IAFC Member ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: IAFC Communications Department
703/273-0911
Action Plan and Summit to Address
USFA/NFA Funding Issues
Fairfax, Va., January 28, 2005…In restating its ongoing support of the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Academy (NFA), the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Board of Directors has issued an action plan and will convene a summit of the major fire service organizations and fire service media to address ongoing budget concerns. In a meeting held today, the Board reaffirmed that NFA and the USFA have been and continue to be a priority for the IAFC.
There are some fire service organizations and individuals who have taken well-intentioned action regarding USFA funding. “There are several groups taking action without having all of the facts. Fire chiefs are passionate about this issue, but we do not want “ready, fire, aim.” We are asking that you hold on any campaign until we can solidify the facts and unify in an effort that will be effective,” said IAFC President Chief Bob DiPoli.
“It is extremely important that we have all of the facts before acting, and we speak with one, unified voice. A poorly timed, uncoordinated but well-intentioned effort will not be as effective, especially if it is based on emotions and not fact,” said DiPoli.
“The IAFC is absolutely committed to making sure that the USFA and NFA continues to be a strong, viable, resource for the fire service,” DiPoli said. “Using the summit, the fire service will develop a strategic, coordinated message through the Congressional Fire Services Institute to send to Congress and the administration to ensure the future of the academy.”
The summit will be held the week of February 21st in the Washington, D.C. area. Facts and details will be summarized in an upcoming special issue of On Scene. In the meantime, we urge Fire Chiefs to contact their congressional representatives to explain the importance of the NFA and the USFA, not only to their own fire departments, but to the fire service and the nation.
On February 2nd President Bush will give his State of the Union Address. On February 7th, he will submit the administration’s budget to Congress. This will begin the congressional budget process, which will continue March. The congressional budget will give the appropriations committees their spending targets. The appropriation process begins in earnest in the spring, concluding in the fall.
The IAFC has created the following action plan to address USFA/NFA status:
· Send this member alert about the situation.
· Communicate the importance of taking the appropriate action during this session of Congress during authorization and appropriation hearings. – Ongoing.
· USFA/NFA will be a major agenda block at the upcoming IAFC Board Meeting in Albuquerque, February 19 & 20th to clarify and update the IAFC position on key policy questions and issues.
· The IAFC will call a summit between all fire service organizations and fire media which will present the facts, establish a common understanding of the issues, and identify a strategy – meeting to be held the week of February 21, 2005.
· Act on the plan during this session of Congress, focusing on the key authorization and appropriations committees in both the House and the Senate– throughout 2005.
· Publish a special issue of On Scene to explain the issue.
· Continue to provide accurate fact-based information to the IAFC membership and the fire service community.
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