FirefighterNation

On April 7 the Congressional Fire Service Institute gathered for its formal dinner and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

FEMA Administrator William Craig Fugate delivered the evening's keynote address, appealing the spirit of those in attendance with his remarks on service and teamwork.

"Don't allow the current political rhetoric to confuse the spirit of service with budget cut items." Fugate encouraged, noting that, unlike budget items, the passion that drives many to enter into public safety service can't be cut during hard times. Indeed, it's this very passion and spirit that brought many of the attendees to enter into the fire service is key to effective teamwork during troubling economic times.

"Teamwork is the key; go with your strengths," Fugate said. "Every day, time spent with the public, beyond the calls, is a key to embrace." He reminded the audience that interaction with the community, outside of the emergency call, is a key to building effective relationships. "People gave their lives to save their fellow man. Let no one forget that."

After his remarks, Fugate was presented with a helmet by CFSI Vice President M.H. Jim Estepp. "What an honor, after all these years with a yellow helmet, I get my first white helmet," he noted.

During the event, Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-5), Congressman Peter King (NY-5) and Congressman Robert Andrews (NJ-1) each voiced their support of the fire service and grant monies. Congressman Andrews remarked on the strength of America by using the fire service as an example. "America needs inspiration right now. If you want to see the strength of America, come to a firehouse."

The highlight of the evening, the presentation of awards, began with the CFSI/Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award, presented by CFSI Board President William Jenaway, Chief Ronnie Coleman was recognized for his fire service career that has shaped and influenced fire service policies and thinking at the local, state and national levels. Chief Coleman currently is chairman of the International Accreditation Service's Technical Advisory Committee on the Accreditation of Fire Prevention Bureaus, president of the National Fire Heritage Center and an author of over 19 textbooks for the fire community. A prolific writer, dynamic speaker and passionate leader, Coleman has been at the forefront of many advances in firefighter leadership, safety, fire prevention, code enforcement, training and technical innovation.

The CFSI/NFFF Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership A..., presented by the evening's Master of Ceremonies, Chief Dennis Compton to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition for their work in educating the public on the life-saving value of residential sprinklers as well as making progress with Life Safety Initiatives No. 14 and 15.

New to the CFSI program is the CFSI/MedicAlert Foundation Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award. Three departments were recognized for their contributions to fire-based EMS in the categories of Volunteer, Combination and Career fire departments.

The Odessa Fire Company, of Delaware, was recognized in the volunteer category for providing outstanding, safety-focused, EMS services in response in light of rapid growth in a formerly rural area. Innovative solutions coupled with interior and exterior ambulance safety features allowed Odessa to focus heavily on driver training for all members as well as set a minimum level of First Responder training for drivers.

Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department, of Texas, received the combination award for its use of therapeutic hypothermia as well as taking a lead in area disaster management drills, continuing education for members and community programs.

Northwest Fire/Rescue District in Tucson, Ariz., was recognized for its leadership during the response to the Jan. 8 mass shooting during a public meeting with U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, as well as its high level of EMS training programs.

According to a related statement, “The eyes of the nation, if not the world, were on the Northwest Fire/Rescue District on January 8th as they responded to a mass shooting during a public meeting with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. While many precious lives were lost that day due to the acts of a deranged gunman, the training and response of Northwest Fire/Rescue District saved many lives at this tragic event. Northwest’s Fire Service-Based EMS system was tested in this very challenging situation, and the organization performed remarkably well. The fire/EMS service community across the nation was very proud of role the District played that day.”

The evening came to a close with the presentation of the Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education to Peg Carson of Carson & Associates, for her tireless work in developing school-based curriculum and her involvement with Learn Not to Burn, Risk Watch, Solutions 2000 and Solutions Beyond 2000 as well as Vision 20/20.

For more on CFSI and the annual dinner, visit www.cfsi.org.