order to gauge our effectiveness and to serve you better, the NVFC has launched a communications survey and is seeking your input. Please take a few moments to fill out the survey and let us know your thoughts on the types and frequency of communications you receive from the NVFC and how we can best meet your needs. Participants who include their name and contact information will be entered into a raffle for a one-year free individual membership to the NVFC. We value your input; take the survey at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB227WJKFU545.
Focus on Retention and Recruitment: Connecticut Passes Law Allowing Career Firefighters to Volunteer
The State of Connecticut has enacted legislation that codifies the right of career firefighters to volunteer during off-duty hours. The bill, An Act Concerning Volunteer Service By Paid Emergency Personnel Or Paid Firefighters (H.B. 5646), received final legislative approval on May 7, became a Public Act on May 19, and was formally signed during a ceremony June 9 in Newington, CT. Read full article.
Reminder: SAFER Applications Due June 27
The Department of Homeland Security will accept applications for the FY 2008 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant through 5:00 pm EDT on June 27. SAFER grants provide funding to fire departments to hire career firefighters and to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. The FY 2008 SAFER program guidance is available online. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) participates in annual stakeholder meetings to provide formal input to the SAFER grant criteria development process. The NVFC also works closely with Congress, advocating for SAFER to be funded at its authorized level and ensuring that a portion of those funds are made available to help meet the staffing needs of volunteer departments. Learn more about SAFER and access the application.
CEDAP Grant Period Now Open
The application period for the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) is open until June 30. The CEDAP is an important component of the Department of Homeland Security’s preparedness efforts. The program aids smaller jurisdictions and eligible urban areas by directly transferring specialized commercial equipment, equipment training, and equipment technical assistance to enhance regional response capabilities. FY 2008 funding is valued at $16 million. Read full article.
Hurricane Season Began June 1: Is Your Community Ready?
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and experts predict the 2008 season may have above average activity. In order to avoid or lessen potential disaster, it is vital for fire and emergency service departments and their communities to have a plan in place before a hurricane hits. The National Volunteer Fire Council has compiled a Hurricane Preparedness Resource Center to help fire and EMS departments prepare their communities. Access the Resource Center at www.nvfc.org/hurricanes.
Theme Announced for Fire Prevention Week 2008: “Prevent Home Fires!”
The National Fire Prevention Association announced that the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2008 (October 5-11) will be “It’s Fire Prevention Week – Prevent Home Fires!” Start planning your Fire Prevention Week activities now. Learn more about Fire Prevention Week and access resources. The National Volunteer Fire Council and Fire Corps will once again team up to release tips and resources to help you distribute important fire prevention messages. Stay tuned to the NVFC E-update and web site, www.nvfc.org, in the coming months for more information.
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.
Calendar of Events
Below is a list of events that the NVFC will be attending, as well as nationally recognized dates which the NVFC would like to acknowledge.
Firehouse Expo
July 22-27, 2008
Baltimore, MD
National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Presentation
July 24, 2008
Baltimore Convention Center
Fire-Rescue International
August 14-16, 2008
Denver, CO
National Firefighter Health Week
August 18-22
National Preparedness Month
September 2008
NVFC Fall Meeting
September 24-27, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI
Fire Prevention Week
October 5-11
FDSOA Annual Safety Forum
October 27–31, 2008
Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, Florida
Contact: membership@fdsoa.org
Join the NVFC and support the voice of the volunteer. Find out more and join online at www.nvfc.org.
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