In this issue:

1. NVFC Releases Comprehensive Guide to Retention and Recruitment
2. Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Application Period Now Open
3. The NVFC Issues Letter of Concern over 2006 AFG Program Handling
4. Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services Meets for First Time
5. American Public University to Offer Homeland Security Symposium
6. DHS Launches PSAs to Demonstrate Importance of Family Emergency Planning
7. TargetSafety Offers Training Grants to Volunteer and Combination Fire Departments
8. Reminder: Nominations for NVFC Fire Prevention Award Due January 15
9. Support Those Who Support the Voice of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services

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The NVFC, in partnership with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), has released an in-depth guide on two of the biggest challenges facing the volunteer fire and emergency services – retention and recruitment. Retention and Recruitment for the Volunteer Emergency Services: Challenges and Solutions (Second Edition) addresses each of the main obstacles departments face regarding retention and recruitment and then outlines proven solutions to overcome these obstacles. This valuable resource is a must-have for all volunteer and combination departments who are experiencing retention and recruitment challenges.

Among the challenges identified and addressed in the new guide are time demands, training requirements, increasing call volume, changes in the “nature of the business,” changes in sociological conditions, leadership challenges, federal legislation, internal conflict, higher cost of housing, aging communities, and the effects of the decline in volunteers. The text contains a thorough and insightful look at each of these issues and provides examples of solutions that have worked in volunteer organizations across the nation. There is also an expansive Appendix section that contains further information such as study results, statistics, sample documents, references, and additional resources.

The NVFC and USFA originally teamed up in 1998 to release the first edition of the guide. This second edition has been enhanced with new research and current issues the emergency services face in the 21st century. The NVFC worked with the staff of the Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services (VFIS) to revise and update the text. A new curriculum based on the guide is also being developed for the NVFC/VFIS Retention and Recruitment Seminar. This training program is offered at state association conferences across the nation. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site for more information on the 2007 training schedule.

Retention and Recruitment for the Volunteer Emergency Services: Challenges and Solutions (Second Edition) is available for free download on the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org.

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The 2006 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) application period opened December 4 and will remain open until 5 p.m. EST on January 12. Administered by the Office of Grants and Training in the Department of Homeland Security, FP&S grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The main focus of FP&S grants is to reduce incidences of injuries and deaths among high-risk groups, including firefighters, children, and adults over 65.

This year, $27 million is available in competitive awards to fire departments and fire prevention and firefighter safety research organizations through the FP&S grant program. Examples of activities supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs. In addition to fire prevention and safety activities, FP&S grants can also be used for firefighter safety research and development.

For more information on the FY 2006 FP&S grant program, including the Program Guidance and the E-Grant application, visit www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/.

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The NVFC sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff expressing concern over the delays that have plagued the 2006 Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program. These grants, which include AFG and the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants, are crucial to the preparedness of the nation’s fire service. Departments across America depend on the grant awards to meet needs ranging from equipment and training to fire safety and prevention campaigns.

In most years, AFG award announcements begin in July and are nearly complete by the end of the year. This year, award announcements did not start until October. Despite the delay, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have assured the NVFC that the announcements would still be completed in a time frame similar to previous years. The FP&S grant application period traditionally opens in September, but this year did not open until December 4.

“I am frustrated by the fact that both of these programs are several months behind where they would be in a normal year,” NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg wrote in the letter dated December 1. “I am equally frustrated that DHS did not communicate to stakeholder organizations like the NVFC that there would be such a significant delay, provide a timeframe for approximately how long the delay would last, or let us know what was causing the delay.”

The letter went on to ask Secretary Chertoff to provide an explanation for the delays, what steps DHS is taking to ensure a similar situation does not occur in future years, and if it is anticipated that the 2007 AFG application period will open later than usual. DHS had not responded to the letter by press time. The NVFC will continue its quest for accountability within DHS and to advocate for better communication and a smoother application process in the future.

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The Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS) met on December 8 for the first time since it was codified in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, which was signed into law in August of 2005. The purpose of FICEMS is to bring the various federal agencies that deal in some fashion with EMS together to ensure coordination of activities. 

FICEMS member agencies include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Fire Administration, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, the Indian Health Service, and the Federal Communications Commission. FICEMS will also eventually include a state EMS director as a voting member.

At the meeting it was determined that NHTSA will chair the Committee. The members also decided that the Committee will meet officially at least twice a year with staff-level meetings twice a year as well.

In the past, FICEMS agencies have met informally as a way to share information. In codifying FICEMS, Congress raised the profile of the Committee and identified specific areas for the Committee to work on. The NVFC has participated in FICEMS in the past and continues to attend meetings and provide input regarding the needs of the volunteer EMS community.

