Editorial: Hot Topics
Training is the key. With many new members joining and being hired all the time while veterans are retiring in record numbers in many departments, those years of experience, if not passed down to the rookies, will be lost forever. Recently in my fire department, our training included learning about new auto extrication equipment, attending weapons of mass destruction decontamination classes, learning to use our new chemical-protective clothing, training to remove trapped firefighters, learning about new accountability devices, driving a new elevating platform and reviewing firefighter fatality reports from NIOSH. Next month, we undergo blood-borne pathogens retraining, among other important programs. Speaking of training, Chief Ron Baran details “What They Didn’t Teach You in Fire School” on page 54 and Captain Mike Dugan continues his “Truck Company Tips” series on page 58.
The saga of the ongoing fire service funding battle that seems to resemble the 100 Years War continues. The fire service 2004-05 budget roller coaster is now open; all aboard for the latest installment. Hal Bruno reports on page 14 that, as predicted, federal anti-terrorism funds are getting bottlenecked at state levels. For next year, funding for several programs apparently was reduced or eliminated for emergency responders. Funding for the FIRE Act, the popular grant program that helps fire departments fund equipment needs, has been reduced from $750 million to $500 million. In addition, state and local programs for homeland security purposes were reduced by $200 million, to $3.1 billion. The Bush administration also recommended eliminating the planned funding of the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Act, the first-ever federal program to fund firefighters, which was signed into law in November 2003. The $7.6 billion program would support the hiring of up to 75,000 firefighters over the next seven years to help hundreds of communities meet national standards for firefighter staffing.
We recently returned from San Diego, where we presented the Firehouse World show. Might I add that the temperature was 50 to 60 degrees warmer than on the East Coast? Attendance is growing as the second annual show was well received. The training and seminars held represented many varied areas of the fire service, including career advancement, leadership, case histories and wildland operations. We continue to grow and although not perfect, we’re improving each year. The dates for the next Firehouse World show in San Diego are Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2005.
The exhibit floor held many impressive new products. There were many ideas incorporated on fire and emergency apparatus never before seen for safety and ease of operation. Many of these ideas were adapted from other fields and merged into use with the fire industry.
Dennis Compton presented a class on “The Fire Department and the Political Process” at Firehouse World. Students were enlightened about what it takes to get involved with the local, state and federal governments. As an officer again in my own department, we now have to renew that fragile process of dealing with constantly changing elected officials and educate them as to our needs and the reasons why these realistic budget requirements are important to the citizens we serve as well.
Think about responding to a fire that ravaged 140 acres, burned 70 blocks, and damaged or destroyed 1,526 buildings. This will be the focus of the keynote address at Firehouse Expo 2004 in Baltimore on July 15. The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 will be reviewed during the show, which takes place July 13-18. Fire departments that responded on mutual aid from Washington, D.C. to Erie, PA, to New York City will be invited to take part in the 100th anniversary parade on Sunday, July 18. We hope to see you there.