Wanted: Members for the Congressional Fire Service Caucus

DELAWARE CITY, DEL. – In addition to recruiting volunteer fire and EMS personnel, firefighters across the nation are being encouraged to educate and enlist legislators.

That was the message members of Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association (CVVFA) heard Friday during their annual president’s council meeting.

“There are currently 237 members of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus. We need for all of you to talk to your local legislators about joining,” said Sean Carroll, CFSI director of government affairs.

At one point, the bi-partisan caucus was the largest with 370 members. It was founded in 1987 by U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon, R, Pa.

Carroll pointed out that there are a number of legislative issues facing responders that need to have support including maintaining funding for firefighter programs.

“…The budget proposal would reduce FIRE and SAFER funding by $10M to a combined $670M for both grant programs,” he said, adding that the fire organizations have requested $810M.

They came to that request after compiling a report showing the increase cost of apparatus and equipment.

Carroll added that the House co-chairs of the Caucus are supporting the measure, and have reached out to colleagues as well.

But, it’s important, he said, that everyone let their representatives know how they are impacted by higher operational costs.

The president’s proposed spending plan also cuts funding for the Urban Search and Rescue Response System by 20 percent. The U.S. Fire Administration budget also appears to be on the chopping block.

Congress is not expected to complete work on the appropriations process before Sept. 30, the end of the current fiscal year.

Meanwhile, the National Volunteer Fire Council is pushing for an increase in the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) appropriations.

The 50/50 grant for rural departments pays for training, equipment and protective clothing to prepare crews to fight wildfires.

“Eighty percent of initial attacks on wildland fires in the U.S. are provided by volunteer fire departments that frequently lack the financial resources to adequately equip and train their firefighters,”  said Dave Finger, NVFC chief of legislative and regulatory affairs.

He pointed out that in FY ’15, the U.S. Forest Service provided $13M. This year, he’s pushing for an additional $3M, to the level it was funded in 2010. The House agreed to increase it to $14M.

“Unfortunately, the bill got pulled from the floor before a vote on final passage could occur,” he said, adding that individual appropriation bills are currently stalled in both chambers.

The NVFC also is keeping a close eye on the Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts Act (SERVE) which would provide a $1,000 annual tax credit for active members.

Finger noted that a recent study showed the number of volunteers is dwindling. “The tax credit created through the SERVE Act would be a powerful recruitment and retention tool for volunteer emergency services organizations across the country.”

Another valuable incentive being considered in Washington is the Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Deduction Act.

If passed, it would allow a volunteer to claim up to 300 hours per year of services that they provide as charitable donations worth $20 per hour. On average, a volunteer donates about $18,000 annually. The responder would be allowed to claim one third of that as a tax write-off.

Another issue looming on Capitol Hill is improving hazmat training.

The volume of crude oil moving by rail has quadrupled in less than a decade, according to the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

The IAFC is urging Congress to authorize the use of federal grant funds to develop web-based training to supplement the in-person courses. The measure would help volunteer departments that can’t afford to send personnel.

Another bill being considered would reward states that adopt and model building codes that meet minimum life safety standards. Those that do would be eligible for an additional four percent in post disaster grants from FEMA.