Fire Politics: “United We Stand”

This has been another interesting legislative session at the local, state and federal level. The fire service is engaged in some places and not so much in others, to which you may reply, “There’s nothing new about that!” While true, have you ever heard the old saying, “United we stand, divided we fall?” For those who want fire departments to have less, and for codes and standards to be a low priority, they enjoy it when we are divided. Who would want the fire department to have less and for codes to go away? Those of us engaged in the process know who they are, and that they are united in their efforts against us.

Federal, state and local

Nationally, different professions, trades and industries have their own legislative agendas, which is positive because the intent is to advance our respective causes, hopefully for the good of overall public policy that improves the health, safety and general welfare of the public. Yes, this is really possible, especially from those of us in organizations and associations with pure missions and noble callings. Our opponents believe that they are in the same situation, however, they are more about providing than protecting.

We have enjoyed a lot of successes at the federal level over the past several years, most recently with the renewal of the Fire Act grants and tax reform that provides incentives for fire protection improvements in certain occupancies. I would attribute this to coordination and cooperation from the associations and organizations that are engaged in these efforts.

As they say, all politics are local, and I say the key to success is local leaders and their passion for the cause. Recently, we have been aware of local communities increasing staffing, providing incentives for volunteers, merging companies, adopting the latest codes, as well as passing historic districts and high-rise retrofit fire sprinkler ordinances, and providing incentives for developers and builders to improve fire protection at the community level. These improvements are because of local leadership bringing all the stakeholders to the process and deciding what is best for the overall quality of life in that community.

We have not enjoyed as much success at the state level as we have had at the federal and local level, and I attribute this to us being divided in our strategy and tactics—or simply not showing up. We have experienced many setbacks to fire protection improvements this legislative session at the state level because local leaders, state leaders, and state and national associations had different agendas and/or different messages. It is a challenge at the state level to coordinate all interests, but it’s necessary as fire service leaders to ensure that all issues are presented and a united front is developed to improve public policy.

Do you know how your state fared in this legislative cycle? I encourage you to reach out to your state fire associations and get the latest “report card” on recent legislation. There are several states this cycle where outside associations have created issues that have divided the fire service, specifically the battle between the wood and concrete industries. We must work together to determine what should be changed in the codes and standards arena versus the legislative arena. I encourage you to gather all the information, and check with those involved. Never doubt that your engagement can and does make a difference.

On the federal level, we must get the word out and share the information that will make the federal wins mean something. Are you applying for a Fire Act grant? If not, look at the program guidance and create an application for your fire department. Have you shared the fire protection incentives with your local business owners and stakeholders? If not, visit nfsa.org/taxreform for resources to help you share this news. Our gains will be for nothing if we do not get the word out to the people who can realize the benefits.

Create opportunities

Our current challenge is to share and to create opportunities for those eligible to benefit in these programs. I encourage you to reach out, get involved and join with us as we continually work to create a safer America. Our concerted efforts will determine the outcome of our next chapter. Our issues are not going away, and our challenges will continue. Working together, we can impact the outcome and create measurements that matter to us, to the citizens we serve, and to the world in general.