IAFC Supports Bill to Preserve Surplus Equipment Program

Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today applauded legislation that would protect two federal programs that have long permitted the transfer of excess military vehicles and equipment from the U.S. Department of Defense to state and local firefighting agencies across the America.

The Firefighter Equipment Protection Act was introduced September 16 by Rep. Tim Griffin (R Arkansas).

The legislation would protect the status of the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) program and the Firefighter Property (FFP) program.

“These two programs play an essential role by providing excess vehicles and equipment from the Department of Defense to state and local firefighting agencies across the United States,” said IAFC President Keith Bryant, fire chief, Oklahoma Fire Department. “The FEPP and FPP programs allow fire departments across the United States to continue providing essential fire protection to their communities.”

Congressional action became necessary over the summer when the Department of Defense temporarily halted the transfer of vehicles and property through the FEPP and FFP programs due to concerns that the excess property violated engine-emissions regulations.

In a letter to Rep. Griffin, Bryant said, “Your legislation will prevent the reoccurrence of this problem by clarifying that vehicles and equipment placed in fire departments through these two programs will continue to maintain their exemption from engine-emissions regulations.”