A longtime supporter of the nation’s fire and emergency services – Vice President Joe Biden -- will deliver the keynote at the 27th annual CFSI dinner next week.
“We’re very happy to welcome him back. We’re excited he’s coming,” said Bill Webb, CFSI executive director.
Webb said Biden is passionate not about the issues faced by responders, but has a great deal of respect for them. And, he often mentions how Delaware fighters assisted him and his family.
“He’s never forgotten what people have done for him, and he delivers a powerful message,” Webb added.
Those attending the April 16 dinner to arrive early as there will be heightened security.
“We haven’t met yet with the Secret Service for the details,” he added. “But people should allow plenty of time…”
Registration for the two-day event that includes seminars is running at or slightly above that of last year, he noted.
“We want people to take advantage of the full package. The dinner is the culmination. We encourage people to make arrangements to visit their elected officials on Capitol Hill. This is the time of year that the fire service is in the spotlight.”
It’s important, he added, that personnel educate their lawmakers on issues that impact the fire service. As appropriations are being discussed right now, firefighters need to let them know their needs.
Among the issues on tap for the seminars are firefighter health and safety research, rail car emergencies, fire-based EMS, community risk analysis, federal funding for responders and traffic incident management.
More information about the event can be seen………
