WHAT: National organizations representing America’s fire and emergency services are calling on Congress to ensure that vital fire service grant programs are reauthorized before they face a permanent sunset.
WHO: This event is hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Fire Protection Association, and National Volunteer Fire Council. Members of the media are invited to attend to cover this urgent issue that impacts the nation’s public safety.
WHY: The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs are the primary mechanism for the federal government to support local fire departments. These critical programs will sunset on September 30, 2024, if they are not reauthorized. This would have a detrimental impact on the ability of the nation’s fire and emergency services to protect communities.
Fire departments across the country respond to more than 36 million calls for service each year. Firefighters respond to all hazards, including structural fire and wildfire, lithium-ion battery and hazardous materials response, opioid overdoses and other medical emergencies, natural disasters, and much more. Even while they protect their communities from an ever-increasing range of hazards, firefighters face physical and mental health challenges due to their service. Furthermore, departments are struggling to train and equip fire and EMS personnel and ensure that they have proper staffing to meet minimum requirements for response.
WHEN: Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 1 PM ET
WHERE: D.C. Fire & EMS Engine, 3439 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
MEDIA CONTACT: Pete Piringer, 240-672-4871, media@iafc.org
* For more information on this urgent issue, visit cfsi.org/support-afg-safer-and-usfa-take-action-now.
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