E-Update Archive

In this issue:

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DHS releases National Emergency Communications Plan

In July, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP), outlining major goals for emergency communications advancement in 56 states and territories. These goals include that 75 percent of non-Urban Area Security Initiative jurisdictions be able to demonstrate response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple jurisdictions by 2011. The NECP was created through the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (H.R. 1), which was enacted in August 2007 and originally called for the NECP to be completed by April 2008. Read full article.

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NVFC Attends International Firefighters Conference in Argentina

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg participated in an international conference in Argentina from August 14-16. Organized by the Organización de Bomberos Americanos (Organization of American Firefighters) and hosted by the Consejo Nacional de Bomberos Voluntarios de la Republica Argentina, a national volunteer firefighters association in Argentina, the conference brought together representatives from volunteer firefighter organizations across North and South America. Stittleburg joined delegates from ten nations in South America and Central America, as well as Mexico. Read full article.

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NVFC Supports Legislation Banning Novelty Lighters

In July, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (D-OR) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced legislation (H.R. 6488/S. 3375) that would prohibit sales of “novelty lighters” by having them classified as a banned hazardous substance. Both bills direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish rules for how the ban will be applied – the House bill tasks CPSC with developing a regulation banning novelty lighter sales while the Senate bill declares novelty lighters banned hazardous substances but gives CPSC the authority to exempt lighters that are antiques or have significant artistic value from the ban.Read full article.

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Focus on Retention and Recruitment: Volunteer Firefighters in Kentucky Could be Subject to Lawsuits Pending Court Ruling

A Kentucky state law protecting volunteer fire departments and firefighters from lawsuits was ruled unconstitutional last year by the state Court of Appeals. The ruling was appealed to the Kentucky Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments in the case on August 13. Read full article.

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USFA Releases 2007 Firefighter Fatalities Report

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) released its report Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2007. The report continues a series of annual studies by the USFA of on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States. The USFA is the single public agency source of information for all on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States each year. Read full article.

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Dunkin’ Donuts Partners with NVFC to Promote Good Nutrition in the Fire Service

DDSMART is company’s first menu of better-for-you food and beverages 

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is partnering with Dunkin’ Donuts to encourage firefighters to eat better for improved health. In August, Dunkin’ Donuts launched DDSMART™, the company’s first menu of better-for-you food and beverages. DDSMART sponsored the Nutrition Day of the NVFC’s National Firefighter Health Week, which was held August 18-22 to educate first responders about important health topics relevant to their lives. Nutrition was the focus topic for Tuesday, August 19. Read full article.^ 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.

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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.

Join the NVFC and support the voice of the volunteer. Find out more and join online at click here.^ Back to Top