In this issue:
- AFG Applications Due April 4
- Maine Becomes First State in Union to Pass Novelty Lighter Ban
- Update on Implementation of Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act
- NVFC Booth to Feature Health Screenings, Firehouse Chef at FDIC
- Junior Firefighter Scholarships and Grants to be Awarded at Firehouse Expo
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration EMS Update
- National Fire Academy Training Opportunities
- Calendar of Events
- Support Those Who Support the Voice of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
AFG Applications Due April 4
Applications for the Fiscal Year 2008 Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on April 4. Interested applicants can access the application through the AFG web site at www.firegrantsupport.com, the U.S. Fire Administration’s web site at www.usfa.fema.gov, and at Grants.gov.
Interested applicants may submit two separate applications for consideration under each of the program areas: Operations and Safety Program Area and Vehicle Acquisition Program Area. The FY 2008 AFG also allows eligible applicants to submit an additional application for a regional project through which multiple organizations, serving more than one local jurisdiction, may benefit directly from the activities implemented with grant funds. Learn more at www.firegrantsupport.com.
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has an online AFG Grant Narrative Resource Center fire and EMS departments can use as a guide when applying for AFG. The Resource Center includes successful grant narratives from past years as well as a grant-writing guide created by DHS. Applicants should use the posted narratives as a reference only. DHS uses software to detect language recurring in multiple grant applications. Submitting an application that includes false information is a crime punishable by law.
Maine Becomes First State in Union to Pass Novelty Lighter Ban
On March 24, Maine became the first state to enact legislation banning the sale or distribution of toy or novelty lighters. The legislation, introduced by State Representative Richard Sykes, describes novelty lighters as, “lighters that are designed to appear to be a toy, feature a flashing light or make musical sounds.” Persons found in violation of the new law face a fine of up to $500.
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has supported restricting novelty lighter sales since 2006. Last year, NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg sent a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Nancy Nord requesting that the CPSC prohibit the importation, sale, and distribution of novelty lighters in the United States.
Because novelty lighters look like toys, children are tempted to play with them even if they have been taught that handling lighters is dangerous. Fatal fires caused by novelty lighters have been documented in several states, including last September when two young boys in Arkansas died in a fire they accidentally set to their apartment with a motorcycle-shaped lighter. Since the fatal fire, at least 21 municipalities in Arkansas have passed ordinances banning the sale of novelty lighters. Municipal and county governments in California, Colorado, and Washington have also passed bans on novelty lighter sales.
On March 11, Michigan State Senator Gretchen Whitmer introduced legislation banning the sale of novelty lighters after hearing a news story about a woman who purchased a toy Dalmatian for her daughter only to discover that the “toy” was actually a cigarette lighter. Several other states have also considered legislation to ban novelty lighter sales.
The theme for the 2008 Arson Awareness Week campaign is “Toylike Lighters – Playing with Fire.” Arson Awareness Week is May 4-10. The NVFC has partnered with the United States Fire Administration (USFA), the Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Fire Safe Children & Families Program, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and the Idea Bank to promote Arson Awareness Week and bring attention to the dangers of novelty lighters. More information will be available as of April 1 on the USFA web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov.
Update on Implementation of Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act
The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) was signed into law in December 2007, prohibiting taxation of certain benefits provided by state and local units of government to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. Specifically, the first $360 that an individual receives per year in compensation for his or her service as a volunteer emergency responder is not considered taxable income. Additionally, any benefit in the form of a tax reduction as compensation for service as a volunteer first responder is no longer considered taxable income by the federal government.
Since passage of VRIPA, the NVFC has received a number of questions about the impact of the new law. Below are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What about volunteer firefighters who receive more than $360 per year from their departments for their volunteer service?
VRIPA only affects the first $360 a volunteer emergency responder receives as compensation for their service. Any amount that a volunteer emergency responder receives in excess of $360 in a given year would be taxed in the same manner that is has been in the past.
What about income that volunteer firefighters receive from other sources?
VRIPA only applies to income received as compensation for service as a volunteer emergency responder.
How can I take advantage of VRIPA?
VRIPA is in effect for the 2008 tax year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is still in the process of developing regulations for implementing VRIPA. In January, Congressman John Larson (D-CT) sent a letter to the IRS requesting that they develop and release the implementing regulations as soon as possible. The NVFC is in regular contact with Congressman Larson’s office and will make additional information regarding implementation of VRIPA available as it comes to us.
For questions regarding VRIPA, please contact Dave Finger, NVFC Director of Government Relations, at 202-887-5700, ext. 12 or dfinger@nvfc.org.
NVFC Booth to Feature Health Screenings, Firehouse Chef at FDIC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is bringing its interactive booth to the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) from April 10-12 in Indianapolis, IN, and this year the booth will be better than ever. The booth (#91) will continue to feature important components of the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, including health screenings and cooking demonstrations, as well as other key NVFC programs.
Stop by Booth #91 to learn your blood pressure, cholesterol, and body composition numbers. These free screenings are conducted by L&T Health and Fitness, an award-winning fitness management and health promotion company.
