The latest update on the federal fire grant program indicates that 19,000 applications totaling some 30,538 requests and seeking $2.9 billion were received by the U.S. Fire Administration, as of June 1. In the fire prevention category there were 1,259 requests totaling $71.6 million. Firefighting equipment received 8,242 requests for $399.4 million. Personal protective equipment drew 8,147 requests for $329.9 million. Training requests numbered 1,447 for $108.5 million. There were 10,661 requests for vehicles at $1.9 billion. Wellness and fitness numbered 782 requests for $51.9 million.
Remember, only $100 million was authorized this year. As someone pointed out, most departments, many of which need these funds desperately, will not get anything. These figures certainly show a need.
Heart attacks continue to be the leading cause of fatal on-duty injury to U.S. firefighters (40 deaths, or 39% of all firefighters deaths last year), according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). There were 102 on-duty firefighters deaths, a decrease of 10 from 1999. Last year, 21 firefighters were killed in motor vehicle crashes, half of which occurred while the victims were responding to calls. Of those killed, 57 were volunteers and 28 were career. Fireground deaths accounted for 38% of the fatalities, and 24% occurred while responding to or returning from alarms. Nine firefighters died in connection with arson fires, and six died as a result of false alarms. Three firefighters were fatally assaulted and one was shot accidentally during SWAT training.
Hal Bruno reports on page 20 about the recent vote to approve the NFPA Deployment Standard 1710. The balloting in Anaheim, CA, has raised a fever pitch in many areas of the fire service. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion on what works, what they can afford, etc.; that's the way it should be. Hal reports on the real villain lurking in the shadows and now rearing its ugly head. On page 34, Gary Ludwig outlines the standard's impact on fire service EMS delivery.
In this issue we are proud to present "The Company Officer: 'Street-Wise' Training" by District Chief Robert Hoff, director of training for the Chicago Fire Department, and Lieutenant Rick Kolomay of Schaumburg, IL. Their thought-provoking training ideas can be found on page 118. In his Safety & Survival column on page 22, Vincent Dunn reports on "Firefighting Hose Attack Strategies." Chief Dunn describes the five hose stream attack strategies to be used at structural fires and the many reasons to use them.
Speaking of fire attack, "Crew Resource Management Applied To The Incident Management System" is continued. This month's installment focuses on communications under stress. This is so important because proper communications can lead to the successful management of an incident, but improper use can result in tragic consequences. Chief Dennis Rubin of Norfolk, VA, Chief Bill Peterson of Plano, TX, and airline pilot/firefighter Tom Phillips describe the improvements that can be made by raising the performance of the crew.
In 1986, I made my first trip to Phoenix and interviewed Fire Chief Alan Brunacini. Earlier this year, I returned for another one-on-one session. Much has changed in those 15 years and on page 56 we discuss the past, present and future. Another feature dealing with statistics in this issue is Part 2 of the National Run Survey. This is one of the most eagerly awaited features that we present each year. It is a valuable resource that we are proud to prepare and present.
Congratulations to Fire Chief Mario Trevino, who moves from the Las Vegas Fire Department to become chief of the San Francisco Fire Department this month, and to Phoenix Assistant Chief Gary Morris, who takes over as Seattle fire chief on July 23.
As reported in the April issue, when you e-mail incident reports to your state, please remember to enter [email protected] on the cc:line, and FirePrograms will automatically receive a copy. If you don't upload incident reports to your state, just e-mail them to that address. FirePrograms will furnish the data to fire service publications.
Don't miss your chance to beat the rush and sign up ahead of time for Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, July 24-29. We'll be featuring a great line-up of seminar programs, the latest in fire, rescue and EMS exhibits, and the popular parade and flea market. Use the registration form in this issue.
Great seminars, great exhibits, See you in Baltimore.
