In this issue:
- Special Member Update: NVFC and USFA Release Report on Emerging Health and Safety Issues in the Volunteer Fire Service
- CFSI National Advisory Committee Adopts NVFC-Backed Resolution Supporting LOSAP Bill
- USFA Releases New Firefighter Autopsy Protocol
- America’s Wildland Fire Problem is Growing
- New Regulations Will Require Emergency Responders to Wear High-Visibility Apparel
- National Volunteer Week Starts April 28: Recognize Your Volunteers
- Create Awareness of the Dangers of Toylike Lighters During Arson Awareness Week, May 4-10
- Deadline Approaching: Junior Firefighter Scholarship Applications Due May 15
- Calendar of Events
- Support Those Who Support the Voice of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
Special Member Update: NVFC and USFA Release Report on Emerging Health and Safety Issues in the Volunteer Fire Service
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) in partnership with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has completed a study of emerging occupational health and safety issues in the volunteer fire and emergency services. The report, Emerging Health and Safety Issues in the Volunteer Fire Service, provides information on initiatives, programs, and strategies for reducing fatalities among volunteer firefighters.
Read full article.
Download report now.
CFSI National Advisory Committee Adopts NVFC-Backed Resolution Supporting LOSAP Bill
On April 2, the National Advisory Committee (NAC) for the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) adopted a resolution offered by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) supporting the Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act (VESRRA). The NAC is made up of more than 40 organizations representing various interests within the fire and emergency services community. VESRRA (H.R. 2160/S. 1840) would simplify the taxation of length of service award programs (LOSAPs), pension-like plans for volunteer emergency responders, making it easier for departments to administer plans and for individuals to receive benefits.
Read full article.
USFA Releases New Firefighter Autopsy Protocol
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has issued an updated version of the Firefighter Autopsy Protocol manual, which was original released in 1994. The new Protocol addresses additional areas of information and considers emerging issues and new technologies for conducting autopsies.
Read full article.
America’s Wildland Fire Problem is Growing
NVFC Working to Help Policymakers Address Situation
Last year as fires raged throughout Southern California, America was once again reminded of the devastating effect of wildland fires. As climates change and larger populations move into the wildland/urban interface, the social and economic costs of wildfires are greater than ever before.
Read full article.
New Regulations Will Require Emergency Responders to Wear High-Visibility Apparel
Federal regulations will take effect on November 24, 2008 requiring workers (including emergency responders) exposed to traffic or construction equipment within the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway to wear high-visibility safety apparel. This is the culmination of a process that began with the passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in August 2005.
Read full article.
National Volunteer Week Starts April 28: Recognize Your Volunteers
Next week is National Volunteer Week, providing an excellent opportunity to recognize the work of millions of volunteers nationwide and promote the spirit of volunteerism among the general public. Use this time to recognize your volunteer firefighters, EMS personnel, and Fire Corps members and let them know how valuable they are to your organization. It is also a great time to reach out into the community to recruit new volunteer first responders as well as Fire Corps members, who offer non-emergency support to the department.
Read full article.
Create Awareness of the Dangers of Toylike Lighters During Arson Awareness Week,
May 4-10
Media Kit Now Available
Help draw public attention to the dangers of toylike or novelty lighters during Arson Awareness Week, May 4-10. This year’s theme is “Toylike Lighters – Playing with Fire.” The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has released a Media Kit to help you create awareness of this danger in your community. The Media Kit contains information, a sample Arson Awareness Week Resolution, a sample proclamation request letter, links of interest, and more.
Read full article.
Deadline Approaching: Junior Firefighter Scholarship Applications Due May 15
The deadline for the National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program is only a few weeks away. Encourage your junior members to apply today. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will award ten $5,000 scholarships to outstanding junior firefighters and ten $5,000 grants to their departments, thanks to support from the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation. 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. The scholarships and grants will be awarded at Firehouse Expo on July 22 in Baltimore, MD.
Department members and junior firefighter program coordinators are encouraged to inform their department’s junior members about this opportunity. Scholarships can be applied to a two- or four-year institution of higher learning, a trade school, or a certification program. The corresponding grants to departments must be used to benefit the departments’ junior firefighter program.
Read full article.
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.
Fire Chief’s Station Style Conference
April 26-29, 2008
Phoenix, AZ
National Volunteer Week
April 27-May 3
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
National Preparedness Month
September 2008
NVFC Fall Meeting
September 24-27, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI
Fire Prevention Week
October 5-11
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.
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