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What would happen if your fire district was pulled into a catastrophe of national proportions? What if your town’s population suddenly increased ten fold because people were fleeing some natural or terrorist disaster? Is your department or county prepared?  On Feb 6-7 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., American Military University/American Public University, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and WTOP News Network are sponsoring a symposium entitled Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect, focused on what small cities and towns should expect and how to prepare when larger communities in their area have to be evacuated. You owe it to those you protect to do all you can to plan ahead. At this two-day event, you will network with other emergency responders, FEMA officials, and policy makers to improve your preparedness. Join the discussion with members of Congress, generals, academics, policy makers, and experts in the field so that you can be better prepared to do your job. After 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina, we know the importance of being prepared.

For more information, please visit: www.apus.edu/disaster

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and The Advertising Council unveiled new public service advertisements (PSAs) on November 14 to support the Ready Campaign. Ready is a national public service advertising campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies. 

The new PSAs include television, radio, print, internet and outdoor versions created pro bono by BBDO New York. An additional television ad features First Lady Laura Bush discussing emergency preparedness. All of the new PSAs highlight the fact that many families have not yet taken the steps needed to prepare for emergencies, including getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, and learning more about different emergencies and their appropriate responses.  

“These new ads will encourage all Americans to take some basic steps to prepare their families for emergencies,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “By simply taking a little time to sit down together and make an emergency plan, families can help answer important questions, such as where to meet, how to communicate with each other, and what to do in the event of an emergency.”

The new documentary-style television and radio ads feature real families discussing their emergency plans, or lack of and ask, “Is your plan any better?” In her PSA, Mrs. Bush encourages Americans to take some basic steps to prepare their families for all types of emergencies. 

The new PSAs have been distributed to television and radio stations nationwide via FastChannel, and all of the new ads can be viewed on the Ad Council web site at www.adcouncil.org.

While there is still a long way to go to ensure that all Americans have taken steps to prepare, there are indications of progress. A study conducted in June by the Ad Council on behalf of the Ready Campaign recorded significant positive increases in preparedness behaviors. It found:

• 91 percent of respondents said it is “very” or “somewhat” important for all Americans to be prepared for emergencies
• From 2005 to 2006, the proportion of Americans who said they have taken any steps to prepare rose 10 points, from 45 percent to 55 percent
• There were also several notable increases in key preparedness behaviors from 2004 to 2006:
  • Put together an emergency kit: 44 percent in 2004 to 54 percent in 2006
  • Created a family emergency plan: 32 percent in 2004 to 39 percent in 2006
  • Searched for info about preparedness: 28 percent in 2004 to 40 percent in 2006

The Ready Campaign, launched in February 2003 by DHS and the Ad Council, asks individuals to do three key things to prepare for emergencies: get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses. The campaign also includes a Spanish language version, Listo as well as two extensions, Ready Business, which focuses on business emergency preparedness, and Ready Kids, a tool to help parents and teachers talk to children about emergencies and emergency preparedness.

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TargetSafety, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs-Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, is providing online training grants totaling $1 million to volunteer and combination fire departments in the United States. Grant award winners will receive one year of TargetSafety’s services at no cost.

TargetSafety is an industry leader in online firefighter training. Services include a customized training website, tools to track and manage training, and access to specific TargetSafety online training courses including NFPA firefighter courses, EMS continuing education, safety, human resource, HAZMAT, and terrorism courses. The grant application period opened November 13 and will remain open through February 28. To apply for a grant, visit www.targetsafety.com/fire/grant.

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Do you know a volunteer firefighter whose outstanding achievements in the fire service and community exemplify the philosophy of fire prevention? It is not too late to submit a nomination for the NVFC Fire Prevention Award. This prestigious award, sponsored by First Alert, recognizes a person who has made a significant contribution to the field of fire prevention.

The NVFC Fire Prevention Award was established in the memory of volunteer firefighter Marc Mueller, who energetically promoted the causes of volunteer firefighters and supported all efforts to evaluate the volunteer program to its highest level. He dedicated much of his life to public service and made major strides to bring prestige, credibility, and recognition to volunteer firefighters nationwide.

To nominate an individual for the NVFC Fire Prevention Award, submit a nomination packet including a nomination form, the nominee’s resume or background sheet, and letters of recommendation supporting the nominee to:

NVFC Fire Prevention Award
Attn: Kimberly Ettinger
1050 17th St., NW, Suite 490
Washington, DC 20036

Additional information including award criteria and nomination form is available on the NVFC website at www.nvfc.org/awards.html.

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The NVFC relies on the assistance of its corporate and association partners to be able to provide a voice for the volunteer fire and emergency services in Washington. We encourage you to look at a list of our Sustaining Members and support them with your business.