22nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars
Dear Fire and Emergency Services Leader:
Since 1989, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) has had the distinct honor of hosting the annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars in Washington, DC. On April 28-29, 2010, CFSI will host the 22nd program against the backdrop of our Nation's Capitol as we pay tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.
The event brings together over 2,000 leaders of the fire and emergency services for a two-day program, providing opportunities for public safety officials to hear from members of Congress and Administration officials on federal issues impacting our nation's first responders. The program is a learning experience unique within the fire and emergency services, opening the door to a greater understanding of how federal legislation and policies are developed and implemented.
Each year, we select a theme for the program that focuses on the importance of our work as leaders in public safety. This year, the theme of the program is "Making the Right Decisions." Every day, we are confronted with important decisions that impact our missions - missions that advance the safety and readiness of first responders and the safety and protection of all Americans.
During the two-day program, you will hear from an array of speakers who will offer their own unique thoughts and perspectives on making the right decisions. They will approach their presentations from the perspective of the fire ground and emergency scene, from the classrooms and public forums and from the halls of government.
Following the seminars, the leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus will help us in hosting the annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner. Throughout the years, we have been honored by the presence of so many distinguished keynote speakers including three Presidents and four Vice Presidents. Last year, we were honored to have Vice President Joe Biden as our keynote speaker, a former Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and one of the strongest advocates for our nation's fire and emergency services. This year, we hope to continue our tradition of hosting speakers from the White House.
The Congressional Fire Services Institute works closely with the other major fire and emergency services organizations and leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus to advocate for the needs of our nation's first responders. For CFSI, the right decisions are the decisions made in the best interest of all first responders - the volunteer and career firefighters, the fire service-based EMS providers, the chiefs, the instructors, the manufacturers and services providers, the public education providers, and other stakeholders in public safety.
As a leader in the fire and emergency services, you can make the right decision by attending this program. You will gain a unique perspective on the federal government - how laws are developed, then enacted and then transformed into federal policy and programs. You will interact with national leaders and federal officials at the highest levels of government, engaging them in discussions about issues important to your profession.
Yes, this country is undergoing an economic challenge that places great burdens on all of us. CFSI is a privately-funded organization - we do not receive government funding. Hence, the support we receive from you is critical to our mission. Next year, we will focus our attention on what we think is the right decision for Congress - to increase funding for our nation's fire and emergency services to help our first responders get through these challenging times.
Be safe.
Sincerely,
William M. Webb
Executive Director