FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2005

CONTACT: Jeff Zack, (202) 824-1506 (Office), (202) 360-9778 (cell)
                   Jim McBride, (202) 824-1566 (Office), (703) 867-5070 (cell)

FEMA Interim Chief R. David Paulison Highly Qualified for Job

WASHINGTON, DC – International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold A. Schaitberger issued this statement today upon the appointment of R. David Paulison as the acting under secretary for emergency preparedness and response for the nation:

“David Paulison is an excellent choice to fill the job that oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Hurricane Katrina was more than just a wake-up call to our country. She shined a bright light on the need for being prepared for swift and immediate action to save lives and property before, during and after a disaster.

“As Ophelia sits at sea, threatening the Atlantic Coast with another potentially destructive storm, and as Katrina’s wake continues to effect hundreds of thousands of Americans, this is not a time for criticism and finger-pointing.

“Now is the time for our federal government to prepare to fully respond to the next disaster that hits our nation. Having known and worked with David Paulison for many years, and having been on the ground both in New York at Ground Zero in 2001 and in Louisiana and Mississippi in recent days, I know firsthand what kind of leader is needed to fill that position. And I know that Paulison has a proven track record and decorated career in emergency response planning, preparedness, management, emergency medical care, rescue, recovery and emergency incident mitigation – all of the qualifications that should and must be considered for the top emergency response position in our country’s government.

“Our nation will be better protected with David Paulison as the head of preparedness and response for our government.”

**IAFF President Schaitberger is available for interviews**

The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents more than 270,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 80 percent of the nation’s population. Over 2,500 IAFF members have been responding throughout the Gulf region to assist those communities and rescue those in need, even as many suffered losses of their own. The IAFF has been providing relief in the form of money, food, water, clothing, shelter, rebuilding, medical and psychological assistance. More information is available at www.iaff.org .

Click Here for Recent Press Releases