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"Congressman Castle has a long history of support for volunteer firefighters," said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "In 2001 and 2002, he led the ultimately successful effort to lower the American flag on all federal buildings in conjunction with the annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. In this Congress, he has introduced the Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act (H.R. 1088) and the Volunteer Fire and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act (H.R. 3949)."

 

Castle's flag lowering law took effect in time to appropriately pay tribute to the firefighters who gave their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks. H.R. 1088 would limit the liability of companies and fire departments that donate surplus equipment to volunteer fire departments. H.R. 3949 protects, for up to 14 days a year, the jobs of volunteer emergency services personnel responding to a Presidentially-declared national disaster.

 

"Congressman Castle has always been a strong supporter of the fire and emergency services in Delaware," said Jim Monihan, Chairman of NVFC's Legislative Committee and NVFC State Director from Delaware. "When he served in the State Legislature, during his two terms as Governor, and continuing on today, Mike Castle has never wavered in his support for the volunteer fire service."

 

Castle has been supportive of many other issues of importance to the fire service. Last year, Castle voted in favor of legislation setting a hard date for turning over radio spectrum to first responders for communications interoperability. He has consistently championed the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program (AFG) and the SAFER program, which provide funds directly to fire departments to purchase apparatus, equipment, training, fire health, safety, and education activities, and additional staffing. Earlier this year, Castle signed a letter to House Appropriators asking for increased funding for AFG and SAFER.

 

The NVFC is proud to present Congressman Mike Castle with our 2006 Legislator of the Year Award.

 

The NVFC is a non-profit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, rescue and emergency medical services. Established in 1976, NVFC serves as the information source regarding legislation, standards and regulatory issues. For more information about NVFC, visit www.nvfc.org.

 

For more information, contact:

 

Dave Finger, 202-887-5700, ext. 12

 

Kimberly Ettinger, 202-887-5700 ext. 19