Chef Joseph Bonanno Jr. will join the booth to provide cooking demonstrations and samples of tasty, heart-healthy meals. Well-known as the Firehouse Chef, Bonanno is the author of The Healthy Firehouse Cookbook and The Firehouse Grilling Cookbook. He is a 21-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department and a certified fitness trainer and nutritionist. Chef Bonanno will prepare several dishes, including El Diablo Sausage and Lentil Stew, Pasta Il Pompiere, and Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya. Learn more about Chef Bonanno at www.chefbonanno.com.
In addition to the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, stop by the NVFC booth to learn how to increase your department’s capacity through Fire Corps, find valuable resources for your department, and learn more about the National Junior Firefighter Program. Applications for the National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program are now being accepted – learn more at the NVFC booth, from the brochure in your FDIC registrant bag, and online at www.nvfc.org/juniors. The deadline for the applications is May 15.
Junior Firefighter Scholarships and Grants to be Awarded at Firehouse Expo
NVFC Members Receive Discount to Firehouse Expo
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will award $100,000 in junior firefighter scholarships and department grants at Firehouse Expo in July. Ten outstanding junior firefighters will each receive $5,000 toward their education while their departments will receive $5,000 in support of their junior firefighter program. The awards are made possible through the support of the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation. Award presentations will be made at noon on July 24 during Firehouse Expo. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org for more information.
The NVFC is currently accepting applications for the National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program. The application and criteria for the competitive scholarships are available on the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org/juniors. Applications must be received by May 15. Winning junior firefighters and their departments will be notified in advance of Firehouse Expo and will receive travel to the event courtesy of the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation along with complimentary admission courtesy of Firehouse Expo.
Firehouse Expo has also teamed up with the NVFC to offer NVFC members a discounted rate on show admission. NVFC Personal Members will receive a $30 discount and Department Members will receive a $50 discount to Firehouse Expo. Learn more and take advantage of this opportunity at www.firehouseexpo.com/pub/fhe/sponsors_partners.po. Firehouse Expo takes place from July 22-27 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD
Firehouse Expo has been supporting America's bravest for 25 years, offering some of the most comprehensive training programs in the industry. Each year, Firehouse Expo brings together over 17,000 fire, rescue, and EMS professionals from across the country to train and educate firefighters and emergency service responders, preparing them for the realities they face in the fire, rescue, and emergency service community. Leading manufacturers pack the exhibit hall with the latest innovations in equipment, apparatus, tools, vehicle accessories, rescue/extrication equipment, training, hazmat gear, and clothing. Learn more about Firehouse Expo at www.FirehouseExpo.com.
Firehouse Expo is produced and managed by Cygnus Expositions, a division of Cygnus Business Media. The Cygnus Public Safety Group, comprised of Firehouse Magazine, Firehouse.com, Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World, Firehouse Central, EMS EXPO, EMS at Firehouse Expo, EMS Magazine, EMS Product News, EMS Responder.com, and Advanced Rescue Technology are all properties of business-to-business media leader Cygnus Business Media.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration EMS Update
The NVFC has partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to keep people informed about the activities of NHTSA's Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). The latest edition of the OEMS quarterly newsletter, EMS Update, is now available online. To access EMS Update, go to www.EMS.gov. You'll find "EMS Update" by clicking on the "News" icon on the top, red navigation bar. If you have questions or comments, or if you have a national EMS story to submit for the "Special Features" section, email nhtsa.ems@dot.gov.
The OEMS web site, which was developed to meet the varied needs of the EMS community, contains not only the latest news from OEMS – but also functions as a portal to other Federal EMS web sites and resources. Find information and updates on groundbreaking initiatives and programs, including Emergency Medical Services for Children, the National EMS Information System, the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS, Enhanced 9-1-1 and Next Generation 9-1-1, the National EMS Advisory Council, and more.
National Fire Academy Training Opportunities
Only a few vacancies are left for the National Fire Academy’s (NFA) second semester courses at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD. Interested persons should apply immediately as vacancies are filled on a first come, first served basis and classes fill up quickly. Learn more at www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa or contact the Admissions Office at netc-admissions@dhs.gov or 301-447-1035.
Calendar of Events
Below is a list of events that the NVFC will be attending, as well as nationally recognized dates which the NVFC would like to acknowledge.
NVFC Spring Meeting
April 2-6
Washington, DC
CFSI Dinner
April 3, 2008
Washington, DC
FDIC
April 7-12, 2008
Indianapolis, IN
Fire Chief’s Station Style Conference
April 26-29, 2008
Phoenix, AZ
National Volunteer Week
April 27-May 3, 2008
Arson Awareness Week
May 4-10
Fire Expo
Harrisburg, PA
May 16-18, 2008
National EMS Week
May 18-24
Firehouse Expo
July 22-27, 2008
Baltimore, MD
Fire-Rescue International
August 14-16, 2008
Denver, CO
National Firefighter Health Week
August 18-22
Support Those Who Support the Voice of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
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 Corporate Members and support them with your business.
Join the NVFC and support the voice of the volunteer. Find out more and join online at www.nvfc.org.
To be removed from the NVFC E-Update list click here.
