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CFSI urges first responders to be involved in federal funding, staffing changes
As federal funding uncertainties loom, the Congressional Fire Services Institute emphasizes the need for first responders to follow legislative developments
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS
WASHINGTON — The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) closely monitors significant legislative and policy developments in Washington, D.C., that could impact the fire service.
While federal funding uncertainties persist, one thing remains clear: the fire service must continue advocating for the resources and policies that protect firefighters and the communities they serve,
CFSI stated
. Here are the latest updates:
AFG and SAFER guidance issued
FEMA has updated guidance
for AFG and SAFER grant recipients. First responders should review directives and reach out to FEMA contacts with questions.
With a March 14 deadline, Congress must finalize
FY 2025 funding
, including AFG, SAFER, and USFA. Bipartisan support is needed, but the path forward is unclear.
Agency staffing memo issued
A
new memo from OPM and OMB
outlines potential agency staffing changes. Fire service leaders should monitor its impact on federal fire programs.
A national survey found 7.4% of U.S. emergency departments lacked 24/7 attending coverage in 2022, over 90% at small rural hospitals, fueling debate over APP-led care versus mandated physician staffing
A University of Maryland probe reveals 130,000 hazardous-cargo cars rolled past 2.5M residents in six months, yet most local fire departments lack the teams, gear and data to handle a derailment
Volunteer AEMT Jeff Wirth joined Erie Fire Protection District in 1977 and has seen the ambulance service grow from basic first aid to 24/7 paramedic coverage
