Fire Politics: Getting Involved Is Worth It!
The first time I attended the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) dinner, I was blessed to sit at the table for the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI). This table was close enough to the head table that I not only got to see President George W. Bush, but I also had the opportunity to shake his hand when he came through. I also had the chance to meet then-FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh. I thought this was the highlight of my professional career—and all a direct benefit of being a member of an association.
As we mature, we realize that our work isn’t about ourselves or a moment of self-gratification. It is about service. It is about the actions we take in service to the greater good of citizens and all members of the association. I have served as a volunteer member of many associations, and up until my current role, I have never been paid for my service in the association world. I realize now that all those years of service was the highlight of my professional career.
That first attendance at CFSI was about the visits to my Congressional representatives and senators to advocate for the FIRE Act Grants, which were newly funded at the time. (SAFER grants did not exist yet, nor did separate applications for fire prevention or firefighter safety and research.) The involvement of our associations (and us as individual fire officials) was key as we supported these programs that mean so much to our nation’s fire service.
The fire department’s efforts to schedule meetings prior to my arrival in Washington, D.C., paid off. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet with both of my senators, Senators Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist, as well as Congressman Jim Cooper, and I still have the photos. These visits were important and made a difference because they were hearing from a local fire chief that there was a legitimate need. The testimony by the local fire official after hearing from our association professionals in Washington, D.C., set up the proper education and validation. Understanding the role we can play is critical to our future and our success in serving.
Now consider this question: How were elected officials aware of the legislation prior to our involvement? The answer: because of the countless hours and efforts by our associations. The lobbying efforts and leadership of our associations are vital to successful outcomes. The efforts at the national, state and local level are worth it! Look at the outcome of our united efforts on the FIRE Act Grants. There are many worthy bills on Capitol Hill related to the fire and emergency services, and our associations follow these bills and make sure our input is provided.
One of those bills that is supported by all the fire service associations is the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act (FSIA). This legislation was introduced by Congressman Jim Langevin in 2003 following The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI. The FSIA would give incentives to retrofitting high-risk occupancies with fire sprinklers, such as high-rise buildings, nightclubs, off-campus housing, etc. Many local jurisdictions and a few states have taken action since that tragic fire, and there have been many fires with fatalities in high-rises and off-campus housing since then. Let’s stay united and make this legislature the one that passes the FSIA. It will be an example of patience and perseverance paying off to save lives.
Our efforts in Washington, D.C., aren’t just about legislation; our efforts are about regulations, rules and policies set by other agencies, such as FEMA, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. These agencies make decisions regarding housing and the safety of those who occupy those houses and facilities. As local fire and building officials attempt to make improvements to codes—especially including nightclubs, high-rises and campus housing retrofits—any hurdles removed at the national level will help locally, too.
Be part of your local, state and national fire associations, and get involved in the CFSI. Your associations are working hard for a safer America everyday. Contribute some of your time and financial support to their efforts. It’s worth it!
Shane Ray
SHANE RAY has been a volunteer firefighter since 1984 and a career firefighter since 1994. He has also served as a mayor for six years and the Tennessee Fire Chief’s Legislative Chairman for 12 years. Ray’s love for politics started as fire chief of the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department in Tennessee, where he served 13 years. He then served under Governor Nikki Haley in South Carolina as superintendent and state fire marshal. He currently serves as the president of the National Fire Sprinkler Association and is a lifetime member of the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department. Throughout his career, he has been committed to public service with a “Do It Different” mentality and that all stakeholders are important.
