I started to put information about the REV Group (on page 8) with this article, but it became too long. Please review that article before you close this magazine. Fun fact: the REV Group now controls nearly one-third of the fire truck market plus five ambulance brands. You may be surprised at the names.
NVFC has been very busy in doing all it can to restore and/or salvage programs that were paused or cut in February and March.
NVFC cosigned a letter with 30 plus other national fire organizations to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Noem regarding the importance of AFG and SAFER grants, the United States Fire Administration (USFA), the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams.
NVFC sent a letter to DHS Secretary Noem emphasizing the importance of the National Fire Academy. They also cosigned a letter with 30 plus other national fire organizations to the Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy regarding the importance of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Pipeline Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA).
NVFC issued a Legislative Action Alert via VoterVOICE regarding the suspension of in-person classes at the National Fire Academy (NFA). So far over 1650 messages have been sent to Representatives and Senators via this action alert.
NVFC cosigned a letter with other national fire organizations to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs and the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology requesting that the review of the NFA occur as quickly as possible.
Within the recent April 15th NVFC internal email exchange with the Directors, there were both positive and mixed signals regarding SAFER and AFG. Some reported that SAFER payments had resumed, and some vendors reported equipment payments. However, there were NVFC Directors attending FDIC which received a mixed review with a broad level of uncertainty about payment for equipment soon to be delivered. More than one State Director has reported equipment ready for delivery but still on hold at the vendor pending receipt of payment. Some of the stories indicated 2 months and counting. By the time you are reading this article, there should be some better clarity and verified confirmations regarding SAFER and AFG payments back on track or stalled.
The following is from Firefighter Close Calls dated February 20, “New Federal layoffs include NIOSH, LODD investigators, firefighter cancer registry staff, USFA and more.” While the impact on all of these groups is concerning, the cancer registry hit is a gut punch. It took years to get this pulled together and hinged on a mechanism that could reach out nationally, the capacity to build and manage a highly secure database, staffing and funding to keep it going. It came down to NIOSH which is where the registry is located. We are now at a crossroads of uncertainty for its future. I encourage you to reach out to your legislators at the federal level and make them aware of the vital role NIOSH and the Cancer Registry play in better understanding firefighter health and safety related to reducing firefighter injury and death.
As of April 1, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is facing significant layoffs as part of a restructuring plan that was announced by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
NIOSH’s teams, which fall under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have been instrumental in advancing firefighter safety and investigating LODD incidents for cause and controls. The restructuring would see what remains of NIOSH merged into a new “Administration for a Healthy America,” which would also absorb other agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
As federal health officials brace for the impacts of the restructuring by June 1, the fate of these critical firefighter safety programs remains uncertain, with concerns rising over the long-term effects on first responders who rely on NIOSH’s research and support.
I will be attending the NVFC Spring meeting May 8-9-10 and should have additional updates after that.
Thank you for your time plus allowing Rob and I to serve on your behalf with NVFC.
FFAM
