April 2018
Delaware Fire Service News, Page 21
CFSI
DVFA: Your Support Has Made a Difference in Washington, DC By Bill Webb, Executive Director, Congressional Fire Services Institute Once again, the Congressional Fire Services Institute has the distinct honor of hosting the annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner Program. We are truly grateful to our friends from Delaware who understand the importance of attending this program. Each year, CFSI encourages our guests to use their time in Washington wisely, whether in meetings with their members of Congress, or attending our seminars and other activities. But as you know, it is also our major fundraising event of the year. And with your support, we can continue to perform our mission each year on Capitol Hill. Last year was an extremely important year for CFSI — and for that matter the entire fire and emergency services. It was a year in which Congress reauthorized the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG), Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, and the United States Fire Administration. The grant programs have already distributed over $8.2 million to the Delaware fire service since 2010 and $14 billion in grants to departments across the nation since 2000, and it will remain authorized for another six years. CFSI scored other important legislative victories. After a 15-year effort, the Institute and other fire organizations, including the National Fire Sprinkler Association, convinced Congress to approve the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act. We hope businesse will take advantage of a new tax incentive to retrofit properties with automatic fire sprinklers.
Congress also approved the Length of Service Award Program CAP Adjustment Act. The measure raises the annual cap on contributions to Length of Service Award Programs to $6,000 and allows for adjustments for inflation. The legislation was included in the tax reform legislation signed into law by President Trump. CFSI was proud to be involved in the effort to gain passage of this. This year’s dinner program will feature special moments to recognize two Delaware fire service leaders. First, the late Louis J. Amabili. As you know, Lou was a member of the CFSI Board of Directors. But he was more than that; he was a dear friend of many, a life-long educator, and a national fire service treasure. He leaves behind an incredible legacy, some of which we will highlight during a special tribute during the dinner program. We will also honor Steve Austin. The CFSI Board of Directors selected Steve and Mr. Tony O’Neill as the co-recipients of the CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. This is a very fitting tribute to two fire service leaders who have remain dedicated to our organization since they were first established in 1989. CFSI is a privately-funded organization. We do not receive federal grants. We want those funds to go to your departments to address your needs and make your jobs safer. That is why we seek your support — to enable us to continue advocating for your needs and challenges. I hope you can join us on April 18-19, 2018, as we pay tribute to you and your fellow firefighters and emergency services personnel for your dedication and commitment to service.