FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   November 5, 2003
FURTHER INFORMATION:     Session("ComContactName") Session("ComContactPhone") (O);
                                                 (202) 549-2572 (M) 

Fire Fighters’ President Calls For President Bush To Back Fire Fighters In California and Across U.S.

National Fire Fighters Union President asks for more funding and creation of task force to address urgent needs of fire service, not more photo opps

WASHINGTON, DC – International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Harold Schaitberger called upon President Bush, who has just completed a tour of the fire devastation in California, to re-formulate his current policies toward the fire service. In a letter sent to the President, Schaitberger noted the Administration’s continued unwillingness to support the needs of emergency responders despite the kind words and prayers that have come in the aftermath of events like 9/11 and the California wildfires. Schaitberger asked for more funding of emergency responders and the creation a bi-partisan task force to develop a comprehensive national plan to this critical homeland security issue.

Schaitberger cited the loss of Marin fire fighter and IAFF member Steve Rucker to the blazes that have overwhelmed Southern California in recent days as a vivid example of the dangers of fire fighting and the need for proper resources to adequately respond to such incidents rapidly in the future.

“I am certain that we both agree that our nation must be adequately prepared to deal with any future catastrophes facing our country. Protecting the homeland must be one of our foremost priorities.” said Schaitberger. “While the federal government has taken the first steps on the road to preparedness with the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the infusion of more resources for the first responder community, much more is required.”

Schaitberger emphasized that emergency responders need further help to adequately prepare for large-scale emergencies, and in many cases, even standard calls. He pointed to multiple studies that recently highlighted the issue, including the FEMA/NFPA “Needs Assessment of the Fire Service” report, the Council on Foreign Relations Report which was led by former Senator Warren Rudman (R-NH), and the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health and RAND Corporation study, all of which suggest that increased funding is vital to ensuring that responders are properly prepared for current and potential threats.

Among the statistics that Schaitberger cited from the reports was the fact that according to national standards, over two-thirds of all fire departments operate short-staffed. Plus, that an overwhelming number of fire fighters and rescue personnel lack the training and equipment they need to operate effectively and protect their respective communities.

Schaitberger offered to partner with the administration in finding solutions to these issues and to work in concert to ensure that our country’s Homeland Security needs are properly addressed.

Click here to read General President Schaitberger's letter to President Bush

EDITOR’S NOTE: The full text of IAFF President Harold Schaitberger’s letter to President Bush is enclosed below.

The International Association of Fire Fighters ( www.iaff.org ), headquartered in Washington, DC, represents more than 260,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 80 percent of the nation’s population.