Main Story: President Bush Says Cut FIRE Act, Project Impact

(Fairfax, VA) -- The president's fiscal year 2002 budget request to Congress does not include funding - as authorized by law - for the FIRE grant program. In fact, the FIRE program, which the fire service worked so hard to move forward, will be specifically targeted for elimination next year. ICHIEFS is strongly urging each and every member of the fire service to write President Bush and firmly and respectfully request that he restore $300 million to his FY 2002 budget request for the FIRE grant program.

Overcoming opposition to the FIRE program will only be possible if America's fire service joins together in sharing its displeasure in writing. ICHIEFS encourages you to draft a letter, on departmental letterhead (where possible), and send the letter addressed as below. ICHIEFS has taken the liberty of crafting a draft sample for your use.

Note: Please send a copy of your letter to ICHIEFS for follow up. You may fax to (703) 273-9363 or mail to ICHIEFS at 4025 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033, Attn: Government Relations.

Honorable George W. Bush The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: I write to request you reconsider your recent decision to phase out a new program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency designed to assist fire departments with training, staffing and the acquisition of badly needed safety equipment. This program, authorized by law, will allow us to enhance our ability to protect the communities we are sworn to serve. Authorized are $300 million in FY 2002 to continue this vital program. We strongly disagree with the statement in your budget proposal that says this program is "unneeded." America's fire service is the primary provider of life safety services in all communities. We are responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue and hazardous materials response, among other duties. We urge you to support the FIRE program that is so badly needed. Sincerely, (You name here)

Related:

• President Bush: Cut FIRE Act, Project Impact
  
• IAFF Condemns Bush Attack on Fire Service
  
• ICHIEFS Look For Strategy on FIRE Act Cut
  
• The Fire Grant Program: Stay with the Pre-Plan!
  
• Discuss It Now
  

Related Links:

• Firehouse.com's Funding Section
  
• The Bush Plan: Blueprint For New Beginnings
  
• National Volunteer Fire Council
  
• International Association of Fire Fighters